The Busy Bee

Turtle Birthday Cakes

2011-06-14T10:05:00.004-04:00

We celebrated my nephew Roman's 1st Birthday this weekend! My sister decided on a turtle themed party for the occasion. She asked us to do the cakes for her. I found the Turtle Pull Apart Cake on Betty Crocker's website so I created it plus another 6" cake and a Smash Cake for Roman to play in.

The Turtle Cake made from cupcakes! We made chocolate cupcakes and homemade chocolate and butter cream icings. The recipe called for canned (store bought) icing but I always use homemade butter cream instead. I also just created the face of my turtle out of icing but the recipe calls for making a face out of candy peices. You can find the recipe here.

The 6" cake is strawberry cake with buttercream frosting. I hand piped the turtles around the sides of the cake and piped on the border and "R" on top of the cake. We weren't really sure on how many were coming and I was afraid the cupcakes wouldn't be enough so I made this cake as an extra, plus it also gave people another option of cake flavor since the cupcakes were all chocolate. You never want to run out of cake! :)

I did this simple 1 layer 6" cake as a Smash Cake for Roman. He loved it! He isn't used to getting to eat sweets so he was a little unsure of it at first put as soon as he got a taste of the icing he went mouth first into the cake! He didn't even use his hands just put his face in it! lol.

It was so cute!!

Be sure to stop back by later this week to see a post about the party favor I made for all the kids that were there to take home. So cute! You don't want to miss it!!!

Handmade Card "Word Paper"

2011-06-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

Im in a Online Handmade Card Club that has a theme usually every other month that we create cards for. We usually have about 15 participates and we mail them (along with a postage paid return envelope) to our hostess who separates them and mails us back 1 card from each participates. So you get 15 unique handmade cards. These beautiful cards are so much better then the store bought cards. They are like a gift themselves when you send them to someone.

Our theme this month was "word theme paper". So we could create any card design (birthday, thank you, just because, wedding, baby, etc.) but we had to incorporate paper that had WORDS on it. I found this awesome GROOVY paper at Hobby Lobby along with the Peace Sign paper. I put the 2 together and came up with this design. I like cards like this because you can use them for a number of purposes: teens birthdays, thinking of you, just because, etc. Next Month our theme is "Cards with Windows" Im starting to plan my card design now!

Happy Friday!

Hope everyone has a Good Weekend!!!

Digital Birthday Invites

2011-06-09T11:01:00.004-04:00

So I've so been slacking on blogging, that was one of my goals this year was to blog regularly each week (2-3 times) but Im such a SLACKER!! lol. I figured out my problem is I don't take enough pictures. I have so much FUN and neat stuff I'd like to blog about but I always forget to take pictures. So Im going to try to correct that!!! Here is somethings that I have been working on the past few weeks.....

It's Birthday season in my family! Most all of us have birthdays in the spring/summer months. So I've been designing invitations for my neices, nephews, cousins, etc. Below are a few that I did this month!

This one is for my neice. She is having a "Tangled" themed party. (I blurred out there address/phone info.)
And this one is for my nephew. My sister is doing a turtle themed party for him so I came up with these invites. Im also going to do a banner for her to hang and some handmade turtles. I will get some pictures and post of everything after the party this weekend.

I design the invites in my Photoshop program and then send them Wal-Mart or any local photo center to have them printed. They are just a standard 4"x6". I think we usually pay around $5 for 25 invites to be printed sometimes less if I have a coupon. I love designing these!! So Fun!

I hope everyone is having a good week!
Almost time for the weekend!!!

HE IS RISEN!!!

2011-04-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

LUKE 24:1 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?
6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
8 Then they remembered that he had said this.
9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened.

I hope you and your family have a

Blessed Easter Sunday!

Remember to reflect on the true meaning of Easter as you celebrate the day!

Good Friday

2011-04-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

LUKE
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?
41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.
45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.
46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

To Be Continued Easter Sunday...

Giveaway @ Mama Laughlin's Blog

2011-04-21T11:30:00.004-04:00

Head on over to Mama Laughlin's Blog to sign up for a

AWESOME Giveaway !

If you are a winner you can choose a Medium size Cross like the one above or a personailzed sign from Twist of Dazzle's Shop on Etsy!

Good Luck! And Have An Blessed Easter Weekend!

Sunday's 4-Wheeling Trip

2011-04-11T12:40:00.004-04:00

This weekend went by way to fast! I had such a great time yesterday enjoying the 80+ degree weather. Me and the Hubby went to Royal Blue WMA to ride our 4-wheelers. We rode 60 miles. It was so beautiful up there. Everything is in bloom, all the trees and flowers were so pretty. Below are some pictures that my hubby took at the end of the day. We found us a nice cool creek to drive through to wash our feet in and to cool off.

It was kinda deep! My front end of the Kawsaki was floating up some!

That water was so cold but felt so good after a long day of riding!It sure is hard to go back to work after having such a relaxing, fun time!

Have a good week!!

Ready for the Weekend!

2011-04-08T11:02:00.005-04:00

As you can see from above we are finally getting some warm Spring weather here in East Tennessee. We may have a few rain showers but Sunday is suppose to be 85 and SUNNY!

I can't wait to get outdoors this weekend and soak up the sun!

Its been a long winter around here.

So Sunday I will be headed out on my 4-wheeler and taking a trip to Royal Blue WMA just a short drive from my house. And we will go play in the woods all day! I can't wait!! It will be so nice to get to go 4 wheelin' and not have to be bundled up in 40 pounds of clothes and boots. Its so much more enjoyable when you don't have to put on all those dang clothes! Here is the place we park at when we go riding. Sheila @ Ride Royal Blue Resort has an awesome camp ground/resort. We live so close we normally don't stay, we just park here to acsess the trail head. But she has several different sized cabins, RV sites, tent sites, a lodge house with a restaurant in it and other great ammenties for those who want to stay the week or weekend.

I can't wait to get out and enjoy the woods and this beautiful weather!

I hope ya'll have a Great Weekend too!!!

Pray Hard!

2011-03-11T10:22:00.003-05:00

UPDATE!!!

I just heard from my cousin's sister and he and his family are safe at their home. He said he did experience the earthquake but luckly they were far enough inland that they didn't sustain damage from the Tsunami.

Please continue to lift up prayer for everyone in Japan.

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1 Thessalonians 5:17 tell us to PRAY CONSTANTLY. And today we need to put this verse into practice. A disastrous earthquake hit Japan overnight and a Tsunami wave destroyed much of the coast. Many have lost their lives and several are missing.

This is hitting home for me and my family. My cousin, Robbie, his wife and 3 kids live in Japan. His mother has been trying to contact them by phone but all communication is down right now. We have also tried to reach out them on facebook but still haven't been able to reach him yet. Please pray for them. That they are safe. That God has his loving arms around him and his family protecting them. Give them Strength, Lord!

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 14

Father God, please be with all your children in Japan. God let your will be done. I pray for their safety. For strength for all the survivors during the following days. For families to find out the fate of their missing. God comfort them. Be with the grieving. Please bring a sense of peace to them, that with you all things are possible and you, and you alone can get them through this. God, I want to especially lift up my cousin Robbie and his family. God keep them safe. Let communication open up so that he can contact his Mom if he is able. God I pray for his Mom, Dad and sister over here in the US, give them comfort and peace God. I know they are really upset right now. Wrap your arms around them Lord, give them strength. I love you so much dear Father, I'm so glad to be your child. In your holy and precious name I pray. Amen

Gallery Wall

2011-03-07T12:44:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to do a Gallery for a while now since I've been seeing them pop up all over blogland. My walls in my house were so "blah". They are white walls with nothing hanging on them. After reading an encouraging post over at The Nester's blog, I decided to take the plunge and create me a gallery wall. Because I figured if I hated it I could always take it down and start all over again.

A few Saturday's ago, Me and my sidekick, my Mom, was thrift shopping and I found everything I needed to make my Gallery Wall come to life. I found the large picture frame @ Goodwill for $1. I painted the frame blue and chalkboard painted over the existing painting that was in it. Next time I will definitly take apart the painting from the frame. I did kinda a crappy job on the chalkboard paint job. I kept getting it on the frame. I may redo this later on.

I found the 3 frames on the right and the serving tray @ KARM Thrift Store. I got all 3 frames and 2 silver serving platters for $14. I took apart all the picture frames and gave them a good coat of black paint and tossed all the AWFUL prints that were in them. One I put a piece of Amy Butler fabric in, another has a black and white picture of a beach and the 3rd one, I just hung the frame with nothing in it, I may get around to finding something to put in it one day or may not! ha.

The silver tray I just painted with chalk board paint. It really needed 2 coats or more because when I wrote on it with the chalk it peeled off some. I also added 2 small framed photos, one of me and the hubby and one from our wedding our hands to complete the wall.

I hung everything with Command strips. This was the first time I had used them and they seem to work great. I guess time will tell.

I'm really please the way it turned out. I would like to find a long sign the length of the display to put on top of it all. I added a lamp, red flowers in milk glass vases, and a scrap fabric garland around the base of the lamp. It's really made a big impact in our living room. Now that I'm on a roll hopefully I can transform my house more into decorated home!!!

Storms :(

2011-03-02T10:34:00.004-05:00

So on Monday some really bad storms swept through East Tennessee. There was a Tornado Watch issued so we had to sit in the hallway at work for 45 minutes until we were given the all clear to go back to our desks. Then the street outside our office flooded. It was a crazy mess! Here a few pictures outside the office on Monday.

This is the creek that runs beside our building. It normally is a little creek but Monday it swelled into a ragging river!
This pictures shows the street (Broadway) flooded and you can't see him good but there is a red image out in the middle of the river, I mean street. It is a man out there on a canoe. I think he just wanted to make it on the news, which he did. Then his canoe flipped over. haha. Thats what he gets for showing off! ha.

This image was from the Kroger parking lot. The bridge to get into the parking lot and the street is completely covered. Luckly the waters all receded by Tuesday Morning and we have been enjoying bright, warm sunshine the past 2 days here in East Tennessee.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:11:00.008-05:00

I thought I'd post some Valentine's Day inspiration photos to put everyone in the Valentine's Day spirit. Me and the Hubby decided to stay home this year and save some money. We exchanged cards this morning and he is cooking me a steak and baked potato dinner tonight! YUM! He is such a good cook. Then after dinner we are going out to Marble Slab for dessert.

I can't wait!

Every Store I went to was sold out of Strawberries so he is going to get his handdipped strawberries later this week, when the grocery store restocks!
Have a Great Day!

Flower Pins

2011-02-11T10:01:00.004-05:00

I started whipping up this cute flower pin last night as an experiment. I think it turned out cute! I just had to wear it to work this morning. I think I may start selling them in my etsy shop. I'm also working on a necklace and headband version of them too! More pics to come of these cuties!

