Thursday, February 22, 2018

Pineapple Birthday

Turning 21! What a fun milestone in one's life! I didn't have any "alcoholic drink" stamps, so I looked through my digital software (My Memories Suite) to find this cute pineapple drink.

I used my software to create the whole focal piece and printed it on white cardstock. Then, I finished it the traditional way...matting it and placing it on the colored cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite digital software
Embellishments - Greetings from Hawaii (pineapple border- MyMem); Tropical Paradise (pineapple drink - MyMem); Grosgrain Ribbon (always artichoke - SU)
Stamp Brush Set - Elementary Elegance (happy birthday - SU)
Paper - Whisper White, Always Artichoke, So Saffron


Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Birthday Lake

I paired the Swan Lake stamp set with the Happy Birthday Gorgeous stamp set sentiment for this lovely card.

I used retired Designer Series Paper (Subtles) and to color in the floral spray I used the new Stampin' Blends markers.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets - Happy Birthday Gorgeous, Swan Lake
Ink - Memento, Stampin' Blends (Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive)
Paper - Peekaboo Peach, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz DSP
Accessories - Peekaboo Peach Ruched Ribbon, glue dots

Special Waterfront




I love the cute little hut in the new Waterfront stamp set! I decided to create a "Congratulations on Your Move" for my sister-in-law who moved her and her family to Florida (from California).

This stamp set is perfect for a Florida scene. =)

Thanks for looking!

Supplies Used:
Stamp Sets - Waterfront, Special Celebrations
Ink - Pool Party, Sahara Sand, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Garden Green, Lemon Lime Twist
Paper - Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Whisper White
Accessories - Soft Suede Dotted Ribbon (retired)

 

Gorgeous Birthday

I'm really liking the Wood Textures DSP (Designer Series Paper) from Stampin' Up!. You can create cute masculine cards that are simple yet look so manly and not boyish.

Here, I paired the DSP with the 'Happy Birthday' thinlits along with the Happy Birthday, Gorgeous stamp set (words "To You").

I used the colors of Early Espresso and Very Vanilla... what a great combo for a manly card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
Stamp Set - Happy Birthday, Gorgeous
Ink - Early Espresso
Paper - Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Wood Textures DSP
Accessories - Big Shot, Die Brush, Happy Birthday thinlits

Bouquet Theory

The Beautiful Bouquet stamp set and it's coordinating Bouquet Bunch Framelits are so very versatile... each card you create comes out a bit different! What a fabulous set. Although... there is plenty to piece together, as each flower and leaf are separate pieces to stamp then die-cut.

The sentiments are very diverse too... mine, obviously, is a birthday card. But you can create a wedding, anniversary, friend or birthday card with this set.

Thanks for taking a closer look!

Supplies Used:
Stamp Set - Beautiful Bouquet
Ink - Fresh Fig, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Paper - Fresh Fig, Old Olive, Whisper White, Color Theory DSP
Accessories - Big Shot, Bouquet Bunch Framelits, dimensionals

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Christmas 2017

 

We celebrated Christmas 2017 on Christmas Eve with the whole Schwab Family. It was great seeing everyone together again. We ate ate, opened presents and played a few games before going to Christmas Eve Mass. A wonderful day!
And with this post.... I've finished my 2017 photobook! Yay!

Thanks for sharing in our memories this year!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Blog Train December 2015 (Clopez)
Embellishments - Glimmer Kit (gold trim - SU); Blog Train December 2015 (poinsettia - Clopez)
Font - At Last Greeting (white); Britannic Bold (white)


GLOW

 

In December 2017, we went to a special event at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens called 'GLOW'. It was all decorated for Christmas inside and out with Christmas trees, miniature train sets and winter floral blooms. We didn't go at nighttime, so we didn't really see how well lit up the place was. It was great to experience though.

Thanks for looking!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Winter Whispers (DSP)
Embellishments - Family Time (gold beads - MyMem); Balance Flower (gold flower - MyMem); Holiday Hustle (gold leaf - jadyday); Christmas Memories (berries - Snicker)
Font - Chopin Script (green); Bradley Hand ITC (green)

Snowman

 

In December 2017, we got a good amount of snowfall. It was very good packing snow, so we made our annual snowman! As we have lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past 15 years, and now moved to Cleveland, Ohio... you can imagine how small our snowmen were in the past! LOL! We had fun assembling our guy out our backyard, so that we could see him inside all the time. We used Oreos for his eyes, a celery stalk for his nose and a granola bar for his mouth.

Thanks for strolling by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Watercolor Winter (SU)
Embellishments - Christmas Assortment (snowflakes - MyMem); Christmas Calendar (snowman kids and snowmen trio - MyMem); Snow Village (pine tree - MyMem)
Font - Snowcaps (black); Scrap Casual (black)

Cinnamon Rolls

 

In December 2017, my brother and I made homemade cinnamon rolls. A little background story here... when my brother was in the Navy, he and I used to write to each other a lot. He mentioned him making cinnamon rolls for the crew, as he worked the night-shift on board ship. So, naturally... I have always wanted him to make me cinnamon rolls. Well, he got out of the Navy, and I moved away... so there was never an opportunity to make the time- consuming treat. Now, as we have moved back here, I asked my brother if we could make them now. So, the LONG anticipated event was finally here -- I got to make cinnamon rolls with my brother.  They were sooo delicious! Thanks Doug!

