We are SO trying this again. . . .

I have to say, the card I did for Julee's Mojo Monday challenge just wasn't doing it for me. I think I've narrowed the offending aspect down to the frayed edges around the card. Just doesn't fit somehow. Anyway, before I figured that out, I decided to just give the whole Mojo challenge another try. I LIKE THIS ONE SO MUCH BETTER!!!! Is it because I'm really into Bellas? Is it the microbeads that just "speak to me"?! (I sorta doubt it because seriously, how many microbeads have EVER talked to me?!?!?!) I digress. I think it might be the sentiment. . . . love it! It's one of the way hysterical stamps that come from River City Rubberworks. Check them out--they have the funniest sentiments! So, here we go with my Mojo Monday Cruisabella card with a special shoutout to Melissa Craig for the awesome Cruisabella images she so kindly shared with me!!! Thank you SO much!

Mojo Monday

Hi all! Well, it's time for my first Mojo Monday sketch! Julee at Poetic Artistry does this challenge every Monday and she really comes up with some good sketches! She specifically designed the sketch to make use of those stamps that are a little longer. . . like these beautiful cherry blossoms. I wish you could see all the glitter and shine this card has in real life but you'll just have to use your imagination! It's got gold embossing and glitter (bling, bling, bling! :-) )

Enjoy the card and head over to Julee's blog and try out the sketch yourself! If you do, leave a comment for me with a link--I'd love to see it!

So Not a Rocker!

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago, on the recommendation of Amy over at Heartfelt Greetings , I bought the Rock King Mat Paper Stack by DCWV. Now I should certainly mention that I am not really a fan of rock music; I don't own one item of grunge type clothing; I have nary a tattoo on my body. . . get the picture?!?!?! But, Amy got it and dang, she can work magic with just about anything! (If you don't believe me, go check out her Scrap Stash Saturdays feature on her blog!) Anyway, I thought I would give a try too! And let's be honest, not everyone likes froo-frooey-pretty-girl cards, right? So I bought the mat stack and of course, since all my froo-frooey-pretty-girl flower stamps don't go with the paper, I HAD to buy Rhonda Farrer's Gypsy Style stamp set. (Vicious cycle, this card making business!) Last night I got out the paper, the stamps, the ribbon, the embellishments, the EVERYTHING, and tried to make a grungey rock card. The end result? I've decided that I'm like the Laura Ingalls of card making. I just can't do grunge. I tried four different cards with this stuff! So, this is what I ended up with. What do you think?

Oohing and Aaahing over a couple things. . .

Today I got to sit outside with my mom, sister and mother-in-law while we visited, ate tiny, sweet tomatoes right off the plant and watched the kids splash in the pool. All the while, the sun beamed down on us, the breeze cooled us and the smell of autumn delighted us! Isn't it wonderful after a hot summer when you begin to smell fall, feel the cooler air and see the wonderful changes in colors from brights to oranges, yellows and browns?!!?!? I adore fall! Today was truly a blessing!

So here is what I've been having fun with lately. . . these tiny, little tins from Target! Perfect size for gift cards, chocolates, teabags, coffee beans and biscotti. . . . you get the idea! The possibilities are endless! And not only that, but they are really, really affordable! Check out the dollar bins at Target! They are a treasure trove of goodies! They are so simple to make. I just use double stick tape, paper of your choice to cover, ribbon on the handle and then stamp and embellish to your hearts content! So go get some! And when you've decorated yours, send me a link or email. . . I'd love to see it! Enjoy fall time and blessings to you! Cheri

It is a Thing of Beauty!

Okay, if you are totally anti-Martha Stewart, you probably won't be at all impressed with this post. If, however, you have even a smidgy of kitchen diva in you. . . .check out this picture! I spent this afternoon (yes, this HOT HOT afternoon) canning tomato sauce. I used Beefsteak tomatoes that my 5 year old son has been growing in his garden, fresh basil and oregano from our herb patch and some big ole fatty chunks of sweet Walla Walla onions. Man, you should have smelled my house this afternoon! Deeeee-licious! I ended up with 12 pints and 7 half-pints. . . one more afternoon like this and we'll be set for winter. Hope today found you doing something you love! Happy Hot Labor Day!!

I Should NOT be Laughing!

Okay, it is so not cool to laugh at other's misfortune, I really do get that! But when a friends calls and tells you about a most unfortunate incident AND asks if you will make a card to commenorate it, you just HAVE to help out, right?!?!?! Anyway, it isn't really ME laughing, it's HER! (Okay, now that I've relieved my guilt, let's get on to the good stuff!) So, my good friend calls me the other day and tells me that her niece, on her very first day of school, goes to the cafeteria for lunch and eats a hamburger. Soon after, though, she begins feeling sick and throughout the day gets sicker. .. . and sicker. . . .and sicker. . . . until finally, in her last class of the day, loses it and throws up all over the place. Ewww! Anyway, her aunt calls and asks if I'll make a card to encourage her-slash-make light of the incident. What an awesome aunt, huh? The only stipulation was that it had to have a hamburger on it. So, here's an ADORABLE (bragging here!) little gem that will soon be on its way to a very brave freshman, who, despite a rough start, will undoubtedly do just fine in high school!