Valentine's Day is Monday!

This year me and the hubby is going to keep it low key since we are trying to save money. I'm going to be making him some Chocolate covered strawberries as part of his V-Day gift, probably not as fancy as the ones above. But still yummy!

Have a Great Weekend!

A cake and weight watchers.........

2011-02-03T15:39:00.004-05:00

My neice Ava turned 5 and I was asked to do a cake for her Birthday Party. Her themed was the new Disney movie "Tangled" so bought the Tangled decorating kit and came up with this design.

So I started doing Weight Watcher's new Points Plus Program on January 25th. I went to my 1st weigh in on Tuesday, Feb. 2nd and have lost 2.2 pounds. I was kinda discouraged cause I have A LONG way to go! I need to lose almost 200 pounds. EEK! So 2 pounds didn't seem like alot. But everything I have been reading lately on the Weight Watchers diet says 1-2 pounds a week is typical weight loss. Its just been a struggle because I have did ALOT of diets in the past and I always drop weight FAST on them. So I'm trying to convince myself to stick with it and maybe this slower rate of weight loss with help me keep it off! I'm halfway through week 2 and I'm doing really good at tracking my intake and making sure I keep within my points. I'm going to start exercising along with it too. I just got to get that motivation to get up early in the morning before work to exercise! But I know once I start doing getting up and exercising it will get easier.

Have a Great Weekend!

Birthday Cake Roundup!

2011-01-27T14:59:00.015-05:00

This week's Ultimate Recipe Swap @ Life as Mom is all about

Birthday and Celebration Cakes.

I am linking this post to her blog today! Below are a few, ok more then a few, of the cakes I have did over the past year for Birthday's or other celebrations!

Cake for Valentine's Banquet @ Church - 2010
Another Cake for the Valentine's Banquet @ Church - 2010

My Mamaw's Birthday Cake - 2009

My neice Ava's Tinkerbell Birthday Cake - 2009

My sister's baby shower cake - 2010

Birthday cake! 2009

My Hubby's Birthday Cake - 2009

I made this cake for my Friend's Grandmother for her Birthday - 2009

My Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary cake - 2009

My neice Ava's Birthday Cake - 2010

My neice, Lily's Birthday Cake - 2010

My Cousin Erica and her friend Bailey's Birthday Cake - 2010

An Apple Cake I made for My Neice, Lily to take to School. - 2010

This is just a sampling of the cakes I have did in the past. My skills continue to improve each year. With 3 neices, a nephew and several cousins I usually get called every month to do a cake for someone. I love coming up with new designs and ideas for cakes. I'm actually doing a cake themed around the Disney movie Tangled for my neice's party this weekend. So look out for those pictures coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT week!

New Handmade Card

2011-01-26T13:21:00.003-05:00

This is the card I made for the Card Club I participate in. This month's challenge was SCALLOPS so I used my handy dandy Cricut Machine and created this little number. Im in LOVE with the color ORANGE and I found this cute paper at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago and had to use it. I can't wait to see all the other creations that the participates of the club comes up with!

Beautiful

2011-01-06T10:36:00.002-05:00

I woke up to this awesome scene outside my house this morning. So beautiful!
Breathtaking.....Beautiful.

2011 Goals

2011-01-03T10:37:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd post my goals for 2011 on here so I could hold myself more accountable to them. Im bad for starting out strong til about March then I forget all the things I resolved for the New Year. Below are a few things I would like to focus on this year:

*Lose weight and get healthy - Ive been on almost every diet imaginable since I was a teenager. You name it, Ive probably done it. So this year, I just want to try to get healthy. Wither I lose a lot of weight or not, I just want to start making better choices in what I eat. I'm starting a food journal so I can hold myself accountable. I also want to try to start walking on the treadmill and eventually getting back into my P90x routine.
*Have a Closer Walk with Jesus - I want to make sure I attend my bible study regularly and finish my Beth Moore "Esther" study. Then I have a Bible that is formatted to read in one year, I would like to complete that. I also want to start a prayer journal so I can see God's work in my life and others. I would also like to read more books by Christian writers.
*Make my house more of a Home - With our busy lifestyle my house is a place where we sleep, take baths and eat. My goal is to live it in more. To organize, clean and decorate more. I would also like to get my "junk" room cleaned out and made into a Craft Room. Right now I have scrapbook stuff, sewing, and painting crafts spread in different areas in my house. I would love to have a craft room to use.
*Start a Family- Me and the hubby have been married for 7 years now and I really want to start trying to concieve. We have tried on and off for those 7 years but never have been blessed, but this year I want to try on our own and if that don't work, start seeking medical help to have a child.
*Grow my Blog - when I started this blog, I did it to try to document my weight loss. Well that went good for a few months til I fell off that diet bandwagon. lol. But now my goal is for my blog to be more of a variety. I want to feature family, decor and homemade projects, goals updates, and anything else that is going on day to day. I would like to start blogging 2-3 days a week instead of 2-3 days a month. I also want to remind myself to take more pictures to be able to document on here.

Im sure I will add to these goals as I go. I hope I can acheive these this year or at least attempt to. I hope everyone has a GREAT 2011!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2010-12-23T09:07:00.002-05:00

Well I probably won't be on the computer anymore after today until after Christmas, so I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas!

And during all the festivites of Christmas please take the time to reflect and celebrate the

ONE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS.

The Birth of Our Risen Savior.....Jesus.

Let HIM cause you GREAT JOY in your Life!

LUKE
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Christmas Decor 2010

2010-12-16T14:48:00.010-05:00

So I'm kinda slacking on Christmas decorating this year. Usually I start the 2nd week of November and by Thanksgiving I have all the inside and outside of my house decked out! But this year, I don't know why I just hadn't got the decorating bug, JUST NOT FEELING IT. Maybe one day when me and the Hubs have kiddos I will like to decorate more, but I hate putting alot of effort into when its just me and him at home. But without further ado, Below is my Christmas Decor for 2010!

I'm loving lime green and red. I had did this color combo a few years ago, so I already had some stuff on hand. I added some silver and blue ornaments to the mix too. I like to do a different theme or color scheme on my tree every year. I have alot of different ornaments on hand that I can mix and match with so I usually just buy new ribbons for my new color schemes.
I also collect Smores Ornaments you can see a few of them in this picture.

My Tree Topper. I was really wanting a Top Hat for my topper, but my near by Cracker Barrel sold out of the one I wanted before I could get it. So I had the red/green striped ribbon from a tree a few years ago, so I just created several loop bows and tied them to the top of the tree. I also had gotten the red and lime green toile ribbon from Hobby Lobby earlier in the season, I strung it all through the tree. Then I added some silver twigs from last years tree and a large snow flake ornament on top. This is my ladder shelf that I have in my living room. I put my Charlie Brown looking tree from HallMark, I got on clearance several years back. My little fat penguin I got on clearance at Cracker Barrel last year, (I LOVE PENQUINS!) so cute! And filled my 3 little milk jug vases with red carnations. I also added a green candle to my favorite candle stick, which is another clearance find from Hobby Lobby.One of my side tables. I stacked up a collection of old school books that I found at a yard sale and topped it with one of my mini nutcrackers and a snowman candle holder I got a Yankee a few years ago. I also put some of the red carnations in my milk glass vases. And of course I have my favorite jar candle sitting there, Pumpkin Pie from Yankee!

The only decoration outside was a NATURAL one. lol. It snowed here in East Tennessee on Monday we got about 4 inches at my house, which is alot for this section of the USA. We also had an ice storm come through last night that made it a nasty slick mess around here.

Another view from the snow fall from Monday. My cute aqua blue chairs I got this summer covered in snow. I like snow, but I can't wait for summer time. Bring on the t-shirts and flip flops!!!!!

Simple Handmade Christmas Card

2010-11-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

I participate in a Holiday Card Swap and this month we had to have our Christmas cards mailed out to the Swap Hostess. This is what I came up with. I had alot of Christmas paper that I have collected over the past two years so I wanted to feature several different patterns of paper. I used my cricut machine and cut them all into strips as seen above. Then tied the sheer white ribbon on them. Simple, Easy and CUTE!

Wordless Wednesdays - Fall has arrived in East Tennessee

2010-11-03T15:53:00.000-04:00

Friday Fives

2010-10-29T09:52:00.008-04:00

Today's Friday Fives is "5 Random Questions!"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1) What's your go to recipe?

Chicken Casserole

1 pack Chicken Breast - baked and shredded

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

1 carton of sour cream (not sure of the ounce size but I get the smaller one)

2 packs of Ritz Crackers

Stick of Butter

First place the chicken in the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, combine the sour cream and cream of chicken soup together in a bowl and then spread this mixture over the chicken. Crush the Ritz Crackers and spread over top of the casserole. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour it over top the crackers. Bake on 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until crackers browned.

This is my go-to reciepe for the holidays, its so easy. Although, I'm a bit tired of making it. lol. I've been married for almost 7 years now and every holiday or occasion with my husband's family when I ask what can I bring? They always say, chicken casserole. I hope they know I can cook something besides that. :) Maybe they just like it alot!

2) When you hear "American food" what comes to mind?

PIZZA!!!! I know that Pizza is not techinically American food, but I think it is more American now days, you can get it anywhere. And its something that almost everyone likes. I know we eat it at my house at least once a week sometimes more!

3) What is one of your "weridest" quirks?

Ive been thinking about this one all morning and I can't think of anything Im really quirky about. I do have some "pet peeves" some things that gets on my ever loving nerves. But I can't think of anything that I'm werid about. Maybe I should have asked my husband this question. Sometimes other people can spot out your quirks better then you can. If I think of anything, I get back to ya........:)

4) What color do you mainly wear?
BLACK AND GREY!!!! It seems like everytime I go shopping I try to put some color in my wardrobe but I always end of getting black and grey items. I don't think there is a day goes by when I don't have one of those colors in at least one article of my clothing! On a side note, if you are a "bigger gal" like myself then check out Lane Bryants Passport Collection. I LOVE IT!! The dress pants are so comfy put really professional looking. The pictures above are from that collection!

5) Always have to say what's on your mind or never speak again?

I would never speak again. Im quite when it comes to confrontation. I'm the type I try to "keep the peace" and make sure everyone is happy. I'm a really good listener, you'll be surprised at what you learn just by listening to people. Some people don't know when to shut up! lol. I also think that is why God blessed me with such a good sense of humor. When someone is angry or upset I can usually have them laughing before to long. So, you will never get in an aruging match with me. Like the old saying goes "If you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all" and I really like this quote "Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble." (Frank Tyger)

Thanks for Reading My Friday Fives!!!

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and a Safe Weekend!!!

