A Happy New Year!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year! May your hopes be in Him alone and his mercies begin afresh each day throughout this year giving us guidance and direction!

Has freshness seal

Porcelain Kitchen Fairy collection. Has freshness seal,measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

New Decoration with Fresh Flowers

Wedding Car Decoration with Fresh Flowers

New Fresh Flowers

Fresh Flowers at the best prices...Highly recommended

B ird eat the flowers

Strelitzia nicolai has a sticky pollen (clearly evident where this sunbird has landed) that is transferred to other plants by the feet of these birds – in this case Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Here's a little music to accompany this poinsettia. It's Elvis, who I think is the rockin King of Christmas music!Merry' Christmas Baby ~ Elviswww.youtube.com/watch?v=gtjY3X-8JVE

Flower Dwarf Pyracantha

Dwarf pyracantha (pyracantha 'red cushion') are graceful, spreading little trees with petite, light green leaves.

Indian Hawthorn

Indian Hawthorn, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Flowers

Chinese elms are deciduous trees with small shiny leaves.

Flowers Natal Plum

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Warmth for the Soul

Warmth for the Soul, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.“See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls.” ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

An Amaryllis by Any Other Name...

Yet another popular Christmastime flower, the Amaryllis, is actually not an Amaryllis at all, but Hippeastrum, which is native to South Africa. The true amaryllis, from Peru and Chile, is a very similar plant but growers chose to lump them all together thereby confusing us, the buying public!These beautiful giant bulbs can be purchased anywhere this time of year, from garden centers to Walmart

A Fresh Grenn Flower

A fresh green flower, fresh cut gladiolus are a striking

Surrounded by Beauty

Surrounded by Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Beauty before me, I walk with. Beauty behind me, I walk with. Beauty above me, I walk with. Beauty below me, I walk with. Beauty all around me, I walk with. Navajo Night Chant The day after a rainstorm in California is quite spectacular. These flowers seemed to enjoy sunning themselves, although the temperature is certainly cooler now.

Finding Beauty

Fading Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.~Anne Frank

Honoring Nature's Beauty

Honoring Nature's Beauty, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever. ~ Jimmy Carter

Now, where did I put my Quintal?

Vase. From the Latin vas, meaning 'vessel'. There are so many more ways to display flowers than in a simple vase. Centuries ago, flowers were difficult to come by. (Have you heard about Tulipmania in Holland?). During the 17th century, flowers were a commodity available only to the rich, so owning containers made specifically for displaying flowers was a show of your affluence. During that time,

Freebies, Give-Aways, Tutorials!!!

I'm back again today with some FUN STUFF! If you are not a member of DigiShop Talk - JOIN NOW because we are giving away a lot of AMAZING gifts this month in the DST Insider and I don't want you to miss out!It's FREE to join DST, so go HERE to sign up. Once you've signed up (or if you already are a member), download the December issue of the DST Insider (It's FREE too!!!) - you can download it

Catching Up!

Obviously I've been VERY behind! Work has been so hectic and busy that I haven't been able to keep up lately :( BUT, I do have a few things to share and with Christmas vacation coming up in two weeks, I hope to get more things accomplished!For larger photos, you can go to my online gallery and click on the individual thumbnail photos to make them larger.I've got two mini-albums that I did for My

The Orchid

An Orchid for Angela, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Orchids are known for their timeless beauty, but did you know they coexisted with dinosaurs? While researching bee pollen, from bees found trapped in amber 15 to 20 million years old, scientists discovered orchid taxon on their fossilized wings. Essentially, orchids truly are timeless.

Camellia

Camelia, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.The Camellia is a wonderful plant, with Asian origins. I had quite the history lesson on these delicate beauties when I took the Tram tour at Descanso Garden in La Canada, Flintridge (California.) They have the largest Camellia Garden in Southern California. A must see if you're looking for a garden to visit. Elizabeth, the Queen Mother grew Camellia

Cyclamen

Friday I'm in Love, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Everywhere I go in Southern California, I see cyclamen planted in beds and borders. Until I decided to take gardening more seriously, I used to kill every cyclamen I met. It was accidental of course, as I followed my idea that plants like lots of sun and water. WRONG! This plant likes shade, and minimal water, as to avoid root rot. That's

Those Shocking Rosarians!

You would never believe it, but the Victorian world of horticulture was quite cut-throat! Over the centuries, many intrigues have occurred in the name of the rose, so to speak. Here, a few stories associated with some of the roses you may have in your own garden."Gertrude Jekyll": This master gardener was known for her garden designs-so many of which are still going strong today. Each spring,

Orchids

Orchids , originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I do believe Roger's Garden has the best orchid displays I have ever seen. It's a gardener / photographers paradise there. Click the title, and the link will take you to their website. When I saw the distant orange wall behind these orchids, I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that wall would be the perfect backdrop for these amazing flowers.

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” ~ Winston Churchill (Happy Birthday - November 30, 1874)Out for a walk along the horse trail, I found my favorite rose, "Pierre de Ronsard," having a restful Thanksgiving.

Mauretius Floses Flower

Deliver these roses to your sweetheart and let these fresh rose flowers express your feelings in the best way possible.

Fresh Flower

Flowers are designed to be delivered as close to the arrangement pictured as possible.

Purple Orchids

Purple Orchid, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I finally made my way to Roger's Garden, in Corona Del Mar, California. The flowers, plants and displays were even more breath-taking than my gardening friends had described. Imagine one entire room filled with purple orchids!!!I'll be making numerous posts here with my finds. Here's the website, if your want directions, hours, and more

Even nature is thinking of the upcoming holidays...

Berry-okeh, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I spotted these gorgeous berries today, and couldn't resist taking their photos. I feel this is nature saying, the holidays are coming. Are you ready?

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.My brandy hybrid tea rose is blooming again. In January, I will trim all of my roses carefully, and leave them with no fertilizer for the month. This dormant spell lets them rest and prepare for spring. I also plan to change out my less productive roses. I'm in the mood for showier roses

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser

"Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time." - Edmund Spenser, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.These roses came from my neighbor's garden. She's 95 and her family had to put her in an assisted living home. They gave me some of the roses from her garden, and these are my favorite. If I discover their name, I will let you know.

Pink Roses

Rose with Texture, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Okay, I'll admit it. I can't stop taking photos of pretty pink roses. They are my all time favorite thing to photograph. I'm also in love with the color pink. I've been told that my signature color must be pink. If that's true, then the pink rose is my signature flower!According to this article (linked to the title above) their primary

Garden Bunnies Rock!

