Fascinating Fridays

Good day!

I totally spaced it off, but I was featured on Fascinating Fridays, this last week (7/27).  To see what it's about, click HERE.  I'm super excited to be featured.  Thanks to Noor and Rochelle!

Before I go, I also wanted to share a couple photos from the Rangers/White Sox game last night.  We had amazing seats, just a few rows up from the field, between home plate and 3rd base.  The Rangers won 2-0.  Gotta love it!  I apologize for the grainy photo.  I took it with my phone.

#5 Ian Kinsler (my favorite player, batting)

I'll be back soon with another crafty post.  Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #35

Happy Sunday y'all!

This post is going to be short and sweet today.  I have to finish laundry, and get ready.  My friend is taking me to the Ragers game tonight.  It's only the second time I've ever been to a Rangers baseball game, and I couldn't be more excited.  They play the Chicago White Sox, so I'm told it's probably going to be televised.  Yay, maybe we'll be on tv!  lol

Anyway, I have a new Christmas card for you today.  The challenge this week is no stamping.  Talk about a challenge...ugh!  For all of the details, click HERE.

Again, I went non-traditional with the colors for my card today.  There is no stamping though, as I printed the sentiment on my computer and punched them out.  I dig it.  I'm happy to have another Christmas card in my stash too.  I've actually combined the following challenges into my card as well.  It's been a while since I've played along with other challenges.

Fall To Sketch Layout #201 - Sketch
CASual Fridays #63 - CAS with the colors lime, aqua and navy (yes, it's navy not black, i swear!)
Bloggers Challenge - Christmas In July

I do hope you'll head over to check out the cards that the other designers have created today.  They're pretty creative with not being allowed to stamp. 

I'll try to get some pictures from the game, so that I can post them. 
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #169

Hello!

I'm SO glad it's Saturday!!  Does anyone else feel this way?  This month end at work has been so crazy that I feel like I went to bed on Monday, and woke up this morning. lol  I almost feel like we work from month end to month end, with very little anything else in between too.  I am excited that the Olympics have begun though.  Are you going to watch?  My faves are the diving, gymnastics and the track and field.  I will be crafting the weekend away while watching.   

Anyway, enough rambling.  Onto why you're here.  I have a new Unscripted Sketches project for you.  The sketch this week is very cool.  I had a lot of ideas, but only one came turned out well enough to post.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I have had these papers in my stash for a while now, but am not sure why they haven't been used yet.  I love them!  Maybe I was subconsciously hoarding them.  Either way, I like the color combo, and the simplicity of my take on the sketch this week.  I have decided to bulk up on my stash of birthday cards, since I have been asked for a few this week at work.  I do hope the recipient of this card enjoys it. 

The other US designers have some lovely projects posted today.  I do hope you'll head over to check them out.  Don't forget, there are still a couple more days left of our Christmas In July celebration as well!

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #105

Hi ya'll!

I'm SO glad today is Wednesday!  That means I only have two more days in my week, and I get to sleep in.  It also means I have another Papercraft Star project for you!  This weeks challenge is water.  For all of the details, click HERE.

This weeks challenge was just that, a challenge for me.  I looked through just about everything papercrafting related I owned, and couldn't find ONE thing pertaining to water.  Isn't that something?  Once I brainstormed though, I came up with the idea of creating my own water somehow, and this is what my results were.  I used THIS digi paper, and embossed it with my cuttlebug to look like waves.  I die cut some clouds, and sponged my sky, added some bakers twine and then cut out and popped up my sailboat.  I wasn't totally sure what to use this card for, so I left it without a sentiment.  This way I can use it in a pinch, should I need a quick card for someone. 

I really hope you'll be able to join us for this weeks challenge.  I always look forward to seeing how you interpret the challenges.  Our wonderful designers have created some amazing projects for you as well.  If you get the chance, hopefully, you'll go check them out.

That's all for me today!  I'm off to work, then bible study, then to look at a house I am interested in.  Not a bad day, eh?

Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #34

Hi!