Christmas Gift Ideas! Stamped Necklaces

2010-10-19T12:45:00.006-04:00

These handstamped necklaces that are listed in our ETSY Shop are a wonderful one of a kind, handmade item that would make a wonderful Christmas gift. My Mom is the creator behind these cute necklaces. She has made me 2 of them now and I wear them all the time!

They are all made with sterling silver disks, necklaces, and

swarovski pearls or crystals.

This cutie is stamped with tree branches, flowers, and hummingbirds and features a swarovski pearl charm.

This is my favorite necklace in the shop right now!

It reads "PLANT SEEDS" and features a pink and green swarovski crystals and a pearl charm.

Blessed is my favorite word, I like it so much I got it tattooed on my wrist, so I really like this Blessed necklace with the pearl accent charm.
The beach is my favorite place to be, so this necklace with the saying Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses with star fish stamped on it, reminds me of my favorite place. It is also accented with a turquoise swarovski crystal and a pearl charm.

Drop by our shop and check out this cute necklaces and our handmade purses!

Have a GOOD TUESDAY!!!

Halloween Swap

2010-10-18T14:59:00.005-04:00

I participated in a Halloween Swap hosted by Emilie @ Bunch of Scrap.

I was partnered with Jenny @ Lipstick and Laundry
She was such a gracious swap partner!! I LOVED all the goodies she sent me.

These cute blocks say "EEK" on one side and "BOO" on the other.

sorry for the fuzzy photos, I was taking them with my phone and it was un-natural light:(

I really like signs, so I instantly fell in love with this one!
And I didn't get a good shot of the little mummy , but he is holding a banner that says boo!

Here is all my goodies on display on my shelf. The wooden halloween girl, "boo" block letters, pumpkin, halloween penant flags, October 31 sign, and mummy clip. She also sent a banner made of burlap leaves which is also on display in my living room butI failed to get a picture of it.

Thank you so much Jenny!!!

I really like the penant flag idea. I'm gonna have to make me some of those for all the other holidays to display in my milk glass vases. Cute!!

Where does time go???

2010-10-14T15:03:00.004-04:00

Where has this month gone! I can't believe its already the middle of October. Christmas will be here before you know it! I was just going through the pictures on my phone and found a couple I wanted to share on here.

My neice recently started Kindergarden and they had one week that they were studying Apples. Each kid was asked to bring some type of food that was made with Apples or a sample of the fruit itself. So not to be out done, I created Lily an Apple Cake! It is a spice cake, with apple butter filling between the layers. I carved it and then coated it with buttercream icing and rolled fondant over it and made fondant accents. It was a big hit with her class and her teachers. They already let us know that they are studying pumpkins next....I guess that was a hint!
I'm kinda addicted to tattoos here lately. I don't have anything to extravgant, but I've gotten a few new ones in the past few months. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a local tattoo shop was offering pink ribbon tattoos for a small donation to a breast cancer charity. Me and my cousin went and got one! She is a recent breast cancer survior so her tattoo held a special meaning to her. I got one to honor all the special ladies in my family that have battled the diease and beat it!!! I picked out a torn and tattered ribbon. Always have to be different!!!

Well hopefully I will get to post more this month. It is a crazy one for sure. We have fall festivals, trunk or treat, Halloween Parties, My brother is graduation from Firefighter Academy, Halloween and my Mom's Birthday to still look forward to this month. BUSY, BUSY!!!

Friday Fives

2010-10-01T10:28:00.008-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "5 shows that are coming back on fall that you have missed over the Summer! That's right we are talking TV AGAIN!!!

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me And My Life

1) MODERN FAMILY!! This is my favorite show! It's hilarious!

2) Cougar Town! It comes on after Modern Family. So funny! It'd be cool to have friends like this to hang out with everyday.

3) NCIS LA! All I got to say is LL Cool J. Yummy!!

4) THE MIDDLE! This comes on before Modern Family. Another funny show. I love me some comedy show. Laughter does a body good!!!

5) NCIS! I so could be good friends with Abby on here she is so awesome!

Some other of my favorite show:

THE OFFICE! Cracks me up!!

PARENTHOOD! I just started watching this show. Its really good.

Thanks for reading my Friday Fives Picks!!

Have a GREAT WEEKEND! Im hitting the ATV trails at RoyalBlue WMA (Tennessee) bright and early Saturday morning. I can't wait to enjoy this awesome fall weather while riding 4-wheelers through the mountains!!

My Crazy Busy Life

2010-09-29T11:20:00.005-04:00

I've been such a bad blogger here lately. I fell into a rut where I've only been doing link up posts to other blogs. Its been crazy, busy as always around here. I work a regular 40 hour a week job at a local hospital and Me and My mother also own and operate a community newspaper. So between those 2 jobs I'm always busy. But, then this month started the Craft Show Season so we've been setting up at craft shows also. So that's why my blog is low on my list of things to do.
Im kinda glad I don't have kids yet cause I don't know when I'd have time to sleep if I had kids thrown into the mix of what all I have to accomplish in a day.

Below are some new hair accessories that I have been making and selling at craft shows. Hopefully, I will get them listed on ETSY soon. The 2 pictures below are flower headbands but I also have been making the fabric flowers in various sizes and attaching them to hair clips also for people who don't like the headband look.

(Sorry about my roots in this pic! My highlights where in bad need of a redo. lol.)

(Instead of having my highlights touched up, I went all brown for the fall. I love changing my hair color!)

And I have to leave you with this SWEET pic below. These are my fur babies.

Charlie the light brown one and Mason the chocolate brown one.

Have a GOOD WEDNESDAY!!!

Friday Fives

2010-09-17T10:18:00.007-04:00

This Week's Friday Fives is

"Five Things you would get from the CSN Store.com"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

I LOVE this Light Fixture! It would look so cute in my kitchen or bathroom

I really want a Kitchen Aid Mixer. Id like to have an orange one.

I've been wanting Rachel Ray cookware for a while! I love the Orange handles.

Im definitly in need of new bedding. I love this black and white number. Id jazz it up with some bright, fun pillows.

I've been looking for a rug for my living room which has a cottage/nautical feel. I love this striped rug. I think it would look awesome in there.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

And...Go Vols!

2010-09-10T15:28:00.003-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "5 Things your remember about 9-11-01".
Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1. I remember I was in College getting ready for a early morning class. I was downstairs at my parents house putting on my makeup when my dad hollared at me to come see the tv.

2.When I first started watching I thought it was a bad accident with the one plane burning in the first building but then I remember watching as the 2nd airplane hit the 2nd tower and feeling a sickening feeling in my stomach and couldn't believe it was happening, this was no accident.

3. I finally made it to school, I was late to class. After the first class, I went to my 2nd morning, public speaking class and they announced they were closing the school for the rest of the day because of the attack in New York.

4. I left school and headed to work early, at the time I was working as a Manager at a grocery store. It was pure panic at the store that day. Everyone had heard rumors that their was not going to be any food, water or gas. It was like the world had came to an end. I remember we sold out of all the bottle water we had and our gas station was packed all day long. I stayed at work til after midnight because we were so crowded. It was a crazy night! You didn't know wither to believe what the crowd was saying or not.

5. I finally went home and continued to watch the news coverage over the next several days. I remember praying alot for the people in New York that lost family and friends.

A Hero

The morning froze in silence as the terror filled our hearts we stared in disbelief at what we saw.

Through the dust we felt so helpless,wishing that we could have known.

We hold our families close, as we watched them fall.

Some people didn't waiver, they had a job to do.

There was nothing that could keep them away.

Oh, it's a special kind of hero who would sacrifice themselves -

so I could spend another day with you.

And for all the fallen heroes who saved a life that day your courage unites a nation,

and we'll remember you.

So many people crying, walking in a dazeholding pictures of their loved ones

through an empty haze.

Our Heroes didnt falter, they held out a helping hand remembering their own children,

as they rushed inside again.

They didnt waiver, they had a job to do and some never made it home that day.

Oooh well remember you. We honor you, salute, respect and cherish you.

Not many people can do the duty that you knew on that cold September day.

Lyrics by Amy Matthew ASCAP 2008, music by Karen Mack from KAR Records.

Have a Good Weekend Folks! And Remember all the People who were affected during 9-11-2001 especially the Fallen Heros!

And for the collage football fans... GO VOLS!!!!!!

Random Pics From My Phone

2010-09-09T09:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday one of the ladies at work had went to a local craft store and bought the stuff to make a flower arrangement for a funeral she has to attend and then brought everything in to work and asked me to do it! So I sat at my desk and came up with this arrangement, it was so much fun! So better then doing my real work. I love all the fall colors that she picked out. Even my boss came in my office and said "Why are you working here?" She said you are so talented and creative why do you work here? I told her to find me a job making what I do and I would be out the door cause I would definitly much rather be creating then staring at medical insurance issues all day!

And I had to throw this picture in here. These are my two precious babies, my mini dachshunds. Charlie is the light brown one (or the official color of him is Isabella) and Mason the darker one or chocolate. They are so sweet! They probably heard a squirrel or something over in the woods when I took this picture. Please overlook my red clay mud backyard, we have had a awlful time getting grass to grow back there since we moved into our house. But we don't go back there much, just to let the dogs out so its been a little neglected.

Have a good Thursday!!!

Friday Fives

2010-09-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "5 Things That are always in the Fridge".

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1) Diet Coke is a MUST HAVE in my Fridge. I have started limiting myself to 1 a day but I have to have one in the morning to get my caffine rush in.
2.) Milk! My hubby drinks milk like water. Sometimes I have to buy 2-3 gallons a week!

3.) Yogurt - I always keep Yoplait Yogurt in the fridge. Its a easy, fairly healthy snack and I usually eat one along with my breakfast or lunch at work everyday. Its a healthy dessert!

4.) Bologna - I know bologna isn't the healthy and its probably made with some werid pork parts but I LOVE it! I try not to eat it alot, but I always keep a pack in the fridge for a quick sandwich when I get to busy to make a meal.

5.) Cheese - is another staple in my fridge. I use it alot in cooking and when I make sandwiches. I usually have a couple bags of shredded and some sliced cheese on hand all the time.

And there is usually always LEFT OVERS in the fridge! lol.

Hope everyone has a GREAT WEEKEND!!

Its the first kick-off of the season for the VOLS football this weekend here in Knoxville! The University of Tennessee is playing Tennessee Martin here in Knoxville on Saturday. Everyone is pumped because we got a new head coach, Derek Dooley. I hope they do good this year.

GO BIG ORANGE!!!!

Wordless Wendesdays - Me and The Hubby's New Ride!!

2010-09-01T09:11:00.003-04:00

Friday Fives

2010-08-26T10:55:00.010-04:00

This Week's Friday Fives is "Random Question Week"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life
1. Something you are OCD about?
At the end of my day at work, my desk has to be totally cleaned up. All the pens returned to their holder, all my paperwork in file folders. It can look like total chaos during the day, but before I leave it has to be neat.

