tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49863651050471877162024-03-19T17:58:15.128-05:00{Flip Flop Living}Simple ways to make each day memorableMelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-33420104664834338332015-03-18T09:55:00.002-05:002015-03-18T10:07:51.537-05:00Author Spotlight: NY Times Bestselling Author Bill Forstchen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tBWnCDhg2JKUJ76K8SEDhUE9GkkvV7YPLu-4_KVVDuT7eexuUnaQqdIteE97Ec_hhnILGoFiltvGa580GOpm9i5SxNnqIyqpobA9iKvVTZgHdwvI1R7jhMUViEEptfNN_lLVP04iRvs/s1600/img23649692101bd243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tBWnCDhg2JKUJ76K8SEDhUE9GkkvV7YPLu-4_KVVDuT7eexuUnaQqdIteE97Ec_hhnILGoFiltvGa580GOpm9i5SxNnqIyqpobA9iKvVTZgHdwvI1R7jhMUViEEptfNN_lLVP04iRvs/s1600/img23649692101bd243.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I'm so excited to be reading <em>Day of Wrath</em> by NY Times Bestselling author, Bill Forstchen. I first became aware of his books when I was asked to write a press release for <em>Pillar in the Sky ... </em>and I've been hooked ever since.<em> </em>Forstchen's credentials are amazing. He holds a
Ph.D. in history from Purdue University with a specialization in military
history. He is the author of over forty (yes, FORTY) books, of which several have been NY
Times best sellers. His groundbreaking novel “One Second After,” published in
2009 is credited by many with helping to start the “prepper movement,” by
raising national awareness as to the potential threat of an attack via an
electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) strike. He along with other experts on terrorism
and the military situation in the Middle East firmly believes that it is time
America took serious note of the threats leveled by ISIS, that we are their
next target and that it is not a question of if, it is now simply a question of
when. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, have you figured out my eclectic taste in books yet? I'm a mystery-loving, wine & foodie who loves children's books and YA fiction ... especially books about the middle east because I used to live there. I'm in the process of reading <em>Day of Wrath </em>it right now and will definitely touch base when I am finished. Until then, read on to learn about Forstchen's inspiration behind the book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. What is the book “Day of
Wrath,” about? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>“</em>Day of Wrath <em>presents, in
fictional form, a “scenario” for a potential attack by ISIS (or what some now
call ISIL “Islamic State in the Levant”) within the territory of the
continental United States that could take place as early as next month.</em> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Why a book of fiction
about what is a real world threat at this very moment? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>Even before 9/11 there was
speculation as to how the terrorist organization of Osama bin Laden might
strike against America. Within the military and intelligence community “war
gaming,” out various scenarios is standard practice: to present “what if,”
questions and then present possible outcomes and responses. Unfortunately the
idea of taking several fully laden commercial aircraft and crashing them into
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Capitol, actually was discussed in
numerous planning groups but never taken seriously. A similar scenario was
presented in a naval “war game” of the 1930s of a carrier based strike against
Pearl Harbor. . . and dismissed. The author’s intent is to present a highly
realistic scenario NOW, with the hope that it will stir national debate and the
seeking of pro-active responses prior to an attack. <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. The author presents a
scenario of a number of teams of terrorists attacking American public schools.
Why would ISIS do this and is this concept a truly realistic threat? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>The author draws on his work as
an historian with an emphasis on military history. Since Columbine, nearly
twenty years ago, our society and educational system has focused on school
security, but with an emphasis on preparation and reaction to what has become a
standard “methodology and profile” of those who attack our schools. In almost
all cases it has been a lone shooter. Though outfitted usually in paramilitary
equipment they are, in a very blunt sense, not trained to inflict maximum
damage, harsh as that might sound in light of the horrific tragedy at Newtown.
And in the vast majority of cases, when police arrive on the scene, the shooter
usually kills themselves, ending the nightmare. <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
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</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2004 a team of well trained
Islamic terrorists seized a school in the province of Chechnya, Russia. It
turned into a three day siege, at the end of which the Russian government
admitted to over three hundred and thirty deaths, though other reporting
sources indicate the count was much higher. The author drew on this as what
could be a frightful inspiration for ISIS. Teams of three to five terrorists,
hitting half a dozen schools simultaneously, (recall the terrorists of 9/11
seized four aircraft within minutes of each other), striking our schools, they
could, in a matter of minutes, slaughter hundreds
of children. No school in America, except the one attended by the children of
our President, has the capacity to withstand this type of assault. <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Within minutes panic would
seize every parent in America as reports escalated as to the number of schools
under attack and the reaction of all would be the same. . .to race to their
child’s school and get them out immediately before it is attacked as well.
Therefore, within minutes after the start of such an attack, roads across
America would be flooded and thus the second wave of the enemy strike. .
.random hits along interstate highways by support teams of two to three
terrorists per vehicle. The author draws on this concept from the actual methods
used by ISIS in their drive into northern Iraq in June.</em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. How realistic is it to
speculate that ISIS will even attack the United States and secondly, how would
such suicide attackers even gain entry into our country? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>ISIS has made clear its
threats. . .amongst their various stated goals: establishing a caliphate which
they already claim to have done, destroy Israel and even the seizing of Mecca.
A goal they boast of nearly every day is to launch an attack inside the United
States. The author links this to the far too obvious news that security along
our southern border is in a shambles. As border security personnel focus on the
humanitarian crisis now existing there, it is clearly evident that vast
stretches of our border are not secured. ISIS seized over one half billion
dollars of hard assets, meaning primarily gold, in its sweep across northern
Iraq. Bin Laden boasted he accomplished his goal with less than half a million
dollars. What could have a billion buy in terms of smuggling of personnel and
very low tech equipment, meaning rifles and ammunition only, into the United
States? Also, just days prior to the release of this book, members of Congress
have stated openly that at least a hundred members of ISIS have already been
infiltrated into our country and are preparing an attack. . .the only question
left is “when, where and how?”</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>5.</strong> <b>Why would schools be the
target? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Anyone who has the ability to stomach the hour long “documentaries”
actually recorded by ISIS, already knows the answers. They have displayed a
ruthless cruelty unmatched in modern history. And they understand “their
enemy,” as well. Consider a scenario where five or six of our elementary and
middle schools became slaughter houses for such murderers. (They would choose
these schools because high schools and colleges have too many adult and near
adult males who might fight back). Simply run a search on “ISIS, executions,
children,” for the evidence of what they are capable of. It would be a
psychological blow, a psyche blow to every American that it becomes difficult
to imagine how our society would function in the weeks and months after. Would
any parent want to send their child back to school a day, a week, a month after
such an attack? Every school henceforth would be an armed camp. How might laws
be changed to try and insure some semblance of security, or might it be a means
to fundamentally change some laws in our country? The blow would be far more </em><em>devastating that Pearl Harbor,
which solely hit a military target, or 9/11 which hit commercial and military
targets. ISIS has the ruthlessness to contemplate murdering hundreds of
children to gain the goals they seek, to humble, humiliate, and to terrorize.</em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Your book shows an enemy
that is extremely savvy with “social media.” Why? </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Our methods of
communication and social interaction have undergone a lightning speed change in
the thirteen years since 9/11. Everyone carries a camera with them, everyone
has instant access to a global audience. So does ISIS. For the first time in