Garden Bunny, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I wanted to share an absolutely adorable garden bunny with you. I found this is Frank's garden. (see entries for October 14 and 15 for more photos from his garden)

The Science of Flowers and Feelings

While channel-surfing a few weeks ago, I happened across an interview with one of those famous-for-being-famous gals. Having had a bad year, she was asked what she does when she needs cheering up. With a straight face, she replied that she had a drink (or three!) It got me thinking: with the times being what they are, and everyone having multiple worries, isn't this exactly when flowers are

Bougainvillea

Flowers are Red, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This beautiful bougainvillea lives in my coastal Southern California neighborhood. It lines paths, fences, and driveways throughout. After researching this plants history, I found an article that is superbly written. Instead of giving you second hand information, click the title above, and you'll be taken to the article. Here is the web

Plumbago

Plumbago, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.I've been paying lots of attention to the plumbago, lining the walking trails in my Southern California neighborhood lately. It has delicate blue flowers, and creates a stunning ground cover. Need a delicate hedge in your shade garden? Look no further. This South African native comes in shades of light blue and white. Butterflies flock to this

The Getty Malibu Villa

A Good Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.If you enjoy visiting beautiful public gardens, Los Angeles has an array of garden hot spots. If you're looking for an activity, possibly, the word "garden" might not immediately come to mind when you think of "The Getty Malibu Villa," but it should.Not only does the Getty have a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful garden, it has Greek, Italian and

Echinacea

Echinacea, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. Echinacea, or the Purple Coneflower, is a popular perennial amongst gardeners and photographers. I personally have this on my "add to my garden list." I've tried several times to start it from seed, and I tried scattering the seeds about my garden. I clearly didn't give it the care it needs, as I didn't have luck growing this flower. If you want

Pink Violets and how I grow them

Many people like to have african violets sitting on their kitchen windowsill, maybe because of indirect sunrays and because they are easy to grow indoors. They can make any corner brighter, and I have my violets on a small table in my balcony. I have created many new pots over the years just by leaf cuttings and I have never propagated them by seed! Each leaf I cut and plant in damp soil grows

Disneyland Floribunda Rose

Sleeping Beauty's Castle holds the center stage spot at Disneyland. Look closely at the rose photos, and you'll see the castle's reflection delicately floating in the water. Surrounding the castle, and throughout the park, you will find the Disneyland Rose. Bred in the US in 2003, it has a soft fragrance, and a lovely pink and orange tones.

The Sweet Smell of....Perfume?

The word 'perfume' comes from the Latin per fume, meaning "through smoke". The first scents were burned much like incense, and thus the aroma arrived "through the smoke". The Egyptians invented glass and the perfume bottle was the first use of glass, around 1000BC. Jumping ahead to 17th century France, perfumed gloves were popular, making it easier to mask the unpleasant scents of rotting

Disney Garden Accents

Thumper Love, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Disneyland not only positions their flowers beautifully, they have wonderful garden statues throughout the park. Thumper, pictured here, lives on the rock wall surround Aurora's castle. He's admiring the beautifully blooming trees.

A Sea of Beautiful Flowers

A Sea of Beautiful Flowers, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.As a California resident, I have an annual pass to Disneyland. Having the opportunity to go there often, sometimes several times in one week, I've come to appreciate the hard work the Disney Gardening Fairies do. I say that jokingly of course, as you never seen anyone working on the gardens during the day. I suspect they come out at

Mexican Marigolds

Mexican Marigolds, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Meet my favorite California fall flower, the Mexican Marigold. I first discovered this plant while visiting "The Living Desert" in Palm Springs. They sell their plants near the exit, and I wanted a plant that would thrive in a California Garden. They told me this plant was a wonderful, flowering plant, and that it was a California

Art Nouv-OH!

I've always loved jewelry. Gold, silver, precious or costume, I love it all. Recently, the Boston Museum of Art launched a beautiful exhibit of Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry, popularized at the turn of the last century. Oooooo! And wouldn't you know it...many of the pieces include flowers in their design!Rene Lalique was the most renowned of the Art Nouveau artists. His large pieces were often

Pacific View

Pacific View, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.These roses live in front of a white picket fence, and they have an ocean view. In this garden, there are roses of every shade, and you can tell they are well loved. They bloom like roses who have a true gardener looking after them. I've passed them by many times, thinking I should bring my camera. Today, I did.

Maryam's Cottage Garden

Southern California has the perfect weather for year round gardening. It's not uncommon to find lovely cottage gardens scattered about town. My neighbor Maryam has a stunning cottage garden, complete with Shabby Chic accents, and a red vintage watering can. Pink, Purple & Green, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. These are Maryam's window box flowers. She studied Art History at Loyola, and

Grandpa's Garden

There is no more spectacular garden in my neighborhood, in my opinion, than Grandpa's Garden.  Grandpa is not my grandpa, just an elderly gardener, with the prettiest cosmos I think I've ever seen.He's incredibly friendly, and chit chats with anyone who walks by while he's gardening.Start these plants from seed if you want to see prettier healthier flowers! And remember, mix it up a little with a

A Stunning Two-Toned Dahlia

A Two-Toned Dahlia, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Stop by the garden of a true gardener, and you never know what might sneak up and surprise you. I've passed a rose garden for months, telling myself to stop by and photograph those amazing roses. I finally did it today. While I was poking through the roses, I found, what appeared to be the last dahlia of this season. It was starting to

True Flowering Carpets

I recently came upon these fantastic photographs of Brussels' live Flower Carpet, which they set up in the main square called the Grand Place. One million begonias are placed directly on the cobblestones of the main square mimicking a medieval carpet design called Savonnerie. Grass and bark are used to fill in for the brown and green, dahlias for the blue. The total size is an incredible

Pretty & Pink Geranium

Pretty & Pink, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This has to be one of the easiest plants to care for on Earth. One of the most memorable flower articles I ever read was on geraniums, by the Martha Stewart Living Magazine. You can find the article here. http://www.marthastewart.com/article/geraniums

Spring has sprung

He loves me... he loves me not (in Portuguese: bem me quer, mal me quer). A little girl plucking the petals of a daisy... can you relate to that? I can! I wonder if this is a common rhyme in all countries, well, it is here in Brazil. Daisies are here... and it means Spring is here too!This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

Fall in Southern California

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple......fading pink hydrangeas......and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I

Razzle-Dazzle, it's Zazzle!

I'm hooked on this new site I discovered recently, called Zazzle. There, you are able to design your own Keds sneakers. Being a shoe fanatic, AND a flower fanatic, I thought I would try my hand at it and see how it works. You be the judge!There are several other items you can design, such as mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags. Once you are happy with your

A thank you note

My friend Connie who has a private blog had a giveaway and I won! I love coffee and the gift was just perfect! I enjoyed the delicious chocolate filled wafer cookies with a cup of coffee in a quiet afternoon... And as for the book... it is filled with facts and anedoctes about coffee, I can't stop reading it! Thank you Connie for being so kind and generous!