2. Your favorite quote?
"Im not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship" ~Louise May Alcott
3.What is the farthest you have been from home?
We don't get out of the south much. I would love to be a world traveler but so far Chicago, Il is the fartherest I have ever been.
4.Do you do a real or fake Christmas tree?
FAKE!!! Id love to have a real tree, but I like decorate early. Sometimes I put my tree up at the begining of November. I like to get all my decorating out of the way early so I can focus on other things during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and be able to enjoy my tree and other decor.

5.First Blog you ever read?
A preacher's wife was telling me and my mom several years ago about shopping at CVS and scoring really good deals using coupons and the ECBs that print out when you use your CVS card. She referred us to the Money Saving Mom blog. I love it! She has a link for store deals for store all over the US and the coupons and where you can find them to match up with the deals listed.
The Lettered Cottage is another blog that was one of the first blogs I started looking at. I love Layla and Kevin's design style. Their home that they are constantly making over and decorating is so lovely. It really inspires me to how I want to decorate my home.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Friday Fives

2010-08-20T11:46:00.008-04:00

This week's Friday Fives topic is "Tell me 5 things about your dream house- scour the world wide web and find pictures or just tell us about it, where it will be, size...! "

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

Well my dream house would be at a beach. Somewhere it would stay warm for the most part of the year. Id like a moderate size beach cottage. Not to small but not to big. I love the feel of a cottage!!! Below are my 5 wants in my cottage:

1) Outside Space! Living at the beach I of course would want to stay outside alot. So I want my dream house to have a covered outside living space. Complete with a pool overlooking the beach.

2) Living Room - I love the clean, white open feeling a cottage gives off. And I really dig those blue stripe chairs. I could imagine myself sitting in one reading a book.

I also like this living room picture too. Its also has a clean comfy feel to it with touches of blue to remind you of the beach.

3) Kitchen - now I also like a country look too and I love this Kitchen. Ive used this picture several times now on my blog. I think this will forever be my dream kitchen. I love all the mixed colored cabintery.

4) Dining Room - I love this dining room. My kitchen table and chairs are kinda the same as this one. I may redo mine like these. Love those blue stripes!!

5) Bedroom - This bedroom is AWESOME! This bed is just calling me to sleep in it and listen to the ocean as I nap!

6) Bathroom - This is another HAVE TO HAVE when I get my dream house, a overflowing bath tub. But imagine the view as a beach instead of the country setting.

Have a Great WEEKEND!!!

Friday Fives

2010-07-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is Five Random Questions.

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1.If you could be on a show(talk show, game show...) which one would you pick?
I want to go on the Biggest Loser so bad!!!

2. What was your first job?
I was a cashier at the Wal-Mart in Pigeon Forge, TN when I was 15.

3. What's one of your guilty pleasure?
I love going to the water park and laying out in the sun by the pool. I also enjoy a Starbuck Frappechino at least once a week!

4. Would you ever vacation alone?
I'd like to say yes, but in a family as big as mine there is someone bound to want
to tag along. But I think it would be nice to take at least a mini vacation alone.

5. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever
that is)?
I'm not really a political person, I usually listen to what each canidant has to
say and place my vote upon that. I just hope my grandma doesn't read this post
cause she is a die-hard "old time" democrat and would kill me if she knew I
didn't vote democrat all the time. lol.

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!!

Card Swap

2010-07-22T09:33:00.002-04:00

My card swap group's deadline was this month for our Halloween cards. This is what I came up with. I bought this digtal stamp at Whimsie Doodles and colored it in with some feather tipped markers I got from Hobby Lobby. I'm wanting to start me a collection of Copics markers but for now my cheap Hobby Lobby Markers will have to do the job. This is my first time working with digtal stamps and I love them! I can't wait to make more.

Happy Birthday.....

2010-07-15T09:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today Im celebrating my 29th Birthday. EEKKK!!! On more year to the Big 30.

Im so not excited about that one.

Friday Fives

2010-07-09T09:14:00.009-04:00

This weeks Friday Fives are 5 of your Favorite Blogs to Read!

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

Well narrowing it down to 5 was a little tough cause I read ALOT of blogs each week. Sometimes it makes me feel like a stalker. lol. Here are the top blogs I visit the most (and of course I had to list more than five). Just click on the Blog headers and it will link you up to that blog.

This is a great home design and inspriation sight. I love the beach cottage feel and Layla blog is full of cottage inspiration and designs. She just got back from designing/decorating a cottage in Tybee Island, GA. So there is a ton of pictures on there now of that cottage. She also shows how you don't have to have alot of money to decorate your home. Alot of her stuff comes from yard sales and thrift stores. She shows how to make them new again! Love this blog!
This is a great recipe and money saving site. Her recipes are always easy ones, with stuff you probably have at home already or can easily find in a grocery store. Her homemade waffles and bread recipes are AMAZING!

This blog is FULL of money saving tips and tricks. She posts weekly store deals and printable coupons. She also hosts great giveaways!

This blog is great if you love to do crafts and projects at home. It is full of ideas and inspirations!

I just found this blog this week. But Im loving it. Im a big girl, but I still like to look fashionable and stylish. This lady's blog show you how to do it!

I love to make handmade cards. This is a great blog to get ideas from. MelJen's has a awesome design team and they have card challenges you can participate in each week. They also sell digital stamps in their shop.

The lady who writes this blog is so inspiring. She has lost over 100 pounds and blogs about her adventures to stay in shape. Right now she is into cycling. She has alot of good tips and inspirations on her blog.

Have a GREAT WeEkEnD!!!!

New Etsy Listings

2010-07-08T09:00:00.003-04:00

Below are some new purses and jewelry my Mom has listed in our Etsy Shop. Check it out!!

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-07-07T10:35:00.004-04:00

These are a few cakes Ive did over the past month for my family's birthday parties!

Friday Fives

2010-06-25T09:45:00.006-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "5 Random Questions"

1. If given a choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

I would lay by or be in a pool for most of the day. Then I would probably go get dressed and go watch a really good chick flick!

2.If you could start fresh, what profession would you choose?

That's a hard thing for me to answer, cause there is so many things I would like to do. I would go to mourtary science school and become a funeral director/embalmer. I would also like to get my graphic design degree and do something in law enforcement. I know that all sounds crazy but its just stuff that Im interested in.

3.What is your favorite candy or candy bar?

PayDay Bars are the perfect candy bar. Its sweet and salty!

4.Have your ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought an"As seen on TV item"?

I actually got one of these for Christmas. I haven't tried it out yet. But it looks pretty neat.

5. Whats the movie you ALWAYS cry at??

Friday Fives is hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-06-16T10:51:00.004-04:00

My new nephew, Roman. He was born yesterday at 12:57pm. He is precious!

Wordless Wednesdays (almost)

2010-06-09T15:20:00.004-04:00

This is the cake I made for my sister's baby shower this past weekend. I thought it turned out so cute!!

Top 2 Tuesdays

2010-06-08T09:51:00.009-04:00

Today's Top 2 Tuesday is your 2 Favorite Books.

Top 2 Tuesday is hosted by The Undomestic Momma

I LOVE all the Twilight Series books. But Eclipse is probably my favorite of the 4. I know these books are primary written for teenagers. But I am so into them!

This book really freaked me out. I think this is the only book I ever cried through while I was reading it. It really makes you think about your faith!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Im such an avid reader so it was hard just to pick 2 books that I liked. I have so many! Below are some author's that I LOVE and have to read every book they come out with!

Dr. Bill Bass - he co-writes his fiction works with Jon Jefferson they go under the pen name Jefferson Bass. Dr. Bass is a retired professor from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). He is the one who started the Body Farm! All his books are great! Ive had the privledge of meeting him several times and he always has great stories to tell of his research and discoveries.

Patricia Cornwell. The reason I started reading her books back in high school is because she wrote a book called The Body Farm. It was based upon Dr. Bass's research facility. After I read it I was hooked on all her books. She has several good ones!

Janet Evanovich. Her books are hilarious!! She has a series about a girl bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum who gets into crazy situations on a daily bases. Its so funny!! Her car is always getting blown up or she and her friends are always getting into crazy predicements while she is out trying to catch bad guys. Her family is also crazy and funny! These are great books to read if you need a good laugh!

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Friday Fives

2010-06-04T13:56:00.006-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is

"If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 things you would have?"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1.) My Sony Reader! I got it a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!! I'd want it loaded down with books though to read.

2.) My Contigo Water Bottle! This is also something else that goes with me where ever I go.

3) A cooler full of food, ice and beverages!

4) A Tent to sleep in at night. Preferably with a sleeping bag and air bed inside.

5) And this man to keep me company! I LOVE Vin Deisel!

Weekend Getaway

2010-06-02T13:04:00.007-04:00

This past weekend we went to camp and ride four wheelers (atvs) at Royal Blue WMA in East Tennessee. Below are pictures of the place we stayed, Ride Royal Blue. The lady who owns this place really runs a nice operation. She has cabins, trailers, camper/rv sites, or tent sites. She also has a General Store and a Lodge where they serve Breakfast and Dinner if you don't feel like taking your own food to cook. The place also has direct trail access to one of the largest riding areas in the state of Tennessee, Royal Blue.

This is the Lodge where you can hang out on the wrap around front porch or go inside for a yummy biscuit and gravy breakfast!

I had such a blast this weekend! I wished I had gotten pictures of us riding the trails but I didn't have a chance. We are apart of the RoyalBlue Rangers ATV Club so we were asked by a group to take them out on the trails since they didn't know the area. We went for a night ride on Saturday night (so awesome!) and Sunday we took a group of about 20 dirt bikes out for a VERY FAST pace ride. We were going 30-40 miles per hour down some of those trails! SO FUN!! Also Sunday night the camp ground had a concert featuring a local band so we all hung out and danced and socialize, while others went out for another night ride. I hated for the weekend to end on Monday Morning when we packed up and headed back home!

Im lucky I live so close to 3 great riding areas here in East Tennessee. We can pack up and go almost anytime cause we are only 45 minutes to an hour away. I can't wait to go again!

Friday Fives

2010-05-28T08:49:00.005-04:00

Today's Friday Fives topic is "Five Random Question Answered by Me"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1. Are you a MAC or a PC??? I am definity a PC. I have worked on Mac's before and really like them but I have always used a PC. I do hope to get a IPAD sometime this year so I may switch my computer preferance then too!

2. If you could go anywhere on vacation this summer where would you go??? I just want to go SOMEWHERE. I'd LOVE to go to a beach - any beach. And if thats not possible I wouldn't care to go camping. As long as there is water around wither it be a lake, beach or pool that is where I want to be!