the history of warfare a foe has the ability to broadcast to the entire world
their actions, be they noble or terroristic within seconds. Imagine a 9/11
where the thousands trapped in the World Trade Center and aboard United #93
were able to broadcast to the world what they were seeing, enduring, even to
their own deaths. Imagine an enemy who could do the same. The cell phone has
become as an effective a weapon as an AK-47.</em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>7. Why did the author write
this book? </b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>As a warning to act now, to
prepare, because this is a very real threat and not simply a work of fiction.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</iframe>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-30817286688919028442015-03-17T07:46:00.002-05:002015-03-17T07:59:41.740-05:00Grade A Stupid Book Blitz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUONcjuLCpdbbZmA4pBTIsbSRB3UPX1nUqXwgntTpCogg_hC0RFHdxvzd9FYxYWWuQWEGLbNO7SfI1bdRYnmwtXDEG6THZ0i4u_NP0tFpu7kQRmBPShW13Pc6F6tkDSjTGAHISdLz2JpHN/s1600/GradeAStupid_webOpt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUONcjuLCpdbbZmA4pBTIsbSRB3UPX1nUqXwgntTpCogg_hC0RFHdxvzd9FYxYWWuQWEGLbNO7SfI1bdRYnmwtXDEG6THZ0i4u_NP0tFpu7kQRmBPShW13Pc6F6tkDSjTGAHISdLz2JpHN/s1600/GradeAStupid_webOpt.png" height="273" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so excited to host the Book Blitz for <b style="font-style: italic;">Grade A Stupid by A.J. Lape. </b>The Blitz will run on<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>16th and 17th March. This book is highly rated and currently free in US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. It is only Rs. 60 in India.</span></div>
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Check out the entire </div>
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<a href="http://njkinnytoursandpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/03/tourkickoff-schedule-and-giveaway-grade.html"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tour Schedule</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grade A Stupid by A.J. Lape</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Series: </b>The Darcy Walker Series Book 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>No. of Pages: </b>375</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Publication Date:</b> November 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Genre: </b>Young Adult Mystery, Thriller, Humor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i><b>AN AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER IN TEENS MYSTERIES & THRILLERS SPIES AND DETECTIVE STORIES! </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>DARCYVILLE: Where stupidity is celebrated with a deadly dose of sin. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fifteen years ago, Darcy Walker's parents thought it was a good idea to give her a unique name: Darcy, meaning "dark walker." Whether that was a stroke of genius or stroke of stupid, they definitely nailed the irony. She lacks direction, her grades stink despite a high IQ, she's boringly average--although flirting admirers claim otherwise--and God help her, she's infatuated with a bad-boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A bad-boy that her hottie best friend, Dylan, wishes would get acquainted with his fist. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7YmBkyQ_1x3ikjlwHwsw-pV1QMS83nmBBe6VCTVRIWwDN9fKV_Hn_3VyPO6BGUOySj7gYJ8Nn-AN9zR8KSUmI2ipqsRgrY_JkcLRCQhWwwCIizfq3IHRUvWrT2uNn2aQW_3PGyANDTcO/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7YmBkyQ_1x3ikjlwHwsw-pV1QMS83nmBBe6VCTVRIWwDN9fKV_Hn_3VyPO6BGUOySj7gYJ8Nn-AN9zR8KSUmI2ipqsRgrY_JkcLRCQhWwwCIizfq3IHRUvWrT2uNn2aQW_3PGyANDTcO/s1600/securedownload.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, oh yeah, there's that tattoo that was a royally stupid idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With her life spiraling out of control, everything changes when she skips class and finds a dead body...in fact, it gets worse. It jump starts Darcy's inner-verb, and her brain hardwired for action gets caught up in a situation she can’t let go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Set in the fictional Cincinnati town of Valley, Ohio, Darcy falls into a world of threats, violence, and gangland exploits chasing down every clue to finger the murderer. When a fellow misfit is arrested for the crime, Darcy goes from zero-to-sixty trying to clear his name--constructing aliases, breaking the law, everything that makes perfect sense to her but reeks of Grade A Stupid to everyone else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Trouble is...will she live to see sixteen?</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16139620-grade-a-stupid?from_search=true" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Add to Goodreads: Grade A Stupid by AJ Lape" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq0zujuaAUckfRIn6pB06Hg6Fu7k4wxcKEnHlUenQsSqaKpbHP-1MyZx9AuxyhBcsRJtLi4_Mjw8Hpm8HL33Nqbr3OVBMemheYvOBYNXYvPSRFkYkmmRuojP7sZSUN2d_NWaKmeUK-iVm/s1600/Goodreads-button.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~Excerpt~</span></u></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><em>“THERE WAS ALWAYS a boy in your life that common sense and the prayers of parents told you to stay away from: fast talker, fast car, and fast hands. He was the boy your father kept a loaded shotgun by the door for and met on the front porch if he ever thought about venturing onto his property…let alone the threshold. He was the tall, dark, mysteriously handsome, and uncharacteristically quiet one that made you wonder what was going on in his head, and that little voice in your head said it wasn’t always so honorable. He was the boy you broke all of the rules over because bad-boys equaled excitement and the rebel in you liked the ride.”</em></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~Buying Links~</span></u></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~About the Author~</span></u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9ETnx4AtiI_G1Ze8Xqs69QHzjrKuUghn-biwhBgnuZpFFf9GwHjqCB4QPXwpitV1oebzqajae-pnoZL7clP2Q0vpq8Jme6SJkrJjNCD4-0HUaw868oi1EkHRVEeunBk9V9u7A6Ris62A/s1600/AJLape.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9ETnx4AtiI_G1Ze8Xqs69QHzjrKuUghn-biwhBgnuZpFFf9GwHjqCB4QPXwpitV1oebzqajae-pnoZL7clP2Q0vpq8Jme6SJkrJjNCD4-0HUaw868oi1EkHRVEeunBk9V9u7A6Ris62A/s1600/AJLape.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9ETnx4AtiI_G1Ze8Xqs69QHzjrKuUghn-biwhBgnuZpFFf9GwHjqCB4QPXwpitV1oebzqajae-pnoZL7clP2Q0vpq8Jme6SJkrJjNCD4-0HUaw868oi1EkHRVEeunBk9V9u7A6Ris62A/s1600/AJLape.png" height="200" width="170" /></a><br />
<span class="yiv6581270449" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425971552694_5281" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">A. J. Lape is the author of the Darcy Walker Series which has stayed on Amazon's teen's mysteries and thrillers bestseller's lists since its debut in 2012. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters, an ADD dog, a spoiled hamster, and an unapologetic and unrepentant addiction to Coca-Cola--plus a lifelong love affair with bacon she has no plans to sever. A graduate of Morehead State University with a Master's degree in Communications, she's a PI wannabe and recently joined the Citizen's Police Academy in her hometown but daily stops crime through the fictional ADHD character of Darcy Walker. If the FBI ever checks her computer, she'll be wearing prison-orange due to the graphic and disgusting "wiki" articles she looks up...all in the name of career research, of course.</span><br />
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><b>Sign up for A. J.'s newsletter:</b> <a class="yiv6581270449" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ajlape" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1425971552694_38362" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background: none; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ajlape</a></span></div>
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.ajlape.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/ajlape">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/darcywalker13">Twitter (Book)</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorajlape">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajlapestreetteam/">Fan Club & Street Team</a> |<a href="https://plus.google.com/+AJLape/"> Google+</a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/ajlapebooks">Instagram</a>| <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajlapeauthor">Linkedin</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ajlape/">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6576193.A_J_Lape">Goodreads</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~The Darcy Walker Series~</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Book 1: Grade A Stupid by A.J Lape</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b>Book 2: No Brainer </b><b>by A.J Lape</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<b>Book 3: 100 Proof Stud </b><b>by A.J Lape</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Book 4: DEFCON Darcy </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>by A.J Lape</b><i><span style="color: red;">--> New Release</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv6581270449" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~Giveaway~</span></u></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giveaway is an ebook set of Grade A Stupid, No Brainer, 100 Proof Stud, and Defcon Darcy</span></span></span><br />
