Born again

Hope you all had a great Christmas. I really want to keep this blog going next year and I thank you for visiting. A friend of mine painted this Nativity scene and when I looked at Mary the first thing that came to my mind was that she looked hopeless and scared. I can relate to her, first child, away from family, looking at the baby and thinking "Will I be able to take care of this baby?" Joseph,

Photo Gift Box

I plan on making more of these but here's one I made last night:{Click for larger view} The next few I make will be more "Christmasy" because I thought this was a fun way to package a gift. Anyway, this one was made with Dani Mogstad's Snow Bunny Kit - I loved the pinks and browns in this kit. In fact, I wanted the photo to match the paper so I changed to hue of the photo in my digital image

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

Every year the Christmas decoration around town has little surprises. This year they decided to use recycled PET (soda) plastic bottles and thousands of electric poles have an unusual decor. At night, the ornaments are lit and create a beautiful and colorful effect.What can we do to make happy green holidays? Let's try to use our creativity and limit the impact on the environment this holiday

Getting in the Christmas Spirit!

LOVE this time of year! My family has been visiting the past several days, had Thanksgiving at my house, I've been shopping the past two days and I am WORN OUT, but I love it! I've got a few Christmas goodies that I've done recently:This is a card I did for Di's site. The card is based on Di Hickman's card sketch. Supplies: K&Co Pattern Paper, Bazzill Cardstock, Heidi Swapp Chipboard Label Holder

Happy Thanksgiving!

My poor neglected blog! I've had classes for work the past two weekends and finally I have a day free - too bad I have to spend it doing some power cleaning because we are having Thanksgiving at my house and my parents are coming in from out of town. I also have to go out of town tomorrow, will be back Monday and they come in on Tuesday. We only get Thursday and Friday off at our school system,

A thankful heart

I spotted this large white heron, the Great Egret, during a walk in the park with a friend. It was a sunny Saturday morning, a perfect time to just enjoy nature, chat and take pictures. I believe this bird is found across much of the world but I felt it was worth sharing with you.As Thanksgiving approaches I want to give thanks for being given so much each day. A simple walk reveals so many

NOVEMBER!

It's already November! I just can't believe how time flies! I'll be having a fun November because I'm "Miss November" over at Everyday Digital Scrapbooking Blog. I have my first tutorial there now on how to make a hybrid photo frame like this one:Have a GREAT week - Did you remember to set you clocks back???

A little card

Got another card up for Di's Card Sketch Blog: Love this new paper by K&Co!Have a fun and spooky Halloween!!!

Just like the old days

- Honey stop the car!- What? Here? It's a highway!- But the steam train is coming! Here, a dead-end roaaaaad! Pleaaaaase.This dialog seems to have taken an eternity. We were on the road on the way back from church exactly at the same time as the steam train was coming! It only takes tourists on weekends and I was going to miss the chance to take pictures? Luckily, right after the bridge there is

Boo!

This is a fun hanging sign I made this weekend. I can't remember if I found these unfinished letters at Michaels or JoAnn's but wanted to give them a makeover - here's the "before" picture:The letters are pretty big, about 6" tall, so it made a nice big hanging sign. I used the new "Scared Silly" kit by Dani Mogstad and Jacque Larsen. I love the paper and embellishments in this kit!Got some fun

I Want Candy...

( Click for larger view)Got a new card up on Di's blog. I used some really cute Halloween papers by American Traditional Designs, Bazzill, ribbon and some buttons. I made the black border along the center with my Cricut Expression and the Accent Essentials cartridge. I picked up the new Cricut Expression a few weeks ago when AC Moore had the bundle package (the machine, mat, 4 cartridges and the

This and That....

Happy Wednesday! I sure do miss posting to my blog :( I've just been so darn busy!I had a couple of projects in this month's Paper Trends Mag:Friendship Journal (made for my dd)An Altered File Box, and"Turkey Day" Treat Bag (filled with sunflower seeds)Also have a new card up today for the latest card sketch over at Di Hickman's Blog:and lastly....a card in the latest edition of Scrapstreet

Grab some coffee

If you are a coffee drinker and ever wondered how that steaming coffee you grab every morning gets to your table, here's how it is processed. After the coffee beans are harvested, they are typically sun-dried on large patios made of asphalt or cement, where they are shifted at regular periods of time for several days to prevent mildew and fermentation while they dry. Then

A Halloween Goodie and Some Cards

I'm not sure if you would call this a bag or a box - it's a wooden box shaped like a bag. I wanted to make something Halloweenish with Dani Mogstad's new Spookable kit and I had two of these bag-boxes in my storage cabinet so this is what I came up with:I designed the elements and then after I got it all assembled I realized it was the same saying that was used on the candy tent from the Design

October Is Upon Us!