3. Which is your most cherished childhood memory? I don't know if I have one specific memory. We had alot of FUN TIMES! I am blessed with a loving, close family. I have a brother and a sister and we always had fun together. Playing softball, riding bikes, going on vacations, what ever it was my parents always made sure we had a good time!

4. What were you doing the last time that you had a good laugh?
Dang I get good laughs everyday! Im very comical and find humor in almost all situations. I laughed hard last night when I attended a SENIOR Prom at a Assisted Living Facility. Me and my Mom own a community newspaper and was asked to attend and take pictures. Well those old folks can shake what they Momma gave them! They even pulled me in there to do the chicken dance with them. I was crackin' up! Those little men looked "pimped" in their suits and alot of them had asked some of the lady residents to be their date. So cute!!

5. What is your favorite book or magazine??(We need some beach read ideas) Twilight Series, Patricia Cornwell, Janet Evanovich (so funny), Mary Kay Andrews, Adrianna Triganni. Those are a few of my favorites! I recently bought me a Sony Reader and have downloaded several books and alot of classics to it. Right now Im reading Pride and Prejudges by Jane Austen.

New Cake Creation

2010-05-24T10:26:00.004-04:00

This is a cake I made last week for my cousin and her friend's birthday party this past Friday. They were both turning 19. I hand cut the E (for Erica) and the B (for Bailee) and the whole cake is done in fondant. The cake flavors is white on the bottom, chocolate in the middle, and strawberry on top! Oh by the way the flowers in the background were not on the cake. That was some flowers that mom had in vase. The way I had angled the camera made them almost look like the were blooming out of the top of the cake. lol

Top 2 Tuesday

2010-05-18T10:12:00.006-04:00

This week's Top 2 Tuesday topic is "2 Things to do before I die"

Top 2 Tuesday is hosted by The Undomestic Momma

Well there is ALOT I want to do before I die. But the 2 things I picked today centers around work...of course. And please don't think Im totally werid when you read what those 2 professions choices would be.

Cake Bakery! I LOVE to decorate cakes. One day I'd love to own my own Cake Bakery.

This one pictured above is from the Cake Boss on tv, its Carlos Bake Shop. It would be so cool to make and sell cakes and other sweet treats!

Funeral Home! Ok, here is where you all will probably think I am so werid. But I have always wanted to own a Funeral Home. I want to be a Funeral Director/Embalmer. I know its sounds werid but someone has to do it and I've always been fasicnated by it. The only problem is the only school in Tennessee for embalmers is in Nashville which is several hours away from where I live. Maybe one day I'll have the opportunity where I can go to school for this.

So maybe one of these 2 professions will pan out for me! I bet you never met a cake decorating embalmer before. (haha!) Some other things I would like to do is travel the country, have children, be a K-9 police officer, go to Italy, win the lotto, and get skinny!

Ok, so some of these are far fetched but a girl can dream can't she?

4th of July Cards

2010-05-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

I participate in a Holiday Card Swap and this is the card design I came up with for 4th of July! I found this cute vintage flag paper at Hobby Lobby so I distressed it with brown ink and added the sheer ribbon with the stiching through it and the polka dot scalloped circle I cut out on my Cricut Machine (accents cartiridge). Ive also been experimenting with stamping so here is a cute stamp I bought off ebay (Its a retired stamp from the Stampin Up Company). I bought some brushed tip markers also from Hobby Lobby and colored the different parts of the image before I stamped it onto my off white card stock circle (also cut on the cricut-plantin schoolbook cartridge).

HaPpY MoNdAy!

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-05-12T10:08:00.003-04:00

I took this picture at my in-laws house this weekend. Their cat just had these cute kittens about a month ago. They are precious!!

Top 2 Tuesdays - Dream Homes

2010-05-11T09:17:00.008-04:00

Today's Top 2 Tuesday topic is "Dream Houses"

Top 2 Tuesday is hosted by The Undomestic Momma

Well as you can see both of my Dream House picks are Farm Houses. One is a new house and the other is an old one. I have lived in the country my whole life and have always wanted a farm house with a wrap around porch. It doesn't have to be nothing to fancy. I have always thought it would be cool to buy an old fixer upper farm house and be able to make it my own.

1.) New Farm House

2) The old Farm House

I LOVE this kitchen. I had this picture in my wish list folder for a while now. I love how the modern convenices mix with the old look of the cabinets. I love all the colors they have used for the island and cabinets too!

A big fire place in the living room would also be a must for my farm house. I love this big stone fire place. Also the over all look of this room makes me want to cuddle up on that chair with the blanket and read some of those books!!!

And ever since I saw this bath tub, I knew if I ever can afford to build a new home, I have to have one of these. Its a over flowing bath tub that sits down in the floor. I want one so bad!!!

Weight Loss Update!!

2010-05-10T12:11:00.003-04:00

So Im super excited!! I had to share!!!

I have lost 18 pounds since I started P90x and my low carb diet!!!! I still have a really long way to go but Ive been doing it for 5 weeks now(P90x), so Im super excited Ive lost that much in that little amount of time! It really keeps you motivated to keep going when you see results like that. It really makes those 5am workouts that much easier to do.

If you are on a weight loss/lifestyle change journey - just keep going it will be worth it in the end!!!

I try to keep Dorey from Nemo's saying in my head when Im starting to struggle

"JUST KEEP SWIMMING, JUST KEEP SWIMMING!"

I know that kinda stupid but, it helps to know if you keep on keeping on it will finally get you to your goal!!

HaPpY MoNdAy!!!

Friday Fives

2010-05-07T09:35:00.012-04:00

Today's Friday Fives topic is "My 5 favorite Snacks"

Friday Fives are hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1.) Atkin's Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! So I've been on a low carb, high protein diet since the end of March. So these bars are my life saver! When ever I want something sweet I eat one of these. They taste good and only have 2 carbs!

NOW ONTO MY FAVORITE SNACK

IF I WASN'T ON A DIET!

2) ICE CREAM!!! I could eat ice cream for every meal of the day. I LOVE IT and it is my weakness! Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Mint....I love most any flavor. YUM!

3) Frito's Honey BBQ Twist! My chip of choice. lol. If I had to choose between a sweet snack and a salty snack. I would pick a salty one every time. I love chips. But Im proud to say I haven't cheated and ate them since the end of March. Im trying to be good!! lol.

4) Kettle Corn. Yumm-O! I really like to get kettle corn at the different craft shows and festivals we go to throughout the year. There is nothing like fresh made kettle corn.

5) French Onion Dip and Wavy Chips. Another Chip obcession of mine. I could eat a whole bowl of dip and chips. Its GOOD!!!

So as you can tell from all my choices Im such a FAT KID!!!! lol. Im trying to be good and eat healthy now because I got quite a bit of weight Im trying to lose. Ive lost 15 lbs. so far the past 4 weeks so Im trying to keep it up and not indulge in my favorite snacks.

I hope everyone has a GREAT WEEKEND!!

And remember to keep praying and helping out Nashville, TN if you can - the people and businesses there need your support!

HELP NASHVILLE!!!

2010-05-04T14:03:00.005-04:00

PLEASE HELP NASHVILLE, TN!!!!!

Nashville, TN suffered severe flooding this week. The whole town is devistated. Many local landmarks are flooded.

The people of Nashville are in need of help!

There are many lives being lost, many business's destroyed, and many familes being displaced because of the flooding. National media has not been covering this disaster and Nashville isn't recieving the help that they need in a timely matter. If you can help please send money to the Red Cross, blog about the disaster so it will gain exposure, contact the national media to see why they aren't covering the disaster, and most importantly PRAY for the people in Nashville. God Bless!

Check out Beth's Blog @ Just Me and My Life for more information or to learn more about the severe flooding and problems in Nashville.

Friday Fives

2010-04-30T09:54:00.012-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "Your 5 Favorite Movies"

Friday Fives is hosted by Beth @ Just Me and My Life

1. Twilight Series Movies!!! I know they are supose to be for teenage girls, but they are my favorite movies!! I watch them all the time. Im so in love with Edward! Why can't all guys be like that.

2. Avatar. Ok so Im in no way a sci-fi fan. And I would have never even rented this movie, but the other night my hubby rented it and I watched it with him. It was really good. It had a good love story to it and it was kind of suspenseful at times. I can't believe I liked it as much as I did.

3. John Wayne movies. Well I always wished I grew up in the Wild West times. I would so be an outlaw cowgirl! But I really love John Wayne movies. Rooster Cogburn and McClintock are my two favorites but all of his are good. These are the movies I watch the most probably.

4. Talladega Nights. Man, I LOVE me some Will Ferrell. He is a hottie! This is probably my favorite movie he has done. I watch this movie all the time and reference it quite a bit when Im joking around with people. "Im gonna come at you like a spider monkey", "Im all jacked up on Mountain Dew", "Im on fire, Im on fire", "I think of my Jesus as lead singer for Lynard Skynard and Im in the front roll and Im hammered drunk....cause I like to party" .........haha. Im cracking up just thinking about it. Think I might have to watch this one tonight!!

5. Madea Movies. As you can tell from some of my movie choices Im a HUGE comedy fan. Id rather watch a comedy movie that anything. And Madea movies are some of the best comedys. I love the way Tyler Perry can protray all these different characters.

Thanks for reading my Friday FIVES!!

Top Two Tuesdays

2010-04-27T15:17:00.006-04:00

Today's Top 2 Tuesday hosted by The Undomestic Momma is

Top 2 Favorite Things about Summer

1. Picnics at the Lake
Im fortuate to live 15 minutes from a lake. We go up there all the time in the summer and picnic, fish, swim and sometimes go out on a boat. Its my most favorite thing to do in the summer!

2. Riding ATVs and Camping

I love riding my atv in the summer. Its so fun to ride through the woods and play in the creeks when you get hot. Then go back to camp and cook out and hang out with friends. Love it!

Friday Fives

2010-04-23T08:54:00.010-04:00

This week Friday Fives is Your 5 Favorite Restaurants

You can join in with Friday Fives - just link your post on Beth's blog, Just Me and My Life

These are my 5 FAVORITES here in East Tennessee!

1. Aubrey's is my absoulte favorite!! Everything is awesome there. Everytime I go I have to get the spinach artichoke dip as an appitizer.

2. Louis is an Great Local Italian Place here in Knoxville. They have the best spagetti ever!! Sometimes when we are having birthday parties we will call Louis and order a Large order of their spagetti sauce and then go home and cook the noodles and stuff.

3. Litton's is another local place in Knoxville. It is well known for their awesome hamburgers and their super awesome desserts. Their Italian Cream Cake is to die for!!! If you ever go expect to wait. There is always a crowd.

