The Ultimate Tree House...

Well Everyone, as each day brings weather that jumps straight across the board (in opposite directions, that is)...we are trying to build...one FABULOUS Tree House for Lily. I think I'm more excited than she is! And of course I have design ideas one after another...but, then again, this is supposed to be her Daddy and Grandpa's project. sigh.

Very proud of them, though! Great ideas. A widow's walk around the tree. A huge slide. winding staircase. zip line to another tree. trap door. rope swing. peep hole door. shuttered cottage windows (that's mine!) and a hammock underneath to boot! lol

She (I) will be so excited when it is done!

Well, here's the first phase. Will keep you updated.

Have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Ahhhh...Buds!

I LOVE blueberries! So you can guess how excited I am to see these beautiful buds popping up all over these new bushes of mine! lol

I am really not a morning person, but lately...especially with taking Lily to school and having to work at 5:30 AM a few times a week, I'm getting used to the energy of the bright new day. This morning was sooo nice out, and so I decided to just start putting the new beauty bark down in the beds right after dropping her off at school. Looks so nice! Pretty proud of myself...(smiling)

Well, now it's making lunch and off to work I go!

Have a wonderful day!

The Dress....form

Well, it's finally happening. Spring IS arriving. Even on colder, windy days there's a lightness and excitement in my spirit! Next thing you know, a smile comes across my face...aaahhhh.

Even the shops are feeling it! And I just about died when I saw this gorgeous metal dressform yesterday! It was out front on the sidewalk of an old creamery building-turned-antiques (really cool!) and you can better believe I almost slammed my brakes right there in the street! She's almost always waaaaay too expensive in her shop, but I just had to check it out. Isn't it sooo sweet and delicate? I would say...about 6 ft. high and an aged creamish yellow with a very very pale pink bow. sigh...

I can always take pictures, yeah? lol

AND LOVE these botanical flourish brushes by House of 3! There's matching borders too...so pretty!

Spring Inspiration...

My Sunshine by Karina (click to see gallery)

Yes, I think we all are in the same frame of mind lately: SPRINGTIME...sigh

Fresh Air (I know the air in MY house could use some)

Warm Breezes (away with you, winter coats! Bring on the twirly skirts)

Flowers, Flowers & more Flowers! (the more the merrier)

Anyways, just had to share a fabulous gallery I found today that TOTALLY inspired me for Springtime! Go take a look and be amazed...and refreshed.

...Soon...very soon.

(and if you see a certain Groundhog, I have a great recipe for him and his shadow!) LOL

Where have these places been all my life??

Seriously!

In our daily (hourly) browsing the web for the next fabulous shops and sites...how have I never come upon this one!!!

Come ON inventors! Get it going scientists! I want a teleportation machine in my very own home...this very INSTANT! lol

Yes, a little overdone, but...I know you know what I mean. Don't you come across these absolutely wonderful places online...but know that there's a 99% chance of never ever being able to actually see and experience them in person?? (sniff sniff)

Well! THIS place is one of those. Monticello Antiques in Portland, Oregon. Go take a peek, but warning: long sighs and possible daydreaming may occur. lol

A New Day...

Well now. This isn't so hard, is it?

Posting, that is! LOL

I have been away so to speak for the last year and a half, and am soooo excited to be up and running again!

Do you see the new Blog Couture??? (my new header and background??)

You must absolutely run to the House of 3, daaahhlings...and pick yourself up one. or two. lol

LOVE those girls!!

Ok, so!

Lots of plans for today. (including working on this site!)

And lots of plans involving future endeavors...SO exciting!

So as much as I'd love to sit and chat, I must make it short.

I'll leave you with a digi LO I've been working on...LOVE this sweet kissy photo of my DD and her Ralphie playing in the snow!! Can you do too many things with the same photo?? Hmmm.... LOL

Becky

The Colors are a Changin'...

Well, it's kind of a sad day...leaving our first home together. Lots of memories as I look around. Our first Christmas, Lily's first snowman...she even took her first steps here.
I'm so sentimental! I didn't even want to leave the cherry tomato bush that we've been working on all summer...or the monster wall of of blackberries in the backyard. Lily is a lil sentimental too...she cracked me up on her last night in her bedroom.
"Mommy, can you please ask the landlord if I can take my closet doors? I really love my closet doors..."

But, times change. And we're off on another adventure.
First, a short visit (or not so short) to grandma and grandpa's house over the mountains...(and thru the woods! lol) Then, it's off to find jobs and a new home in California!