The October Newsletter is up at Design By Dani, you can download it here:http://www.designbydani.com/designbydanioct.zipIncluded with the newsletter is a free printable template to make some adorable Halloween candy tents that you just print, cut and fold! Speaking of Design by Dani, I found out this week that one of the projects I did for for Dani's Girl Talk Blog was featured on Disc Talk Radio

Colonial Blue

More farm pictures, the white and blue were popular in Colonial Brazil during the 17th and 18th centuries. This is a coffee farm, the owner was a kid when my dad was growing up and it was so nice to see them talking about old times. The farm is well-taken care of. Their oldest employee, who is over 80 years old, moved there as a kid, raised his family there and still likes to help out around the

Saturday Stuff

Just poppin' in with a little card I did for Di Hickman's Card Sketch Blog this week:Also had another request for a project from Scrapbook Dimensions yesterday and that made me happy :) You know I love that magazine!I had such a nice surprise last week when I found that Karen Maggie mentioned my blog in her September Workshop: Focus on Hybrid post for Scrapbookgraphics.com. I was blown over when

Landscaping ideas

Last time I showed you my Great grandparents cottage. This time, I want to show you this creative touch I found on the same farm, near the hard ground where they dry coffee beans. Not long ago, Geraldo posted a different view of the same basket.Update: Many of you have asked questions about the basket fountain. The basket is made of bamboo, the fountain uses running water, no pumps. As far as I

I'm Baaccckkkk....

Wow! I've been MIA for 2 weeks! I got a temporary job for the month of September so I've been working every day and that has kept me quite busy. Needless to say, not much crafting going on around here. I did have a card in this month's issue of Scrapstreet.com Magazine - here's the card:This latest issue of Scrapstreet is a good one so go check it out!!! Have a GREAT weekend!

Back in time

My Great grandparents Virginia and Francisco lived here and they had 16 kids... Some of them were married already when they moved in, probably about 80 years ago. My mom first visited them in 1953, when one of my grandmother's brother got married and my mom was introduced to the family. My parents got married the year after that. Mom and dad say the house remains exactly the same. I have more

Altered CD Binder & Some Freebies :)

Last weekend I spent several hours backing up all my digi kits from my external hard drive onto CD's. I wanted someplace safe to hold my CD's so I remembered this CD binder that I had, it's like a small three-ring binder (except it has two rings) and it holds little CD-size page protectors to hold your CDs. I decided to make it cuter by using Trish Jones' Popsicle Meltdown Papers to alter it. I

We've got a winner!

Congratulations toCheryl (aka CAKVD) of Madison, WI!!!We just drew your name to receive the latest issue of Scrapbook Dimensions!

I didn't forget....

I'll have my daughter pick a winner for the latest issue of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine later this afternoon! It's not too late to leave me a comment and get in the drawing!

Just Clownin' Around....

(click photo for larger image)Clownin' Around is the name of the paper and embellishment kit I used to make this birthday hat and card. The digi kit is by Dani Mogstad and I just fall in love with everything she makes - the themes, the bright colors....she's amazing! When I saw this kit I knew I wanted to make a birthday hat and I remembered this multi-colored yarn I had stashed away, I thought

Seasons come and go

While the northern hemisphere is getting ready for Fall and saying goodbye to Summer, at the same time the southern hemisphere is heading into Spring and different colors of "Tabepuia" tree show their glory everywhere in our city. First the pink and white trees, and then the yellow trees make their appearance. I did not have a chance to photograph any white ones.On a sad note, just as the seasons

Holiday Cards and Other Stuff...

Oh, I just love making holiday cards, no matter what the holiday, its just fun. I did a Halloween card this afternoon with the Bewitched Paper and Embellishment Digi Kits by Dani Mogstad.Have you backed up your computer lately? That is what I spent hours doing this morning - 11 CD's worth of stuff (yes that's eleven). I feel much better now that my precious photos and digi kits are backed up and

I'm giving away another copy of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine!

Good Stuff....I just found out that my Altered Jiffy Pop project was picked for Hybrid Project of the Day over at Digi Pick of the Day and I also had an e-mail from Digital Artist Magazine asking for another project for next month's issue.I'm in the process of rearraning things in my craftroom a bit and doing some decluttering. I hate to throw anything crafty away though....I always feel like I

Goodies!

