Triumphant Return!

I made it! My trip was fun, but full of unexpected obstacles. When we made it to Jasper, it was to discover that the entire city was under a boil order. The hotel left us 2 water bottles in our room each day because none of the water was fit for consumption.

Then we woke up the next day... Apparently, we had perfect timing on when we wanted to take our showers because the city was flushing the lines and the water that came out of our faucets looked like sewage...  Yeah, not a fun day.

Anyway, all's well that ends well. Nicole and Jason had a beautiful ceremony full of laughter and tears. And then there was the reception... I don't think Nicole will live down her antics for years to come. We had a blast though!

And now there's only a week until I pack up and do it all over again for Nik and Roxy!

Speaking of them, I made a card for their wedding today. I've been attempting cards for them over the past several months because I wanted to incorporate orange in the card (their wedding color). As you know, I hate orange. Loathe it. Well, I used Calypso Coral in this one and I think it turned out rather pretty.

Stamps: Four Feathers, Itty Bitty Banners (with matching dies)
Ink: Calypso Coral, Versamark
Embossing Powder: Gold (Recollections)
Paper: Whisper White
Embossing Folder: Modern Mosaic
Accents: Calypso Coral Baker's Twine

I'll be back for a week, but then I leave for Nik and Roxy's wedding next Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully, I'll have some good updates between now and then!

Less Is More Challenge

I decided to try my hand at the Less is More Challenge this week. The challenge is to make a one layer card featuring beverages. I just got my beautiful Lemonade set from Simon Says Stamp in the mail last week and I couldn't wait to ink it up again!

I haven't entered any of the Less is More Challenges yet, but they usually fall into my typical style, so I thought, why not!

Stamps: Lemonade (Simon Says Stamp)
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Daffodil Delight
Accents: Silver and Gold Sequins

My best friend is getting married this weekend back in Indiana, so I'll be flying out Thursday morning with my husband. I'll be gone for several days, so don't be surprised if I don't update again until next week! I'm sure I'll have lots of fun pictures and new ideas for cards when I get back. See you soon!

Remembrance

Today is a tough day for me. There are actually 3 tough days for me throughout the year. The first is Veteran's Day because November 11th is the day that one of my best friends died in Iraq. Ironic that he died on Veteran's Day, I know. The second is his birthday on September 1 and the third is September 11. I'm always bombarded with images in the media and social networking that remember one of the saddest days in recent history. I feel that sting a little more deeply.

I made this card in honor of Pete. I miss him every day, but after nearly 10 years, the pain has dulled. Today, not so much.

Pete was such a kind and caring individual and he's dearly missed. His death is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. Especially after his mother sent me a letter that he hadn't mailed to me before his final mission. He'll always be in my heart and he'll never be forgotten. I love you, Pete.



Lemons

That was a much longer break then I intended to take, but it's in the past and I'm back!

I ordered a couple of new stamp sets from Simon Says Stamp and I'm thrilled with them! I made this simple encouragement card for a friend of mine with the Lemonade set. Love it!

Stamps: Lemonade (Simon Says Stamp)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Paper: Yellow (random from my stash),Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accents: Yellow Baker's Twine

Quick Post

I'm just writing to let you know that I'm still alive! I haven't dropped off the face of the earth and I haven't stopped making cards. I've just been really busy recently.

I've been trying to get my yard back in shape and, with the Arizona sunshine and heat, I'm pretty exhausted when I'm done. It doesn't leave a whole lot of energy for blogging!

I hope to be back in the next few days with an actual card post. Until then, see you soon!