<span class="yiv6581270449" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open WW</span></span></span><br />
<span class="yiv6581270449" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ends 6th April</span></span></span><br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~Organized By~</span></u></i></b></div>
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Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-43505354308717972852015-03-13T09:19:00.000-05:002015-03-13T09:19:53.030-05:00Great Cake Decorating Takes the CakeI loved <em>Great Cake Decorating</em> by Erin Gardner and would use it as a coffee table type of book for my kitchen. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMzGjUKz7xN-cC5vSi6nkqC_C6hJtJoML7MIl8qAnCZgr_dDqB5Mi5vKnKuztTAPoQ_C3FqTHMIeHYDgmkbdTVKeTFZIdulLLtVX-I4gd4VCMXMKxt37l9TPt41WoYk-PZFzarwi3ckQ/s1600/cover38394-small.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMzGjUKz7xN-cC5vSi6nkqC_C6hJtJoML7MIl8qAnCZgr_dDqB5Mi5vKnKuztTAPoQ_C3FqTHMIeHYDgmkbdTVKeTFZIdulLLtVX-I4gd4VCMXMKxt37l9TPt41WoYk-PZFzarwi3ckQ/s1600/cover38394-small.png" /></a>When I was in college, I worked in a scratch bakery, decorating cakes for all occasions. I remember first learning how-to make roses. My boss put me in the middle of the bakery department on Mother's Day with a decorating station and about 100 heart cakes. I made "made-to-order" cakes embellished with roses and a written sentiment on each cake while the customer watched and waited. I'm such a perfectionist and if the rose wasn't perfect, then it went back into the frosting tub and I started over! I had the best and most patient customers that day! <br />
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What I appreciated about this book is that Erin does a great job explaining the importance of having a solid cake or foundation to work on. She further explains how-to make frosting and other decorative elements in a clear, concise manner. I am new to fondant and she has given me the courage to try it! I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to delve into cake decorating.<br />
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Great Cake Decorating<br />
by Erin Gardner<br />
Taunton Press<br />
ISBN: 978-1621137603<br />
224 pages<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlOTjb9IIV_6HilawF1LZMROCE5Wd6pQrttx4Jq0Bd3fxgZZnHfDGPMnmQEGJRNJkxxAHBwy5SVh5UB2hVbtcy1_VdcskSFleMlg9g6DVK9jUBadUqkZzvakXcZP0SbwrVOTbfvNS0ns/s1600/5_ff_ranking.jpg"><span style="color: #ff8f85; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlOTjb9IIV_6HilawF1LZMROCE5Wd6pQrttx4Jq0Bd3fxgZZnHfDGPMnmQEGJRNJkxxAHBwy5SVh5UB2hVbtcy1_VdcskSFleMlg9g6DVK9jUBadUqkZzvakXcZP0SbwrVOTbfvNS0ns/s1600/5_ff_ranking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlOTjb9IIV_6HilawF1LZMROCE5Wd6pQrttx4Jq0Bd3fxgZZnHfDGPMnmQEGJRNJkxxAHBwy5SVh5UB2hVbtcy1_VdcskSFleMlg9g6DVK9jUBadUqkZzvakXcZP0SbwrVOTbfvNS0ns/s1600/5_ff_ranking.jpg" height="41" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rated 5/5 flip flops!</span></b> </div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hbiEsbxGZ0FCRZH-ByYTb_nymVJrUAwI3F7NwZ9CPDngPbi_kgIi9Od6SI_XuA1hmsyfICHw_B5WTfTytYStMaIxTr3yyz7bkt8W9r17zFlAAWwerxJXVSGJSQApLwgmtBnbAJb8jQA/s1600/cover62175-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hbiEsbxGZ0FCRZH-ByYTb_nymVJrUAwI3F7NwZ9CPDngPbi_kgIi9Od6SI_XuA1hmsyfICHw_B5WTfTytYStMaIxTr3yyz7bkt8W9r17zFlAAWwerxJXVSGJSQApLwgmtBnbAJb8jQA/s1600/cover62175-medium.png" height="320" width="208" /></a>We've all felt like the DUFF - Designated Ugly Fat Friend - at one time or another. The story follows Bianca and her friends. They oftentimes hung out at the Nest, an under-aged dance club. While Bianca's friends hoop-it-up on the dance floor, she typically counts the minutes until it is time to drive them home while sipping on her cherry Coke and talking to the bartender. <br />
<br />
She's way too smart to fall for the man-whore, Wesley Rush. She tried to convince herself that he's simply disgusting, especially since he's starting calling her "Duffy." Home life is tough and Bianca finds herself turning to Wesley for comfort. <br />
<br />
I loved the fast-paced, snarky dialogue between Bianca and Wesley Rush. The author takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Bianca juggles an enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley, her father's bout with alcohol after being sober for 18 years, her absent mother, and their impending divorce. Amazingly, Bianca keeps this all under wraps and doesn't even tell her best friends ... at first. This book has it all: great characters, humor, romance and readers are right in the middle of it all! <br />
<br />
I can't wait to see the movie and based on the book, my expectations are high for hilarity. <br />
<br />
Recommended for mature teens due to sexual content.<br />
<br />
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend<br />
by Kody Keplinger<br />
Publisher: Poppy<br />
ISBN: 978-0316084246<br />
304 pages<br />
Category: YA fiction<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rated 5/5 flip flops!</span></b></div>
<br />
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not often that I see positive stories about the Middle East and was thrilled to
see this little gem of a book, <em>The Olive
Tree</em>. I lived in the Middle East for
5 years and one of things that intrigued me was that for any problem, there was
always a beautiful story with a life’s lesson to be told. This book is a prime example of how things
taking place in today’s world can be simplified into something that a child can
grasp and make their own. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O9eHoyh8BoJatHTtVPq7YED7pNo-lwLQxuUG_dikT2WnaZIsrxDYi7RWoXbmXII8YK1ahp8RJ6M6M_81Q9_StLVQduPCYMfTNEhRspPe9HCI8ecOGRtcGuyfPneTCicbVx784LGNFKA/s1600/The-Olive-Tree-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O9eHoyh8BoJatHTtVPq7YED7pNo-lwLQxuUG_dikT2WnaZIsrxDYi7RWoXbmXII8YK1ahp8RJ6M6M_81Q9_StLVQduPCYMfTNEhRspPe9HCI8ecOGRtcGuyfPneTCicbVx784LGNFKA/s1600/The-Olive-Tree-cover.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
story is about a boy, Sameer, who is from Lebanon. His neighbors left when the war began and
when the news spread that they were returning home, he wished and wished that
they would have a son to play with. As
it turns out, they have a daughter, Muna.
Sameer and Muna just don’t see eye-to-eye, especially when it comes to
the prized olive tree that resides on Muna’s property. Even though the olive tree drops its delicious
fruit on Sameer’s side of the wall that separates their homes, Muna insists
that the fruit belongs to her family. It
takes a horrific storm to bring the two children together. Through their journey, they learn tolerance
and compassion, which ultimately results in a beautiful friendship. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cool
Flip-Flopping Tip: </span></strong>Parents can </span><a href="http://wisdomtalespress.com/books/childrens_books/activities/Olive-Tree-coloring-page.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">download a coloring page</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> from this book. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is
a book that I recommend reading with your children. It creates goodwill and tolerance, showing us
all how to be caring and supportive of others by example. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Available
at major bookstores and online retailers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The
Olive Tree<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Written
by Elsa Marston and Illustrated by Claire Ewart<br />
Publisher: Wisdom Tales Press<br />
ISBN: 978-1937786298<br />
List price: $16.95 USD <br />
Pages: 32<br />
Category: Juvenile Picturebook/ Multi-Cultural<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ages
4-8 years</span>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rated 5/5 flip flops!</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Sample of the beautiful illustrations in <em>The Olive Tree</em></strong></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
Alexandra
Chauran’s bio says that she is a second-generation fortuneteller and a
professional psychic intuitive … and I believe it. From the first pages of her book, Clearing Clutter: Physical, Mental and Spiritual, I felt as
if she was telling the story of my childhood.
Growing up, my home also was very much “lived in” and was adorned with things
… lots of things! Things that included
trinkets from our travels, handmade items, collections (owls, figurines, stamps)
or items that simply could not be parted with because of emotional
attachment. In short, we had clutter and
it was something that I never unlearned as an adult. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pQvK8H542ozZt3jdrggyJzQz6gByTEOcIVmxa_-CSbpk4t-kI8WBAXDN_RpZRoeUauf18ahC2hBNxfUnWB5NCz9FHxp-1SKWTlu-n-Z0Qd6pwT86w78552mvmi7hT5bRRZQytuQ0j9E/s1600/9780738742274ClearningClutterCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pQvK8H542ozZt3jdrggyJzQz6gByTEOcIVmxa_-CSbpk4t-kI8WBAXDN_RpZRoeUauf18ahC2hBNxfUnWB5NCz9FHxp-1SKWTlu-n-Z0Qd6pwT86w78552mvmi7hT5bRRZQytuQ0j9E/s1600/9780738742274ClearningClutterCover.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span></a>Clearing Clutter essentially shows us
what it is to have Feng shui for your mind, space and spirit. Clauran goes on to identify and give clear
examples of the various types of clutter and the havoc they can have on our
lives. Throughout the book Chauran
provides tips to clear the clutter in your life, including meditation. What I most appreciated is that she provides