Got my goodie box today from being published in the Aug/Sept issue of Paper Trends - LOVE the goodies!!!So now I just need some time to play with it all!The new card's are up on Di Hickman's blog for our weekly card sketch. Here's mine:Supplies: DCWV Cardstock, K&Co Pattern Papers and Flower, Bobbin Ribbon, Colorbox Chalk Ink, Provo Craft Decorative Scissors.Make sure to check out Di's Blog to

Back To School

Today was the first day of school and my daughter's first day of Second Grade. Boy, does time fly!!! I have a little project here that I did for Bitten By The Bug, which is a blog my friend Regina has for the Cricut Machine. The "assignment" was to use the Apple from the DoodleCharms cartridge so I decided to alter a mini-chalkboard. I also used papers from Dani Mogstad's County Fair Digi Kit

Banana republic

Since both my family and my husband's live out of town, and we come from different states, when we visit family we like to surprise each other with little trips to the countryside to share a different part of our corner. This time my husband took me to see a banana plantation on the hills. All you see on first picture are banana trees, even going to the top of the hill and, if you enlarge, you

Creating with Transparencies!

Have you made anything with Transparencies? I love the look of transparencies and the new clear books that are out. I have yet to make a clear book, although I did buy a few Styrene Blank sheets to make one with - these are a cheap alternative to the pre-made books and can be found at the craft store in the painting isle (where they have specialty & acrylic paints). You just buy the blank sheets

Whatever Girlfriend!

Alright, so I am in love with this funky new kit by Trish Jones and Sausan called "Big Girls Panties". It's just too fun and the colors....oh my gosh - Amazing! I did up this wooden purse and once I got the papers on I almost stopped because it simply didn't need anything else, the papers are so amazing. But....I saw the "Whatever Girlfriend" word art and the "So?" journaling spot so I HAD to add

Who's getting a free copy of Scrapbook Dimensions???

We have a winner!!!! Last Saturday I posted that I would send a free copy of the latest Scrapbook Dimensions to anyone that made a comment on my blog this week. This morning my daughter and I printed out all the comments from this week, cut them in strips and she drew one. Its....................................Suzy H from Halifax Canada !!!Thanks so much to all of you for your nice comments!!!!

An Altered Jiffy Pop Project!

Do you remember Jiffy Pop? I do and I was quite surprised to see it in the dollar section at Target the other day. I guess it kinda faded out when microwave popcorn got big. But Jiffy Pop was fun....there's just something about that big bump of popcorn that grows as you shake it on the stove burner. O.K.... so where am I going with this - LOL! Why an altered project, of course!This is a project

Newsletter Is Up At Scrap Gypsies!

We've got a new newsletter just up at Scrapgypsies.com! You have to check it out! I believe you have to be a member on the site to view it, so go sign up HERE really quick (only takes a second) and then go HERE to view the newsletter.Here's a project I have in it this month, Altered School Supplies - you can find the full instructions & more photos in the newsletter:A few more things I can share

Cars and trucks of yesteryear

These cars certainly wouldn't make it to a car show. They are all in such bad shape and they have been there on the same spot for years! My guess is that these cars are considered Classic, and were built long before pollution control, fuel economy and safety regulations became issues. I am sure they were very popular and expensive at the time and were once considered the best car of the year...

Wednesday's Stuff...

Did this little card for Di Hickman's Card Sketch and also a Caardvarks Challenge. I used a FREE Digi Kit from Shabby Princess that you can get here: Express Yourself Digi Kit. I loved the colors and the flowers in this kit and did I mention IT'S FREE!!!!Speaking of digi kits, I found this one this morning when I was checking out Di Rigdon's site and fell IN LOVE. I hope its alright that I post

Tuesday Stuff...

My daughter and I went to see the movie "Hairspray" today and WE LOVED IT!!! My daughter is 7 and aside from a little kissing and I think one mild bad word, it was perfect - she loves musicals and broadway/theatre so this was right up her alley. We decided we would go see it again and bring Dad next time. I give it a BIG THUMBS UP! I had a nice e-mail from Scrapstreet today asking to publish a

Get your Layouts, Cards or Altered Art ready....

and go post them in the gallery at ScrapGypsies.com! Scrap Gypsies is a great site where anything goes....Traditional, Hybrid or Digital and we LOVE Layouts, Cards, AND Altered Art. Each day we pick one project from our gallery for "The Gypsy Gem of the Day" and you get a PRIZE! Right now the prize is a gift certificate from Shabby Elements (the digital store owned by the fabulous Di Rigdon - all

A Good Mail Day!

Don't ya love a good mail day?! I (FINALLY) got my new Paper Trends AND Scrapbook Dimensions came today too!!! I have one project in Paper Trends and two projects in Scrapbook Dimensions. I was excited to see that my project in Paper Trends was a two-page spread (Yea!).Here's a peek:I love Scrapbook Dimensions! It's all about Hybrid (using digital AND traditional supplies) which is something I

Wanted to pop in and post this card I did for this week's card sketch for Di Hickman:I used K&Co Papers, Bazzill, cotton lace, hemp cord, a chipboard tag, twill sticker by AMM, antique buttons and flowers. I cut a "window" out of the front of the card with the flowers and pattern paper showing through so when you open the card, the flowers are on the inside.Busy with lots of stuff today so gotta

Where the wild flowers grow

Wild flowers grow everywhere, and what a beautiful view when they bloom along the highways and in the wild. One of the things I enjoy most is to grab my camera and just shoot many pictures at once, and then be amazed with results later on my computer. And now... they remind me of one simple thing, that is to look around and consider all our blessings and give thanks with a grateful heart to the

Waiting for the mail....

