Whoops-A-Daisy Layout

These layouts are done using Close to My Heart's Whoops-A-Daisy level 2 paper pack. The colors are Ocean, Watermelon and Hydrangea. At first I wasn't too sure if I liked this paper pack. The colors are brighter than what I am used to. But, once I put Lexi's pictures down, it all came together. The stamp sets used are also from CTMH. They are Happiness and August Word puzzle. On the pages with the with the white daisys, I used acrylic paint on the card stock to give it some texture. I used clear buttons on the cutout flowers. For the three buttons between the two pictures on the pink page, I glued patterened paper to the back of the clear buttons and cut around them.

BSC39, Gardenia Gardenthumb

This card is for the Bella Sketch Challenge. I chose the paper first and then the image. I love brown with pink, or blue or .....any other color. I am happy with the way she came out. I made her when I got home from work tonight. I wasn't really in a mood to color, but this paper got me going.

I used "Gardenia Gardenthumb". The paper is DCWV The Blossoms & Butterflies Tack.

BCC38, Bella Color Challenge

This card is for Sparkle's Color Challenge over at SCS's. The colors for the challenge are: Grey Wool, Gray Flannel, Watermelon and Baby Pink. These colors remind me of an outfit that I used to have in the early 80's. I had a gray wool skirt, grey boots, pink blouse and matching scarf. Boy did I think I was hot...and yes I had the big hair to go with it. LOL.

The stamp used is called "Patricia Birthdaycake" and the backgound is stamped using CTMH's "Spots on Background".

Pretty Princess Card

Lexi and I both made cards for her Cousin Jocelyn's birthday tomorrow. The stamp set that I used is from SU and is called "Pretty Princess". This set is retired. I ended up ordering it on ebay a few months ago. It has come in handy for all of the birthdays that Lexi has attended.

The paper is from DCWV Nana's Nursery and the cardstock color is Bubblegum and is from CTMH.

The weather was warm today, so we let Lexi run throught the sprinklers. Remember how much fun that was when you were a kid?

Pismo Beach Layout

I decided to get a jump on my Pismo Beach Layouts. I started with one of the July Page Map Layout's and made it my own. I decided to keep the layout clean and simple so that the focus would be on the pictures. The paper used is Simple Pleasures from CTMH. The colors are Cocoa, Twilight, Bamboo and Desert Sand. The stamp set is also from CTMH and is called Footprints.

A much better day for me

Today is my third day back at work and I am doing much better. I am getting over the funk that I have been it. My friend Michelle who works downstairs helped to make it that much better. She took me out for a belated birthday lunch and surprised me with a big slice of cake. Maybe that's the thing that did it.

Isn't this card too funny???

Bella Sketch Challenge 37 and 38

Here are a couple of Bella Sketch Challenges that I did over at Split Coast Stampers. Both cards have quite a different feel to them. I made Lattebella when I was on vacation at the beach last week. Notice the happy colors and feel of the card? The second card that I made using All Dressed Up and No Where to Go was done today. My second day back at work from vacation. Notice the grunge and rebellious look to this card? It's so hard going back to work after vacation...from laying in the sun, being so free and relaxed to going back to a dark, gray office with deadlines and pressure. I could so get used to retirement....
Both papers are from DCWV. I used Pocket full of Posies for Lattebella and Grade School for All Dressed up and no where to go. On this card I used chalk around the edges to give it that grunge look.

Pismo Beach

We had so much fun in Pismo Beach hunting for sand dollars and playing on the beach. The Beach is literally "littered" with Sand Dollars. Bill, Jennifer (daughter), Ryan (son-in-law) and Lexi (grandaughter) and I spent the week with Jackie and her family. The picture up top is of Lexi and her dad, Ryan.

Below is a picture of my BFF, Jackie and Lexi hunting for Sand Dollars. Jackie brought along a stone kit to help Lexi have a momento of her trip.

Up above is a picture of Ryan, Jennifer and Lexi. And a picture of Bill relaxing on the beach. And, here I am with my sweet little doll. I am so glad that we all got to be together. It made our trip extra special.

Off to Pismo Beach

We are off to Pismo Beach for the rest of the week. Jackie and her family will be there. I am so excited. I made this card using CTMH paper and the stamp set is from Pink Cat Studio.