4. This restaurant is located in Pigeon Forge, TN. It is one of the best places around for chicken wings. They have a platter of 25 wings you can buy and they have probably 40 different sauces you can choose from. Their hand battered onion rings are really good too.

5. When Im in the mood for some good Japanese food, I head to Wasabi's. It has 2 locations in West Knoxville. They have the best tasting Japanese food that I have had so far. There Raspberry Saki is really good too!

Some other places I like to go to is: Sam & Andy's (Knoxville) they have good Phily Chesse Steaks, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Del's Pizza (Kodak/Sevierville) the best pizza I have EVER eat, and Chandler's (East Knoxville) they are the best local homecooking (soul food) restaurant around! Yummy, think I might go there for lunch today. lol

Now for the "Haters" List: Im not a big fan of fast food-I dislike Long John Silvers, McDonalds, Taco Hell (I mean Bell...lol), and a Japanese Place in Kodak called Mr. Miyagi's. Yuck! There are probably more "Haters" but that is all I can think of for now!

Total Randomness

2010-04-22T10:13:00.007-04:00

Ok so I know you probably didnt want to see a big picture of my foot today, (sorry about that) but check out my new tattoo I got last night. As you can see its still swollen and very red. It hurt like heck!! Ive got other tattoos and none of them hurt as bad as the foot did. I don't usually cry (at all) but this one brought some tears to my eyes. But it was so worth it!!
My neice Lily turned 5 earlier this month and here is a pic of her cake I decorated for her. She was having a Fashion Girl Party (in the words of Lily) . So she wanted necklaces, braclets, rings, and sunglasses on her cake. So I delievered. I love all the bright colors. I think it turned out cute! Plus it was really yummy too!!!!
To add to the randomness of this post, I am so sad for Kate. I voted for her every week hopeing to keep her on DWTS. I know she wasn't that great of a dancer but I was so proud of her for having the guts to go out there and do that! I couldn't imagine taking care of 8 kids and then practicing for the show everyday. I don't care what people say, I LOVE KATE!!! I think she is awesome!!!

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-04-21T09:44:00.001-04:00

My workout this morning......OUCH!

Friday Fives

2010-04-16T09:10:00.004-04:00

This week's Friday Fives topic is
"5 things you don't know about me"

1. I'm a work-a-holic! I work a full time job as a Medical Billing Rep for a local hospital, then me and my Mom own a community newspaper and publish it once a month, I do some graphic design work for different projects, I also decorate cakes several times a month for people, I'm a secretary of a local ATV Club, I make scrapbook cards, banners, and aprons and my Mom make purses and accessories and run an etsy shop as well as have booths at several craft shows throughout the year, and whatever else I can find time to do.

2. I'm a member of the 5am Club! This is starting my 2nd week of getting up at 5am to workout. Im doing P90x system! It is brutal. But after I get up and do the workout I feel so much better for the rest of the day.

3. I love the Outdoors! I love to camp, fish, ride my atv, and just hang out by a big campfire. During the summer we ride our ATVs at several times a month. We have several local areas like Royal Blue, Windrock and Brimstone. But we have also went to other parks out of the state to ride. Like Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia, Prentice Cooper in Chattanooga, and Black Mountain in Evarts, KY. Its a blast!!! I'm such a tomboy sometimes. I also drag race my ATV in several events every year! Fun Stuff!

4. I have 3 cute neices and a nephew on the way!!! My brother has 2 daughter's Ava (4) and Taylor (3) and my sister has a daugther Lily (5) and a little boy on the way due her the middle of June, his name is going to be Roman Tyler. Cute!!

5. When I grow up I want to be a mortician and a police officer. lol. Yes, I have always wanted to go to mortuary science school and get a degree so I can be a funeral director and embalmer. I know thats kinda werid to most people but Ive always been interested in it. Also I have taken some citizien classes at our local police department and Im really interested in being a police officer too. I got to do a ride along with a cop one day and it was really fun. So if I eventually drop all this weight and get buff doing my P90x then I might try out for the Police Department. If you knew me though, I have had goals of having a lot of different professions - in college I wanted to be lawyer (that didn't happen), then I wanted to be graphic designer (which I kinda am), Ive wanted to be a cosmetologist, a private investigator, and who know what else Ive said I wanted to be over the years. Maybe one day I will find a profession and stick to it! lol.

Friday Fives is hosted by Beth @ Just me and My Life.

Wordless Wednesdays (almost)

2010-04-14T15:05:00.004-04:00

This is where I'd like to be this weekend. Hanging out by the lake or on it if I can hitch a ride on my uncle's boat. lol. I may try to get away for a picnic or something up there this weekend. (its only 15 minutes from my house) :)

Titanic Attraction Grand Opening with REGIS!!!

2010-04-08T16:57:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I had the privlege of going to the Grand Opening of the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN. Me and my Mom own a community newspaper in the area so they gave us VIP tickets to come cover it. It is so cool!!! I definitly recommend everyone to go if you are ever visiting Pigeon Forge.

This is to show you what the Captain and Crew saw when they were about to hit the ice berg.

This dress is made from a Lady Duff design. She was a promient dress maker/designer in those days. They said every high society lady in First Class had a Lady Duff Dress.

We got to do an interview with the Titanic Attractions owner, John Josyln and the one and only Regis Phillman!!!! It was so cool to get to meet Regis. He is so funny!! He kept calling us the Papparazzi. lol

This is a replica of the First Class Suite of Mr. and Mrs. Straus the owners of Macy's Dept. Store. They both parished when the ship sank. Also in attendance yesterday was the Straus's great grandson. It was so cool to meet him and get to talk to him about his great grandparents. He said his mother (the Straus's grand daugther) was only 6 years old when the ship sank. They said that the Straus's was the true love story on the Titanic. She refused to board a life boat because she didn't want to leave her husband. So they both went down with the ship.

This is Captain Smith christening the ship.

This is a great attraction, especially for familes. Its got alot of artifacts throughout it and they have replicated many portions of the ship so you can see how it all looked back in those days.

Wordless Wednesdays

2010-04-07T12:15:00.004-04:00

Friday Fives

2010-04-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

This week's Friday Fives topic is

"5 things I would buy if money were no option"

Now this one was hard cause I got a big list of things that I would like to have. But since I had to narrow it down to five here they are:

Well first I would go buy a new ring. Cause diamonds are a girls best friend, right?

I love this ring. It was made by De Beers and is called the Secret Kiss of the Rose Ring. It is a 10+ caret diamond with a .80 caret pink diamond set in the center of it. I'm a country girl through and through. So I'd definitly have to trade my little Toyota Tacoma pickup in for a really BIG Truck! I could do some serious muddin' in that thing!!

I don't want a fancy, expensive car but I would like to have a new drop top camero. These are due out next year. But of course it would be black, because I only drive black cars/trucks.

A beach house! This one is in Hawaii for $25 million.

Id definitly have to have a Hermes Birkin bag. Most of these start around $6,000 and go up from there depending on what type of leather is used. Love it!

I'll be linking this blog post back to the host of

Friday Fives, Beth at Just me and My Life.

Easter Etsy Finds

2010-03-31T09:21:00.010-04:00

I love hand smocked dresses for little girls like this one, you can find it here. My Mom used to make them for us when we were little and now my 3 neices wear them. So precious!
If you have a little boy, these handmade neck ties would be a cute option for Easter. You can find them here. I can't wait til my nephew is born so I can buy cute stuff like this for him!

This cute Easter banner is available here.

These beautiful decoupage eggs can be found here.

These cute Easter basket was made from a old coffee bean bag. You can find it here.

ABC's

2010-03-30T10:22:00.002-04:00

I found this on Beth's blog who hosts Friday Fives. I thought it be fun to fill out.

A. AREA CODE :Strawberry Plains, TN
B. BED SIZE: Queen
C. CHORE YOU HATE: washing dishes, thank goodness for dish washers
D. DOG'S NAME: Mason, my mini dachshund
E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: DIET COKE
F. FAVORITE COLOR: Red and Black
G. GOLD OR SILVER: Silver
H. HEIGHT: 5' 11"
I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY: NONE, except for the drums in the Rock Band game.
J. JOB: Medical Insurance Billing/Accounts Recievables
K. KIDS: not yet
L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: I live in my own house
M. MOM'S NAME: Angie
N. NICKNAME: my 4-wheeling friends call my KG (Kountry Gurl)
O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: never
P. PET PEEVE: people who wear black and brown together. gross!
Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: "And so the Lion fell in love with the Lamb" Edward Cullen, Twilight.
R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Left
S. SIBLINGS: younger sister and younger brother
T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: I try to at 6:30
U. UNDERWEAR: No comment
V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: celery
W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE:I sleep late ALOT!!!!
X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: hips, teeth/mouth, legs
Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: Can't choose. I cook alot! Ive been making a Pizza Dip here lately that is always the hit of parties/get-togethers
Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: Zebras and Gorillas

Friday Fives

2010-03-26T13:31:00.007-04:00

Today's Friday Fives topic is "FIVE GUILTY PLEASURES".

1.) Purses! Im addicted to them. I have alot of designer handbags (dooney & Burke, Coach, etc.) but here lately Ive been carrying alot of the awesome purses that my Mom designs and handmakes. I like having a purse like no one else has!

2)Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper. Since I started my diet (or lifestyle change as my mom calls it) I have started drinking diet drinks and Im addicted to them now. lol.

3) TV and Video Games. Ok I don't like admitting this one especially the video game part. I don't watch TV that much but I have to watch TV on Wednesday nights when all the comedy shows comes on ABC channel (channel 6 in East Tennessee area). Modern Family, In the Middle, Cougartown, I love them all. They are so funny! I also like some realty shows too. As for the video games and systems, we have a wii, a ps2, and a ps3. I love playing Rock Band, Rock Band Country, Madden 2010, and baseball. I hate to admit all that cause it feels werid for a 28 year old woman to be in love with video games. It makes me feel like Im 12 or something. lol.

4) Tanning Bed. I know its not good for you and I don't go everyday but usually starting the middle of March every year I start laying in the tanning beds until about June then I can usually maintain my tan by going to the pool during the summer.

5) Starbuck's. Well since my diet started Ive been laying off of them but I used to drink 1 a day. My favorite drink is the Peppermint Mocha (you can get it year round - not just at Christmas) and I like the Hot Apple Spice.

I'm linking up to Friday Fives on Beth's Blog Just me and My Life.

Twilight Swap

2010-03-25T13:51:00.005-04:00

I participated in a Twilight Tag Swap on Swap-bot.com. These awsome tags came in the mail yesterday from my partner. The tags had the theme of "Dazzle" and I think my partner did an awesome job of creating these!

I AM SO FOR TEAM EDWARD!!!! BE STILL MY HEART!!!!!!!