Don't you hate to wait on the mail when you are expecting something to come! I'm waiting on my new edition of Paper Trends and my goodie box from them......Where is it??? LOL! I have this project published in it: It's a Journal made with Toile Fabric (LOVE Toile!!!), flowers, buttons, twill tape, metal bookplate and some ribbon.If you get a chance today, check out our Girl Talk Blog at Design by

Sweet Memories

Did a little project last night for one of my August design team projects for Dani Mogstad. This is a new kit just released at Sweet Shoppe Designs called MVP and thought it would be perfect for an idea I've had rolling around in my head for some time. I wanted to do something with my daughter's first pair of basketball shoes - pink Converse high tops, so I decorated a shoe box - a keepsake box

My Mantra....

I love this saying and tell myself this all the time - guess you could call it the power of positive thinking:Anyway, I've been meaning to make a little sign or something with this on it to put up in my craft room and finally did it last night. I used the papers from the Unforgetable Kit by Trish Jones and covered a plaque I found at Michael's in the dollar bin. Speaking of these dollar plaques,

As simple as that

They say fish is good for you... Every now and then we go to this seafood restaurant located in a nearby town that offers mouth watering seafood dishes. And for the meat lover, they also have a few choices on their menu. Simplicity is the word for this place that offers a cozy atmosphere, filled with bamboo fences, poles of eucalyptus, lots of plants, a small pond, and trees. More pictures here,

Seven Years Ago On This Very Day...

My Beautiful Daughter Was Born!Happy Birthday Katie!!!Since its Katie's birthday I thought I'd bring over some of my favorite "Katie crafts" from my gallery: An Urban Lily Sugar Cube (alterable box) done up with Crate Paper. This was a project made for Scrap Gypsies with papers from KBandFriends.com Made this card out of a transparency with Fancy Pants Papers. Just a little box I covered with a

What Day Is It???

I was going to entitle my post "Happy Monday", but then I realized its not Monday! I'm waaaayyyy off! Been out of town the past couple of days and DH is on vacation this week so I'm just messed up with my days.I have a new card up at Di Hickman's Card Sketch Blog. Come by and leave a comment if you get a chance. On this card I used Bazzill Cardstock, The Bella Collection Digital Papers from

Welcome to LinkingFlowers Blog

Hello, the team of LinkingFlowers.com wants to thanks to each one that it put in our hands the responsible task of sending feelings all over the world using our online flower shop. Without you feedback and support, we couldn't even get that far. Because we care about our customers and their experience about our international flower delivery shop, located at LinkingFlowers.com, we just created a

Awww....how sweet!

I've been tagged by Bety and Samm with the Rockin' Girl Blogger tag - Thanks girls!!! That made me smile :) I guess I now have to pick five more people, so it'll be:ReginaDaniLoulyDianneLindaNow you Rockin Girl Bloggers have to take the tag, put it on your blog and nominate 5 people on your blog.

Guinea fowls

These noisy birds are in the family of other fowl-like birds, such as turkeys, peawfowls and pheasants. They are kept as a good source of meat and eggs. Also, they have been used as organic pest control to gardeners and small farmers, as they eat most bugs in the garden without touching the foliage and are also known for ridding farms of bugs such as the deer tick, which can carry the Lyme

I've been crafting, BUT...

I can't post anything! Not until after the "reveal" dates, anyway. I've gotten two projects for Scrap Gypsies done and I finished a card last night for my newest gig:I've been asked by Di Hickman to be a Card Sketch Girl!!!!My first card for her will be posted next Wednesday (7/25). How fun and easy it was making a card from a sketch!! I should've been doing this a LONG time ago... thinking of

Life's been busy lately!

Wednesday was my husband's 50th Birthday and tonight is the PARTY! I've spent a lot of my time getting ready for this event (among many other things this month) so it's been a bit hectic around here.Not much crafting time lately but I do have one little card I did for Trish Jones Designs:This is using Trish's Scrapables "Best Kept" kit and "Word Bits". Its funny because when I was posting this in

And now for something completely different....