The Brandy Hybrid Tea Rose

Good Morning, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.You simply cannot find a shapelier, healthier rose for your garden than the Brandy Hybrid Tea Rose. I can't imagine walking in my garden and not seeing it there. Don't tell my other roses, but I think this is the prettiest rose in my garden, and it has an appealing soft scent. When it's in bloom, it's so perfect you almost think it's fake. If

Next Day Flower Delivery

Making it easy for you to gift flowers to any boy in any corner in the UK instantly, florists now offer online service. With the availability of such florists, you will never miss an occasion of sending some beautiful flowers to someone special. Even if you place an order today, they will offer you next day flower delivery. You can enjoy this type of service always unless there are any holidays

Peggy's Garden

My friend Marilyn, introduced me to her sister Peggy, an avid gardener, a few years ago. Peggy is incredibly creative, and her garden is so inspiring to visit. I had the good fortune of being invited over for lunch in Peggy's magnificent cottage garden, and she allowed me the privilege to photograph and share it with you. Peggy's Garden, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes. Peggy raised boys

Descanso Gardens

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service! Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute

Dutch shoes do grow on trees!

A pittoresque Dutch town nearby and their traditional shoes on trees... A nice place to visit if you are looking for that Dutch accent, with beautiful flower shops, nice Dutch food restaurants and an European look and feel.

The Horses! The Flowers! The Hats!

scot. The very name conjures up images of immaculately coiffed and attired upper classes strutting their stuff along with the horses. I just love the witty hats, especially the floral ones! Ascot is England's most famous racetrack, but it's also a fashion show for the elegant and eccentric.The Royal Ascot races date backto the days of Queen Anne, in 1711. Ladies' Day is also known as"Hat Day", a

Pierre de Ronsard Rose

The first time I saw the Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose, it instantly became my favorite rose of all time. It's a stunning rose, that's beautiful to photograph, and see in your garden. Pierre de Ronsard Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Stephanie, a friend and fellow gardener, had this growing up and over her pergola, in her cozy cottage garden. A real beauty, this old-fashioned looking

My amaryllis

My amaryllis... special delivery with a special meaning... delivered 3 1/2 years ago at the time our third child was born...a gift from my husband... Last week new flowers came out... and here is the sequence of photos I was able to capture...This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation

If you're an avid gardener, or just a person who wants a relaxing day in the garden, take a trip to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There, you'll find the South Coast Botanic Garden, with 87 acres of beauty to experience and enjoy. This botanic garden holds beautiful garden gems.. like the lovely Children's Garden, complete with a child's size house......a Dahlia Garden......a Japanese Garden......

"Boo"tiful Blooms

alloween is perhaps not a traditional "flower" holiday, but there's so much out there to use in your seasonal decorating that it's a shame to not include flowers!Almost everyone succumbs to the temptation to buy a pumpkin or two when the air turns crisp. Most will be content to seat it on the doorstep until the time comes to carve it into something ghoulish. Why not bring it inside, and with the

Yellow Marguerite

Yellow Marguerite, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This yellow marguerite is a shrubby perennial plant. It's cultivation history goes all the way back to 1699 in England. I had this flower in my garden for sometime. I recommend you replace it once it becomes to thick and woody. I found it easy to maintain, and a vigorous bloomer.

It's October - Where'd the time go?

Can't believe its October already! I haven't had time to do a lot of crafty things lately but have one project to share. It's a mini-album for My Creative Scrapbook. This is for the October Album Kit. Making this really put me in the fall spirit (even here in South Florida - lol)."Photos from the Pumpkin Patch" Mini-Album Cover (This is the pumpkin from the cover of the album.)Because I have been

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!

Pink Dahlia - for the cure!, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.Here's my contribution to "Pink for the Cure." It's a wildly edited dahlia, creating a fun floral abstract for a good cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A Roadside Garden

While driving, and following my navigator to a Chinese restaurant one day, I stumbled upon this gorgeous roadside garden.   I suspect it was started when someone sprinkled seeds there in the springtime.  It was filled with zinnias, daisies, cosmos and more.   I think I'll try this seed sprinkling garden experiment next year. I have the perfect patch of soil, right beside my driveway. Hopefully

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.This pink collage is for the cure!

Fabulous, Flavorful Flowers

lowers and food have been a natural combination since as far back as biblical times. You probably have something in your pantry right now that can trace it's roots back to some flower or other.Flowers and chocolate-a classic combination, but even more interesting when combined into one! You can find a myriad of online companies offering artisanal chocolates infused with rosewater, lavender,

Costco Roses

Nothing says romance quite like roses, and in today's economy, you can pinch pennies and please your sweetheart. Costco has the most stunning rose bouquets, and they come in assorted sizes.The Costco florist told me she loves her job, and it's a pleasure to spend her day with flowers. If you really want to impress your sweetheart, come home with one of their wonderfully chef prepared meals and a

"Reel" Flowers

I'm a movie fanatic, and love nothing more than settling in some evening with an entertaining movie. (Best if Sam Elliott is in it, but that's a subject for another blog...)While poking around an antique shop recently, I found an old poster for the movie Please Don't Eat the Daisies, (from 1960, starring that perky Doris Day and David Niven,) and it got me thinking: How many other movies have

Moss rose or portulacas

Moss rose (portulaca grandiflora) a morning bloomer... the blooms will go away in the afternoon to show their beauty again the next day. This plant reminds me of my childhood, many houses had moss rose (11 horas in Portuguese) in the garden, they are easy to grow and there are many colors available.This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

Having your (flowered) cake...

Haven't we all been to a wedding and wondered "what was she thinking with that cake?" At one wedding I attended, the cake was so shocking it was all anyone could talk about. With a mini bride and groom and 30 (yes! 30) mini attendants, sugared flying buttresses, bridges, towers, and little lakes of garish blue food coloring, it was a sight to behold!In a past life I was probably the pastry chef

Show me... something that relaxes you

This is what really soothes me: a view of green pastures, farm life, hills and mountains. I grew up on a flat farm but married a man from the mountains! I took this picture on the way to my in-laws' farm. We had to stop along the way because of some unexpected road construction... I was about to complain when I thought to myself... There is got to be something good out of this situation, we had

Show me... a view!

A view from our balcony. I can see miles and miles away... We have gray skies today which is not unusual this time of the year and Spring is just around the corner! The trees are blooming all over. I can see mango trees, tabebuias of many different colors and sky rises surrounding the city...This picture is part of project Show me that Robert is hosting this week, if you would like to see more

Show me... a trunk of memories

My mom gave me this trunk many years ago... it has a beautiful story behind it. When her father, my grandfather, made this trunk, her mother, my grandmother, was pregnant with my mom! I can imagine my grandmother wearing her long dress, and my grandfather carving the wood... Well, my grandfather passed away when my mom was only eight years old, and all I know is that he was a tall and very

Show me... your front door

Welcome friends to my home and stay for a while... We live in a 3rd floor (4th in the US) apartment and the front door is boring, so I am showing here the balcony door too, which has a nice view of the city.If you would like to see more front doors, please visit Robert at Thoughts of a Father.

