Double Challenge Butterfly

Wednesday's SCS Sketch Challenge SC239 was another great sketch to get back into stamping. I combined it with Tuesday's Color Challenge, which was CC229 - Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal and I came up with this:

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Delicate Dots DSP, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Pixie Pink
Ink: Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Brides Flowers, Silver Brad, Nestabilities, Glue Dots, Slot Punch

I also made our favorite Buttermilk Cake, this time with all blueberries and another fantastic turn out.

Apparently, so much so that when I went to put it into the container after letting it cool on the rack, this is what I discovered!

Speaking of a little bit rude....who does this?!

Partially eat a peach and then leave it out on the counter?! I may have some allergies that prevent me from eating peaches by the truckload, but even I wouldn't do that. Good thing I had already purchased this or I might not have been so thoughtful =)

Thoughtful?! Or maybe I just want some good eats!

Off to water the lawn since the Lawn Miser's gone to work and afterall, Shaw Cable told me to =) (We just had a new internet line dropped and they had to rip up some lawn to do it...so much for my beautiful patch o' lucious lawn this year. See here for my previous rantings. HAHA

Sweet Sunday Sketch #28 & Stamping Ahead

I'm back in the groove - finding the stuff I missed out on while wining & dining the days away in Kelowna. First up, Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #28. She's always got fantastic sketches and I couldn't wait to give this one a try! You should, too =)





Stamps: Elegant Cheer
Paper: Spring Silhouettes DSP, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky
Accessories: Brides Flowers, Silver Brad, Nestabilities

After finishing it, I realized that this is the second one in a row (since I missed 27) that I used my favorite Spring Silhouettes paper since I had the scraps that were just the right size!

Back to the batcave to keep my mojo going this morning. Thanks for stopping by!

Bellas In The Mail - and My Final VLVJUL Card!

I'm so pleased - this is the first time I've actually completed all of the Viva La Verve sketch with a twist challenges for a month - and there was five of them in July! I just adore the sketches that Amber comes up with and the twists make it just a little more challenging. LOVE 'EM!

Stamps: Elegant Cheer
Paper: Shimmery White, Blue Bayou, Blue Bayou DSP, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Accessories: Glimmer Mist, D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug Folder, Silver Brads, Opaline Half Pearls, Scallop Punch

Possibly more importantly (for Susie at least), I managed to get my Bellas all EZ-mounted and stamped for our swap. I included some of my Whipper Snapper, Penny Black, PaperworksCo and my fave little House Mouse image, too. I was hoping she could pass along some for Woody, her son, to color, too, since he's got his promarkers! And after a quick visit to the post office, they're official postal.

This was my basement floor as of 9:30 this morning:

And now the countdown begins until they arrive in the UK and her images arrive here in Edmonton. Ugh. I hate waiting! Good thing I'm on holidays and have a bunch of challenges & sketches to catch up on from the DTGD session on the weekend =)

Winery Tour

On Monday, we took a tour with Distinctly Kelowna Tours and Tracy, our tour guide, was a true delight. We had a pair of teachers from Essex join us and we had a great time visiting three local wineries.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery
-famous for their 1/8 scale pyramid
-organic

Then off to St. Hubertus Estate Winery, which was greatly affected by the 2003 fires, but are true survivors!





Finally, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, which was absolutely stunning!

We definitely spent our fair share, but can't wait to get home and open a bottle or two... we even picked up some great icewines! YAY =)

Mission Hill (x2) and Carmelis

Today we headed out to Mission Hill for their Discovery Tour, an hour long tour of the cellar, viticulture and four wine tastings. Such a delight! It's absolutely gorgeous there...


The famous Belltower


The Miscast Bell


View from beside the Belltower


View of Cafe


Unripe grapes(do not try to eat these!)