real examples and stresses that change is not an overnight process. It takes time and even if our lives have
clutter, we can find a way to be balanced while we work to rid the clutter from
our lives. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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This is
a book that I will read again and I highly recommend it to those looking to rid
themselves of the stresses that having clutter in our lives can cause. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Available
for pre-order at all major bookstores and online retailers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Release Date:
July 8,2015<br />
Clearing Clutter: Physical, Mental, Spiritual<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
By Alexandra
Chauran<br />
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications<br />
ISBN: 978-0738742274<br />
List price: $15.99 USD <br />
Pages: 240<br />
Category: Body, Mind & Spirit, Inspiration, & Personal
Growth<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rated 5/5 flip flops!</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Muli; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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C'est magnifique!! There are so many things I loved about <em>Paris Hop!</em> by Margie Blumberg. Aimee and her Grandma Goldie spend a "girl's day" in Paris. Their ultimate goal is to make it to the "tippety-top" of the Eiffel Tower. I loved following along with them on their journey ... visiting the Mona Lisa, enjoying a puppet show in the park, and posing for a local artist. Unique to this book is the French-English glossary which references 22 different words/phrases. One of my favorite moments is when they stop by a dress shop to play dress up and "zip and twirl with flair!" At the end of the day, not only is the story heartwarming, celebrating relationships with grandparents, but we all actually learn something. Lastly, but certainly not least, the illustrations are beautifully done by Renee Andriani. <br />
<br />
Available as an ebook and paperback at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and BAM<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Paris Hop!</em><br />
Written by Margie Blumberg and Illustrated by Renee Andriani<br />
<strong>Publisher:</strong> MB Publishing<br />
<strong>ISBN:</strong> 978-09913646-9-5 (paperback)<br />
<strong>List price: </strong>$11.95 USD (paperback); <br />
<strong>Pages:</strong><span style="color: #515151;"> </span>40<br />
<strong>Category: </strong>Juvenile Fiction/Family/Multigenerational<br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Rated 5/5 flip flops!</span></strong></div>
<br />
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I'm quite sure that it may surprise you to know that today is National Peanut Butter Lovers Day. Who doesn't love peanut butter, right? To celebrate the day, I'm sharing <em>7 Ways to Use Peanut Butter Today</em> as well as my all-time favorite peanut butter recipe for peanut butter balls. <br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
7 Ways to Use Peanut Butter Today</h3>
<ol>
<li>Add to smoothies</li>
<li>Spread it on bananas</li>
<li>Swipe it on crackers</li>
<li>Add it to sauce when cooking Asian-inspired dishes</li>
<li>PB&J ... need I say more?</li>
<li>Make an ice cream pie with it. Start with a graham cracker crust. Then spread fudge and peanut butter on top. Next spoon in softened vanilla ice cream. Swirl more fudge in the ice cream and freeze for 1 hour. Remove from freezer and top with your favorite whipped topping and chocolate shavings. </li>
<li>Umm, pretend your 5 years old and just use your finger! </li>
</ol>
Peanut butter balls recipes are a bit like chili and carrot cake recipes ... everyone has their favorite family concoction which is, of course, "the best" ever made. My favorite peanut ball recipe is so simple. Over the years, our family has made hundreds of these little gems. We've had as much fun making them as eating and gifting them! <br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
2 cups creamy peanut butter<br />
1/2 c. butter, softened<br />
3 3/4 c. confectioners sugar<br />
3 c. rice crisp cereal<br />
1 T. vanilla extract<br />
4 c. or 24 oz. semisweet chocolate chips<br />
1/4 c. plus 1 t. shortening, divided<br />
1/3 c. white baking chips or dark chocolate chips<br />
<br />
<h3>
Directions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Mix peanut butter and butter with a hand mixer until blended. Add vanilla extract and mix. Gradually mix in confectioners sugar. Stir in cereal. Shape into 1" balls and refrigerate.</li>
<li>Melt chocolate chips and 1/4 c. shortening in microwave. Stir until smooth. Dip balls in chocolate and allow to dry on wax paper. </li>
<li>Melt white baking chips and 1 t. shortening in microwave. Stir until smooth. Drizzle on top of the candies and let them set before placing in container for storage. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<h3>
Spice it up!</h3>
<ul>
<li>After tipping the balls in chocolate roll them in nuts, coconut or chocolate chips, sprinkle them with brightly colored sprinkles or a dash of cayenne if you really feel advantageous! </li>
<li>Give them as a gift by placing them in a beautiful box or cellophane bag, secured with ribbon.</li>
<li>Spear them with a popsicle stick, making peanut butter pops.</li>
<li>Make a centerpiece for your party table; make a peanut butter pop bouquet. Your guests will love it!</li>
</ul>
Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-49038280945319853162015-02-27T10:09:00.000-06:002015-03-01T14:21:53.248-06:00Excuse the Mess!You'll notice some changes going on as I make tweaks to the blog. I'm expanding the scope and am excited to share it with you! Check back again on Monday and tell me what you think! <br />
<br />
As always, have a crafty day!<br />
<br />
MelissaMelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-48322735107082198972015-02-15T17:45:00.001-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.315-06:00Let's Get Organized ... and Valentine Wishes!Okay I have great news and bad news ... what do you want first? Okay! The great news! Hold onto your hat! I now have, in my organizational arsenal, a retail floor spinner! Check it out! I'm still trying to load it up, however it spins (duh) and has 4 panels to hang items. I got it at my LSS which is sadly closing. It is really the only one in my area so I know that fellow crafters will also miss this awesome store in downtown Lakeland. I was also able to get a paper organizer, acrylic shelves that fit inside my IKEA bookcases and another wire rack for embossing powders and such. Here's a sneak peek at the spinner!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT_Pq67t3R-qbrqMGqpAIAyQhjTi0GOtfCcnvNGlDNYDDPeVrIvHXl9qCeWxg9hMvsbOELAQsVz5qbIQW6Ga5xFdkM0Xj9zZrJrV66_4nDRVPnizYNCu9ywnCUlt_y-CQovWGyYxL4Qk/s1600/10930550_10155882995608125_5044743249596673502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT_Pq67t3R-qbrqMGqpAIAyQhjTi0GOtfCcnvNGlDNYDDPeVrIvHXl9qCeWxg9hMvsbOELAQsVz5qbIQW6Ga5xFdkM0Xj9zZrJrV66_4nDRVPnizYNCu9ywnCUlt_y-CQovWGyYxL4Qk/s1600/10930550_10155882995608125_5044743249596673502_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip: You can get great organizational units from <br />
retail stores when they aren't needed anymore.</td></tr>
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I also want to share my Valentine's Day cards. I haven't been able to craft for a while so it was a blast creating these! The one on the left was for my hubby and the one on the right was for my Mom. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes-HkMGKFzvsz8u04wlOvwlGMU3VLJio23zQW3blv0oPbIFqzNhRCZ-cLyatOJDTcHO-vm28RGt0J2NpaNwhJroqpUvdkdVTTR1mb8FpODYHi_NRkWgncCiRR2vGzJh5EK4hOkfDNfnk/s1600/1476223_10155918793953125_1577682359391519300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes-HkMGKFzvsz8u04wlOvwlGMU3VLJio23zQW3blv0oPbIFqzNhRCZ-cLyatOJDTcHO-vm28RGt0J2NpaNwhJroqpUvdkdVTTR1mb8FpODYHi_NRkWgncCiRR2vGzJh5EK4hOkfDNfnk/s1600/1476223_10155918793953125_1577682359391519300_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Supplies: paper - Bo Bunny; dies - Sizzix and Cricut. Thanks for looking! </div>
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Have a crafty day!</div>
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Melis</div>
Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-46269042295584684692015-02-15T17:27:00.000-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.306-06:00The Holidays Got a Little "Meshy"For the last year, I've seen so many treasures made out of mesh. Like any good Pinterest fanatic, I have appropriately pinned every mesh wreath, table centerpiece, fireplace mantel decoration, window treatment and all-purpose garland I could find. Enter Michaels and their awe-inspiring mesh sale last December. I could no longer resist the temptation and bought a bounty to make my first wreath! Below is a picture of my first creation! What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJg7ed_zloYCFspZp1rR_aAjAy46r5MTVVlTo8IsupVpvM8dRIQro1Zd_QDfu2NJXd2iIZ3DPKE6y18u_OcdBQQ8MvESgKl06Drb-FtFIGQQ0YusO9mWPHdtRaN_CJAf7rvBlQlH26O4/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJg7ed_zloYCFspZp1rR_aAjAy46r5MTVVlTo8IsupVpvM8dRIQro1Zd_QDfu2NJXd2iIZ3DPKE6y18u_OcdBQQ8MvESgKl06Drb-FtFIGQQ0YusO9mWPHdtRaN_CJAf7rvBlQlH26O4/s1600/wreath1.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
I'm pretty happy with it and thought it was pretty good for a first try. Now I'm thinking of all of the holidays to adorn my door with mesh-made works of art! I'd love to some of your creations. Post a link in the comments section! <br />
