the jury is in

It’s been 6 days and I have hummed and hawed and taken a few pics to help me decide if I want to keep my new Olympus E500 camera. I had until this Friday to make up my mind. I didn’t want to pass up the great deal of $250 brand new, but it took awhile to decide if I wanted to replace my Rebel with the Evolt or keep trying to find a solution to the current problem of not able to get my pics off the card. With testing and playing around the jury is in.
Drum roll please.......................................................................she’s a keeper!


I feel like a Borg with this new extension to my arm. Shout out to the Trekkies! Halla! I’m being very battery conscience while taking photos as the battery juice is dangerously low and the replacement charger hasn’t arrived yet. That’s how I got it for so cheap, they gave the charger to another purchase so I’m crossing my fingers it will come this week but that isn’t stopping me from enjoying the noticeably faster shutter and auto focus response, and clean-clear pictures from the SLR, and and... *sigh* I could go on.

My favourite feature right now is the dual card slot. She holds both Compact Flash and XD memory cards so I don’t have to purchase additional cards! Bonus! Plus, the lens size is the same as my Canon lens, so my macro filter fits beautifully-another bonus! So all in all, I give this puppy *****!

I now have a Christmas list (that I didn't have before) that includes a new camera bag, a remote control so I can be in some of the pictures too, and a cute camera strap cover...and a new lens. Ooo I have my eye on this baby!
*sigh* I can dream right?
Dear Santa,
I’ve been a good girl all year....

j

this face

Nothing to report today other then how much I love this little chickie!

september finds

It's that time again for my monthly finds for September which has turned into my favourite things with some good deals thrown into the mix. I have been drawn to purple and green as you can see ;0)


I love a good deal but lately I have developed a greater appreciation of what I already have. I believe it’s due to Joe still searching for work in this tough economic time and rediscovering lost things whilst throwing out the unwanted clutter.

But I couldn't resist picking this flick up-on sale of course. If you are a fan of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, then you would enjoy one of Maribel's movie choices of the month, Coraline. I think the record for the most watched in the day is 5 times. I really don't mind but when I'm about to brush her hair, she will cover her eyes with her hands and say, "You not sewing buttons in my eyes!" it's time to cut back. So we watch it 2 times a day now instead of 5.



Top left: We've been making a lot of cookies lately and this new gravestone cutter will be making an appearance this coming month. Along with the cute mini loaf pan that's holding my new fave mustache necklace.
Top right: Georgie was one of the first of Owlishly's little guys I made. I love his little grape suit, despite it taking me forever ;0)
Bottom left: My sister introduced me to this little book, and it explains a lot. If you are a Tim Burton fan, then you would enjoy this twisted story book. At least it gave me a better understanding into my sister's brain-HaHa
Bottom right: Another mini loaf pan (found at Michaels for $1) that will soon be filled with some delish Pumpkin Bread-yum! For now it holds buttons that Maribel keeps getting her little hands into. Again, I don't mind.

It's been so refreshing as I get rid of the clutter, that I have noticed that there is more going out then coming in. Ahhh I finally get it!

j

Other favourites and finds include: drinking hot chocolate in my Mike Wazowski mug; New wallet and hobo bag (the bag was on wicked clearance but the wallet was regular price so together it averaged out to be a good deal. At least that's how I justified it in my mind); chewing 5 gum; New crochet hooks with a bamboo handle-much more comfortable; New rosette heals (on clearance at Ross-love it!); tissue cozy I sewed with some cute clearance fabric; Coconut Lime Verbena hand sanitizer (I cant' get enough of that stuff); and of course watching Coraline in 3D!

bye-bye rebel

Well, I've done all I can and it has come down to it. I have to give up my Canon Rebel. :'0(

I was lucky to have been able to receive my late brother's Rebel and take some amazing pictures with it. But sadly I now have no way of taking the pictures off of my memory card or camera (trust me I've tried everything) and what is a scrapbooker with out a camera? Seriously!?

I really got a good taste of life with a DSLR and frankly, I don't think I could ever go back to my simple point and shoot. Just even the thought of it, nope. Can't do it.

So with that said, the photo shop I frequent had an Olympus E500 for a really good deal, and yup-you guessed it. I bought it. I'm not excited for the new camera as the pain is still too near for the loss of my Canon. I'm going to give it a chance and I have 10 days to return it if I'm not satisfied. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking for me. The lens isn't a wide angle, which I have gotten used to but it's not a deal breaker for me. At least I can hook it up to my laptop and have the camera load the pics with no problem! That's a plus. But again, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

....................................~*~.........................................


On another note, here is my LO for SkrapnChat's September LO Tag.
I had a tough time finding the right embellishments so I decided to just make my own. I tend love those layouts more then the others, I think it's mostly because my creative side really comes out in the little embellie guys.

So stay tuned for some photo fun while I test out the new Olympus, oh and a new playlist coming October 1st!