Show me... your kitchen!

I love coffee, tea, blue stuff, crafts and small things, such as the little guinea fowls in my kitchen. The old coffee pot belonged to my grandmother and I inherited it...Robert at Thoughts of a Father is hosting his first photo project and today's theme is kitchen. For more details on how to participate, please visit Robert.

Annatto flowers - Urucum

Annatto or achiotte, (bixa orellana L.) has the scientific name derived from a Spanish explorer in the XVI century. This plant is grown mostly in South America and Brazil is the main producer and exporter. Known here as urucum or colorau, the seeds are used as a natural red food coloring in the food industry, cosmestics (known as the lipstick-tree), to dye textiles and also for cooking, which I

I love your china service, Mr. President!

During yet another interminable presidential debate, my mind wandered to a visit I made to the White House a few years ago. Everything about the tour was fascinating, but I was particularly intrigued by the China Room, where all the presidential china is on display. As I marveled over all the lovely patterns, I was especially struck by how many of them included flowers!The James Polk State

Mini Albums!

I know I've been neglectful with my blog. With school starting back up, life's been busy! I do have a two mini-albums and another project to share though. The first is a mini-album for My Creative Scrapbook made with the September Album Kit:The second is a mini, mini album. It's made with a Maya Road Mini Arrow Album. I did this project for Sweet Shoppe Designs using Shawna Clingerman's Outloud

The Armchair Garden Traveler

Traveling to, and reading about, great gardens has always been a favorite activity of mine and I've been fortunate to visit so many over the years, both in the US and abroad. Two of my favorites are Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C, designed by the prolific Beatrix Farrand, and the magnificent Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. The British have their own way with flowers, and I've enjoyed

Show me your glory

I find it hard to glorify nature without glorifying the Creator of all things... in the kingdom of nature there can only be a king... that shows us His glory and all things speak themselves to proclaim the works of God's hands...Ecological Day is a monthly event started by Sonia, at Leaves of Grass, and the purpose is to write and post photos about anything related to Ecology. Let us reflect the

Paper flower - Bouganvilleas in bloom

Please click to enlarge.This climbing vine is a native to Brazil, known as bouganvillea or paper flower, it was named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, an admiral in the French Navy who discovered the plant here in 1768. The colorful bracts around the flowers can be pink, orange, red, purple, white, yellow... The white-cream flowers are very small and can go almost unnoticed.You can grow

Related Videos Of Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid

Orchid Care Expert : Click Here!Orchid To Brag About : Click Here!Ultimate Natural Fertilizer : Click Here!Secrets to Growing Orchids : Click Here!

Growing Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants owing to the ease of propagation and flowering under artificial conditions. They were among the first tropical orchids in Victorian collections. Since the advent of the tetrapoloid hybrid Doris, the Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid have become extremely easy to grow and flower in the home, as long as some care is taken to

Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid

The generic name means "Phalaen[a]-like" and is probably a reference to the genus Phalaena, the name given by Carolus Linnaeus to a group of large moths; the flowers of some species supposedly resemble moth in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid. They are native throughout Southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the islands of Polillo and

Flowers and Shoes-What Could be Better?

I love flowers. I also love shoes. So imagine my delight upon seeing the amazing Flower Shoes on the Milan runways!*Sky-high stilettos made of lucite and imbedded with flowers! *Audrey Hepburn-esque ballet flats adorned with bold blossoms! *Thigh-high boots dripping with suede blooms! Fascinating. Scintillating. Mesmerizing. What is it about shoes that fascinates some of us? Consider your list

African violets are blooming around the house

My first African violet was a birthday present a long time ago and I remember it bloomed all the time. When I was in college I used to buy African violets of all colors and of course I did not take care of them, but I soon found out that they grow and bloom better if you do not water them often! That's the type of flower you want to have if you do not have time to water a plant on schedule or

The Power of a Flower

I'm reminded today of the power of flowers. A simple gesture; inexpensive, unexpected. Yet, the end result was lovely and heartwarming. A young couple approached my shop recently, seeing the cut flowers on display. He promptly plucked a carnation (yes, a carnation!) from the bucket and entered the shop to complete his purchase. He then simply handed it to his ladyfriend, whose wide eye'd look of

Say it ain't So!

No!!!! I'm not ready for Summer to be over! I don't want to go back to work next week!!! Only one more week 'til school starts :( I need to change my attitude, don't I? (I just don't want to go back yet!)Anyway, I do have some projects to share.....A few I did for Sweet Shoppe Designs:I can't remember if I found this wooden "flowerpot" at AC Moore or Michaels but I got it awhile back and never

Olympic baloons to celebrate 08/08/08!!!

Have fun watching the Olympic games! Celebrate the date 08/08/08!!!

Mini-Album, My New Blinkie and (the dreaded) Vacation Photos :o

Our projects are up at My Creative Scrapbook so I can post my latest mini-album now :) I did this album with the album kit shown here: August Album Kit Hey, Check this out: I ordered a custom blinkie for my blog from Graffiti Chicks . Isn't is adorable??!! And a steal too! Those girls are AWESOME - fast, friendly and did I mention the prices are amazing??? I HIGHLY recommend them - You've gotta

Birthdays!

I've been in Birthday mode this month - did a birthday gift project, made a birthday mini-album (will post that next month) for MCS and yesterday made a birthday cake (paper, of course). I made this for my daughter's birthday, can't believe she'll be 8 tomorrow!!!!! I used three wooden round boxes and covered them with papers printed from this fun, girly kit by Manda at SSD. I added buttons,

Fun Stuff :)

I got the two cutest books last week and I've been having some fun with them. I got:SoftiesandAranzi Cute Stuff Here's what I've made so far: This cute tree:A keychainand I've also made some pincushions - the strawberry pincushion wasn't in the books, but one I made for fun - just playing around. The flower pincushion was made with a simple pattern in the book for the "x" shape and I cut a flower

A real B&W wedding picture

My grandparents got married in 1928, and they would be celebrating their 80th anniversary this year... I'm so glad I got to spend so much time with them and live close to them for so many years. When I left for the US to be an exchange student my grandpa said he would probably not see me again... so when I came back a year later, there he was, and he lived to the age of 86! Life is so short...