Meet Vicki

Hi everyone. I would like for you to meet my wonderful Sister-in-law, Vicki, who sends me all of those beautiful cards. Please drop by and say hello to her.
Hugs,
Lori
http://giffysk8s.blogspot.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Today is my birthday and I am having a good day. The past few days I have been in a funk, but have snapped out of it today. The highlite of my day, was hearing Lexi ,when she woke up, saying to her mother "I want to go wish Bacca a Happy Birthday". That just lifted my spirits. I came upstairs and she ran into my arms holding gifts and cards. I just love her so much. God has truly blessed me with such a wonderful family. The BEST gift ever!!!
Bill got me an Iphone. He got up early on Friday and stood in the long line at the AT&T store to buy me one. This new phone just came out on Friday and has been a big hit. It's like having a mini computer with me all the time. The internet comes up so quickly and the screen is awesome. It has so many features that I have yet to discover. Bill loaded up a bunch of photos and songs for me. I LOVE IT!!!

My dear Sister-in-law Vicki is so in tune with me. She has been going through her own struggles, but was concerned that I might be having a rough week before my birthday. So she kept sending me cards in the mail. Look at all the birthday goodies that she gave me!!! Thank you so much Vicki. :)

I talk so much about Vicki, so I might as well show you her picture. Here we are in Maui back in 2003. She is with her husband Rick and behind me is my husband Bill.

While in Maui, we went to see Toni and Tina's wedding. It was hillarious!!! We had so much fun.

Blue Ribbon Layouts

I finally got around to putting my fourth of July pictures on my layouts from my last workshop.

The Winner of the Blog Candy is... Amanda!!!

Congratulations Amanda!!! You are the winner of the Blog Candy.

Thank you all for participating. I have enjoyed reading your blogs and getting to know you.

Hugs,

Lori

Lexi cut out all 53 names. Once they were all cut, I folded them and put them in a basket and let Lexi draw a name.

It's time for some Blog Candy!!!

I am so excited to have had over 5000 hits to my blog. So as a thank you for stopping by I am offering this blog candy to you. All that you have to do is stop by and say hello or leave a comment. Saturday evening, I will have Lexi draw a name and then I will announce the winner.

The winner will receive:

Blingabella

A stamp that reads "It's the Friends you call at 3 am that matter"

DCWV Pocket Full of Posies Matstack

Stickles

Prima Flowers

Ribbon

Blog Candy Tonight!!!

In honor of the 5000 hits to my blog. I will be posting Blog Candy tonight. So stay tuned....

Happy Tuesday!!!

Happy Tuesday to you. But I bet this guy isn't going to be too happy when he get's up this morning. LOL. I saw this on my way to work.

BSC36 Bella Sketch Challenge

I made this card for the Bella Sketch Challenge. This is Georgina Glamourpuss. I added a little sparkle to her ring and the lace on her dress. It's kind of hard to see in the picture. I used my Cuttlebug to emboss and my Nestabillities for the scalloped rectangle. I usually like to add ribbon and flowers to my cards, but I just couldn't get it to look right. So I left it off.

Look What Rhonda Sent Me!!!!

Isn't this just the cutest card that you've ever seen??? She was in my mailbox along with this adorable ice cream cone. No it's not real. It would be all melted. It was 104 today!!! It is an ice cream cone pen. Just the kind of ice cream I need...calorie free. Well back to the card. I just love this gal. She has on a sparkly neclace and earings. Look at those cool pants. They are paper pieced. And, I love the caption. It says "My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start...". On the inside it says "so far I've finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already!" I'm still laughing. This is so cute!!!! Thank you so much Rhonda. You have been a wonderful Bella Sister. I am so happy to have gotten to know you and look forward to having you as a friend for many years to come.

Blog Award

I am so excited to have received this award from Bere, Jenn and Laurel for my blog. Please check out their blogs below. They have some amazing work. I haven't been in the world of blogging for very long, but have hit the 5000 viewer mark!!! That calls for some blog candy. Watch my blog in the next few days to see what I have to offer.