I'll be out of touch for a few days, and then hopefully my computer and internet will be set up shortly. ...I think my only option is going to be ...DIAL UP! aggggahhhaagg!

I do have a few treats in store for all you digiscrappers, so check back.

And for now, enjoy this fall weather...ooohhh the Colors are a Changin'!

A Little Fun!

Ok...this will be quick cause I'm supposed to be packing right now...(looks up into air whilst whistling) :)

I just wanted to share this new LO I did of yet another day at Rosabella's Garden Bakery. I used all Lilypad products in their Froggy Finds to launch their new blog. Really, really pretty stuff! And all in the Lilypad themed colors: Pink, Black, Green, and White. So Cool!

This LO is a bit of a new style for me, and I LOVE how it turned out!
Enjoy!
Chat more soon...

Season of Yumminess!

I LOVE Blackberries!
And Wow...are there A LOT this year! I was sooo excited to see the enormous bush up against the fence in our backyard ripening early this year so I could make some of the jam creations I've had in my head the past couple of years, but never got around to. My first choice was to try a Plum & Blackberry combination...but wasn't very happy with the state of the plums in the grocery. (I'll have to wait maybe another week for the gorgeous ones ripening in this abandoned lot I pass on my daily walk! lol...Shhhh!) But, instead I've chosen to try mixing our local fresh oh-so-sweet Blueberries with them.
And....this is what I ended up with:

Oh My GOODNESS!
My first lil taste...I'll admit, I was scared. I've never actually made jam before! lol
But, beyond my expectations...it was DELICIOUS!! And I absolutely LOVE the sweet combination of Blueberries and Blackberries...
You gotta try it!
Super easy. It was just freezer jam. half and half berries. Pour into these Fabulous squatty lil silver topped jars, and you're DONE!
(Aren't these jars the cutest? They're only about two inches high. I think they'd be perfect for fun homemade sugar scrubs too, yeah?)

Anyways,
I know it's been a Looooooong time since I've posted, and I'm so sorry to all those who've been wondering if I've fell off the face of the earth...just lots of changes giong on...including MOVING! Aaaggghhhh! lol
But, change can be good...so even though I was fighting it, I've learned to embrace it and see what and where God takes us.

Lots more to tell you, and I promise I'll try to get y'all caught up in the next few days. Phew! lol

Love ya,
and have a Wonderful Berry Filled Day!

First of all, Thank You soooo much for all your sweet comments! I wish I could just respond back with blogger, but it doesn't look like I can right now...so! Unless you leave an email, or website...you'll have to just take my "Thanks" here! LOL

Well, busy week!

This is summer vacation, right? I seem to remember it being a lot more relaxed as a child...lol

LOVE Nancy Comelab's new set of frames!!! Found my new favorite! Get them HERE

(Bows and Bling: Lilypad Lane Designs)

WoooHoooo! I'm Nancy's Guest Blogger

First of all, before I get into all the details of my exciting week ahead of me...I HAVE to share with you this incredible new pen I found today! The sad part is that a couple of years ago, I was trying to invent something like it...go figure! My hand gets sooo stressed that it just kills for me to write. I'll tell you about the freak accident with liquid nitrogen to burn off a wart some other time...
Anyways, it left some nerve damage. And although I can move my fingers very nimbly (is that a word?) holding a pen AND writing with it just stresses it sooo much. SO...insert this fab pen by http://www.penagain.com/ . Just like what I was hoping to invent someday...it is like just using your index finger and writing with the end of your fingernail...does that make sense? They're so cheap too. I mean, Inexpensive...only $3 with two refills.

Ok, now on to some exciting news!
This week I'm going to be Nancy Comelab's guest blogger! That means I get to hyjack her site and do whatever I want...insert evil laughter...LOL
But really, how cool is that? I just LOVE being on her CT, and this is how she wants to showcase us....how ingenious!
Of course there's some fabulous contest too. Each week for twenty weeks, if you participate in the challenge, you'll get a chance to win $100 to spend however you like!!!! Sheeesh! Is this girl generous or what??? So! Head on over to her site to see this week's challenge from none other than...Myself! Then on Sunday, I'll pick the weekly winner to get an AWESOME special prize from Nancy!
This week we are to find a picture that was taken to remind us of a special moment, use Nancy's frames..., and post on our blogs why we took the picture.