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Have a crafty day!<br />
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Melissa Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-36184907767201831422014-10-03T13:05:00.001-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.287-06:00The Countdown is On! I'm still in limbo these days ... waiting for my craft room to make its way from the storage unit to our new house. We're loving Florida and have been exploring the area. I can't tell you how many times I've longed to get my craft on, only to realize that all of my treasures are packed away! Alas, there is only 28 more days until we move in! I'll be sure to post pics of my new space soon! <br />
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I have found my new little slice of heaven. My LSS, <a href="http://thecornerscrappinshack.com/" target="_blank">The Scrappin' Shack</a> is located in downtown Lakeland. What really struck me when I first walked in was their cool brick wall. Check it out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9EG0cA3fQPv6cKJAysKvjQzJ4wvyePuGv-ZkhyphenhyphenuIu22QgqKxnOk9JAuqxtBxpMevUaGSIw5OWTwgULXGPq85KAm-sdl3WVz1ubHwjhAaQNFu82L5NPheVUl1tF_yrTuBTKsjIgY5IY/s1600/ssinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9EG0cA3fQPv6cKJAysKvjQzJ4wvyePuGv-ZkhyphenhyphenuIu22QgqKxnOk9JAuqxtBxpMevUaGSIw5OWTwgULXGPq85KAm-sdl3WVz1ubHwjhAaQNFu82L5NPheVUl1tF_yrTuBTKsjIgY5IY/s1600/ssinside.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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They do have crops, which I'm hopeful to attend so that I can meet some fellow papercrafters! <br />
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Have a crafty day!<br />
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Melissa<br />
Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-27738050042026671582013-09-27T13:11:00.001-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.282-06:00Ink it Up!There's no better way to say "thank you" than by gifting a handmade card. I've recently become interested in stamping with varying colors within the same image. I love this medallion image and really like how it turned out. While I simply used different colors directly on the stamp before making the impression, I wonder if it would have turned out differently with a brayer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc1x6gMZLLCasfDkCgI5Inyat7I7CZ9bPemQ448GPaOAtLFUDdRSLfdGMThqNRb5NtJr7NedEQ0wjZlQDTJyUPawbr58MmOIFUY8JpX0yzmLVSYbuvPHBqQW2x7KAhP7HGIvtV9Nrw6w/s1600/thank+you.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc1x6gMZLLCasfDkCgI5Inyat7I7CZ9bPemQ448GPaOAtLFUDdRSLfdGMThqNRb5NtJr7NedEQ0wjZlQDTJyUPawbr58MmOIFUY8JpX0yzmLVSYbuvPHBqQW2x7KAhP7HGIvtV9Nrw6w/s400/thank+you.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recently went to a rubber stamp craft show in Kansas City and was amazed by all of the demonstrations using mists, brayers and gel paints. In the coming days, I plan to try out some of the techniques I saw and will share them with you soon!</div>
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As we kick-off the weekend, I hope you get a chance to visit one of the many local craft festivals taking place in your area. Happy crafting!</div>
Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-46453542659984292192011-04-10T14:12:00.008-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.311-06:00Denami Monochromatic Blog HopHi there DeNami blog hoppers! I'm so excited about this months blog hop. Believe it or not ... of all the years I've been crafting I've never tried a monochromatic style!<br />
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You should have arrived here from <a href="http://patqcards.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>Pat's blog</strong></span></a>. If not, then you should go back and start from<a href="http://denami.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> the beginning</span></strong></a> so that you don't miss a single thing!<br />
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As always, here are the deets!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjMACHFS38S_zBG5nrhU3i78C5RBaLCRF5MYwrzAzMeua11sxDHdd4HS_MxXSvZbLu5aPdfi0VMvoSgkfX6v7wVvnnP3e7_aQje7aDyGUe_7A1Dfq-IySaRQG_O58CtY99wfsbasH6xM/s1600/denami-april-bloghop-sm.gif" /></div><br />
<strong>When</strong>: The blog hop starts on April 10 at 6 AM, PST. However, you have until April 11, 11:59 pm PST, to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).<br />
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<strong>Prizes:</strong> DeNami is giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to theirr website! They'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and then we'll also be giving away TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop!<br />
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Without further ado ... here is my card for the hop:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuIkHJXMjRqyztaF0Jecz1c_uanw-52XJJxE4mS8-ydrxmx_qFa_Zoa2yToPC8gv6i68wbhS-bDGoeBuqoDMYcvlzNg_AI2feq8DPHmfanoP6vOr1atD-jvx3cEJ_atUCyt1w7Dthee8/s1600/denami_hop+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuIkHJXMjRqyztaF0Jecz1c_uanw-52XJJxE4mS8-ydrxmx_qFa_Zoa2yToPC8gv6i68wbhS-bDGoeBuqoDMYcvlzNg_AI2feq8DPHmfanoP6vOr1atD-jvx3cEJ_atUCyt1w7Dthee8/s400/denami_hop+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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... next up is <a href="http://kbsmith34.blogspot.com/">Kristi's blog</a>!! Happy hopping!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Supplies</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bo Bunny - Frosted Dot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">DeNami Stamp - Trifles and Sending you Sunshine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copic BG000/53</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glitter and gems</span></div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-53604802730510562852011-03-25T21:34:00.001-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.331-06:00PTI March Blog HopI'm so excited to be participating in this month's <a href="http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2011/03/march-2011-blog-hop.html">Papertrey Ink customer blog hop</a>! It's my first one and I couldn't be more thrilled. The PTI challenge is to use embroidery thread on your card. So I did what every good crafty girl does. I invited some fellow crafty friends to my house for an evening of crafting, snacks and laughs! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmltVGngiG_s0yknIJdgWuSvpHTh43MgHNQ0hQjcrqVvGh6K5-VBM1c1eC8o9JrWY-KwEmgewY-iM7vdV-YIC-DFd7iZWFZNOjLKO_XWLSMLGOemKrDzRGxX2AKsu9tKBnOCz300TqGQ/s1600/bloghop1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmltVGngiG_s0yknIJdgWuSvpHTh43MgHNQ0hQjcrqVvGh6K5-VBM1c1eC8o9JrWY-KwEmgewY-iM7vdV-YIC-DFd7iZWFZNOjLKO_XWLSMLGOemKrDzRGxX2AKsu9tKBnOCz300TqGQ/s400/bloghop1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like tying the blow behind the button ... it gives it an interesting look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2SuegDdZ8g9kmCLgFzhyxzDidynfvGcMT_y-GHL4G5UFA15oGvcXJoHpo9x6ptyR0zjJbyUhDJNn958mHvFSeGRR3T1rf49dIXhyzovOePH5mT00siiOHw7pLCv5HjFIR652bZNfFF0/s1600/bloghhop2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2SuegDdZ8g9kmCLgFzhyxzDidynfvGcMT_y-GHL4G5UFA15oGvcXJoHpo9x6ptyR0zjJbyUhDJNn958mHvFSeGRR3T1rf49dIXhyzovOePH5mT00siiOHw7pLCv5HjFIR652bZNfFF0/s320/bloghhop2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know this is a short post, but we are running tight on the deadline. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment and I'll stop by your blog! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Supplies</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paper: Basic Grey (Kioshi)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Baby Button Bits) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ink: Momento (Tuxedo Black); CTMH (Bamboo)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copic Markers: R83/85</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embellishments: Floss (American Crafts); K&Company Rhinstones</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Die-cuts: Spellbinders </span></div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-57612065787774622912011-02-22T20:55:00.005-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.340-06:00Happy Cupcake DayWhat holiday would you create if you could? Well, March 26 is "Make Your Own Holiday" day and I've decided that it will be Cupcake Day! There's something about cupcakes that just make us all happy. They remind us of birthdays and past celebrations ... and of course, cupcakes are the rage for the gourmet sweet tooth these days! I have some Little Yellow Bicycle paper that I've been saving for a while and I thought this would be the perfect occasion to use it to create some cupcake card goodness!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_npJhmI0H50IJbgd7u-QHYDOQkBC8izP_x82XfDkOHBhAUePfsst3hZxVMOY5ursjVYPhvs7E6LcjkQ8N1j8XurEibrkOQraBHjggMikWhjpk2_-y47CJ1R_wO_f2y711MnhJgzS5E7E/s1600/Cupcakewatermark_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_npJhmI0H50IJbgd7u-QHYDOQkBC8izP_x82XfDkOHBhAUePfsst3hZxVMOY5ursjVYPhvs7E6LcjkQ8N1j8XurEibrkOQraBHjggMikWhjpk2_-y47CJ1R_wO_f2y711MnhJgzS5E7E/s400/Cupcakewatermark_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I'm not sure what flavor my cupcake is but I love violet and pink together and the sentiment "Seize the Cupcake" seems quite fitting for my newly created holiday! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVk3pmJrmaQW0VQcMbnxEE44LLfWyIRkRwXlE6F3OJGcdqRIcBXA2-MjaExegXZeoGMeXrGT2fbHjDF4Cd-bhuhl39YkwKyE0HF9M4AFiyfyjX3lW_GDtoQ_FEF8iYx4URrSxm5cP5mc/s1600/cupcake2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVk3pmJrmaQW0VQcMbnxEE44LLfWyIRkRwXlE6F3OJGcdqRIcBXA2-MjaExegXZeoGMeXrGT2fbHjDF4Cd-bhuhl39YkwKyE0HF9M4AFiyfyjX3lW_GDtoQ_FEF8iYx4URrSxm5cP5mc/s320/cupcake2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The button I used had huge holes so I added two colors of hemp thread instead of one. And check out the lacey circle diecut from Spellbinders - I'm so in love with it!<br />