Hugs,

Lori
http://berrybitchprincess.blogspot.com/
http://stampsandallthatjazz.blogspot.com/
http://want2scrap.blogspot.com/

Riley Surfs the Pipe

When I woke up this morning, Lexi wanted to color and make cards right away. I told her that I needed to have my morning routine first...Have my coffee and read my emails and blogs. I had a hard time convincing her. So, I finally gave in and made cards with her. She has to copy every little thing that I do to a card and sometimes that can be frustrating, because she needs my help. And when I am making a card, I have to stay focused. But enough of my complaining. I am happy to be teaching her new skills and developing a creative side to her. I made this Riley card for the Hanna Release Party. The challenge was to make a card with a summer/outdoor theme. I used Surfing Riley with CTMH Hang Ten. The waves are made by tearing pieces of cardstock. The nice thing about the CTMH cardstock is that it has a white core to it and when torn you can see it. I have Riley on a pop dot to give him a 3D look and the orange paper is random stamped.

4th of July pictures

This 4th of July, I have reason to celebrate. I am so blessed to have my beloved, best friend Jackie back in my life. When we started middle school 35 years ago, she and her parents moved back to England. I was so boken hearted and lost. It was a very sad time for both of us. Some time ago her family moved back, but we never reconnected. We ran into each other at a Weight Watchers meeting a few months ago. And, have spent so much time reminiscing about the past and catching up on the gap that we lost. Now we both have families and it is so good to be back together. Don't ever leave me again Jackie!!!

Jackie and Me Bill, Me, Jackie and Steve Katie, Lexi and Amy.

Lexi, the little flirt that she is, had so much fun with Katie's boyfriend, Steven.

Lexi wanted so badly to help me make the fried chicken for our picnic. So, I let her roll the chicken in the flour and dunk it in the buttermilk. Don't worry. When it was time for the frying part, I had her go play with her toys. She had so much fun. And the chicken was so delicious.

Happy Birthday America!!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful 4th of July. What are your plans for the day? Today we are getting together with my BFF Jackie and her family for a picnic and to watch fireworks. The City of Livermore puts on a big fireworks display every year over at the Rodeo grands. They have a big lawn area and will have booths set up and activities for the kids. We will go over at about 4:00. I am making Tyler Florence's Fried Chicken and Paula Dean's Peach Cobbler. You can find the recipies over at http://www.foodnetwork.com/. Jackie is making a Chinese Chicken Salad, Zucchini Bread and Melon Balls. And she is filling a big thermos with Magaritas. Yum. My Favorite.

This card is from Hanna Stamps "Tis the Season" and CTMH "United We Stand". The paper and buttons are also from CTMH. I used a glitter pen, from my Bella Sister Sandy, on the stars. And the flag is raised on a pop dot. I doodled the border and will put this card in the Hanna Challenge over at SCS's. The challenge was to doodle or use swirls on your card.

Have a GREAT DAY!!!

Hugs,

Lori

More cards

Today I got off work early. Lexi was so excited to see me when I drove up. She had to let me know the good news~that a package had arrived for me. Which means that there are new things for her to play with. My "mini me" :) I always let her open the packages when they come. She loves to cut the tape with her children's scissors. And, she was so excited when she found out that we had new bella stamps. We played with Cecile Cinnamonsticks, Georgina Glamourpuss and Chatty Kathy. I have wanted her since I first saw her a few months ago, but I have been careful to pace myself. So since I finally got her, I had to make a card with her. Isn't she adorable? I used my CTMH Blue Ribbon paper. This paper just seems so perfect for the month of July. Espcially, with the 4th July happening tomorrow.

Last night I had a chance to play with my Riley stamps and for some reason, I just had to use this Tent Riley stamp. Summertime always brings back happy memories of when the kids were younger and we would go camping. It was such a relaxing time for us, because the kids were happy because they were in their own natural environment. We would bring their bikes and they would ride around the camp ground. Ryan would bring his little lego men and set them up on the rocks. They would hike around and find things. Bill would wake up early and have coffee ready for me when I woke up and he would make a wonderful breafast for us. Financially, times were tough for us, but we found the simple things in life to be the best. And, we always had so much fun.

The Riley stamp is Tent Riley, The campfire and sentiment are Studio G, and the trees are Hook, Line and Sinker from CTMH. The paper is also CTMH and is called Rustic Trail.