How has your weekend been?  Mine has been wonderful!  It has been very laid back, relaxing, and low key.  I worked on some upcoming DT stuff during the day, then I went to church last evening, and then went to dinner.  I wasn't really in the mood to do much else, so I hit the Redbox, and came home to watch my movies.  Ahh, very nice evening.  Today I have zero plans, with the exception of going swimming.  It's going to be another HOT day here in the DFW area, so the pool sounds like a fantastic idea.  I do hope you've had as nice of a weekend as I have.  Tomorrow starts end of month stuff, so I'll be working tons of hours over the next few days.  Thank goodness I'll be rewarded with getting to spend more time in the pool! 

Anyway, enough about that.  I have another Christmas card to share with you today.  The challenge this week is to create some kind of window card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I wanted to create a different kind of window for my card.  By embossing the main panel, and then die cutting the ornament, I think I accomplished my goal.  I really like the simplicity of this card.  I really like these colors together also.  I'm happy to have another card in my Christmas card stash for this year too!

I do hope you'll get the opportunity to check out the projects posted by the other designers.  As usual, they're all pretty fantastic!

I'll be back soon with another something crafty!
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #168

Hi everyone!

So this is posting #4 this week!  Are you as shocked as I am? lol  I didn't realize, when I was creating everything, that there would be so many consecutive posts this week.  I don't even remember the last time I had more than two or three posts in a week, let alone 5 in a row (yep, I have another for tomorow).  I guess you'll just have to put up with me and my ramblings for another day.  Oh the torture, I know! lol  Just kidding. 

It's Saturday, so I've got another Unscripted Sketches project for you.  This week there is a piggyback challenge to use an animal.  For all of the details, click HERE.

For my card this week, I stuck to the sketch, very strictly.  I needed a birthday card for a coworkers daughter, and she didn't want it that girly, so this is what she'll get.  I think it turned out very cute.  I love the image, and the sentiment.  Hoping she likes it as well.

The other lovely desingers have created some fantastic projects for you today.  I hope you'll get the opportunity to check them out, and maybe play along with us this week.  It's a cool sketch with lots of room for interpretation.

That's all for me, I'm off to have fun!  Back tomorrow with another crafty post.
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Christmas In July Spotlight

Hi ya'll!

It's my turn to be our featured spotlight designer for the Christmas in July party going on at Unscripted Sketches.  When thinking about what kinds of traditions we have in our family, they always seem to revolve around food.  So, I've decided to share an old family recipe.  Welcome to my kitchen!

Some of you may know, but for those of you who don't, my father is Hispanic and my mother is white.  The holidays were always so exciting because we had the best of both worlds when it came to what foods were prepared.  I remember my grandmother, on my dad's side, making dozens and dozens of homemade tamales for all of us, while my grandmother, on my moms side, made things like apple pie (my Hispanic grandfathers favorite) and turkey and dressing.  It was definitely quite the spread.  Ever since I can remember my grandmother on my mom's side would make us a dessert that didn't really have a name, that I know of, but we call it Orange Fluff.  I'm pretty sure it was just some stuff she dumped in a bowl, that sounded good, and wound up being better than expected. lol  It's easy, and I can't remember a holiday without it.  My mom still makes this for us at every holiday, where we'll all be together, and it makes us all feel like we're "home".  Below, I'm going to show you how easy it is to make.

Orange Fluff

1 16oz container Cool Whip

1 24oz container Cottage Cheese

1 15oz can Mandarin Oranges

1 16oz package Orange Jello

I drain the Mandarin oranges and cut them in thirds.  This way you'll get more out of one can.  You can use two cans, if you'd like, and leave them whole.  Either way works.  Once I've cut the oranges up, I add all of my ingredients to my mixing bowl.  It looks like a huge mess, but believe me, it's worth it.

Once you have everything in the bowl, you're almost done.  See, I told you it was easy.  All you have to do now is mix everything together.

Once I have everything combined, I use a few of the reserved, whole, orange slices to decorate the top.  You'll need to refrigerate this for at least an hour so it can set, and keep it refrigerated because of the ingredients.