A church vitral

This image is filled with memories of my childhood... the church we attended had beautiful vitrals that were even distracting to a child. Going back to my hometown now with my camera gives me the chance to focus on the beautiful surroundings and places that are so dear to me.This is part of Project black that Anna Carson is hosting. There are many other blogs participating and you can join in

A few projects to share :)

Got a few things done the past couple of days. Everything here is for Sweet Shoppe Designs (LOVE THEM!!!). I wanted to make a birthday box with this adorable birthday kit called It's My Party by Christy Lyle. I made a tag to go with it but it wouldn't fit with that honkin' big bow so I left it off :)This next one was a bit of an experiment - I saw this kit by Dani Mogstad. Its a pre-made album

A black sombrero

A black and white sombrero made in felter and embroidered with beads caught everyone's attention during the International festival we attended a few days ago.This is my contribution to Anna's Project Black.

Shiny black

Shiny black... two wheels... I tried to learn how to ride a bike many times, but I don't think I ever got the right bike for a beginner. Well, it was a dirt bike, no electric start, you have to kick start it... and so on. I still hope I will learn how to ride a bike, a regular bike... even though I love dirt bikes!I shot this bike last week on our way to a friend's campsite and this is my entry

My Creative Scrapbook

The July Kits are up at My Creative Scrapbook! I've got a few photos of the album that I did for the July Album Kit. I wanted to make a little album about some of the things our freedom allows us that I am grateful for (in the spirit of Fourth of July). That's about it for now - Have a GREAT week!

I'm Finished!

I've been reorganizing and decluttering my craftroom (well, a little - didn't get rid of as much as I intended). I'm pretty much finished except for reorganizing a few cabinets and painting a big cabinet which I'll be doing next week. I've got a few photos below but have a bunch more here if you want to take a peek: My Craftroom (click for larger images)I'm just so happy to feel a little more

Fourth of July!

Made a little Fourth of July Candy Bouquet. I found the star box at AC Moore and covered "fun size" candy bars to make the bouquet. I used this adorable kit by Heather Roselli & Darcy Baldwin called Freedom Rocks from Sweet Shoppe Designs. Here are a few more pics of the box:Well I started the daunting task of re-organizing my craft room. I do it about once a year. I've had my eye on this storage

A fun gift idea...

(Click for larger image)I've been making these for years - this is one of my favorite gifts to give kids because kids typically love art and I love to encourage them to create art. You can get the art cases from the craft store and whenever my daughter gets invited to a birthday, I typically do one up as part of the gift. For the past two Christmases, Michaels (craft store) had the art cases on

Brazil and Japan - 100-year friendship

A friendship that started 100 years ago when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the port of Santos aboard the steamship Kasato Maru on June 18, 1908. Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito is visiting the country to take part in the celebrations. An anniversary that certainly has a significant role in our country today.

July 4th Treats

This was probably the quickest and easiest project I've ever done. I could have done a lot more with it, but I wanted it to be quick and easy so that is how I approached it. I'll be making more of these but here's the first one - its a July 4th Treat Bag. I filled the bag with "Red Hots" (cinnamon candies). For the bag topper, I used a pre-made digital page and just inserted a photo. Here's the

A few things and a CHALLENGE!

Got a few things done for Sweet Shoppe Designs:Made a card using this: Blossom CD Album Kit. Instead of making the CD album, I used one of the pages for a card front. It was sooo fast and easy! Found these plastic buckets at Party City and used this kit from Eva Kipler to made a "Girl Stuff" bucket for dd to put her girly trinkets (hairbows, bracelets, etc....) in.There is a new CHALLENGE up at

Blue barn doors

A barn with blue doors... the look of the distressed wood walls against the freshly painted doors brings me back to reality to tell me I am not in the last century... My grandparents lived nearby and I can only imagine what life was like in the 40's when my grandmother had 6 kids and my grandfather was the manager of this place. My dad has so many stories to tell about this farm where he spent

A blue bench is so inviting

This picture was taken at this farm which is mostly painted blue! That's where my dad grew up. I would love to be able to go there again and have some quiet time, read a book or just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature!If you like blue, please visit Anna's blog to find out more blogs that have joined this adventure!

New Stuff, Gift Ideas & More

Got a few projects done. The first is a super quick 6x6 layout for Prima Hybrid. This was sooo easy, I used a predesigned 12x12 digi page, printed it at 6x6 and just added a few real embellishments (flowers, buttons, ribbon and an epoxy sticker). Love how it turned out!Here's another fun project, but the photo here stinks because there was too much glare on the coffee mug. Anyway, I found these

A blue coffee mill or grinder

One of my chores as a child was to grind coffee, not an easy task, so my siblings and I took turns, and we did not always did it for fun because we did not drink coffee at the time... It was a rough chore and I'm glad it did not affect our love for coffee today as we are all heavy coffee drinkers at home!This old coffee mill was at display during the International Day held at my youngest son's

Jump!

The weather here is good all year round and beautiful blue skies motivate outdoor parties with inflatables slides and even a trampoline.I think blue is my favorite color. You can see more people blogging blue on Anna's Project Blue.

It's June!

A new month and some new things for My Creative Scrapbook. Make sure you go visit the message board at MCS and check out this post to find out how to win some free scrapbook goodies!!! Also check out the monthly kits - they are FABULOUS and FULL of stuff!!!Here's a project I did with the June Album Kit featuring Heidi Swapp's World Traveler papers: Gotta add one more photo - my dd is taking a

An old school desk painted blue

The old school desk reminds me of my own rural school back in 1976. This one does not have the ink well holes.My mother-in-law had them painted in blue and I love to sit there and chat. There are a couple of desks in the porch that has white and blue rails.Please visit Anna's Project Blue to see how the world keeps spinning blue in many other blogs.

Memorial Day Weekend (Yipee!) & Teacher Gifts

I LOVE a three-day weekend! Especially since we only have 4 days of school left when we go back next week :)This weekend I plan to "stimulate the economy" and several items on my list are teacher gifts. I wanted to get my dd's teacher a nice gift card so I made a card and matching pillow box to put the gift card in. I LOVE this kit called "Imagine That" by Robin Carlton & Misty Cato, there are

Summer Journal

Got another quick project to add for the Sweet Shoppe. If you have never been there, you have GOT to go look at the kits..... I love EVERY kit those girls put out!!!Here's a project I did with Julie's Wildflower Whimsy Kit. It's a summer journal for my daughter to keep up with her writing over summer vacation. She loves to write stories and draw so I thought she needed something cute and summery

Pinch Me!

I am SOOOO excited! I got some great news early this week and have had to hold it in all week, but now the cat is out of the bag....check this out (the very bottom row):My Dream TeamYipee!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE SSD!!!! I am one lucky girl to get to work with all these amazing designers!I've gotten two projects done for them so far:This card was made with the Skippy Doo Da Kit by Lauren Grier and,

Patience... now!

During a morning walk I saw this butterfly trying to fly and I believe it had just emerged from its chrysalis. It took me about 10 minutes to get shots of the open wings, as they flap so fast and stay closed for a long time afterwards, and all I needed was a small action, the butterfly to move its wings! That was a test of patience, which is not one of my best abilities...This reminds me of

Projects!