I love them all!!!! I haven't got my copy of New Moon movie yet, but I hope to by this weekend. I saw it 3 times in the movie theather but I can't wait to watch the DVD.

Happy Thursday Folks!

Friday Fives

2010-03-19T10:17:00.011-04:00

This week's Friday Fives is "5 Things on My Bucket List".

1.) Go to Italy! This is one place I've always wanted to go. I especially would like to see Venice.

2.) Own one of these. A Can-am Spyder. They are so wicked!!!!

3.) I'd love to base jump one day! I know its really exteme but I love to do things that gets a big adrenaline rush!

4.) Own one of these. A Toy Hauler RV. That way I can travel around the United States and camp and ride my atv where ever we go. I'd love to eventually go out West. To Utah and ride their trail systems out there on my ATV.
5.) Be a Mommy. I'd love to be a Mom one day and to give love and to raise a child or several children.

I'm linking up to Beth's blog Just Me And My Life. She is the host of Friday Fives!

Ramblings

2010-03-17T10:28:00.005-04:00

Here is a card I created this week for a Swap I particpated in on Swap-bot.com. The theme was "Pick your Favorite Color" Card Swap. Our partners had to pick 4 of their favorite colors and we had to chose 2 of those to incoporate in a card. Red and Blue were 2 of the colors my partner had picked so this is what I came up with!

I am so EXCITED!!!! New Moon comes out on DVD this Saturday (March 20th)!! I'm a huge Twilight fan so I will definitly be getting this dvd on Saturday. I also can't wait til June when the Eclipse movie premieres!

So I've been eatting Low Carb for about a month now. Its starting to get easier and almost like second nature when making my food choices. I've been really good about bringing my lunch to work but there has been a few times I forgot to bring something so I was faced with having to chose a fast food restaurant to eat from. BUT, I found that Hardee's has this Low Carb burger. Its a cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce. It is really yummy! So now if Im faced with having to eat fast food I always run to Hardees and get one of these with a side salad. Yum!

***By the way-Please excuse that awful Christmas/Winter Table Cloth. The woman at work who "decorates" for Christmas hasn't bothered to take that cloth off the table yet. Just didn't want anyone to think that was at my house. lol. Gross!

Friday Fives

2010-03-12T12:22:00.003-05:00

Beth over at Just Me and My Life is hosting this Friday Fives event every week. This week's topic is "5 things on my to do list": (My to do list primary focuses on my house right now. I'm so busy with all the jobs and activities I do alot of times my house gets neglected.)

1) Create a Craft Room in my house. One of my extra bedrooms is what I call the "Junk Room" Just random stuff that we don't use or things like holiday decorations get put in there. I must confess I think there is even a few boxes in the closet in that room from where I moved into that house 5 years ago. :( But my goal is to get the room cleaned up and organized into a craft room for all my scrapbooking and sewing projects.

2) Yard Sale - This goes hand in hand with item number one. Once I clean out my "junk room" Im definitly going to have to do a Yard Sale to get rid of everything. I think me and my brother and sister are going to have one the first weekend in May.

3)Finish decorating projects. We recently rearranged the living room and now I need to do stuff like purchase and hang new curtains, buy an area rug and bookcase, and hang some pictures/shelves. I also want to paint my guest bathroom.

4)Since Spring is starting to being here in East Tennessee I want to get outside and create some flower beds around the front of my porch.

5) My sister's baby shower. My sister's 2nd child is due at the end of June. So me and my Mom is throwing her a baby shower/tea party. So we are doing her shower at the first of June. Im designing all the invites, and me and my Mom are doing all the food and decorations. I have tons of ideas for it...I just need to start working on my ideas. lol. I'm such a procrastinator!!!

Easter Banner

2010-03-11T09:43:00.008-05:00

I'm so ready for Spring! Its been a unusally cold winter here in East Tennessee. But this past week we have had temps in the 60s and sunshine!!! Since the Spring Fever Bug has bit me, I had to start creating some Spring decor for my house! Here is a new Easter banner I created using a cricut machine. I strung it together vertical to make a cute door hanging on my kitchen pantry door.
I used the Cricut Cartridge - Plantin' Schoolbook in this design.

My Fashion want to have's for Spring!

2010-03-09T11:19:00.008-05:00

Well I've been on my diet for 2 1/2 weeks now. Im trying my best to stick to it as strick as possible because I want to wear this dress for Easter! I usually don't wear short dresses cause of my thick legs (lol) but I got a little over a month to get them toned up a little. The dress is atLane Bryant.

Here are some more items for the Spring Collection at Lane Bryant I want to add to my closet!

all pics are from LaneBryant.com

Friday Fives

2010-03-05T09:52:00.004-05:00

Beth over at Just Me and My Life is hosting this Friday Fives event every week. This week's topic is "5 things you will never catch me doing":

1.) Going out of the house with No Makeup. I wear my makeup from the moment I get up and wash it off right before bed. I have to have it on no matter where Im going!
2.) Wearing brown shoes with black pants or vice versa. This is like my biggest fashion pet peeve. It drives me insane to see someone with a solid brown shoes on with black pants.
3.) Eatting Shrimp! YUCK!!
4.) Worrying about what people think of me. I just don't care!! No worries here!!!
5.) Watch a scary movies. I hate scary movies!!!!

Tuesday Ramblings and New Card Design

2010-03-02T12:11:00.007-05:00

Above is a new card I designed this week for a Birthday Card Swap I participated in on Swapbot. I have also cut out a bunch of stuff on the cricut to make banners and cards for spring and easter. I will post pics as soon as I get them assembled.

DIET/EATTING HEALTHY STARTED THIS PAST MONDAY!

Just thought I post this on here so it might help me be accountable. I started eatting all low carb on Monday, Feb. 22nd. It was rough the first 3 days, I didn't think I was going to make it with no bread, potatoes, corn, or gravy. Im a country girl (or as my brother calls us "cornbread fed girls"), through and through, and that's about all we eat down here in the south. I also was used to eatting alot of pasta and now that's out the door too. And I used to drink 2-3 regular cokes or sweet tea a day. But since I started this I drink 1 diet dr pepper (to get my caffine fix) and then drink water the rest of the day. But I have stuck with it and now am into my 2nd week and I am now starting to get the hang of it. I didn't weigh before I started but I go to the doctor on Friday so I will know then how much I lost since the last time I was in her office. I can already tell a difference in the way my clothes are fitting so hopefully Im on the right track. Now I just need to start trying to incorporate exercise or walking with the new eatting habits so I can really start losing.

RIBBON SWAP

Here is some awsome ribbon I recieved Raquel from a Ribbon Swap I participated in on Swap-bot.com. I can't wait to use them on some handmade cards. I really like the one with the tulips on it. TOO CUTE!

My Etsy Finds

2010-02-18T15:29:00.012-05:00

I LOVE ETSY!!!

Here is come cute things that have caught my eye here lately.

I'm in love with fingerless gloves. Especially the ones that Alice Cullen wore in the New Moon movie. You can buy some just like them HERE on Etsy!

And I have to have this cowl scarf to go with those gloves! You can find it HERE.
I am a Twilight Junkie! And this is my favorite quote from the series.
You can find this necklace HERE.
And for my house, I love these saying "Keep Calm and Carry On".
You can find this HERE.
I live near the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee but I LOVE the beach. Im currently trying to re-decorate my house one room at a time and give it a more beach cottage feel.
You can find this sign HERE.

Valentine's Day Swap

2010-02-09T13:16:00.005-05:00

I participated in a Valentine's Swap hosted by Audrey @ Audrey's Country Crafts. The Valentine's Goodies had to total at least $10 and at least 1 handmade item was to be included.

Below is what a recieved from my swap partner, Becky. A beautiful handmade card, a handmade card holder, and a $10 gift card to my FAVORITE store Hobby Lobby!! I'm so going to HL this week to put that to good use!!!!! Thank you so much Becky!

I totally forgot to take a picture of the items I sent to Becky before I mailed them out. But I sent her a handmade Valentine's Banner that said "LOVE", handmade card, store bought and handmade magnets, candy, a cute little V-Day Bag, and a little wooden V-Day sign. I hope she liked it because I had so much fun putting it together!!

I would also like to say Thank You to Audrey for being a great Swap Host!!!!! I can't wait for the next one!

Valentine's Day Card and Prayers for Lilly

2010-02-05T11:28:00.005-05:00

I love Swaps!!! The card above is one I made for a Valentine's Card Swap I signed up for on Swap-Bot. It was so much fun to make. You just glued scraps of paper onto a peice of card stock. I just kept layering the scraps and then cut out a heart shape and it made a Collage Heart. I thought it turned out so cute!

I took this picture at work! Check out that cute picture of my favorite vampire, Edward Cullen!!! Im such a kid. I have Twilight Pics scattered all over my cube at work.

Also please be praying for this darling little girl, Lilly. She was rushed to the hospital a few days ago with her blood sugar levels extemely high. She has been diagnoised with Type 1 Diabetes and still is in the hospital. Please pray for her and her family. You can read more about her story on her Mom's blog, Nest Sweet Nest.

New Etsy Listings!

2010-02-01T11:54:00.006-05:00

I listed some of my paper goods creations this weekend on my Mom's etsy site. I'm in the process of setting up my own etsy shop but I wanted to see if I got any takers/feedback on a few my items before I establish my own shop. Click on the sidebar on the right to check out our etsy site. Also check out all my Mom's great purses on there!!!

This is one of the banners I created. I like it because its a smaller size. It measures 11 inches long. It would be great as a Valentine's Day decor. I have a few more banners to list on etsy later this week.

I love this vintage inspired Valentine's card. The paper in the background has Vintage Valentine's scattered all over it. Too cute!

This is probably my most favorite card I have made yet. I Love the cupcake paper. It is so bright and cheerful. This card will for sure brighten someone's day.

2010-01-21T08:53:00.003-05:00

For the 2nd Year I'm participating in a Holiday Card Swap. It is so much fun. We usually have between 9-12+ ladies who make homemade cards and send them to our Swap Host, Katie, and we get back a card from each of the participants. It is so much fun! We just finished our Valentine's Card Swap. I can't wait to get my package back with all the lovely cards!!! Click on the image below to go the Card Swap blog.

The card above is the one I made for the Swap. I got that cute Saloon Tag, from etsy.

Birthday Cake

2010-01-18T14:53:00.006-05:00

My neice Ava turns 4 years old today! So we celebrated her big day on Saturday night. She requested a Barbie cake, so this is what me and my Mom came up with. It turned out really cute!

I also wanted to welcome my Mom to blogland. :) Click on her blog header below to see some of the projects she has been working on.