I have made this simple and easy dessert for office parties, and other gatherings, and it's always a big hit.  I'm not sure what it is about it, but I'm glad that everyone enjoys it.  This recipe is also easily converted to low fat, and low calorie.  All you need to do is buy sugar free jello, low fat cool whip, and 1% or 2% cottage cheese.  Remarkably, it still tastes exactly the same.  :)

That's all for me today.  I hope you enjoyed hanging with me in my kitchen.  You'll have to let me know if you try this out, and what you thought about it.  Thanks for joining our Christmas in July party at Unscripted Sketches.  There is plenty more fun coming up, so I hope you'll continue to stay tuned for that.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

FYI Challenge #34

Hola!

It's been an interesting week, after being on vacation, and I'm glad it's almost over.  I almost feel like I need another week to catch up. lol 

I'm excited to bring you another FYI project.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I LOVE this photo!  The colors are gorgeous together, and I think the light and dark contrast are super fantastic.  It reminds me of an enchanted forest, although, I don't think I've ever really seen one on TV or anything. lol  Here is what I came up with for my card today.

Yep, those distress inks, love them.  I can't help but use them every chance I get.  I kept my card simple, as I didn't want to interfere with the background I created.  I love the way the red looks on the orange.  The pop of dark brown from the bow was just the right touch to include some contrast, like in the photo.  I needed a thank you for someone, and this is definitley going to do the trick.  I hope she likes it.

My Lovely Lotuses have posted some fabulous projects, as always.  I do hope you'll head over to check them out.  Maybe you'll get the chance to play along with us too!

Hugs! 

Papercraft Star Challenge #104

Hey ya'll!

How is everyone doing on this wonderful Wednesday?  I've decided a trip to the pool is definitely in order, after work.  It's refreshing to know that I have the opportunity to do that after a long, stressful, hot day.

Anyway, I have my next Papercraft Star project to share with you today.  The challenge this week is something I consider a top three favorite: Ice Cream!  For all of the details, click HERE.

And who doesn't love chocolate ice cream, right??  I kept this card simple as well, because I wanted to showcase the adorable ice cream digi I used.  Isn't he cute?!  I used the below colors, loosly, from Design Seeds.  I can't get enough of her gorgeous color combos.  I'm definitely hooked.  I know just who's going to get this card.  I hope she likes it. :)

Please head over to see what the other amazingly talented women on the team have created for you today.  They're gorgeous, as usual!  Or, you can click on their names below to be taken to their blogs.

Anitra

Jan

Jinny

Ros

Sylvia

I'll be back soon with another something crafty!
Hugs! 


What's In It?
Stamps: Verve "Celebrating You" clear stamps, Fresh Brewed Designs "Sweet On You" digi
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, Old Paper Distress Ink
Paper: SU! Whisper White, Baja Breeze & Crumb Cake cardstock, SU! Bella DSP, Prima "Botanical" DSP
Accessories: Ivory Satin Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Classic Smooth Oval Nestabilities, Foam Adhesive

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #33

Hi ya'll!

I'm back from my much needed vacation, and I'm feeling totally refreshed.  I wish I had another week to just stay home and be a bum, but alas, work is waiting for me to return tomorrow.  *sigh*  On a happier note, I'm super content that I got to spend a whole week with the people I love the most.  I'll post a few pics soon, if I remember. :)

I'm happy to say that I was able to get another Christmas card done.  This weeks challenge over at the CCC is to incorporate the emboss resist technique in your card.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I've gone back to taking my photos outside.  Although my light box was functional, I am MUCH happier with my outdoor photos.  For this card, I did something out of the norm for me, I distressed.  I've used my distress inks before, but I seldom distress my edges, or have anything that looks like it has been distressed.  I like the added texture, but I'm not sure I'll do this too often.  I'm a clean lines kinda girl, so everything has to be that way. lol  I'm loving these colors together, and I like how my card turned out.  I'm happy to have another card done as well.  I'm entering my card into the following challenges as well.

