Wednesday, May 31, 2017

The Last Hurrah


Today is the last day for the retiring 2017 Annual Catalog and the retiring 2017 Occasions Catalog!!! If you haven't grabbed the things on your wish list by now, you MIGHT still be able to get them, but today is the very last day to do so (if they aren't already sold out).


Today's card is a "something old, something new" one, using the retiring Crazy About You stamp set retiring Hello You Thinlits, and retiring Flower Medallion Punch with the new In Colors. I've never CASEd a card in the catalog before, so this was a first for me! This was my take of the card on page 70 in the old catalog.


Instead of the twine bow, I thought an adorable little felt bow from the Bitty Bows Embellishments would be a sweet addition. Aren't they just the cutest?! They even have an adhesive dot on the back already, so they are all set to go.

I don't know about you, but I am READY for the new catalog to start tomorrow!  Ordering begins at 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and I have my list made out!


Product List

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Days That Start With T


I know I don't usually have a blog post on days that start with "T", but since there are only two days left to get the retiring stamp sets, I felt I needed to. My inspiration today is the garden, aka my alternative to a gym membership.

HARD TO TELL HOW STEEP IT IS FROM UP HERE.

We have beautiful views here in the Appalachian Mountains, due to the hilly nature of our homestead, which can be seen by the picture in my blog header. Unfortunately, those beautiful, hilly views mean our garden is on a bit of a slop. And by bit, I mean it's steep enough that we are having to terrace each planting bed.

A BETTER SHOT OF THE TERRACED BEDS.
TWO DOWN, FOUR TO GO!

That involves stakes and string to delineate the beds, then shoveling the soil from the pathways on the downhill side onto the uphill bed. Lots of hard work, which definitely gets the heart pounding and back aching by the end of the day. Not a whole lot of fun, but once it is done, we won't have to do it ever again. Hallelujah! The FUN part is the planning, and ordering seeds, and starting the seedlings.


That's why I chose the retiring Helping Me Grow for this card. I loved how I could make it look like a seed packet! But I admit I had to laugh at the "25 cents" price. I wish! It might be cheaper in the long run to buy the produce at the store (this year), but the variety wouldn't be the same. Plus, I'll know how it was grown, how fresh it is, and I'll be saving seeds for next year's crop!

Did you notice that Mr. Cardinal stopped by the garden to look for weed seeds or bugs in the first picture? He's welcome to them! Here's a close-up.


We were blessed to find lots of bales of old hay in the barn, which are great for mulch and will break down to feed the heavy clay soil. Each year we'll add more compost and mulch to improve the soil.

So, what are YOU growing?

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Monday, May 29, 2017

Eternally Grateful


There is so much I want say about Memorial Day, the day that we remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom, but words fail me.


As the child of a career military father, who was fortunate enough to come safely after all of his deployments, I cannot even fathom the anguish of the families whose loved ones didn't come home safely.


For those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for the families left behind to mourn, I want to offer my deepest gratitude. I am thankful every day for my freedom, and honor your courage.

Measurements
 Image: Whisper White 3-3/8" x 4-5/8"
 Mat: Night of Navy 3-5/8" x 4-7/8"
 Star: Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper 1-1/4" x 1-1/4"
 Card base: Whisper White Thick 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored & folded at 4-1/4"

Note: Star and image/mat were both popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. The Stars Framelits are retiring, and available at a discount until May 31st, while supplies last.

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