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Inspiration for this card:<br />
Whimsie Doodles - <a href="http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/2011/02/whimsie-wednesday-challenge-68-odd.html">WWC68 Odd/Weird Holiday</a><br />
Crazy 4 Challenges - <a href="http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/2011/02/crazy-4-challenges-c4c75.html">C4C75 Any die</a><br />
Cupcake Craft Challenges - <a href="http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/02/cupcake-130cake-n-ice-cream.html">CCC130 Cake 'n' Ice Cream</a><br />
Party Time Tuesdays - <a href="http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/2011/02/ptt4-anything-goes.html">PTT4 Anything Goes</a><br />
Incy Wincy Designs - <a href="http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/monday-feb-21-81-use-punches-or-dies.html">Challenge #81 Use a Punch or Die</a><br />
Mojo Monday - <a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2011/02/mojo-monday-179.html">Sketch 179</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX8vbufUF1dUPz7ydjMr9sFtyYwEckQuHM-l4BNIQhJde9vYmUPCOxQtq-xK48bugCL7zCnuQAu7jOysGw9y9V_88Pq-dkz4SJ3x9hz6sKMLuvzASobmoF0d7YvAFV3wigqIje_u4wZw/s1600/Mojo179Sketch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX8vbufUF1dUPz7ydjMr9sFtyYwEckQuHM-l4BNIQhJde9vYmUPCOxQtq-xK48bugCL7zCnuQAu7jOysGw9y9V_88Pq-dkz4SJ3x9hz6sKMLuvzASobmoF0d7YvAFV3wigqIje_u4wZw/s200/Mojo179Sketch.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Supplies</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paper: Little Red Bicycle (Tonal Polkadot; Lollipops with Glitter; Cupcakes Galore with Glitter)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamps: Clear Designs (Cupcakes) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ink: Momento (Tuxedo Black</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copic Markers: YG63, G82, RV10/14/17, V12/15</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts); CTMH Mini Medley (Summer); Bazzill Half the Edge Strips</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Die-cuts: Spellbinders (Lacey Circles, Circles)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a great day and happy crafting! </div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-6492778421101645902011-02-15T18:01:00.000-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.354-06:00Glue Arts Rocks!<span class="messageBody">Eeeeeeeeek! I'm sooooooo excited! I just won a fab prize from Glue Arts ... all for changing my Facebook profile pic yesterday! It includes: Fiskars border punch, Hero Arts stamps, Paper Crafts mag, the NEW Color Inspiration, a Glue Glider Pro, May Arts ribbon and more! I can't wait for it to arrive so I can play and post some fun stuff here. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwogLS7j3nRzD42o3BsV7prIHOjt5HlvsUBidFYZ8vCVa8qSpeNHvhq3nw_9EJ4JynWlu6h50OpHMFdOlnFCBt3fVaYIMKFPH3QCqODYtDVSUVYAlKGv32Ys2DRg8nQyMwrAqjzxw6kyk/s1600/gluearts+prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwogLS7j3nRzD42o3BsV7prIHOjt5HlvsUBidFYZ8vCVa8qSpeNHvhq3nw_9EJ4JynWlu6h50OpHMFdOlnFCBt3fVaYIMKFPH3QCqODYtDVSUVYAlKGv32Ys2DRg8nQyMwrAqjzxw6kyk/s320/gluearts+prize.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<span class="messageBody">Woot! Woot! Thank you Glue Arts! You made my day! </span>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-60325865194329938502011-02-13T08:00:00.005-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.344-06:00Beautiful Buttons Blog HopIt's blog hop time again with <a href="http://denami.blogspot.com/">DeNami Designs</a>! <a href="http://denami.blogspot.com/">Denami Designs</a> hosts a monthly blog hop to inspire crafters with a chance to win mini shopping sprees on the DeNami Design website! This month there are 30 talented crafters participating in the blog hop. I'm so excited to be among this group and can't wait to see all of the other creations! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://denami.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb14LwVS51ASI80zTgt5YBegqnrHnsucxACK1xCI5fhWWRsLEbTjRU9Z-tpgpRWe3Y9l2ZYW2qzn1DnLUGzIw5Z0Xove8yqSoprV9P0SpCO-f2ZRHjA8APcE4l-6L-EDCVUUHvpSzoeE/s1600/feb-beautifulbuttons-small.gif" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And now for the blog hop details: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You should have arrived here from <a href="http://www.kbstamps.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Katie's blog</strong></span></a>. If not, then you should go back and start from the <a href="http://denami.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">beginning</span></strong></a> so that you don't miss a single thing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<strong>When:</strong> Feb. 13 at 6 a.m. (PST) through Feb. 14, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). <br />
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<strong>Prizes:</strong> DeNami is giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to their website ... one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and then TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop! So leave comments on all the blogs ... the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win!<br />
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<b>Additional Challenge: </b>There's an additional link widget on the blog hop post where you can upload additional button creation(s). One winner will be chosen to be guaranteed a spot in the next blog hop AND they'll get to choose a few stamps of their choice! Gotta love it!<br />
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Now ... on with the hop!!! <br />
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I went back to the basics with my card this time and used only cardstock. I once took a workshop at the CK convention where we rediscovered cardstock. Sometimes simple is better and Denami's stamps really stand on their own. You notice that I did use layering, die-cuts and dry paper embossing to show some texture and dimension. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-FuHZWRy528bzfq0CBAuhbET4f3rcEX8YP_PYihT_b8eNa6grOrBgad-QgUnpZ-P7nVP473q4YeHdHgw2UFDP16GGna21PTB4tvHqi2vw-qHKk2iSHSq9LISSd90_d32GMGphFrKt3E/s1600/Card_wWhiteWatermark+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-FuHZWRy528bzfq0CBAuhbET4f3rcEX8YP_PYihT_b8eNa6grOrBgad-QgUnpZ-P7nVP473q4YeHdHgw2UFDP16GGna21PTB4tvHqi2vw-qHKk2iSHSq9LISSd90_d32GMGphFrKt3E/s400/Card_wWhiteWatermark+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I kept with the color pallette: red, pink, black and white. Love these colors together! I found these darling little heart buttons at Archiver's and let me tell you ... I adore them! I simply stamped the Denami Small Flower Spray stamp, colored the stems and leaves with Copic markers and then adhered the hearts so that they serve as the actual flowers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKEwiWoEHLgUeI3Yvg6F719XTwQgOdPcPifTw8rettDqopK-ImbsK_Ws7NspjBE_F9-kRG8pYVdmUWBDCPw277L5iSdQsIzblMnmVjHV6Q9YIeYWe3E0J2LegPTnlqe6ozGPlrZXzo2o/s1600/DSCN1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKEwiWoEHLgUeI3Yvg6F719XTwQgOdPcPifTw8rettDqopK-ImbsK_Ws7NspjBE_F9-kRG8pYVdmUWBDCPw277L5iSdQsIzblMnmVjHV6Q9YIeYWe3E0J2LegPTnlqe6ozGPlrZXzo2o/s320/DSCN1879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
I always like checking out Mojo Monday's sketch challenge for inspiration. The funny thing is that I had something in mind to create for the blog hop and it's very similar to the Mojo Monday sketch this week! <br />