I've got a few projects to share - The first is a tutorial I did for SBB, I thought this would make a neat teacher gift since school will be out soon. I used Ali Folendore's Teacher's Pet Kit for this altered mini-clipboard.This is another project for SBB, this altered frame was for the April issue of Tid-Bytes Magazine. You can find the tutorial for this project there.I LOVE this month's

My first Mother's Day

I became a mom ten years ago and my oldest son was only a week old... time flies... Yes, he turned 10 this week... The other day we were shopping for Winter clothes and he wanted to try on the clothes alone in the dressing room. I told him I'd be waiting at the cashier... lost count of how many times I turned around to check if he was coming...You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

BLOG PARTY!!!!!

It's a Prima Hybrid BLOG PARTY!! Below you will find my FREE template download and the links to the other flowergirls and moderators who have free templates at their blogs too. Also, see below for my Altered Challenge at PH with a chance to win a $20 Prima Hybrid Prize package!!!!! Here's the template and download (I used the header I created for my blog as inspiration):Download Here: Cindy

A little project and Blog Party info...

{Photo removed for publication}Got a new tutorial for this Notecard project in the latest Fresh Cuts Newsletter at Prima Hybrid. You can go here to sign up for the newsletter, it always has great tutorials and great info.Also, tomorrow we are having another Blog Party at Prima Hybrid!!!! I'll post a link to all the Flower Girls' Blogs where you can go and get a free goody at each blog! You don't

Sneek Peek

Got a little sneak peek at the new kit for May at My Creative Scrapbook! This is just one of several kits available this month. I'll be posting a sneek peek with another kit soon....

Bench marks

These pictures were taken last year after my niece's wedding reception. What I like about them is that the worn out grass shows that the benches are not just decorative, people really take time to sit and watch some really amateur tennis players. And they came to my mind after I saw Anna's post with a green bench.To view more participants of Project Green, or if you want to join in the fun,

An apple a day

The funny thing about blogging is that you become more aware of your surroundings and not even a simple errand can be done without a camera... So, while doing my grocery shop I spotted green apples that were so nicely displayed... I am not sure whether we are allowed to take pictures inside a grocery store, but I could not help it... And you know I always have a camera in my bag even when running

My Wellies!

Aren't they cute? I just wish these mini wellies were my size! My friend from the UK sent me this key chain and I love it!This is part of Project Green, please visit Anna's blog and you will be able to view over 100 participating blogs!

Go Green!

This week Anna's challenge focuses on green. An environmental theme for April 22nd, which happens to be Earth Day and my birthday too... No wonder why I love green themes, even though it is not my favorite color. My shot for Project Green features organic grape leaves.How green is your life today?

Looking through a pizza oven

This week both my themes revolve around food, first the window at a restaurant and now this pizza oven. I had made other attempts trying to shoot pizza ovens and failed. This time I did not have my tripod with me so it was more of a challenge but I liked the results. Happy Friday everyone!Please visit Mark's blog to find out some great blogs that have been posting wonderful pictures for Project

Looking through the window

Looking through the window from a nice country restaurant. Fresh air, good food and no rush to leave. The check won't be sent to you unless you ask for it. Oops... it has some yellow, am I in the wrong project? I meant to send this to Mark's blog and his Looking through project!

Yellow orchids

My last shot for the Project Yellow at Anna's blog. The project has come to an end, but I am sure it was the beginning of many new friendships and great finds!Yellow is the color of sunshine. It is warming, gets our attention (even more now) and it is very cheerful, just like the project. I had such a great time visiting so many blogs that I had never heard of.I leave these yellow orchids in your

All that glitters

Should I say I have organic and sustainable earrings? My earrings and my purse below are not made of gold. They are made of golden grass, a plant that has this unique and natural gold color.Golden grass can be found only in in the Amazon region of Brazil, in a place called Jalapão, and is harvested only once a year. The artisans make beautiful earrings, handbags and other items.This is my

Lucky Me!

I got to play with Teresa Collins' new "Journal It" line for our April kit at My Creative Scrapbook! I've had my eye on these papers so I was thrilled when I found out we were getting them!!!! Make sure you check out the MCS Blog to see the kits available and the other AMAZING layouts and projects from the other girls! One of the kits comes with an adorable red suitcase and mini-album to go in

The Earthmover

This post is dedicated to my husband who started this collection a few years ago when he was a Consultant and implemented a project at Caterpillar. He is on his way back from India and will be home tomorrow! He is always on the move and on the Earth's surface! We miss you honey!If you want to take part in the yellow project, please visit Anna's blog and find out more wonderful pictures that many

Yellow balconies

Visiting a friend this week I parked the car, looked up and saw what... yellow balconies!!! There were people around and this is an only shot, very unusual for me. I don't handle the camera well when people are watching, my favorite shots were taken when I was alone, funny huh?So, here's my photo for Anna's yellow project!

My neighbor's yellow car

A sweet old lady and her yellow car, that's our neighbor. Most of our parents had a Beetle at some point in their lives, mine did! We don't see many nowadays, but I remember when I was little and my sister had her first car, it was a 60's Beetle, around 1978 I believe. Boy, did we have fun!!! I was only 9 then...It's been a fun week, I had never paid much attention to yellow but it is everywhere!

Just follow the yellow sign

Ok, I have done some crazy things to shoot a photo. And this was just one of them. This morning on my way back from Sam's Club, I spotted from a distance a yellow sign near the mall entrance, reached for my camera in the bag and turned it on! There were cars behind me, oh well, I thought they were not that close and I looked in the rear view mirror! So, I slowed down and took this shot! It was a

Yellow flower and a busy bee

Anna has an inspirational blog that combines beautiful posts and photographs. This week, or for a while, she's challenging bloggers to take yellow pictures! So, off we go to the yellow mode and here is my contribution!This bee started feeding on the flowers I was shooting. My favorite photos revolve around flowers... I think they make me peaceful as I never get tired of admiring how gorgeous they

In love with Felt!

I am currently having a major love affair with the felt from Creative Cafe! I want to make everything out of this stuff. Here's another little quick project I did today with it: Everything here is Creative Cafe except the ribbon, thread and pillow box. (Creative Cafe Spirit Felt Shapes, Creative Cafe Flower, Creative Cafe Button, Creative Cafe Planner Punch-Outs, Creatie Cafe White Felt Ric Rac,

This was FUN!

I just finished doing a really fun project! I did a "Paintable". You can see them here: IOD Silhouette Gem Frame Fleurish. You just print them out (either on paper or a transparency) and paint them (you should either print them on a laser printer or print with ink jet then make a copy of it on a copier - unless your ink jet uses water-proof ink). I used Staedtler watercolor pencils and a Tombow

Some weekend goodies....