Thanks for dropping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - tan
Shape - Square (filled w/ Autumn Blues - MyMem); Wave (brown)
Embellishments - Family Spotlight (rolling pin - SU); Chef Panda Mini (oven mitts - Ostrea); Iced Cupcake Mini (flour - mhos7jo); Grosgrain Ribbon (gold - SU)
Font - CK Teen Scene (brown)

PurpleLight 2017

 

In November 2017, we participated in the annual PurpleLight event in Cleveland, Ohio. Each person, who was effected by Pancreatic Cancer in the Greater Cleveland area, was honored by lighting a purple glowstick as their names were read aloud. 

Thanks for looking!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - August Blog Train (LAImel)
Embellishment - Baby Mini (ribbon - RvMcSou)
Stamp Brush Set - Heart Outline (white - SU)
Shape - Square (filled w/white)
Font - Cerebral (purple)


Cleveland MetroParks Zoo

 

In October 2017, Mike and I spent the day at the zoo. The fall colors were on display, so we enjoyed walking around the zoo visiting the animals.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Mysterious March (KJDdsgn)
Embellishment - Grosgrain Ribbon (Espresso - SU); Campfire Stories (raccoon, bear and grass - MagsGfx)
Shape - Square (filled w/ white)
Font - Cooperplate Gothic Bold (brown and white); CK Honey (brown)

B and S Rehearsal and Wedding

 

 

In September 2017, we drove to Kentucky for our God-daughter's rehearsal and wedding. Diane was the lector at church. Its amazing how time flies... our "kids" are old enough to get married now! Congratulations Brooke and Steven!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Country Sunflowers (Mandog)
Embellishments - You Are My Sunshine (cluster - Snicker); Country Sunflowers (sunflower - Mandog)
Font - Chaucer (white)

Mapleside

 

In September 2017, Mike and I went to the Johnny Appleseed Festival at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio. We even purchased apples to make apple tarts with. YUM! It was a very HOT day, but we still enjoyed the fun!

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Autumn Spice (SU)
Shapes - Flag (filled w/gold and rust)
Embellishment - Apple Pickin Mini (apple - MemMos)
Font - Bradley Hand ITC (brown and gold)

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Schwab Jelly

 

Over the years, my parents have planted and harvested grapes and have made jelly too. I have always been the recipient of this great jelly, but never had the opportunity to make the jelly as I lived out of town then. Now that I live back in Cleveland... this year (September 2017), I was able to participate in the process of making jelly. We harvested the grapes, then washed and removed the vines, then mashed the grapes outside. We took our operation indoors to cook and then can the grapes into grape jelly! I had a wonderful time going through the whole process... and will definitely be doing this again next year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Cottage Wall (SU)
Shape - Square (filled w/ Cottage Wall -SU)
Embellishment - Autumn Fairy Mini (vine - ddnd); Artichoke Hearts (ribbon - MyMem); Inspired By Nature (bead - MyMem)
Font - Beetle and Bobo (purple)

Labor Day

 

In September 2017, when Mike's parents are still in town visiting, I invited my family members over for a Labor Day celebration. We grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and played crochet in my backyard.

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Show Your Stripes Mini Kit (TBAB)
Embellishments - Girl at the Well (ribbon - Dillie); Devoted USA Mini Kit (flowers - ADBD)
Font - Cuckoo (blue)

African Safari Park

 

In September 2017, we took Mike's parents to the African Safari Park in Port Clinton, Ohio. We were able to stay in the car and feed a few animals. There was also a small zoo, where we could get out of our car and see a few animals up close.

Thanks for taking a closer look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - brown
Shapes - Square (filled w/ Travel -LinsCre)
Embellishments - Country Western (barbed wire - DSP); Little Luck (horseshoe - FranB)
Stamp Brush Set - Vintage Overlay (texture - SU)
Font - Cuckoo (brown)

Liberty Aviation Museum

 

In September 2017, Mike's parents came out to visit us from California. We drove out to Port Clinton, Ohio to visit the Liberty Aviation Museum. Most of the aircrafts can still fly, so it was cool to see one take-off and land while we were there.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Stars and Stripes (MyMem)
Embellishments - Stars and Stripes (star border - MyMem)
Shapes - Square (filled w/blue)
Font - Clayton (red); Playball (blue)

911 Memorial Indianapolis

 

In September 2017, Mike went to Indianapolis, IN for work. I tagged along with him. We stayed close by the Canal Walk where we could walk and enjoy the places along the canal. As we were there during the anniversary of 9-11, we got to go to the Memorial for it that day. What a tribute to those who lost their lives. It was great to be able to walk around the downtown area for lunches and dinners and to just explore the many memorials and monuments in the area.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Stars and Stripes (MyMem)
Embellishment - Devoted USA Mini Kit (star - ABDB)
Font - Freeform 721 (white)

Grandma's Bench

 

In August 2017, we (my brothers and I) had a memorial bench installed for our Grandma Hynes. After she passed away in May 2016, we received money from her estate. The money should have gone to my mother.... as she was one of Grandma's kids... but as my Mom passed away in Feb 2014, my Mom's portion went to my Mom's kids. We decided to use the money to honor our Grandma with a bench within the parks system here in the Cleveland area... this way, we can visit her bench throughout the years and remember Gram too!

