TGIF

It was a gorgeous sunny day today, perfect way to start off the weekend!  The dogs were so happy to spend the day outside and I didn't have to worry that they were freezing their paws off.

Bought Findlay a couple of new toys that were suggested at the pet store.  He is a stuffie-killer extraordinaire so I am always on the lookout for a toy that will have some staying power.  I picked up the "Mighty Toy" Mighty Bug - Pink Dragonfly which was rated on the dura-scale (as noted on the tag) as an eight (8).  Findlay managed to kill it within 24 hours.  When I checked online, it was rated as a seven (7) which, according to the website, is "a really tough toy, but still vulnerable".  I expected an eight (8) which is listed as being "long lasting and really durable".


This is a picture of the ever-so-cute, Might Bug - Pink Dragonfly.

This is Findlay with the Pink Dragonfly.  The appendages are attacked first.

 

Still more Findlay (note the stuffing on his tongue).

 

This is the Pink Dragonfly a mere 24 hours after I gave it to the Stuffie-Killer himself.

Needless to say, a dura-scale of 7 is far too low for Findlay.  In my defense, I thought I was buying an 8, considering that is what the tag attached to the toy said.

Now onto better things ;)

I decided to participate in this months Lili of the Valley (LOTV) challenge.  They are holding a Bingo where you create a card using a line from the Bingo card.  I chose the line with Pearls/Lace/Gems.  Here is my creation:

It's March!

It's time for another Sunday chit-chat with Carla. I really enjoy reading her blog although I don't know how she finds the time....

• Reading:  I just finished Starcrossed (Josephine Angelini) and have started book #2 called "Dreamless".  Pretty easy read in the supernatural/paranormal genre.
• Listening to:  Mark is watch a really terrible movie called, Behemoth....
• Watching:  Nothing tonight, going to read :)
• Cooking/Baking:  Baked cookies this weekend and we ate the entire batch.  I feel bloated and fat so no baking for me!
• Happy you accomplished this week:  Got T4 and summary completed for our ex-nanny.
• Looking forward to next week:  I am drawing a blank, although we are getting closer to March break!
• Thankful for today:  The sun.  It was shining i full force today :)
• Bonus Question: Will you be tuning into the OSCARS tonight? No, not interested at all.

I made a couple of cards this weekend, this one I created using sketch #334 from the Mpojo Monday card sketch blog.  The challenge was to create a tall and skinny card using the sketch.  I normally stick to square cards, sometimes round but very rarely - tall.  I must say that it was fun trying to a different style.  I used an oval instead of round shape for the image, but other than that I kept to the sketch.

YAY - It's Hump Day!

It's not that I am having a bad week, but looking forward to Friday injects a little more happiness in each day :)

I decided to participate in Carla's "Take 3" March challenge.  Here is the outline from her blog:

This will be a 3 part challenge combining Finance, Personal, and Decluttering (household) like I did last year! Something I think most of us are always trying to improve on! So you'll need to come up with 3 goals, one will be something related to finance, (savings, debt, large purchase?) the next something personal you want to improve on (nutrition, exercise, blogging, etc) and finally, some type of decluttering/household challenge! You can expand each goal to create certain restrictions & mini challenges within that one goal, but I urge you to keep it simple and really focus on just 3 goals for the month.

Now to think about my 3 goals... I think exercise is going to have a big part of that challenge.

I also have a card to share.  I  created this simple card based on Sketch #65 from the challenge blog - CASE(E) this Sketch.  It was the first time I used these Stampin' Up stamps so I was really happy.  I usually use my Magnolia or Greeting Farm stamps so it was a nice change to use an image that didn't have a face ;)  That being said, after making the card I had to wonder what 3 pears had to do with being a wonderful friend.... ?  Oh well... lol

Tuesday Already!

Stayed home from work yesterday as I was a little under the weather and the kids weren't 100% either.  Was a nice "cheat day" and got to spend some quality time with the kidlets.  Tried to be productive but I opted to watch a movie with Ryan so now it is catch- up time.  I did get the chocolate chip cookies made this evening, they turned out pretty good - definitely need to have a glass of milk while eating them.

I also created a card based on Sketch #93 at Cardabilities, I flipped it around but otherwise kept to the format.  I love it when I find a challenge that inspires me, because sometimes I find a challenge and I am like, "Meh" and move on to the next one.  This was not the case when I checked out Cardabilities, I totally loved the sketch and will definitely be checking out their challenges more often.

The Weekend is Over

Another weekend has come and gone, as each one passes I wait expectantly for Spring.  Today the sun was shining and it felt like maybe, just maybe, we'd see signs of Spring soon.

However, it is STILL Winter.  So here is a shot of my good boy, Findlay.  He is an Australian Shepherd.  I would love to raise sheep or cattle and have him help but there is nothing of that sort where I live. I have a book to get me started but since I need lessons as well, was hoping for a teacher - not a book.

 

I also made a few cards this weekend.   This one is a fun boy card which could be used for several occasions since the sentiment on the front is somewhat vague "A Gift for You".  I used sketch #333 at Mojo Monday as inspiration for this card.  The colour inspiration came from The Greeting Farm "Photo Inspiration" challenge .  I really liked the combinations of green/blue and browns.  There is even some grey in there. 

Thank Goodness It's Wednesday!

I wish it were Friday, but Wednesday is good too!  The sun was shining bright today, it brought me hope that this cold snap is over and we are headed into Spring.

I would like to share a card that I created based on retrosketch #102 from the card challenge blog :"Retro Sketches". I flipped it around since I screwed up on the way I cut the paper LOL but I think it turned out nice regardless.

Wish I had more to say, but no, time to kick back and relax.  Or start on another card.....

Family Day

It was a quiet Family Day for me.  Mark had to work and Ryan went to his friends for a play-date.  Gave me an opportunity to get the floors vacuumed and washed, and to tidy things up.  I was going to bake some cookies but not enough butter so there is a block from the freezer thawing on my counter, guess baking will be on hold until tomorrow.  If ever you are looking for a good recipe, I suggest you try out "Pioneer Woman's" website.  YUM!  And step-by-step photos too.

 

I have also created this gem for the Tiddlyinks Challenge "Love is in the Air".  I don't have many of their stamps so I had to make due with this one - gotta love the cute paper though.  Tried some more watercolour technique and distress inks, turned out awesome 

(in my opinion).