So my neighbor calls me last week and says "We've got to do this!". Long story - short: It's a Demolition Derby. Uhhhh, it wouldn't have been something I would've ever thought of doing, but hey....I'm up for something different and we thought the kids would enjoy it. IT WAS TOTALLY FUN!!!! We went with several friends and took all the kids and it was a complete blast. Here are some photos: And

A Few Of My Latest Projects.....

Altered Photo Frame - Made with Dani Mogstad's Heat Wave Kit. Altered Take-Out Box made with Dani Mogstad's Sassy Pants Kit."If the shoe fits" Card made with Trish Jones Designs A Little Bit Chic Papers.

I'm a blogger!

I've been encouraged by some friends to start blogging, so......here we go. I've claimed that my life is far too boring to blog, but I'd love to share my passion for altered art and cards and maybe every now and then share some other things that are going on around here. I keep a gallery of my projects here: My Art, so stop by if you get a chance!

How sweet it is

Visiting family over the weekend, means taking time to enjoy a few flowers that will survive the mild winter. The orchid corner had a little surprise, the chocolate scented orchid above, which I tried not to pick, as the delicate fragance was so sweet.Other orchids found in the corner. In the wild, they are found with roots attached to the bark of the trees, but in our homes they can grow in pots

If I don't see you

Through the window, I will see you through the week. Or is it the other way around? Since I have not had the time to post or visit many blogs lately, just wanted to say hi. I have been working late every day. I caugth myself thinking about this tree. A beautiful resource that is everywhere in our homes. Maybe we could begin to consider organic options and adopt a "green design," as a way to be

vintage milk glass containers

Flowers that can go anywhere

Walking Tour of Nice's Cours Saleya Flower Market

With Wedding Packages

Florists create hand-tied bouquets

Wedding Bouquet Trends

Walking in the park

We live near an ecological park to which I had really never paid much attention. They revitalized it after years suffering from neglect and we started going there again. My kids ride their bikes, we take a walk and enjoy the beautiful sights. I took the second picture and only when I was choosing which one I would post I noticed the sidewalk had a similar pattern matching the roof.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh Cauliflower

resh Water Pearl Necklace

Fresh Cut Flowers

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Fresh Flower

Fresh Root of the Balloon Flower Peeling

flowers-flowers

Hand Bouquet

Weddings

High Style

Loose Wrapped Roses

Vased Rose Arrangement

Gifts flowers

English Garden Basket

Orchids

Plants:

reception

ceremony

bouquets

As a full service florist

flowers-flowers

floral arrangements

You are appreciated

Let your light shine... that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.Matthew 5:16"I want to leave a legacy.How will they remember me?Did I choose to love?Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?"Nichole NordemanFor all who father, share a special bond, make sacrifices and instill important values to their children's lives. For all the fathers in my family...

Coastal Sweet Pepperbush

Salon Artist

Lots of daisies, sweet Williams, and other flowers

the flowing waters

The Emperor Fountain,

The Wellington Rock

"The spirit of some Druid seems to animate

garden fres

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The Serpentine Hedge

comfort women” are honored with white dresses and flowers after 60 years’ disgrace.

Andalusian costume for Feria de Abril

Smithville Florist’s float for the 2006 Jamboree Parade

Citywide Florist

Garden Centre In-House Floris

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Grande Summer Flowers Basket

Brighten The Day Bouquet

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A country porch

This charming farmhouse with a rustic porch nestled among nature in the country seemed so inviting. Flowers show you care... and there were so many there! Notice the tin can turned into a vase!

TRUE WHITE

TPF036 CORNFLOWER MIX

CALIFORNIA POPPY MIX

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angrek flower white

angrek flower yeloow

beautful orchid

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After being a Flower Girl,

flower girl dress.

Pure Simplicity Satin Flower

Tailored Satin Flower Girl

Baby Love - Girl (Shown)

flowers are gorgeous,

Boy Meets Girl cartoon

Portrait of the girl with flowers

Love Knot Flower Girl Basket

Girls Flower Charm Bracelet ...

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Dancing on White Fire Flower

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these flowers a wee bit sexy

west village flowers represent

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Sexy Purple Roses

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sexy flower

sexy flower

bunga teratai

bunga teratai

bunga teratai

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Sparkling Lotus-land

Bouquet of flowers - beautiful

to inhale the flowers' beautiful

Fresh Flowers - Beautiful

Fabric Flowers: Beautifu

Beautiful white flowers.

flowers. Beautiful white blooms.

makes these flowers beautiful to ...

Blue Flowers Wallpaper

beautiful flowers, gift for

. beautiful flowers: roses

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But, the color and beauty of flowers ...

Ocean of flower

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The grass is always greener

In my hometown... This is on the way to a small town, where my mom was born, with dirt roads that hide beautiful and calm small farms. When we visit, our favorite pastime is to drive to different villages on Sunday mornings. The green pastures and the quiet waters... they restore our souls!