I've had a little bit of time to play and did a few projects this weekend - the first one is for Prima Hybrid, its a 6x6 mini-album and a box to keep it in.Credits: Weeds & Wildflowers "Counting The Ways" Quick Album, misc. embellishments.I've got a lot more photos at my online gallery if you wanna check them out.I also made a little sign for my dd, I used Creative Cafe felt and embellishments (

Spring and Fall - the equinox

Mount Elbert - Colorado - 2004These mountains are beautifully covered with snow in the Winter but when Summer time comes they reveal amazing flowers, wild rivers and gorgeous landscape. I found it hard to believe that such delicate flowers survived after a harsh Winter.It makes me think of the many gifts that God has given us showing his faithfullness and how we use them through our callings to

"Happy Easter" Basket

I've got a little Easter project to share and details on how you can get the kit I used in this FREE!!!SBB is having a fun-filled chat day tomorrow and you can get this kit for FREE by participating!!! You can check out the details here: March 22 Chat Event Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

It's a new beginning... May God continue to bless you and your loved ones...Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25

Happy Spring!

Today is the first day of Spring!!! I decided to make a pocket card with Meredith's Spring Explosion kit to celebrate: Supplies: Spring Explosion Kit by Meredith Fenwick, Prima Center Kisses, Prima Rue 88 Essentials flower, Autumn Leaves Flourish Stamp, Bazzill Bazzinks ink, Colorbox Chalk Ink, Hallmark Ribbon, vellum.Hope YOU have a GREAT Spring and a Happy Easter too!

His birthday is on St. Patrick's Day

Happy birthday dear hubby!"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Blog Party Template - UPDATE & Another Freebie!

The Blog Party Template Freebie is in the post below 6so feel free to snag away!I wanted to post an update though because due to overwhelming traffic, the previous link to the template went down sometime late last night because it reached its download limit on that site. I reloaded the template on another file sharing site and it is back up and functional again - YAY! If you tried last night or

It's a BLOG PARTY - LOTS OF FREEBIES!!!!!

At Prima Hybird we've added four new Flower Girls to our team so we decided to celebrate by having a BLOG PARTY!!! And YOU get the gifts!!!!!So let's welcome Laura Kannady, Teresa Victor, Patty Komara & Monika Martinson, our new Flower Girls! And as promised, below you will find my gift and links to all the other Flower Girls, when you visit their blogs today you'll get a gift from them too!!!!!

Just call me a Cover Girl.....

LOL!!!!!! Yep, I'm a little giddy because I just got the latest copy of Ready, Set, Create in my inbox and lo and behold, my project is right on the cover page. That was fun to see!Anyway, its a great issue just FULL (107 pages full) of birthday layouts, cards and projects. Go here if you want a copy of your own: Ready, Set, Create.I'll be back in just a bit with another post today regarding

Bunga Aggrek Bulan

Bunga Aggrek Bulan Sebagai tanaman epifit, anggrek bulan sepanjang hidupnya di alam bebas selalu ternaungi oleh ranting atau dahan pohon. ”Karena itu, anggrek jenis ini hanya butuh intensitas matahari yang tak terlalu kuat.cukup 20 sampai 50 persen saja

Bunga Pisang-pisangan

Bunga Pisang-pisanganUdara hangat, suhu minimal 65 F Cahaya, sebaiknya sedikit terkena sinar matahari langsung Jaga kondisi media tetap lembab Penggantian media 1 tahun sekali Perbanyakan dengan pemisahan anakan

Bunga Bougenville

Bunga Bougenville Orange 1. Tanaman Bougenville harus terkena sinar matahari penuh, 2. Jangan sering disiram atau diberi pupuk daun, 3. Penyiraman bisa dilakukan sehari 1 kali atau tidak, biarkan sampai media tanam dalam pot agak kering dan tanaman sedikit layu (DAUN TIDAK SAMPAI RONTOK/KERING), baru dilakukan penyiraman. 4. Setelah mulai tumbuh bunga baru dilakukan pemeliharaan seperti biasa.

Bunga Anggrek Dendrobium

Bunga Anggrek Dendrobium Ungu Ada beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan, diantaranya lingkungan, yakni sinar matahari, kelembaban dan temperatur, serta pemeliharaan seperti pemupukan, penyiraman. Pada umumnya anggrek yang dibudidayakan memerlukan temperatur kurang lebih 28° C dengan temperatur mini~um 1 SO C. Anggrek tanah pada umumnya lebih tahan panas dari pada anggrek pot. Tetapi

A fun letter project...

Here's a fun project I did this weekend for Prima Hybrid. You'll have to indulge me, I have lots of photos:These are large (6.5") chipboard letters that spell my dd's name, KATIE. I covered the letters in papers and embellishments from Prima, punched a hole in the top corner of each letter and put them on a chain. Here are the individual letters: Supplies: Weeds & Wildflowers "Cherishing Every

A view from my car window

I took this picture as we were arriving in Sao Paulo. I love driving, but during a road trip with my family I feel more comfortable in the passenger seat with my camera ready to complement the fun! While I enjoy the view, I take a few shots to make some fond memories.Did you notice the airplane on top of the blue building? Always take pictures... you never know what your lenses may catch, and

Another Freebie - Yea!!

We've got a new freebie up over at PrimaHybrid. Di made this adorable gift box template for this month's Hybrid Helper (we're giving away a free tempate each month). You can go here to download it: March Hybrid HelperHere's one of the samples I did with this template using Nancy Kubo's Little Dreamland paper & elements - Enjoy!!!

FLOWER Privacy StatementWhat follows is the Privacy Statement for all FLOWER blog (a.k.a. blogs) including all the may blog run under the http://udin74.blogspot.comPlease read this statement regarding our blogs. If you have questions please ask us via our contact form.Email AddressesYou may choose to add your email address to our contact list via the forms on our websites. We agree that we will

Keepsake Box

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to make little altered boxes. Here's one I did yesterday for SBB's new collaboration kit that's about to be released called, Pushing Up Daisies.Happy Tuesday :)

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I have been so busy with projects!!! I came home from work yesterday and went immediately into "craft mode" and didn't stop until 3 a.m. then got up at 8:30 this morning and started right back at it! I had some tutorials and projects I HAD to get done before the deadlines, needless to say I've had my nose to the grindstone, so to speak. So what do I have to show for all my hard work??? Just ONE

Mother's Day History

The earliest Mother's day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday. Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter), Mothering Sunday honored the mothers of England.In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in

Valentine Roses.

When giving cut roses as Valentine gifts, we adhere to a time-honored formula that takes into account rose color meanings. The formula matches a rose's color to its intended meaning as a gift. This article provides that formula, as an aid to those shopping for Valentine's day.

I want to linger a little longer...