Thanks for taking a closer look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Luck of the Irish Mini (SyrenaE)
Shapes - Square (filled w/light brown)
Embellishments - Christmas Time Mini (flower border - BC); Taffeta Ribbon (vanilla - SU)
Font - Subway (green); Playball (green); Shelley Volante Script (black)

Holden Arboretum

 

In July 2017, Mike and I went to the Holden Arboretum here in the Cleveland area. What a beautiful place full of trees, plants and flowers. I great place to spend the day relaxing in nature. They have what's called an Emergent Tower on the grounds... where you walk up a spiraling staircase to the top. We've heard that you can see Lake Erie from the top. It was very overcast with a touch of mist, so we weren't able to see much. They also have a Canopy Walk.... where you can walk among the treetops. Very cool! We will definitely be going back.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - yellow
Embellishment - Autumn's Paintbrush Clusters (flower cluster- Kathryn)
Font - Vivaldi ITC (green)

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

 

In July 2017, Mike and I drove downtown to see the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.  I have been there before, but this was the first experience for Mike. It is a bit smaller than aquariums that we have visited in the past in other cities, but it was good to see. We decided to take the Trolley ride around downtown to see the sites and to learn some history too! Very informative!

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Nautical Expedition (SU)
Embellishments - Deep Blue Sea Mini (seaweed - QueenBr); To the Beach (octopus and seashorse- KJDdsgn); Baker's Twine (blue - SU); Let's see the World (bus - MyMem); City Border (cityscape - My Mem)
Shape - Square (filled w/white)
Font - Castellar (blue); Civilian (dark blue); CK Cutie (red)

Siesta Key

 

In June 2017, Mike and I... along with my brother's family... flew to Siesta Key Florida and enjoyed a week long vacation in a rented home right on a canal with walking distance to the Siesta Key beach. It was a wonderful, relaxing time with them.

Thanks for taking a closer look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Beige
Stamp Brush Set - Vintage Overlay (texture - SU)
Embellishments - Lemonade Stand (pearl - SU); Beach Time (starfish - Dillie)
Shape - Square (filled/w End of Summer - teal fabric - Valerie)
Font - Bradley Hand ITC (blue)

Monday, February 5, 2018

PurpleStride2017

 

In June 2017, we participated in the 2017 PurpleStride... which is a walk to raise awareness, raise hope, and to raise funds for the fight to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. As many of you know, those who follow my blog, my Mom was diagnosed in May 2012 and passed away February 2014.

We honor those who have lost their fight with this terrible disease, but we also give hope and support for all those who are fighting this disease now. This year, we plan on participating again in June.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - November 2016 Blog Train (grunge purple - LisaMM)
Embellishments - Baby Mini (cancer ribbon - RvMcSou); Hope Mini (words HOPE - Stina); Rose (buds and leaves - CSC); My Heart (heart ribbon - Dillie)
Stamp Brush Set - All Time Fave (arrow - SU)
Shapes - Square and Dotted Scallop Ribbon (filled w/Very Vanilla)
Font - Socket (purple)

Andrew's Graduation

 

In June 2017, Mike and I... along with my brother, Dave, flew to Colorado to celebrate our nephew, Andrew's graduation from high school.  It was the first time that Mike and I got to see my sister's family's new home in Monument, Colorado. Such a wonderful time to celebrate good times with family!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - black
Embellishments - Commencement (scatter, button - ashaw); ConGRADulations (cap - MyMem); Sunrise (word Congrats - wa)
Shapes - Square (filled w/orange); Zigzag (filled w/white)
Font - Boulder (white)

Plum Creek

 

In May 2017, Mike and I went exploring in our area and found this park with some hiking trails. What a beautiful day it was to walk in nature. We will definitely hike here again.

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Campfire Stories (MagsGfx)
Shapes - Square (filled w/Campfire Stories -plaid - MagsGfx)
Embellishments - Florals Overlay Greens (green vines - ZED); Autumn Reverence Mini (stitching - ddnd); Autumn Blessings Mini (flowers - SyrenaE)
Font - Cuckoo (gold)

Memorial Day 2017

 

In May 2017, Mike and I went to the Ohio Western Reserve Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery. It was a very moving experience. If you haven't ever been to a Memorial Day service at a military cemetery...go! I promise, you will be moved. There were many veterans as well as active military there... along with just regular people, like us!

Thanks for taking a closer look! 
AND.... THANKS to all who have served/are serving in our military!

Supplies Used:
My Memories Suite
Background - Fireworks (Snicker)
Embellishments - Devoted USA Mini Kit (star - ADBD)
Font - Haettenschweiler (blue)