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nice flower...source:www.pbase.com

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Nice lily, with

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florist

flowers

soft pink

red & pink roses

red & pink roses

white lilies

our choice

our choice

cool blue

rustic bunch

funky bunch

funky bunch

hyacinth posy

yellow tulips

seasonal selection

seasonal selection

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Fresh Cut Flowers

Sunny Side Up - Roses and Lilies Flower Bouquet

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Pippingtooth Bouquet -

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Lemon, Lime & Raspberry - Yellow Roses Bouquet

Enchantment - Assorted Asiatic Lilies Flower Bouquet

Moonshadow - Deep Blue Iris Flower Bouquet

A Rainbow of Color - Send Roses in a Mixed Bouquet

Turning over the leaf

On the way to my hometown there is this pulp and paper mill that has been there for years and it has changed names twice. You can tell you are close to the mill because of the rotten egg smell. Since paper is an essential product, I believe our role is to make good use of it, and think of all the toxic pollution to air, water and land the paper mills cause. We can help saving trees from being cut

Duality

These pictures were taken on different weekends, different roads, different states. You can tell which state has a higher income by the condition of the road or should I say the different types of three-wheelers? I hope my husband does not feel offended, he is originally from the second state which, on the other hand, has beautiful mountains for dirt biking, his favorite sport, and great country

Tulips make me happy

The nursery at the mall supplies flowers all year long, making our shopping sprees more relaxing and enjoyable. The tulips make their appearance for a week and beautifully decorate the flower beds near the escalators and some vases spread all over the mall. Some people even touch them, wondering if they are real.I have been tagged by Diyadear to tell five things that most people probably don't

A cheerful heart

Frog legs stilts remind me that I do not have any motor skills... This is the physical education teacher at our kids' preschool and she always amazes me with so much balance and joy!"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face"(Proverbs 15:13)

Got Milk?

What a view... It looks like they are throughly enjoying the moment and the glory of nature. I am not a celebrity and I do not drink milk very often, but that's the only title I could think of for this picture, the "Got milk" awareness campaign. Most likely to be one of the biggest ad campaigns, with ads that show beautiful people wearing a milk moustache that helped increase the consumption of

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white rose

rose red flower

yellow rose

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rose flower

white

white flower

flower white

flower white

flower white

flower white

Pretty in pink

Special edition? Shockingly beautiful? This Beetle is currently on display at the mall. The pink theme is also inside with pink accents. I wanted to take a picture and I did not want to get anyone's attention with my camera, so I tried to be quick.Blessings for you on this Mother's day!Special thanks to my mom, for seeing the gifts God put in me!

Caring Blogger's Rose Day

"I want to send out a bouquet of roses to all caring bloggers and blog viewers."Our dear friend Britt-Arnhild is sponsoring the Caring Blogger's Rose Day on May 10th. So, if you have pictures of roses, please share with us and link to her blog.

Capuchin monkeys

Please meet the capuchin monkeys, they live near the waterfall. Their name resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of the Catholic friars with their "caps" of hair. They are commonly found in Central and South America and are considered the most intelligent New World monkeys. When we fed them, they looked around to check if no one was watching, grabbed the food and ran to the branches of

aurora

orchids I

original slipper orchid-inspired art

orchids III

garden flowers

water lilies

garden flower

nice flower

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flower marcet

The Hills Market Floral Shoppe is much more than a grocery store flower counter. Specializing in hand-made custom floral arrangements, the Floral Team can beautify anything for you. From weddings to home consultations, there's nothing we won't do to make your day special.

Waterfall

After so many nice comments to the coffee post I had a blogger's block! :-) I want to thank you all for your heartfelt comments. This waterfal is located near my hometown, and it is 230 feet high. Just to think that we discovered this place a couple of years ago, all my life living there and I had no idea such a beautiful place existed. We spent some time listening to the stream and observing

How would you like your coffee?

Sugar, black, cream, cream and sugar, decaf, instant? I enjoyed so much reading your comments on my last post. Would you mind telling me your coffee preferences? Or if you dislike coffee, what is your favorite drink and why. Please take a seat and let's talk about the world's most popular beverage! In order to get your favorite brewed coffee so many things have to take place. First, coffee

Guesses, anyone?

I grew up on a farm, and everything related to farming attracts me so much. Not long ago my sisters and I decided to hit the dirt roads and take pictures. I found this widely known fruit that makes a very popular beverage world-wide... Any guesses?

Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and Earth

"Lord of all creationOf the water, earth and skyThe Heavens are your TabernacleGlory To the Lord on high"Steve Hindalong and Marc ByrdPlease take some time this weekend when we celebrate Earth Day and watch God of Wonders (just click the highlighted words to be redirected). It's worth it... Our God is still the God of wonders, no matter what happens...Note: On April 30th the blogosphere will hold

We can make a difference - Earth Day

"We can make a difference, we can make a change.We can make the world a better place."Jaci VelasquezYou can check out Jaci's website (clicking her name above) and listen to some of her songs. This flower is from Floss Silk Tree. One of my favorites. During our Summer, there are thousands of them, as you travel you can see the trees along the road, mostly on farm entrances and narrow dirt

A Dutch accent - Holambra

Besides Germans, Brazil has a Dutch community in Holambra (a contraction of Holland, America, and Brazil). The town was created by Dutch immigrants who left Europe after World War II. Many of the buildings have a Dutch-style facade, the houses have the Welcome sign in dutch. Every year, at the end of the Winter, for three weeks, there is the "Expoflora," an exhibition of flowers, food, and dutch

Eugenia Uniflora - Brazilian Cherry - Pitanga

Known as Brazilian cherry or Surinam cherry, the pitanga tree has delicate white flowers. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used as ingredient in juices, jelly and sauces and it is very high in vitamin C content. The tree was blooming over Easter at my in-laws farm, and I found it so interesting that there were flowers, green and ripe fruit all at the same time. I am sure I took a picture of the

Antique Farming and Memories

The first three farming equipments, or part of them, belong to my in-laws farm. The red tractor I found at a service area restaurant and it is for sale! Does anyone have any memories of these items that would like to share? The first plow was very common during my childhood. The oxcart was already an antique when I was a kid and it is one of my favorites. And speaking of memories, if you have a

The Thinking Blogger Award

I was awarded a "Thinking Blogger Award" by Gisela… I am so thrilled! This is a meme and now I must pass it on to 5 others who I feel blogs make me think. Not an easy task, at all, with so many blogs I love and like to visit.I thought of all my blog friends and I decided to pick the ones that I have been closer, mostly through e-mailing. I am sorry I could nominate only five bloggers! So, here

A new life

It took me a few days to get the shots done, but it was worth the wait. And I chose Easter time to publish them because to me it means the beginning of our true life.

Look up and around

A trip to a mall nearby on a weekday in the morning shows me that people feel their urge to go shopping either during lunch time or after work! I had never really taken the time to enjoy the view, then I noticed the coconut trees and the sun shining through. I had my camera with me this day as I have been waiting for them to fill the flower beds with hundreds of tulips like they did last year,

Good things

When I read Anna's inspiring blog today it came to my mind this picture I took of my son a couple of months ago. His dad lifted him up to pick a flower for mommy and he handled it to me with such a big smile. And I pass it on to you now...

Bloom where you are planted

The mall is environmental friendly and has energy saving systems. An artist transformed a condemned ficus tree found in the area during construction into art. A new perspective made all the difference for this tree to function perfectly as an art object. There is always room for growth... And beauty can be generated even under the adverse and perhaps wrong circumstances, just look around and see

The mall before and during lunch time

I always get a little nervous when walking on the glass floor...This was taken before lunch...And this one about one hour later, during lunch...

After lunch...

The farmhouse itself... after lunch you can stay for as long as you want, and enjoy the countryside landscape before going back to town... the kids wanted to ride a horse, we watched from a distance, enjoying the freshly brewed coffee.

Take a seat

At the country restaurant we were seated in an old dining room of the centennial house. The ambiance was cozy. Lots of plaid fabric in greens, yellows and blues. The table by the window overlooking the farm was spetacular.

Country Food of Yesteryear

It was love at first sight. The perfect kind of day you dream about in the country... Back to Sousas district we had lunch at this charming restaurant that satisfies any craving for comfort food and yearning for yesteryear with its unique rustic atmosphere. "Casa da Fazenda" is a country restaurant where you can enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal with menu items prepared from scratch using

Room number 6 on St. Patrick's Day

I sneaked out to have coffee with a friend one morning this week and, as she was showing me around the service camp and retreat center where they live, I came across room number 6, and found it so appropriate for St. Patrick's Day! The place is very peaceful, you just do not want to leave! I appreciate her taking the time to have coffee with me, sharing her australian bread with a recipe kindly

Walking down the street

1902 home... Walking down the street on narrow sidewalks... watch your step!The Sousas District is almost 200 years old. Many of the old houses are now beautifully restored. The natural beauty of this little town has attracted many people who want to live a simpler life. Visitors can spend the weekend at leisure to enjoy restaurants, cafés, and craft stores. There are miles of walking, hiking

A day to remember...

International Women's Day is celebrated throughout the world on March 8 every year. It is a day to focus upon and remember the struggle of women for peace, social progress, education and better lives for their families and communities. For us, it is an opportunity to take a minute out of our busy day and pray for women everywhere...