Haiti Disaster

2010-01-14T10:30:00.004-05:00

My prayers are going out today to the people in Haiti. I was watching on the Today Show this morning about the disaster that has struck that country. I pray that the Lord brings the survivors a sense of peace during all this distruction. I also pray for all the families who have lost loved ones and to the families who haven't heard if their loved ones have survived or not. I pray the Lord brings comfort to them during this time.

There are several ways in which we can help with the Disaster Relief efforts taking place in Haiti right now. One way is by texting HAITI to 90999. When you do this $10 is donated to the Red Cross and that $10 donation will be applied to your next cell phone bill. Or you can also go to RedCross.org or WorldVision.org to make donations. It doesn't matter if you can donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps.

*New Etsy Listings**

2010-01-07T09:02:00.003-05:00

My mom just listed several new purses/handbags on our etsy site. Click on the link on my sidebar to check them all out!

2009-12-31T12:39:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!!!! I am so ready to end 2009 and start a new year with 2010! Be safe!

Christmas

2009-12-24T09:33:00.002-05:00

I just want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

50th Wedding Anniversary Cake

2009-12-22T10:13:00.002-05:00

My Grandparent's celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past weekend at their home. We had a party for them and had several friends and family over to celebrate. This is the cake I decorated for them. The bottom tier is strawberry and the top is french vanilla. Then I did chocolate cupcakes surronding it.

NEW Etsy Listings

2009-12-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

My Mom just listed these *TOO CUTE* Wristlets on her etsy site.
Click on the etsy link on the right side of my blog to check out all the different colors she has made.

I love all the blue in this one! It is made out of Amy Butler fabrics. It also features a little pocket on the inside.And of course, we have to represent, University of Tennessee!! Go Vols!!! This would be great to carry to the ball games especially since we are getting into basketball season!

Check them out!! They would make a great Christmas Gift!!!!

"Total Randomness"

2009-11-17T11:50:00.004-05:00

So I was pretty proud of this cake I decorated this past weekend for a co-worker. It was for her Mom's Birthday Party this past Sunday. I love decorating cakes with "white on white" icing. The bottom tier is French Vanilla cake with Butter Cream icing and I piped "Chanity Lace" all over the bottom tier. The top tier is Strawberry Cake with Butter Cream Icing and I piped small beads all over the sides of it and finished it off with a bouquet of purple roses on top.

And this little chick is my 4 year old neice Lily. She is always taking people's cell phones when they aren't looking and takes pictures of herself. Her Mom (my sister Lyndsey) sent this pic to me yesterday after she found out Lily had taken it with her phone. Lily is a "Fashion Girl" well that's what she calls herself anyways. Check out that pink hate and that pink pearl necklace. I love her to death. Too Cute!

Little Bit Funky Blog has An Awsome Giveaway!

2009-11-13T08:41:00.002-05:00

Go over to LITTLE BIT FUNKY blog and check out this awsome giveaway she is doing today. This amazing artwork is created by Dee @ RED LETTER WORDS. She has some really awsome designs click here to check out her etsy page to see more of her work.

Christmas Card Swap and October Tag

2009-11-05T10:55:00.005-05:00

I particpate in a Card Swap with Card Frenzy, and November's Card Swap was Christmas Cards! Below is what I came up with as my cards for this swap. I can't wait to get my package back and see what all the other girls came up with for their designs!!! I've had so much fun participating in this set of swaps hosted by Katie and Taina. I hope they continue it next year!!

This picture isn't the greatest, but I did a dark green textured cardstock background, with a red crackled print inset, then I found this cute snowman printed paper, and snowflake stamps at Hobby Lobby. I finished it off with some cute red striped (made me think of candy canes) and red polka dot ribbon. I think I might make some more of these up and use them as my regular holiday cards that I send out.

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I also particpate in a monthly tag swap that is hosted by Jenny over at Lipstick and Laundry. Check out this awsome tag/sign that Shelly sent me for the October swap. It is so CUTE!!! I love her designs. I forgot to take a picture of my tag before I sent it off. But I was so excited when I recieved her sign. I brought it to work and hung in the window at my desk. Love it!

Giveaway @ Holly's Haven

2009-10-08T09:24:00.004-04:00

Head on over to Holly's Haven blog, where she is doing a Giveaway to celebrate her Blog-iversary. She is giving away these cute poseys in the picture above. I hope I win!!!

New Purse on Etsy

2009-08-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

Here is a new purse that we loaded on Etsy this weekend. I love the color combo. It can easily be carried for Summer into Fall. I love the little pink birds. Check it out in our Etsy Store, on our sidebar or you can click here.

Tag Swap - July, August, and September

2009-08-21T12:45:00.012-04:00

I have been particpating in a tag swap over the past several months hosted by Jenny @ Lipstick and Laundry. It has been so much fun!! I can't wait until the next 3 months of swaps. Here are the tags I sent out below: (again sorry for the poor quality photos, I was using the camera in my phone and its only a 3 megapixel, I forgot my camera at home.)

This is my July tag. I used a summer, fruit paper and accented it with a checked pink and white paper that reminded me of a picnic blanket. It says "Sweet Summertime" - that comes from one of my favorite Kenny Chesney songs, lol.
This is my August tag. The ones I sent out look a little different then this one. This is the one I kept for myself, because I started writing the quote in pen and noticed it didn't show up good enough on the antiqued paper. So for all the ones I mailed out I used a darker ink for the quote. It says "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page" by St. Augustine. We usually always go on vacation in August so that is why I designed this one in a traveling theme. I also swiped some vintage buttons from my Mom's huge button jar to accent the tag.
For my September tag, I did a Back to School theme. I used a lined notebook peice of scrapbook paper and then accented it with so 2D School stickers that I found. I love the cute mini ruler! I also cute an apple shape out on the cricut machine to provide more background for the tag.

This is a very simple and quickly made card that I came up with last night to send to all 3 of my swap partners in the tag swap. I always like to send a cute little greeting card out at the conclusion of swaps. I used some floral and polka dot paper and used my "hello" bird stamp and some cute 2D bee stickers that I found recently.

Here are the tags that I have recieved so far from my partners: This July tag I recieved from my swap partner Katie @ Confessions of a Crop-A-Dial. So Patriotic!! This is the August Tag that Katie sent. I LOVE all the PINK and GREEN!!!
This tag is an August tag from my swap partner Shelly. I like how it looks like a library book check out card. Too CUTE!!!

Happy 30th Birthday to My Hubby!

2009-08-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today is my husband's 30th Birthday! This past Saturday we had a cookout to celebrate up at my aunt's lake cabin. Above is 2 views of the cake I made for him. He races ATVs so this cake is the same shape as the track he races on. You can't tell from the pictures, but it has the turns banked and some jumps to make it more 3D. We had a Awsome time this weekend at his party!

Here is a picture of the hubby swimming in the lake. Or is that a really big fish?

This is a picture from our boat ride. I being on the lake. And I really LOVE Summer time!!

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful hubby, Michael. I love him so much and have enjoyed being married to him for the past (almost) 6 years. I hope the fun never ends, and we get to spend many, many more birthdays together! Love you!!

WE HAVE AN ETSY SITE!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-10T12:35:00.006-04:00

Me and my Mom finally set up an ETSY SITE!! We have been selling our creations at local craft shows for about a year now. And every time someone asks us if we sell online. So I thought before the Fall Craft Show Season gets underway I would get our Etsy Site up and running.

Our site is GigiKay Kreations. Right now it is mostly my Mom's purses and accessories that I have listed but hopefully in the next few weeks I should have some of my stuff up in the shop too. She does mostly the handbags and other accessories, and I been making aprons, scrapbook cards, and kitchen/home accessory item. Come check us out!!! We would love to hear from you!!! Below are a few pictures of my Mom's handbags she has made recently.
This is her newest creation! Its made from Amy Butler decor fabric. It has 3 pleats on the front and back. Too Cute!!

This one is one of my top favorites! I love the Asian print on this bag. Plus it is a really Large bag. It works as a purse or you can use it as an over night bag. It has LOTS of pockets inside and out.

This is a cute little purse organizer. It is made from Amy Butler cotton fabric. It also has lots of pockets inside and out. I am forever changing purses, so this makes it so much easier. I put all my everyday needed items in here, ie. cell phone, wallet, check book, lip stick, etc. That way if I want to change purses in the morning before I leave for work, I just pull this baby out and put it in the new purse. Without having to go through all the junk!! Love it!!!

I hope you will visit our store!! And look for many new items soon!!!

gigikaykreations.etsy.com

4th of July Swap

2009-07-15T09:36:00.004-04:00

Sorry this is so late after the 4th, but I had participated in a swap at Foxglovesfabricandfolly.blogspot.com. This is the 2nd time I have participated in a swap hosted by Heidi and they always are so good. She is such a gracious host. My partner was Julie from A View From My Windshield. She sent me all the goodies pictured above. (Sorry for such a bad pic, had to take it with my cell phone). I got a cute American Flag door hanger, a sweet patrotic angel, yummy lotion, a Longenburger Candle and Star Shaped Plate, and an awsome handmade red necklace. I totally love all my gifts and have enjoyed using them and decorating with them for the 4th.

Happy Birthday.....

2009-07-15T09:20:00.002-04:00

TO ME!! Today I turn the BIG 28! Man, I feel old. One more year closer to 30. Well the ladies at work have planned me a birthday lunch and then my hubby is taking me out tonight, so it sounds like I got a good Birthday planned for me! Here's to #28!

Card Swaps and Birthday Cake!

2009-06-24T15:15:00.007-04:00

I am participating in a card swap over at Card Frenzy. Every other month we design cards to go along with a theme and mail them to our Swap hosts, Katie and Tainia, they sort them and mail them back to us. There is 14 participants so its really neat getting 14 different cards every other month. The theme for July was "Any Occasion", we could make any card our heart desired. I decided to make mine kinda generic so you could use it for almost any occasion or for just sending, a Hello note to a friend. Below is my design:

Sorry but this picture makes it look dark. Bad lighting. But I did it in browns, reds, and yellow. And of course that blue checked ribbon is too cute. I love tags to I created a mini tag on the cricut machine to add to it. And then used my super cute bird stamp to top it all off. Can't wait to see all my cards when they are returned from my swap partners next month!

And onto the BIRTHDAY CAKE. I was asked to design a birthday cake for my sister-in-law's friend. She wanted a Little Mermaid Cake for her daughter's 2nd birthday. This is what I came up with: (Sorry the image isn't the best I took the photo with my cell phone camera)

Front of cake and cupcake for the birthday girl!Back of cake

I think it turned out cute. I used brown sugar around the bottom to look like sand. Then did a two toned blue/white icing on the cake. And added blue sugar crystals to give it some texture. I did her kid's name and number 2 on the front in fondant. Then topped it off with some Little Mermaid figurines. The bottom tier is chocolate and the top is strawberry. YUM YUM!