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Sketch: <a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2011/02/mojo-monday-177-contest.html">Mojo Monday #177</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC5NaGaRTk_VCr_lMEK2upsp03yyDCJVclmYiA6ZxhHLd5TDcOntJGvDisiA91YMJwM-RBOuba-FnXHy_203W2R0IumxSq3nSpkic8hPSTyJ7cjiYTjZwDmjkOmq-JZt0tBVyT7kNNjs/s1600/Mojo177Sketch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC5NaGaRTk_VCr_lMEK2upsp03yyDCJVclmYiA6ZxhHLd5TDcOntJGvDisiA91YMJwM-RBOuba-FnXHy_203W2R0IumxSq3nSpkic8hPSTyJ7cjiYTjZwDmjkOmq-JZt0tBVyT7kNNjs/s1600/Mojo177Sketch.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Supplies</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Paper: Little Red Bicycle (Tonal Polkadot)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stamps: <a href="http://denamidesign.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=293">DeNami Designs (G117 Small Flower Spray</a>) Penny Black (Sentiment)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ink: Momento (Tuxedo Black); Versacolor (Black)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Copic Markers: C2, YG11/63/67 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts); Dress it up (Valentine Heart Buttons)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Die-cuts/Embossing: Cuttlebug </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for checking out my little creation using DeNami Designs. Don't forget:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Leave a comment here to increase your chance of winning prizes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Hop on to <a href="http://www.suchins.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Jenny's blog</span></strong></a> and enjoy the rest of the blog hop!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy crafting! </div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-42110184772792828142011-02-13T00:01:00.002-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.301-06:00Can You Feel the Love?Happy Valentine's Day Eve! Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays ... there is just so much pink and red everywhere! I know, I know ... it's all about the love but pink and red make me sooooooo happy! Today I'm posting a picture of the Valentine's Day card I made for my Mom. Shhhh! Don't tell her! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA51L3QZwZMeQKqywh-rlY6mfIWZyi_mpPEMFQDwpUJD5AcBqrwBvGIhNM_XEi_zLfRzLw3dy2RktLt5-XWo5t6tRdbGYKovF2q1WY5L5_voRG-5wx1bF16dsTtLqF8YnCreceyZg7LsM/s1600/DSCN1889+giraffe+watermark_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA51L3QZwZMeQKqywh-rlY6mfIWZyi_mpPEMFQDwpUJD5AcBqrwBvGIhNM_XEi_zLfRzLw3dy2RktLt5-XWo5t6tRdbGYKovF2q1WY5L5_voRG-5wx1bF16dsTtLqF8YnCreceyZg7LsM/s400/DSCN1889+giraffe+watermark_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this little giraffe! I bought him a couple of years ago and never had the chance to use him. I especially love this paper from Basic Grey too. The paper actually has hearts in the design. Love the reds and pinks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKV1z-y5UOSatMperUd5ZDkF3dg411SYoHHSew1eEdafxTsv6HMDfpFQwhz7vKN0CNl6gQ7NqZY3weqmjY2jStf-B48Ys3pOhJS5NZ6QX_xCyL6RS5IDDnHscRMDAOdWtrYZnMPenDBE/s1600/DSCN1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKV1z-y5UOSatMperUd5ZDkF3dg411SYoHHSew1eEdafxTsv6HMDfpFQwhz7vKN0CNl6gQ7NqZY3weqmjY2jStf-B48Ys3pOhJS5NZ6QX_xCyL6RS5IDDnHscRMDAOdWtrYZnMPenDBE/s200/DSCN1892.JPG" width="199" /></a></div><br />
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Here are the challenges I used for this little gem!<br />
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The Sweet Stop - <a href="http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/2011/02/sss95-february-12th.html">Sketch SSS95</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzOfekj4sKkBRzlFf-O8OPmxgqiFcUVkhUldmJcY-NbTZFdWdvlF24AEwOEE_wbkPQJQHxnlO4ZAi8017kEu7pCEoOHTMKuAN6iStUrq17c4f9y4GA7lzftNP5RScVEkjxsplJ0ZMns/s1600/SSS95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzOfekj4sKkBRzlFf-O8OPmxgqiFcUVkhUldmJcY-NbTZFdWdvlF24AEwOEE_wbkPQJQHxnlO4ZAi8017kEu7pCEoOHTMKuAN6iStUrq17c4f9y4GA7lzftNP5RScVEkjxsplJ0ZMns/s200/SSS95.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Basic Grey Challenges - <a href="http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/2011/02/all-heart.html">All Hearts</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Supplies</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paper: Basic Grey (Blush)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamps: Great Impressions</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ink: Momento (Tuxedo Black)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copic Markers: W2, R37/39/81/83/85/89, RV10, E51/74/77 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts); Dress it up (Valentine Heart Buttons)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Die-cuts/Embossing: Quickutz (Nutmeg) </span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!</div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-4853118827618703492011-01-09T08:00:00.017-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.320-06:00Simply Scallops Blog HopI'm excited to be part of DeNami Designs Simply Scallops blog hop! There are 23 blogs in this month's blog hop! You should have arrived here from <a href="http://jazzypaper.blogspot.com/">Tenia's blog</a>. If you didn't, you might want to start at <a href="http://www.denami.blogspot.com/">the beginning</a>. The hop features stamps from DeNami Design stamps ... and just for playing along, you'll have a chance to win mini shopping sprees on the DeNami Design website!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lMJpOEPqhcPRRalahEy6Ja2ssiE2QjMvyJJd4qTTpnVaj5vzysmeY9UoUjAgO1gdlj4-pIOZ6prMWp4efEdFMK-0pDzSAOjmapfZ3Ual_3k4ynpwDbg9beRIsQyuJl6jYStgLqwk5BU/s1600/bloghop-jan-scallops-small.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lMJpOEPqhcPRRalahEy6Ja2ssiE2QjMvyJJd4qTTpnVaj5vzysmeY9UoUjAgO1gdlj4-pIOZ6prMWp4efEdFMK-0pDzSAOjmapfZ3Ual_3k4ynpwDbg9beRIsQyuJl6jYStgLqwk5BU/s1600/bloghop-jan-scallops-small.gif" /></a></div>Here are some things you should know before you start "hopping" down the list:<br />
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<strong>When:</strong> Jan. 9 at 6 AM PST through Jan. 10 at 11:59 PM PST<br />
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<strong>Prizes: </strong>DeNami is giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to their website! They'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant (DT members not eligible) and TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop!<br />
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<strong>Leave comments on all of the blogs to be eligible for a prizes.</strong><br />
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Here's my simply scallops card featuring the one and only DeNami chick:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0hnkLpyLsGjYbZC7M4OvQpzng5L93NMucVoERXh8CHh9U5hQjltDeFuAaGzAFdOWWZs9yNv6uwf_Aedg66P4qN-Veyoh0zz6TnHfV-jdprJVOhV-s4yuXO7IgDPTYBNh9yJZ1buog6c/s1600/cardfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0hnkLpyLsGjYbZC7M4OvQpzng5L93NMucVoERXh8CHh9U5hQjltDeFuAaGzAFdOWWZs9yNv6uwf_Aedg66P4qN-Veyoh0zz6TnHfV-jdprJVOhV-s4yuXO7IgDPTYBNh9yJZ1buog6c/s320/cardfront.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had a lot of fun coloring in this cute little chick. Of course any day with my Copic markers is technically a 5-star day! I used the Copic Colorless Blender to remove purple ink on the raincoat and then went back in with my green to create the polka dots. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivukED6gr4HcKO7Zy0hWWz4vSHt6wvDjMMojIlByva21Izc2VfP0xBqvtWQiMBTVyYtP51dSUHPmUitmIw9G4KkhFB_Pu2vFRDY2iDfAWxHJc6Ms-L98A_JC7ZO09Gi-AB-dYX0VJmxBo/s1600/chickcloseup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivukED6gr4HcKO7Zy0hWWz4vSHt6wvDjMMojIlByva21Izc2VfP0xBqvtWQiMBTVyYtP51dSUHPmUitmIw9G4KkhFB_Pu2vFRDY2iDfAWxHJc6Ms-L98A_JC7ZO09Gi-AB-dYX0VJmxBo/s320/chickcloseup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also used the following sketch from Mojo Monday's sketch blog as inspiration:<br />
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Mojo Monday - <a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2011/01/mojo-monday-172-contest.html">Sketch 172</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2011/01/mojo-monday-172-contest.html"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZKLo7Aj6vzj_bsPtE5-aIrrybUapljn9_9xwn-0tuyzieCEp1KALPJsaR7ckcyPxueBfz-k-N1l3kFWYT1hz4CejB7HbfTGPcD46UIybqIUyVaDJe_rOeXpIbRNsRfYIirvkrHzXvN8/s1600/Mojo172Sketch.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Supplies</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paper: Basic Grey (Kioshi)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamps: DeNami Designs (</span><a href="http://denamidesign.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1172"><span style="font-size: x-small;">E120 Open Umbrella Chickie</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">; </span><a href="http://denamidesign.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=185"><span style="font-size: x-small;">F152 Sending You Sunshine</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ink: Versafine (Onyx Black)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copic Markers: 0, Y32, YR12/35, YG01/03, V12 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embellishments: Ribbon (lavender w/white polka dots); Cloud 9 (Heart Rain Dots)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Die-cuts: Nestibilities Scallops</span></div><br />
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Thanks for checking out my Simply Scallops creation using DeNami Stamps. Before you go ...<br />
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<strong>1) Please <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">leave a comment</span> to be sure you are eligible for prizes. </span></strong><br />