Wish upon a star

We caught a glimpse of last night's lunar eclipse, the sky was clear and it was a great show! Sorry, no pictures of it... Will the star fruits and cashews do?In time: Geraldo just posted some great pictures of the eclipse on his blog e-postcards! Click here to see them!

As time goes by

Rural homes, they are all abandoned now, and the first one is being remodeled. I will be posting the picture once it is done."The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong."Laura Ingalls Wilder

Reflections

The puddle seemed so inviting...

A charming European-style town - Campos do Jordão

One afternoon that's all we had... not enough to explore the beautiful places, hotels, scenic parks, restaurants, stores, lovely teahouses and cafés this city has to offer. "Campos do Jordão" in São Paulo state is a charming mile-high city that reminds us of countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and even the city of Aspen all together. Be there in the Winter and enjoy the Winter

See the morning

See the morning, see it rising Over the mountains high See the mercy in the mighty Hand of GodChris Tomlin

Mardi Gras

Window shopping during Mardi Gras. No, that's not me! Can you tell it is a mannequin? It looked so real to me.

Windows and balconies

Most of these windows remained closed on a Sunday morning when I was taking a stroll and shooting some pictures. I am definitely a morning person...

Say it with flowers

Living in a condo... not much room for plants, outside a few flower beds bring me so much joy. I am ready to move to a house to have my own flowers and see them grow each day. Oh well, the pros and cons of such a lifestyle."There's nothing sweeter than to have friends who share in your joy."Patsy Clairmont

Enter with an open heart...

Around my hometown you can you see beautiful mansions from the coffee boom era, sustainable farms, and old train stations. All hidden behind gates and fences... Enter with an open heart...

Jackfruit - Jaca

Where I grew up jackfruit trees were so common. It is said to be the largest tree-born fruit in the world. One single fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds. The interior consists of large edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh that wraps the smooth, oval, and light-brown seed. Each fruit may carry from 100 to 500 seeds. The jackfruit when ripe does not have a very agreeable odor, resembling

Terracota Planters - Vasos de Cerâmica

Needless to say these pictures were taken at the bed and breakfast inn we stayed at a couple of weeks ago. The planters were hand-painted by artist Roberto Campos. He would come to the hotel, sit there with his color palette in hand, and paint the planters using only his memory for the scenes. Isn't that amazing?Friendship is the ship the Lord often launches to keep my boat afloat.Patsy Clairmont

Accent Lamps - Bamboo, Hats, and Shells

There was this subtle feeling of an island in all rooms of the hotel. Natural elements like bamboo, hats, and shells mixed with hardwood became very fashionable lamps, crafted by local artists."A poet once described friends as the 'sunshine of life'. I myself have found that the day is much brighter when I'm sharing it with my friends."From the book "Laughter and Latté"

Bed and Breakfast Inn - Canto de Itamambuca

This is the charming Bread and Breakfast Inn where our family stayed at the beach."It's beautiful, beautifulCome as you areSurrender your heart..."Mark Schultz

Take a look at the ocean...

River that meets the sea and separates mountains from sand.Our final destination? Itamambuca beach, in Ubatuba, halfway between Rio and São Paulo. Nestled between huge green mountains and over a mile of white sand, it has excelent waves for surfers and clear warm waters for families to enjoy."Take a look at the ocean, far as your eye can see..."Matthew West

Does anyone like crabs?

I had never seen them live before... they run all around in the mud flats at low tide... to see them you must be still or they will vanish into their holes. Patience is what it takes to photograph crabs. And yes, we went to the beach! A beautiful place where bromellias grow naturally and exotic flowers are so abundant."Patience is the companion of wisdom."Augustine

Any guesses?

I know it has been snowing some places in the Northern Hemisphere, but can anyone guess where this road led us this weekend?

Time to smell the flowers

I love to go out and smell the flowers, especially these country flowers, they give me a sense of simplicity and that reminds me, I don't even know their names! My day brightener showed this quote today when I flipped the pages: "Every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there!"Barbara Jonhson

Take a look at the mountains - Pedra do Baú

If you like climbing this is the place to go. "Pedra do Bau" is a rocky mountain and one of the most famous climbling places with many climbing routes of all grades, located at São Paulo Mantiqueira hills, Brazil. I managed to take all the pictures, but the last one... Unfortunately I am not a climber...Click the pictures to enlarge.

A cozy place to stay

Our hideaway at the farm, 150 miles from our home, where I take most of my pictures and enjoy nature.

Passion Fruit: from Flower to Fruit - Maracujá: da Flor ao Fruto

The Miracle of life - O Milagre da VidaThere are two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle.Há duas formas para viver a sua vida. Uma é acreditar que não existe milagre. A outra é acreditar que todas as coisas são um milagre.Albert Einstein