Card Caravan #22 - Christmas in July
Totally Gorjuss #140 - It's Christmas
Card Crafter's Circle #31 - Christmas in July
Jellypark Challenge - Christmas in July
Winter Wonderland - Sentiment as focal point.

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other elves have created for you today.  They're all pretty fantastic. 

I'll be back soon with another something crafty for ya!
Hugs!

Finally!!

Hi folks!

I'm excited you've stopped by today.  I can finally share some exciting news that has been kept under wraps for a while.  A couple months ago I received an email from Jan, the DT administrator at Papercraft Star, asking if I would be interested in joining her design team.  At first, I thought he had emailed the wrong person.  I mean, with designers like Jinny Newlin and Sylvia Nelson on her team, I surely thought she was mistaken.  After my reply to her that she had emailed the wrong person, she explained that I was incorrect, and that in fact she was inviting me onto the design team.  Wow!  I was completely blown away.  After contemplating it for, oh two seconds, I jumped at the chance.  I'm SO excited to be working with such an amazing group of ladies.  I do hope you'll try to join us as often as you can. :)

Anyway, now that I've babbled enough, I am excited to bring you my first project as one of the new designers for Papercraft Star.  The challenge this week is to include a sun in your project.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I've wanted to try this technique that has become super popular around blogland, and am not sure I totally pulled it off, but love how my card turned out.  The sentiment matches my mood these days, and I am truly content with how things have taken a turn for the better recently.  I thought using the cloud as the sentiment panel was kinda cool too.  This really did turn out like I had hoped.

I do hope you'll head over to the Papercraft Star blog to see what other wonderful projects are posted.  You can also visit my fellow designers by clicking on their names below.

Anitra

Jan

Jinny

Ros

Sylvia

That's it for me!  I'll be back soon with another something crafty.  Until then, I'm thinking of all of you while still on vacation. *wink*

Hugs!

What's In It?
Stamps - Verve Fairy Tales Clear Stamps
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper - SU! Whisper White & Bashful Blue cardstock, Shades of yellow cardstock, Random yellow patterned paper (I'll do better to remember who from in the future, sorry!)
Accessories - MFT Cloud Die, Cuttlebug, Foam Adhesive

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #32

Hola!

This is another scheduled post, as I am enjoying day two of my week long vacation.  I'm sure I'm thinking of all of you while enjoying my drink by the pool too. *grin*

I have a Christmas card to share with you today.  I was looking through my photos, and realized that I hadn't created a Christmas card in a few weeks.  Doesn't seem like it's been that long.  Wow!  Anyway, this week there is a sketch to follow.  You can see it, and all of the details by clicking HERE.

I stuck pretty close to the sketch, and used the colors below, from Design Seeds.  All in all, it's pretty simple, and I suppose could be mass produced without issue.  I love the non-traditional colors, and how it turned out.  I know just who's going to get this card too. :) 

I do hope you'll head over to the CCC blog to see the other wonderful cards posted today.  I love the different interpretations of the sketch.

I'll be back soon with some exciting news, and another crafty post.
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #166

Hi there!

As you read this, I am headed to Austin with my mother and daughter.  We'll be there for the week, on vacation.  I can't tell you how excited I am that we all get to spend the week together.  I'm looking forward to lots of quality family time, hanging out by the pool, and eating lots of food.  I won't have my work cell phone with me, so I won't have to bother with anything work related for an entire week.  I love being on vacation!

I do have another Unscripted Sketches project for you today.  For all of the details, click HERE.

I stayed really true to the sketch this week, and opted not to add too much to it.  This is also for this weeks FYI challenge.  The colors and layers work well together, in my opinion, and I'm happy with my CAS results.

I do hope you'll head over to see what the other lovely women have created for you today.  They're pretty fantastic, as usual. 

Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,

Unscripted Sketches Christmas In July

Hi ya'll!

It's time again for the Unscripted Sketches Christmas In July festivities!  This is the third year they're doing it, and it's always such a great time. 

I do hope you'll head over to the US blog to check out all of the exciting happenings.  I'm hoping you'll enjoy the fun, and hopefully, play along with us.

Hugs!