The cellar

And then we headed to Carmelis Goat Cheese Farm to try their gelato...delish! I had some sour cherry and MrP had Mint Chocolate & Chocolate (he's so boring!). When we went to pay, we realized he lost his wallet (presumably at Mission Hill) so we headed back across the lake to Mission Hill again. The people there were truly great to deal with and as expected, he'd been so excited by his ice wine purchase, he'd forgotten his wallet! HAHA

As for the wedding on Saturday - it was pretty much torrential rain & heavy winds, so the 9th hole at Gallagher's Canyon was a write off, but we did enjoy a beautiful ceremony in their clubhouse, followed a while later by the cocktails, supper and dance. Of course, once the ceremony was done, the rain had let up, so they did get some lovely outdoor pics, I bet!

Again, an older card that I completed with some fave colors =)

Stamps: Cause for Celebration
Paper: River Rock, Whisper White, Black

Ink: River Rock

Accessories: White Ribbon, Scallop Scissors

Tasty Kelowna

We enjoyed a pretty smooth flight into Kelowna yesterday, which was good since MrP was more than a little anxious about flying again since it's been a few months since he'd flown to Vegas and some coworkers had him a little freaked with their stories of turbulance.

But we made it and had an appetite by the time we got here, so we checked into our hotel room and headed out to find Memphis Blues BBQ. I had a small pulled pork and MrP asked which would be recommended, so he had the sliced brisket. While mine was really good, his was fantastic. I think we have to go back so I can have the brisket. LOL! I also think we need to add a trip to the south for some real BBQ one day.

After lunch, we felt like walking, so we headed down to the beach and checked out the scenenery. Of course, MrP was then drawn to the kids water park. That guy's got the mentality of a seven year old when it comes to fun. I had a little nap when we got back to the hotel, which was a rarity for me, but I guess running full speed for the last three weeks is finally catching up with me. =)

We headed to Sal's Prime Steakhouse for supper and sat in the second round booth from the back. They had a nightly $35 three course menu, which I had to try since cajun halibut was one of the entrees. MrP had a 6oz Kobe steak. All tasty - especially the maple creme brulee (and I don't like maple, typically) If you're in Kelowna, give these two places a try. (I wish I'd taken pics of our meals, but you still wouldn't have been able to get the tasty factor) =)



I'm enjoying being on vacation, but I'm also looking forward to getting crafty at home when we're back since I'm missing out on the Dare To Get Dirty Challenges for the Dirty Dozen Fan Club at SCS. I guess I'll have 24 challenges when I get home to start the ol' mojo. In the meantime, here's a peek at one of the cards I did for Sharon's DTGD challenge last year...


Stamps: Stitched Exotics, Labelicious
Paper: Groovy Guava, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Ink: Groovy Guava, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Stylized Silver Hardware
Techniques: Simply Stamped

Have a great day! I know I will (unless it rains on my cream/brown dress, rendering it pretty much see through....please don't rain!!)

Lily loves Sketches

Stamps: Lily from Pink Cat Studio, sentiment - Just Celebrate from SU!
Paper: Real Red, Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Vellum
Ink: Black Staz-On
Accessories: Blue Bayou Ribbon, Night of Navy Button, Cuttlebug folder, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Paper Piercer
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

Chelsey has this sweet Lily stamp from Pink Cat Studio and I thought she'd be perfect to try coloring again. I tried to use her for the VLVJUN04 sketch, as seen below.



We're on our way to Kelowna today for our friends' wedding on Saturday and we'll be heading back home on Tuesday. We've got a winery tour booked and I can't wait to take in all that the Okanagan has to offer!

I've got some great recipes to try when I get home (blueberry oatmeal squares and some thai chicken skewers....yummm!) but in the meantime, we'll try some fine dining in Canada's wine country...I'm sure I'll survive =)

Ollie Revealed!

I just love this guy!


