Heat Wave!

Posted on | June 27, 2011 | 6 Comments

While my accent is still quite American my body has definitely become British! It was in the high 70s today and goodness my gracious, I was dying! We went to the Cambridge midsummer fair, celebrating its 800th year (which makes it the oldest fair in the UK – I’d think the world’s oldest too), and couldn’t stay too long.

I remember last year, hubby and I had a good giggle because one of our neighbors was complaining about how hot it was to cook. It was no higher than 75 degrees (23.8C) that day and coming from Missouri we were accustomed to summer temperature in the 90-100 degree range.

I think there is something different about the direct sun though. It is so much hotter and brighter here it seems. I haven’t done a lot of research on this but when the sun is out, even when it’s cool outside, the sun really hits you. Is it just me? Somebody knows what I’m talking about?

Here’s a simple little card using Waltzingmouse’s stamps and sketch. I love this stamp set! I purchased it a few months back but haven’t found the opportunity to use it until last week. I thought this one piece fits the sketch so well. I’ve really been into white lately and I love how the red goes against the crisp white card.

Well, I better go! I was suppose to have this post up Saturday but uhm, got into shopping mode and forgot. I hope you all play along! It’s a fun and very versatile sketch!!

Happily Shopped

Posted on | June 18, 2011 | 5 Comments

There’s one thing I really love about living here: Proximity to fun city. I LOVE Cambridge. It’s always busy and there are so many fun outdoor shops besides all sorts of sites and punting to do. I’ve never been a fan of inside malls. They smell funny — at least the ones in America. It’s not a stinky smell but they all smell odd. Somebody once told me that it’s the smell of the “buy buy buy perfume”. HA!

There are a few shops that I love to hit when in Cambridge:

John Lewis, it’s like a Sears but with more of a Macy’s quality. My favorite grocery store, Waitrose, is owned by John Lewis and there’s just a bit of a posh feel when you go in there (compared to Sears).
The White Company, this is in the US too, and besides bedding it’s got nice neutral clothing, which I prefer. There’s this cute dress I tried on today but it was a tad bit too long. Bummer!!
LK Bennet, pretty shoes!! I don’t care for the clothes or bags but the shoes… ahhh… I tried this pair on today. I didn’t buy but I think I might have to go back. It was way taller than I’m used to but then after I thought about it, the shoes will make me tall enough for the White Company’s dress I like! Hmmm…
Joules, I’m not sure what to compare this with. I think it’s like the more vibrant version of J Crew. The children’s collection are soooo cute and M looks so cute in her Joules wellies (rain boots).
Monsoon, hmmm, UK’s BCBG? I’ve only purchased things for M here but I’d love to one day pick up something pretty for one of hubby’s formal events.
White Stuff, Anthropologie-ish I think (although IMHO the later is better) and conveniently next to Joules. The colors are muted, sometimes drab, but paired with white pants or deep blue jeans, one can look really elegant in this store brand.

I’ve been going to Charlie Chan’s chinese restaurant too when I go with the girls. M loves chinese pork buns and I love dimsum. I’m not going to get into restaurant review mode but while the food isn’t bad, service has never been something to write home about. Like many Chinese restaurants, the wait folks were not friendly. It’s the only thing decent there so as long as they bring me decent tasting dimsum in good time then whatever.

I have a card to share today! It’s a Waltzingmouse sketch but unlike the previous sketches, this one isn’t new. To celebrate its first year anniversary, everybody can pick their favorite WM sketch and create a card using it. My card is based on sketch number 7. I love this sketch but seven is also my favorite number. Great coincidence!!

Go stop by the WM sketch site, check out the other DTs creations and go create something using those WM stamps you have!! Take care!

Jam Packed Weekend

Posted on | June 11, 2011 | 6 Comments

There hasn’t been a slow day here since we got back from our France trip. Even this weekend we’re pretty busy. Today M was in a parade and after the parade we hung out at the carnival for some entertainment, games and food. We all had a great time and even Jovie said: Have fun, have fun {::SMILES}.

Tomorrow, a birthday party and if the weather permits, a bit of yard work. Our back patio really needs some TLC!!

Let me leave you with a card that I made using Waltzingmouse’s sketch, number 51. Love this sketch because it’s so versatile. I decided to go with the sketch and splashes of different colors.

Well, gotta go. I’ll post something else later… more photos of our trip for sure. Anything else will be a bonus!

Mock Wedding

Posted on | May 20, 2011 | 3 Comments

Yesterday we had a little bit of fun at M’s school. The royal wedding has inspired her school to do a wedding at school and through random drawing M got the bride’s maid part. I got a little part too. The organizer asked me to be the official (adult) photographer. Keep in mind that I have never done a wedding before and while it wasn’t real it was a lot of work! Goodness!! All the moments that one has to capture — moments that cannot be slowed down or rewinded you know. Unfortunately I will not be able to share any of the photos. The reason I am sharing the below is because Jovie’s the only clear image.

The wedding also inspired this All Eyes on Fabric by WPlus9. I based the feel of my card from this:

I know the colors aren’t exactly the same but for some reason this photo helped me create the above card.

The photo was Jovie. She wasn’t invited by the way. But, since I had to bring her to take the reception photos (I had a friend watch her during the church ceremony) the teachers got her a plate and helped cut her food up. So there’s my little wedding crasher waiting patiently for her food to be ready. Amazingly she ate quite a bit too!! She had so much fun yesterday!

My card’s very simple. Almost two years ago or maybe less I bought some scrap fabric from Etsy. I made M an apron from it and that’s it. The stash I bought has all sorts of pretty designer fabric and always wish I can use it more. Very glad that there’s this challenge so that I can use up some of the pretties. Ok, I didn’t use a lot but I used them. This card was very easy to make. I didn’t even measure the squares. I just used a fabric pinking scissors and eye-balled.

Easy peasy!! Ok, gotta go. I’ll post more later. I will be very busy the next few weeks though but do plan on blogging soon! Laters!!

Two Words

Posted on | May 15, 2011 | 11 Comments

Hiya!! Jovie is almost two and she’s still the one word wonder (she says “all done” but the pediatrician said that’s considered one word for babies/toddlers) until a few days ago. Besides “all done” she now can say “shut up”! Whoohoo (hear the sarcasm there?)!!!

Totally my fault. I told the dogs to shut up and two second after I said it mini me said it… repeatedly… I couldn’t get her to shut up actually. URGH!! So I am not in the process to undo that learning.

It’s been ages it seems since the last color cue from WPlus9, huh? I miss it and this month Dawn has some sweet color combos to go by!!

Pretty, huh?

Here’s a little side view. Again another clean and simple card. I used a background stamp: Design Basic II, for the left stamping, some paper that went through a couple border punches, ribbon, burlap, button and sentiment: Ever After. I glued randomly here and there on the burlap but the bottom corner. I like how it folds up this way.