My baby is leaving for Europe

My son, Tj and his friend, Drew are leaving for a two month trip hiking through Europe tomorrow.  They are flying to Spain to begin their trip, then to Italy, France, Switzerland, and the final leg of their journey will land them in Germany at Octoberfest!  I wish I was going, although I don't know if I would like the "backpacking" thing at my age.  If I was 26, maybe I would consider it, but nah, not now.  I'm sad to see him leave because I'll miss him so much, and I'm happy that he has this wonderful opportunity to travel and see other parts of the world that are simply beautiful.  I've only been to Italy twice and loved every minute of it.  I would love to go to Germany, Switzerland and Ireland some day.  Maybe if I save my pennies, I will make it there.  But for now, I'm preparing myself for Tj's departure and keeping a big, giant smile on my face as I see him off.  Happy and safe travels, my sweet.  (yes, that is what I have called him since he was a baby).  And for once in my life, I hope these next 2 months fly by. 

Roomie Gift

One of my roomates at the 2012 SU convention, Cindy, made these cute journal books for us from designer series paper (dsp) and stamps.  Who would have known you could take a plain, black copy notebook and turn it into something so beautiful.  Didn't she do a wonderful job on this?  I love it so much, I don't want to use it.  LOL. 

Food from the Heart

I just had to post this picture.  I cut open a small, round watermelon for a picnic I was having, and if you look closely, you can see the shape of a heart in the watermelon.  Look close ... it is as perfect as perfect is.  What a surprise that was that I just had to take a picture because no one would ever believe it.  What do you think?

And speaking of picnics .. my husband Tom and I were invited to our neighbor's house for an after July 4th picnic and Diane made an out-of-this-world Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato, fresh basil from her garden, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Oh my word, I could have eaten the whole tray.  Tom wanted me to take a picture of it so he could remember it.  LOL.  If you haven't guessed yet, he LOVES food.  Doesn't this look yummy?  Surrounding the Caprese salad is pepperoni stuffed with cheese.  Oh it's making me hungry again!!!  Diane is an awesome cook - I can't even tell you all the wonderful food she made for us.  We sure did feel special.  Check it out ...

Open House Make & Takes

Moving Forward Stamp Set.  I can't tell you enough how much I'm loving the cute bicycle!

Papillon Potpourri Stamp set using the elegant butterfly punch.  How cute is this???

The next two cards were made using the "Reason to Smile" stamp set.  I got the set for $5 as a July special for an order of $50 or more.  That sure gave me a reason to smile.  

So simple .. so cute.  These cards were super easy and we made them at my upline Jill's open house / retirement stamp sale.  They were so much fun making, and oh so fun walking out with 4 cute cards.

Holiday Catalog Cards

Scentsational Season stamp set was used for the yummy hot cocoa mug, Owl Occasions was used for the cute little Owl "Merry Christmas" card and the three little stockings card, and then the Googly Ghouls stamp set was used for the mummy card.  All cards were made from the Holiday Catalog 2012.  Four simple cards that have that WOW factor.  My upline, Jill, did these for a class for us.  Cute, Cute, Cute!

Cute Gift Boxes

Isn't this craft box adoreable?  It's made with comfort cafe dsp paper with a cute "happy birthday" flower and label on top.

This next box is made with patio party dsp.  I made the bow with strips of primrose petals card stock.  I added a little touch with the vintage faceted designer button on top.  Oh so cute if I must say so myself.  I'm just loving these gift boxes.  They are easy peasy to make!

Stained Glass

This is a card that my friend, Pam made for me.  The picture doesn't do it any justice at all, but the peacock is stamped and embossed on vellum, then marker was used to fill in the design on the back of the vellum.  What do you get ... a stained glass look.  It's really pretty.