Stamps: PaperworksCo Ollie
Paper: Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Blue Bayou DSP
Ink: Black Staz-On
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Blue Bayou Ribbon, Icicle Stickles
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

I used some icicle stickles to really bring out his tentacles and he was really easy to color with the prismacolor pencils and gamsol. I love these Aqua Amigos! Don't forget to check them out while they're on sale at PaperworksCo! The Mojo Monday Sketch 96 seemed to work perfectly for this image. I really love that old Blue Bayou and when I was looking for some DSP with it, I was delighted to find a pack of unloved BB DSP sitting there waiting for this card!
This was the sketch - you should give it a try, too! (Check out my rockin' bow....yep, I'm really trying to improve on them)


Last night was my horseback riding lesson and before we even mounted, we had excitement. One of the girls was trying to bridle her horse and the horse panicked, tried to back up and ended up stepping on the girl's leg. I hope she's alright today. We got started late and my friend Ally had to show off for her parents and try a superman dismount over a fence. Thankfully, she was up & doing her usual laughing/smiling within about 2 seconds. Love that girl! When I got home, which was later than planned, I ended up mowing the forest...errr...lawn (yay - the extra grass seed MrP planted is growing!) and finishing another card for tomorrow that used the Viva La Verve June 04 Sketch with a Twist. Can't wait to show you!

If you're an SCS Fan Club member, get on over for the Dare to Get Dirty '09 Challenges!

Pluot?

Ever had a pluot? Raise your hand...

Wow - way more people than I thought. Apparently I'm a loser for never trying this fruit.

Wait! Yes, it's a fruit. Get your hand down. I said pluot, not poot. HAHA

You bunch of pooters... (if you don't know what a poot is, you're much classier than our house, where we refer to a toot that smells like....well you get the idea, I'm sure.)

Okay - so I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's never tried a pluot. In fact, I'd never even heard of them until I saw them at my local grocery store. Of course, being a sucker for "weird" fruit, I picked up the pack before going back to work and googling them. Mine apparently are Dapple Dandy's according to my all-knowing friends at Wikipedia.

Speaking of Wiki, this photo was shamelessly borrowed from their website. I hope nobody minds! (Thanks, dudes!)

They're a cross between a plum and an apricot and they're DELICIOUSLY sweet and tasty! Give them a try!

Don't forget to scroll down for my earlier card post!

Wallie's Found His Inner Fierce

I just laugh when I hear the word Fierce since some friends watch America's Next Top Model and I got sucked into it for the last two seasons.

But Wallie's found his inner vixen. His dark side. His what?! He's a whale. What the?!


Stamps: PaperworksCo Wallie
Paper: Basic Grey, Night of Navy, Prestwick DSP, Going Gray, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Navy Ribbon, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Sakura Gel Pen
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

I turned Wallie into a shark! That's all I could see when I looked at the stamp and I figured if it was versatile enough to do it, I was going to make it happen. I took some liberties with AmyR's sketch and I forgot the sentiment, but them's the breaks when you're running on almost zero sleep for a busy week. And can you see the difference between this bow and yesterday's bow for Wallie? Chelsey did yesterday's....she's a bow master. I'm not.



Yes, it's been a crazy week and I've considered taking today off so I could get ready for our weekend in Kelowna (yep - wedding is still on despite the forest fires raging over there). I think they'll have great photos, though. Our wedding happened in 2006 when California had some nasty fires and we had great pictures, despite the photographer fiasco.

Enjoy your day and come back tomorrow to see what I've created with the very sweet Ollie the Octopus.



Don't forget - PWCO sale still on!!

Wallie & Carlos...my Amigos

Last night was my monthly stamp night with Chelsey (THANKS, BUDDY), so after supper at Von's to enjoy a Forkfest (aka BARGAIN!) meal, we spent some time in my stamping dungeon. Meet Wallie the Whale...


Stamps: PaperworksCo Walie
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Blue Bayou
Ink: Black Staz-On
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, CM Bubble Maker, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Blue Bayou Ribbon
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

Wallie fit perfectly for the Weekend Sketch Challenge 89 at Make a Difference (or at least I thought so). Here's the sketch...give it a try yourself!



This month, I chose to make the Spring Card as our start of inspiration. Chelsey's, of course, was a whole lot more perfect for folding than mine. I even measured! Guess that's what I get for trying too hard. LOL!