Here's mine:

*Last weekend we went away to my parents' place in Cowboy Country, as we like to call it. Sagebrush, wildflowers, rattlesnakes and all! lol
And while taking a walk down the dusty road, I turned around to look back at their ranch and caught this absolutely gorgeous sky coming up out of the V in the bend....took my breath away, and reminded me of the peacefulness that coming home...means. When you're away for a while, we tend to forget that feeling. And this picture will help me remember...until next time.*

And...as a special little treat from me...here's a little something to dress up your bloggie frames:

I'm calling this line, "Sweet Chic's"...and these are some Jeweled Fancy Brads that you can mix and match onto filigee-looking sparkly metal pieces. So cute! I'm throwing in the white silk bow as an extra bonus too! I'd love to hear what you think cause I have a whole line of Sweet Chic's in the works!

New Download

edited: (Please use the New Download button above, the other two were only working for those with DIP, and not PS or PSE, etc.) To make it worth the hassle if you have to redownload, there's a bonus of 3 more silk bows...Thank you for your patience! lol

So, quick! Check out Nancy's site...there's always SOmethin' GOin' On over there!! LOL

Ahhh...A New Week

..And a new tag from my sweet friend Nancy!

So here goes....

1. regular or diet soda: I usually don't drink much soda..but when I get a craving..it's Mt.Dew, especially Code Red...all the way, baby! ...Oh, and usually pizza has to go with Root Beer...don't ask me why?? lol

2. salt or pepper: Pepper, but just a taste. LOVE it on salads

3. hot or cold weather: how about warm weather with a nice cool breeze..

4. dogs or cats: LOVE both...but if I had to choose, probably a cat. Easier to take care of..
5. dieting or exercise: Moderation in everything...now just to do it! lol

6. cooking or doing dishes: Is there even a question? Cooking, definitely!

7. sleeping or shopping: One cannot exist without the other!

8. Red Lobster or Outback Steakhouse: ya know...I've never been to either.

9. classical or hip hop music: Definitely Classical over hip hop...but I love so many types of music..

10. dancing or playing sports: Whaddya mean? Dancing IS a sport! lol

11. back rub or foot rub: Ohhh, if someone can rub my aching neck and back....I'm in heaven!
12. fruits or vegetables: Both...does it count if I really like my veggies steamed with parmesean sprinkled on top?

13. Grey’s Anatomy or House: I like both, but don't follow them. I'm a LOST and Ugly Betty girl.

14. coffee or tea: Coffee Type drinks...but not actual coffee! Yuck!
15. curling up with a good book or a night out on the town: oooo...decisions decisions...right now, probably a little peace and quite and curling up with the book.

16. straight or curly hair: I have a little of both...I think I'd like some awesome beautiful curls though

17. skirts or shorts: LOVE skirts, but wear mostly shorts

18. burgers/hotdogs or chinese food: Love me some good BBQ burgers, or campfire hotdogs...but Orange Chicken with fried rice...MMMMMmmmm

19. vacationing in Switzerland or Mexico: Did I hear somebody was giving me a ticket to Switzerland?? Hmm?? YES, PLEASE!!!

20. sports car or SUV: I just want something that RUNS! lol But also one that will be able to take me anywhere..so SUV

OK! Do you know a little more of what makes my mind work?? lol..
Gosh, seems like everyone is/has already been asked to do this one...so mabye I'll think on who to tag for now...
***************************************************

Oh Yea!!! The new Susan Branch newsletter came out today...just LOVE her. Gotta sign up for it if you haven't already. I just loved this little excerpt from it titled, "Happiness 101."
Enjoy...

(Vintage curled frame courtesy of Miss Nancy, and the silk bows are mine...keep a lookout for a fun freebie later this week!)

On A Roll...

Well...I actually finished 3 layouts today!!! OK, I've been working on them for over a week but...feeling very pleased with myself! (I can't show you one of them until later...it's a special surprise!)

This first one is of my DD and her lil Kindred Spirit friend, Savannah. We had a special day last week and went out on an adventure to The Vanilla Swan for delicious ice cream treats! The Magnolia Blossoms were sooo beautiful in my friend's yard...we just had to get a picture! So glad we did...I just LOVE this one of them. AND I didn't even have to say anything...they just...posed! And how great does this new kit FleaMarket Basket by Shabby Miss Jenn go with it?? Love her!

This one is from our fun day at the park a couple of weeks ago..soooo sunny and fun! Lily was pretending to go wild riding a wild pony! Which one is the wild pony, I ask???

