White Garden

With all the snow and freezing cold weather, I can't wait for spring. Maybe I'll do an all white garden this year...

- all images from Better Homes and Gardens

Yes, so sorry, another Hello Kitty post

I'm trying really hard to get away from more Hello Kitty posts, but I attached the faces to my backpacks and thought this was such a cute picture. (Sometimes I feel like I'm torturing you all with my Hello Kitty posts and feel sympathetic to this guy.)

In any case, I'm almost done with the backpacks and now just need to figure out what will actually fit in them. They're really tiny and the way they close up, it makes it even smaller. Maybe some individually wrapped candy?? Or a pen and really small paper?? Hmmm... good excuse for me to go shopping around to see what I can find.

I've been published - sort of...

I participated in the Scavenger Project put on by Art House.

They sent out this list and you sent back images/artwork of your interpretation of the word or phrase.And as long as you submitted your entries by the deadline, you were guaranteed to have at least one of your images published in the book. Here is my image on the left page (p. 48), bottom right corner.
I took that at the Santa Monica Beach. It's actually not one of my favorites of the ones that I submitted.
You can't buy the book (I don't think), but I have a copy and it's pretty cool that my picture is in it!

Getting a head start

I've decided to make these backpacks for Girl's Day (March 3rd) so I'm getting a head start since I have to make about 20!! of them.

I got the idea from here and pattern from here.

Birthday Stationary Box

I love these boxes and how versatile they are. I made this box for my girlfriend's birthday. She's not frou-frou so adding a bow was kind of risky, but she ended up liking it (needless to say, Hello Kitty was out of the question).

- My Stampin' Up Rep got the box pattern from here and here.

- I think the Stampin' Up Pocket Silhouettes is my new favorite stamp set. I think they go great with the Short & Sweet set.

- The cards that are still in the box in the plastic are screen printed cards from Things are better with a Parrott.

Shopping and ideas

I received my catalog in the mail on Saturday from my Stampin' Up Rep, then I got the sampler later in the week. I've been scouring the pages of both for things I want to buy and for all their super cute ideas! I already have a list of thing I just HAVE TO HAVE!

Snoqualmie Casino

This past weekend we went out to North Bend to visit some friends and on our way we decided to do a drive by of the new Snoqualmie Casino. It was a lot bigger than we had expected, but seems to have a great view of the valley and Mt. Si (on a clear day). Maybe one day we'll actually go inside =).

The sign from the road.
Driving down to the Casino.

View from the parking lot. I'm sure it's beautiful when its not socked in. Mt. Si would be on the right.

The parking garage and back side.

The lobby, valet parking drive through.

Tulips

We had a few sunny days so I ventured out into the yard for the first time since the snow melted and saw that my bulbs have already started coming up. Even though we had sun, it was FREEZING (literally). These are my tulips and they don't usually come up this early. It's kind of exciting and I can't wait for spring to see them open, but at the same time, I hope the frost doesn't kill them.

Hello Kitty Ribbon

On my weekly trip to JoAnn, I found this ribbon... Aren't they so cute?!#1 - Yes, I go to JoAnn weekly - I only get one 40% off coupon in the mail, so unless it's on sale, I'll only buy things with the coupon.
#2 - I promise that my life consists of more than just Hello Kitty!! I will have more diverse posting soon! I swear!

Hello Kitty Backpack

How cute is this?! Complete with front pocket and Velcro closure! I think I'm going to make these for Girl's Day (March 3rd).

I got the idea from here and found the pattern here.

Favorite Craft Blogs

My girlfriend and I have been emailing pictures back and forth of all the craft projects we've been working on. I wished we lived closer so we could work on our projects together. But its been great to share our ideas. We just started to mail "samples" to each other too, which is very exciting. She has also helped me discover some new craft blogs - LOVE!! - that have so many cute ideas and some are so nice that they share their patterns.

Here are some of my favorites:
- Addicted to Stamping
- Big Ideas From A Little Girl
- Confessions of a Ribbon Addict
- Dannie's Designs
- pine is here.
- The Stampin' Grounds

Hello Kitty Fairy and another box

Here is a card I made using the die cut I got on Monday. Isn't she so cute?!

And I couldn't resist making more boxes, especially after I found the red Hello Kitty paper (see last photo).

So far, I'm doing pretty good with #5.

More Hello Kitty!

I just got this Hello Kitty Die cut in the mail on Monday. I'm so excited. She is the last one in the set that I didn't have and I really wanted. I am making some crafty things and will post pictures hopefully tomorrow.

Hello Kitty, Fairy - Sizzix

Introductions to gym

As part of my effort to be healthier, I took a tour of my new gym yesterday and have my complimentary Personal Trainer appointment this afternoon. I also bought this environmentally friendly stainless steel water bottle (shopping helps me to be healthier). I love my water bottle, let's hope I feel the same about my gym.

Nathan - Blue Yoga

Passing by

Driving down Bellevue Way - New Years Eve

Some of my favorite collaboration photo blogs:
- (a few of our) favorite things
- habit
- how we say hello
- Noticing Project {2009}
- trinoculars

Have a great week!

Distracted

I have been feeling really distracted lately. I don't know if it’s because I'm back to work after the holidays or the weather (we had crazy snow and now we have crazy rain and record-setting flooding) or just the start of the New Year but I just can't concentrate. I don't even know what day of the week it is. My mind jumps around to one thing after another. And I haven't been sleeping very well either. It's like I'm half sleeping, waiting for something to happen, being prepared to have to wake up at a moment’s notice. At least it's almost the weekend (today is Friday, right?).

Some things to distract you:

Sweet Valentine – Pretty Ditty
Valentine Heart – Amor de Plata
Loves Me, Loves Me Not – Lisa Brodzinski Photography

Cranberry Red Scarflette – The Darndest Stuff

Hope you have a great weekend!

Things to do in 2009 - #5 More handmade & homemade

Over the weekend I learned how to make this stationary box from my Stampin' Up rep.

After I got home, I had to make a Hello Kitty version.

This year I hope to make more of my gifts and bake more and cook more.