Stamps: PaperworksCo Carlos
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Black Staz-On, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, CM Bubble Maker, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, FlowerSoft, Crystal Effects
Techniques: Spring Card, Gamsol Magic

Carlos has Crystal Effects on his eyes to pop them out and some FlowerSoft in the sand for added dimension. Yay for Aqua Amigos and their fun coloring! Head over to Paperworks Co. to check out the sale, which is on until July 23rd.

Oh yes...as promised...(looks awful, tastes yummy)

Super Nacho Dip
1 lb ground beef
1 med. Onion, chopped
¼ tsp each: seasoning salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder & pepper
1 can mild green chilies (optional)
2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups of salsa
1 can refried beans
½ cup chopped green onions (optional)
1 cup chopped ripe olives (optional)
1 cup sour cream
Parsley for garnish

Brown meat with onion & spices. Drain off fat. Spread refried beans in 9x12” pan. Top with meat. Sprinkle with chilies, then grated cheese & salsa. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven. Garnish with green onions, olives, sour cream & parsley. Serve with taco or corn chips.

I need a vacation! Who's with me?!

Good thing I start holidays on Friday =) 'nuff complaining....

May I present....Margarita Cupcakes!


Yep! They were a hit by all accounts. Unless people lied, which I would normally suspect, but I believe people tell the truth when they drink since they're less inhibited. Therefore, they were a hit in my books!

Unfortunately, this is the result when you leave a man in charge of frosting:



LOL! I shouldn't complain. It was much needed help on a busy Saturday. And it tasted great!
Here's the frosting recipe:

Tequila and Lime Frosting
(as adapted from Baking Bites, who used the recipe from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup crisco (or any other shortening), softened
2 tbsp milk
6 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp tequila
4+ cups confectioners’ sugar
coarse sugar for “rims” (optional)

Cream together butter & shortening, milk, lime juice, tequila, and 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Add in more sugar as needed to make frosting stiff, but spreadable.Spread on cupcakes and roll the edges in a small amount of coarse, colored sugar if desired (poured into a small bowl, so it’s easy to direct it)

Also made some Super Nacho Dip for Fiesta. The photo doesn't do the tastiness justice, but then....when do they ever (unless you're a pro photographer, in which case, you'd be my hero!)



I'll post that recipe tomorrow. Because I have more to show you, that's why! Stop whining =)

This is what happens when adults get in the jumpy and kids hear other kids screaming in delight...more kids, more mayhem. (That's MrP's knees, after flopping down & trying to keep one side of the jumpy up since half the kids were smushed in the screen on the other side, dragging it down.



Last night, I just had to ink up my new Paperworks Co Aqua Amigos stamps. Tommy the Turtle is my first colored culprit (and my fave) in this collection. I used Jen's Sketch For You To Try (07-18-09), which was this layout:

And here's Tommy!

Stamps: PaperworksCo Tommy, Circle of Friends
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Taken with Teal, Shimmery Blue-Green Paper
Ink: Staz-On
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, CM Bubble Maker, Nestabilities, Dimensionals
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

This was my first time coloring with prismacolor pencils and gamsol (I used odorless paint thinner....is that the same thing?! Whatever...it worked!) And I love him! Now all I need are some Aquatic Sentiments *hint, hint, Peggy!*. (I needed more Thank You cards, so he's a grateful turtle) Anyways, he was a blast to color and I can't wait to get home & do more cards with the other three cuties!

Head over to their website to pick up your own...especially now while they've got sales going on, which include order any of the PWCO stamps & get 10% off the rest of your order by using "fiesta" when you checkout*, free shipping on the stamps*, lowered prices on the stamps ($3.99), collection discount (buy three, get one free!) What are you waiting for!?! Visit PaperworksCo now! *until July 23

Finally, here's the fam from the weekend. My nephew and niece have the funniest expressions - the usually pouty neice all "cheesed" up and my nephew looks like he was checking out MrP, who enjoyed the costumes for our old west pictures a little too much for someone his age if you ask me. The other two are my sisters.