A little longer here with you... it's such a perfect time to wish someone you love how much that person means to you... Look around and thank for the beautiful things, like the gift of a friend, a husband, a wife, a child or acquaintance who's been there for you in good times and in bad. That is unconditional love...Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I've got a few Valentine's cards to share - I did all of these for Di's Blog: Supplies: Vintage Love Digital Kit by Corina Nielsen, Fancy Heart Notes by Corina Nielsen (both available at PrimaHybrid.com); Black Cardstock, Making Memories Brad, Ribbon by JoAnn's, Ultimate Stitches (Digital) by Dani Mogstad, Colorbox Chalk Ink. Supplies: Amore Pattern Papers by Shabby

FREEBIES!!!!!!!

Want some Freebies??? I've got a free digi kit and a free template here for you but you've got to sign up for the Prima Hybrid Newsletter to get them (you'll love the newsletter - its FULL of yummy projects and great tutorials and is published weekly).Go here to sign up: Prima Hybrid NewsletterI've got a few projects - both are in the newsletter with instructions: Also, go here to get your free

Floral horoscopes for February

Welcome to the horoscope page, where each month you can read a fun take on the future and see the flower associated with your sign. Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet As you await a decision about a business venture, the tension is considerable. Keep your fingers crossed, but don’t blame yourself if the outcome isn’t what you’d hoped for. Additionally, that difficult family

Fresh eggs from the old chicken coop

A good reason to have chickens is to be able to collect fresh eggs and have a regular supply of delicious eggs to try new recipes. We visit this farm once a month but I would love to live closer to enjoy all the good things there.And speaking of eggs... We still haven't gotten over Christmas and it won't be too long before we start dyeing Easter eggs! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, I just

5 quick tips to make the most of fresh flowers.

Want to prolong the life of his Bouquet of Flowers? Here 5 easy ways are.R&R. Yes, the flowers need it, also. But instead of rest and relaxation, they need the new clipping and to water again. This is the most important step that you can take to extend the lives of the flowers. The stems of court in an angle and they replace everything watering in the vase. (Do not add only one more splash.)The

Chicken out!

White meat is in and it makes a perfect Sunday roast! But I started to wonder what kind of meat my family was eating when I saw a mass-production farm for the first time. The first set of pictures shows my husband's family farm where they raise organic chicken for their own consumption. Chickens there have room to roam and eat. The kids love to throw kale from the garden fence and watch the

You've gotta sign up for this newsletter!!!

Our first Prima Hybrid Newsletter is now up! You've got to sign up for it (its free!). Each newsletter will contain articles, projects and yummy eye-candy. Go here to sign up:Prima Hybrid Newsletter.Other news - I found out this morning that I'll have four projects in the upcoming Paper Crafts Special Issue Holiday Cards & More, Volume 3. I know some other girls that will be in this issue so I

Valentine's Treat Box

Here's a new project that I did last night for Prima Hybrid - it's a Valentine's Treat Box. I used these yummy papers from Weeds & Wildflowers at Prima Hybrid:Credits:All Papers from Weeds & Wildflowers Design Cherishing Every Moment(http://www.primahybrid.com/shoppe/pr...t=0&page=1) Trish Jones Date Stamp (http://www.primahybrid.com/shoppe/pr...t=0&page=1)Paper Swirl cut from Weeds and

Free as a bird

There is nothing better than waking up to the sounds of the birds early in the morning. I have fun observing the birds across the farm. It takes time, but time seems to go slower when we are away from computers! And I feel free as a bird, going up and down the garden, with no schedules, no conference calls, just me and my camera! When I start to get bored, I watch the birds. The parrots

OMGosh - You HAVE to check this out!!!

PrimaHybrid would like to add some fresh talent to our crop of Flower Girls creative team! You could be a Flower Girl (or Guy!) at PrimaHybrid! Call Details:Please send the following items in your email application:Please tell us about yourself (any scrapbooking or artistic experience) and why you would like to be a Flower Girl 2 or 3 examples of your current style in the form of cards,altered

It's the BIG DAY!!!!

Yea! I can finally share the BIG NEWS that I've had to hold in since NOVEMBER!!! A major scrapbooking company that we all know and love is going HYBRID....Introducing.....YIPEE!!!! Prima is combining its wonderful traditonal products with new digital kits for this new venture. Come visit the new site at: Prima HybridOh, and another reason I'm so happy about this, guess who's a new Prima Flower

***Tomorrow***

Something wonderful begins tomorrow........please check back to get the scoop!!!!

I've got two WINNERS (& a secret)...

My daughter just picked two random winners for the Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine give-away, and they are............Kannady andErin McKinneyLuckily they both left contact info so I'll be contacting you girls to get your addresses. I'll be be giving away more stuff in the future so be on the lookout!Now for something else,BIG, BIG, BIG News Coming On Tuesday& I can't wait!!! I have several

Sweet Summer Rain

What a refreshing moment after a long hot day, when the afternoon pouring rain hits, I stop everything I am doing and sit on my couch for a few moments just to watch and hear the sound of a good soaking rain.When I am traveling and it rains, the washed out roads and the steam coming out dissolving the landscape look so beautiful to me.And last... After the rain... there comes the sun up in the

Gone fishing

Over the holidays we visited family and I enjoyed some quiet time fishing with the kids. Time goes by so quickly when we are not working...

Altered Mini-Notebook

I've been busy with several projects but only one that I can post now (the other's have to wait until next week.....something BIG is happening then!!!!).Here's a little mini-notebook that I did for Di's Card Sketch blog. I decided to use this week's card sketch for the cover:Supplies: K&Co pattern papers, Basic Grey ribbon, K&Co felt flowers, Stampin Up "Cherish" stamp, Colorbox Chalk Ink.

Hard work pays off

Working at a large company has its benefits, like discounts (from the bank, stores, and hotels), a retirement program and... well, it does not happen often, but we had a training program at a nice hotel!

Leaving the roads

Innovative and eco-friendly. My new flip-flops are comfortable, water-repelling and slip-resistant on wet surfaces. What else? They are hand-crafted and made from recycled car tires and... they were so cheap! Besides, I think they are cute and I can't get them off my feet now that Summer is here.

Want a copy of the latest Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine?

Time for a give away! I've got two extra copies of the latest Scrapbook Dimensions Mag that I'd love to give away to someone who doesn't have this magazine. Just leave a comment to any posts on my blog now through next Saturday (1/12/08) and I'll have my daughter randomly draw 2 people from the comments to get a copy of the current issue of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine. You can either leave me

Do you digi???

I LOVE Hybrid scrapping and admit that most of my projects are hybrid because I love the ease, flexibility and availability of digi products - I mean there is nothing I love more than kicking back and going shopping on Saturday and Sunday mornings in my robe and slippers with a mug of hot coffee (online obviously). It's incredible to have instant access to millions of scrapping products, I'm no

Simple things

May your year be filled with beautiful and bright colors. Simple delights as simple as country flowers, simple smiles that brighten a day...I believe in simple things...