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<strong>2) <span style="color: #cc0000;"> Next stop:</span> Hop on over to </strong><a href="http://scrappinwiththebug.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Terri's</strong></span></a><strong><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><span style="color: black;">blog!</span></strong>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-81973106680118331372010-11-09T11:10:00.000-06:002015-03-01T14:28:02.363-06:00Come Hop with MeAutumn is among us and so many companies are having blog hops to introduce their new lines. I recently enjoyed seeing all of the new images from Whimsie Doodles. Their blog hop featured the sweetest new winter images that are perfect for cards and scrapbooking pages alike! Their DT is uber creative and I was able to get a lot of inspiration. Check it out if you haven't had a chance to stop by!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/2010/11/woo-hoo-its-blog-hop-day.html"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbKwX-xW_HwOlMppGEJje_1vQ_khGmjMoluoHOfJ7hTgXIYY8al9M6PlEfv4SwcS7hn8CoWULW6Ak8cBDBIiWco-Y56ETx0Iz7t0h7th1BucENaUOd1q6JwtofkJSzSbruQkKrNm5fwo/s1600/WD_NOVBlogHop.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's Sweet ;n Sassy blog hop is HUGE! There are 32 blogs that make up the blog hop celebrating Sweet 'n Sassy's 3rd birthday. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetnsassydigis.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-birthday-sweet-n-sassy-stamps.html?showComment=1289319288297_AIe9_BH9DBgu60yeRVckJE-1YrtvaY43-C8cvZY4kG0RkygOyueYDbhZUUtYsrqgIb5NTR4-ZhLLfmHlMvslzhpt5KPsAa7sjqIsAHCNNB6M3l8SlmJwgQe3eLbjjH2HA3WQSnpuycD_cIh2w7wo97jdJc1AZXDrkb8fzuxy---3CxmUgJAB2fY0_IaphYfkhHdL51CJEFCkYID6DBh2Pk8J8F8v5uioHbX_mYVSC0UDFr_zI3YjpBSYTJkw-puLlL-Ay2Mk2a5D5l1rzrSQ9e6SSV9Kj3kaYx6mMaeio8R5lBKGhkrmn2Y2TZzt91tX5Ci-9u1ySavSjYCEJDw3482AU-ogT5oft6uT5VB00N7aqeAgIGnmljIiiqWinYbQV2DkaWwxxmMTcDfZhTVas48CZC358VHcfIFXxjXgIXgGTfQbI7Q4-gBOH9M5NptkpKlv0xlqPBm8ZXxiNCX5gpeVuuiLJP4AT0jxzPFYnsi0saT7QJXbTgdb3-2byxp4SIJsiVGJINre4vpsoikM2xJvj7eT_mQgHR5XI11CVJR1XR5TfRE9b6FsYlJ-NuUGuvn0XGIVh6GUHXkIi3qSF9GG-gCF78004Q-_Q7sZgVh6t6y1mJzMLaMQ_niccyN6dF-MZTC9LEx2iwfPYbSG348_sbIm6De8FGNNDzjI1k1CRZjy6jsRI6-ayujjFgBZAt8Avj6KpC0v2TpkOXbfMBJaM1j59PhgmtLsfD2X2ul34djTAdpMeithxnJLg9Hfta3wMgZLJiZF-Fk83smJOsTdU1dem3II7y0Hjk12ysYZ6KyUH5zOpYE#c618691701882294511"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYZpPLTtrsbpD6ce1qbnzxo-7vwiy4z5nZl0TYy76CPiCRxctGfh1Gexw5luNsQJCUIDfLVtjKbgiwx_nthYOWakFf7rtz0C-P38KZpifr7CBgui750SGYWQNhoLeCpylBEIsAd-B878/s200/3rdbirthdaybloghop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what are 'ya waiting for? Get to hopp'n! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-51614648615058626492010-06-05T16:31:00.000-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.327-06:00Moroccan Adventures Photo BookWell, did 'ya miss me? I've been gone far too long, that's for sure! Back around Mother's Day I took a break from crafting and made my Mom a photo book of our trip to Morocco from the previous year. It was great fun and it was a fast, easy way to get some memories put together in an creative, organized way. I used Shutterfly.com, although there are many sites that offer this type of product. Check it out and let me know what you think! Visit the <a href="http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDNgzYM27FwwYgtR8lia">Shutterfly Share Community</a> to see my creation! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXTSZ5IH093fOyId1hU2N1oaq0yvmDU3tu0Uuq37EizAhO-dj3l764jc5P0oeHGlqR-jHqMnABoyLV06O8teNw7Em6-L50RtmHI0o-7O0szzqilyNxxh8uKg-gtkqgIwtP-GaULUdhas/s1600/1273352486000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXTSZ5IH093fOyId1hU2N1oaq0yvmDU3tu0Uuq37EizAhO-dj3l764jc5P0oeHGlqR-jHqMnABoyLV06O8teNw7Em6-L50RtmHI0o-7O0szzqilyNxxh8uKg-gtkqgIwtP-GaULUdhas/s320/1273352486000.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After getting the photo book finished, some dear friends from Bahrain came to visit. I haven't seen them in years and we had such an enjoyable time showing them around Kansas City. They've since gone back to Bahrain and are sorely missed!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now life is back to normal ... still looking for a place to call home on the jobfront. In other words ... still lots of time to be exploring my crafty side! Stay tuned ... I just got the <a href="http://www.bigasscrafts.com/">Big Ass Book of Crafts</a> by Mark Montano. Hopefully I'll be back this weekend with loads of inspiration from this book!</div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-36257303648322027892010-05-05T13:59:00.000-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.291-06:00Whimsie Doodles Birthday Blop HopIt's Whimsie Doodles first birthday and they are hosting a blog hop, complete with a ton of prizes! They have the cutest digi images and a fabulous design team ... lots of inspiration to be shared so start hopping now!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG2-qgijWPC79n1XWVE56xuND0JZw0qv4xh1296bVbD9i4-uqbS0gZjMqg6UlEqGU0Rcu4gt1IzDPvsQjZukh7vG9_wR-3PxFjDBkGu8fEFBTkte_pDwJr44Izhq0xHdXsJNAhLIr4y0/s320/whimsiedoodlesbloghopim.jpg" tt="true" /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_881975921"></span><span id="goog_881975922"></span></div><br />
Start hopping with <a href="http://fantastink.blogspot.com/">Melyssa's blog</a>. She's the owner of Whimsie Doodles and she creates all of their fabulous imagery. Enjoy!Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-79662837120317931842010-04-26T12:36:00.001-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.358-06:00I'm a Winner at TGF!What a great way to start Monday morning. I opened up my email to find that I won a digital image from <a href="http://splendidstamping.blogspot.com/">The Greeting Farm</a>! Every week you have a chance to win the featured digi image. You only need to answer a question in their comment section. Last week's question was "What is your favorite quote?" My favorite quote is:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>"Dance like no one's watching." </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out my new digi!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGBUQE_WuJqqHvegjLA8SINAxTuRRH2dYc2WB5-OnlOa2LwZlOkrQeL8-1iKNid9OT1YrA4Ed3rqf-AUVECdwTAPBc7fQL85UQBMrTvY1ky_Jx6xa5esuHX6OVZlt2KlIOotFiENn-vI/s1600/hgclassy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGBUQE_WuJqqHvegjLA8SINAxTuRRH2dYc2WB5-OnlOa2LwZlOkrQeL8-1iKNid9OT1YrA4Ed3rqf-AUVECdwTAPBc7fQL85UQBMrTvY1ky_Jx6xa5esuHX6OVZlt2KlIOotFiENn-vI/s320/hgclassy.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't she a doll? You'll surely be seeing her on a card very soon! Have a wonderful day!</div>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986365105047187716.post-12867460562227900002010-04-24T17:24:00.000-05:002015-03-01T14:28:02.277-06:002S4Y Laura's Sketch 50 and DT CallIs it bad that it's around 5 p.m. and I'm still in my pj's? Since it's Saturday I guess I won't feel too bad but crafting is always more comfy in your pj's, don't you think? Today was rainy and a bit chilly. In my book, that is the absolute perfect time to hang out in the craft room. So anyway, I've had my fun for the day! I guess it's time to start dinner (which can also be very creative in our house, too) but I wanted to share this with you first. <br />
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I'm entering today's card in <a href="http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/2010/04/lauras-sketch-50.html">Laura's Sketch 50 and DT Call</a> at 2 Sketch's 4 You. I'm hopeful that they like my cards I've entered! I miss being on a DT ... wish me luck!!! Here's the sketch ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W0A6CqkN4pgQ2DHbOHlpL1LTZLyokoca-ykcnfy8S-mdNkLJiC-idkkBNe6f2LYKDFJneWoSwBBG4Tpe9719FE2lNVYSb4nRXRLM-Oo3GifAPhg3k6rYAe7xc3MpAwtbQUGJyW-ZQfc/s1600/denami_sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W0A6CqkN4pgQ2DHbOHlpL1LTZLyokoca-ykcnfy8S-mdNkLJiC-idkkBNe6f2LYKDFJneWoSwBBG4Tpe9719FE2lNVYSb4nRXRLM-Oo3GifAPhg3k6rYAe7xc3MpAwtbQUGJyW-ZQfc/s200/denami_sketch.jpg" tt="true" width="151" /></a></div><br />
... and here's my take on the sketch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2nLH-kJMsaJTuWWiy7NauvJqsU2jiKrPXgDbG4eNNj_T0XMHdy04puDNN7pWLYhdkfgjUzXCxHzeXXzBOHdt1gx0RBg7iyno1n-YykT204acDLAsZJ7n8lUaLZWNAafc1XWZ2_YwuEc/s1600/DSCN1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2nLH-kJMsaJTuWWiy7NauvJqsU2jiKrPXgDbG4eNNj_T0XMHdy04puDNN7pWLYhdkfgjUzXCxHzeXXzBOHdt1gx0RBg7iyno1n-YykT204acDLAsZJ7n8lUaLZWNAafc1XWZ2_YwuEc/s400/DSCN1598.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I created the background by using little dots of color with my Copic markers and used the feather technique on the image itself. I just think this little guy is so cute and wish I had one of him stuffed! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOV6aQUUaNthOmRqYOgJPF8rwRo9bujMUfus6DLdQEFuv3HnqC-tWLjQBPyX39YC_IXmcqCsgjdrCjhPKiJvsllm6K7PSVn4BFbgwcqkTbAjLaTYT6FZrTraC6GHwxVZ97DVueH5b-UM/s1600/DSCN1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOV6aQUUaNthOmRqYOgJPF8rwRo9bujMUfus6DLdQEFuv3HnqC-tWLjQBPyX39YC_IXmcqCsgjdrCjhPKiJvsllm6K7PSVn4BFbgwcqkTbAjLaTYT6FZrTraC6GHwxVZ97DVueH5b-UM/s400/DSCN1599.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A special thank you to <a href="http://meljensdesigns.com/">MelJen Designs</a> for the free digital image. I love it! Take a moment and check out their site ... you'll be glad you did! They are having a 25% off sale (Apr. 22-28). Please refer to the <a href="http://meljensdesigns.com/">MelJen Designs</a> site for details. </div>Here are the Copic markers I used: <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeVHWRgBRy8aSo8WbEIvuoqhnjmcKYy8pJ8UBZx5sILfKZlS0Y9P3zevsMSbj54sbYYJK9sff3sNHGwtgy3MINm8TJtKdM935kJ3Vs48oQUj9KU8YRpIr5Ss11Kr-JtJ9a_HHVizh1gk/s1600/DSCN1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeVHWRgBRy8aSo8WbEIvuoqhnjmcKYy8pJ8UBZx5sILfKZlS0Y9P3zevsMSbj54sbYYJK9sff3sNHGwtgy3MINm8TJtKdM935kJ3Vs48oQUj9KU8YRpIr5Ss11Kr-JtJ9a_HHVizh1gk/s320/DSCN1602.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>Supplies</u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Paper: Basic Grey (Porcelain)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stamps: MelJen's (Lion); CTMH (Cupcake Sprinkles)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ink: Versa Color (Black)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dies: Spellbinders (Labels Nine); Fiskar's Punch</span>Melishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01474343453838093056noreply@blogger.com4