These fabulous summer colors come from the Creating Colors kits from Weeds and Wildflowers Designs over at ScrapArtist. I believe you can get the whole set for an unbelievable deal right now, so go check it out!

Well, I hope you all have a Wonderful, Fun-Filled Weekend!
Relax and enjoy those special little moments...

Up, Up and Away!

Such GORGEOUS weather!
I know, I know...in a couple of months I'm going to be saying, "It's blistering hot! Where's the nice cool weather??" But for now...it's beautiful.
So here's a few of our day at the park. She could have stayed on the tire swing all day...
Up, UP....and A-W-A-Y!!!!

Ahhh..Shrimp!

(everything used in this LO was from SMJ Old Cabana kit...plus Taylor Mackenzie Font)

***

With this great weather, I had to craving for a yummy sauteed salad...and this is what I came up with! Sooooo good! In fact, I know we just had this last week, but I'm going to make it again tonight too! I just love sweet n tangy shrimp..and when you combine it with the avacados, feta, grape tomatoes and roasted nuts! MMmmmm...!!!

I think I'll have to start dinner early tonight! LOL

Sun on our Faces...

We've been having such BEAUTIFUL weather lately...sooo nice to feel the warm sun on your face and do some things outside. Lily and I finally got our strawberries planted in the jar. And then we painted some really cool tin boxes (from Target!) We turned them into some herb boxes...Basil, Oregano, and Parsley. Soo Fun just to play in the paint...love that! And I'm so glad that Lily loves to create too...and boy, is she the l'il gardener too! Can't get her out of the dirt...lol...or understanding that the plants and yard have had enough of the spray hose for today...lol

On to other big news...have you heard???

Nancy Comelab has revealed her move to the fabulous Lilypad store!!! Run over there reeeeeal quick cause there are some incredible deals on her new "original photoclusters!" ...you might even get them for free...

Also this weekend, the sweet ladies of Weeds and Wildflowers are throwing a storewide sale!! 20% off everything in the store! Everything these girlies make is just sooo beautiful, with truly endless possibilities!!! So take advantage now while you can...

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...even though I see storm clouds rolling in...

Wow..Busyness!

Such crazyness goin' on!
First of all, I can't believe that I just spent almost 14 hours in WalMart yesterday...
No! I'm not a psycho shopper....just had a HUGE reset of Hallmark stuff to turn over from Mother's Day to Father's Day!!! I don't really want to see another plastic wrapped pack of cards for a looooong time! But, alas...I'll have to tonight! LOL

Just wanted everyone to know about Nancy Comelab's newest NEWS....(see below)
She's Moving stores...and you won't find out until this weekend!!! She loves surprises...
But it'll be soooo worth it to keep watch on her blog to find out!!!

Happy Mother's Day

This picture has always been a little private favorite of mine...she says so much with her eyes.

So, on Mother's Day, I'm sharing it with you.

And I'm hoping that your day is filled with your own little private treasures...

Your own precious little moments...

Everything's Coming Up....

Weeds and Wildflowers!!!!


I can't believe that I made the CT!!!! Yippppeeee....


Gosh, I don't know if I would have even tried out if I had known how many applicants there going to be..247!!!


Anyways...just wanted to share a little of my excitement.


On another note...you've got to go visit Shabby Miss Jenn's site. She's got this fabulous new kit called Old Cabana! Sooo many perfect colors for spring/summer...not to mention pretty much everything in Lily's wardrobe!! lol
(see credits HERE)
We had such fun stopping off at one of our favorite places...Rosabella's Bakery and Gardens.And as it happens, she has a sweet lil border collie named Lily too!They spent almost an hour running and playing in the grass...sooo fun!

Well, everyone have a

Wonderful

COLORFUL

Spring

day!

Blossoms, Blossoms, Everywhere...

(See Credits HERE)

Sooo loving all the BLOSSOMS out and about these days...and, alas...they're aleady blowing away...covering the streets with their precious petals. 'sigh'

My bestest friend in the whole world showed me this pic of her lil DD that she took in front of some of these beautiful trees...isn't she just a doll?? It got me so inspired to create...so this is what I came up with. Loving Weeds and Wildflowers Welcoming Spring kit! Sooo pretty...

Can you believe all the stuff going on for NSD tomorrow??? Crazy!

Anyways,

Have a WONDERFUL

BLOSSOM-Filled

WEEKEND!!!!