Ta Ta!

first day of autumn - florida style

The temperatures have been more mild these couple of weeks (well, mild meaning NOT 95F everyday) which means it's Autumn! So I bought some fall shoes just for the occasion. Ahhh so cozy!


I have to say that living in Florida does have it's advantages! Sure our trees don't change colour, but that's a small price to pay for not having to shovel snow, or warm up your car before going out, or needing to carry kitty litter in your trunk incase of snow drifts.
Just sayin'

Happy Fall!

j

my fab 9

I have my sewing machine out, crochet hooks polished, needles sharpened, glue in hand and my 9 fabulous participants YAY!

I’ll be starting the projects in October to begin the 1st of the 9 months of handmade yumminess. I already have an idea of what crafts I’m going to create but hints are welcome ;0)

If you would like something made for someone else for you to give as a gift please let me know. I am more than happy to do that! So ladies, go ahead and drop some hints or requests along with your mailing address. (Please use the email address off to the right of the page) I can’t wait to get started! =)


Have a craft happy weekend!

j

peek-a-boo

It’s been a busy week for us but I managed to complete my LO for September’s LO Tag over at SkrapnChat and I thought I'd include a sneak peek at the finished page =)



And speaking of sneak peeks, here is a peeky-poo at what Maribel and I are going to be for Halloween. I’m still collecting some items to complete our costumes-I’m a little more then excited! Joe is being a jam-tart and not dressing as anything. Boo!



It's almost Friday! woo hoo!

hey hoser!

HapPy BirThdAY


So how does it feel to be 27?
Do you feel old?

I hope the birthday fairy is kind to you!

Luv u!


p.s. I told you that on your birthday I would ask you the same questions you asked me on mine.
SMTO

sweet hour of prayer

Me: Maribel, would you like to say the prayer tonight?
(Maribel nods and begins with no hesitation)
Maribel: "Dear Heavenly Father, tank you for 'Deesus, tank you for my chair, tank you for my bed. Bless Papa, and Daddy, and Mommy. Deesus name, Amen."
(Maribel claps her hands with such excitement)


I don't know what is sweeter, her sweet prayer or the proud look on her face as she clapped in joy.
I was wiping my eyes. She's growing up so fast *sniff*

if 9 is your # then today is your day

Last night Joe offered to entertain Maribel while I escaped to my scrap haven. It felt so good to scrapbook again and this one isn’t for a LO Tag either! When I emerged from my haven Joe had Maribel watching Wall-e for the 100th time and dinner cooking in the oven. Yup, I think I’ll keep him ;0)

On another note, did you notice something kinda neat about today's date? It's all 9's. Cool eh? I can't help but notice funky dates so in honor of today's number I will make 9 crafts to give away over the course of 9 months to 9 people. Sound fun? I'm excited about it!

So the rules, if you can call them that are to leave a comment and I will make a craft of my choosing just for you. It can be anything from jewelry, to crochet, to scrapbooking creations, to sewing, to...... well, anything really. You can drop in some hints but remember that I get to choose in the end ;0) Okay, lets face it. I am one of those people who have real trouble saying no, so if you would like something specific, just let me know. I will do my best. I love to create!

I got the idea from a friend that was tagged to create a small number of crafts for people who commented on her blog and it forwarded over to who ever received one of the crafts, they had to pay it forward-so to speak. Well, I'm not going to ‘tag’ people to do the same but feel free to create for others if you like. I’m sure they would love it. I will post an update when I have my 9 lovelies!

Happy Hump Day!

j


Too Too Tain:
pp Basic Grey Lime Rickey, Bo Bunny, Sassafras
Buttons: Basic Grey
flowers: Prima
Ribbon and lace: Fancy Pants
Stickles

my girls, well the fuzzy kind anyway

I don't know what happened but the photography fairy finally graced me with her presence in my sleep or something because...well just take a look at these.


Last night, late last night I must add-just before I went to hit the hay, I heard a little rustle on the couch. Pipa had plans on spending her night in the worlds loudest shopping bag. Seriously, these bags give off the earth shaking crinkle sound when you really want to be quiet. And I really was anxious to get some sleep-but not before I snapped a few. I was pleasantly shocked that she stayed relatively still while my shutter kept open long enough to catch this fuzzy scrumptiousness that is Pipa. She makes me giggle inside she's so stinkin cute and lovey.

Today right before I was going to wash the forever mounding pile of dishes, (have I mentioned how much I looooooooove washing dishes? No? Well, I love washing dishes as much as a Ferengi loves the word, "Probono." Been watching a lot of Star Trek lately, heh heh...*snort* *snort*...yes I am pushing up my glasses with my index finger) I took a peek over at my three rats disguised as sleeping cats in the afternoon sun and caught this sweet jewel.


Bijou is my kitty and she lets everyone know it too. We have this special bond and I really can't imagine my life with out her. This photo juiced my eyes-the best part is I didn't have to edit a darn thing. I love it when that happens!

Ooo {Insert Happy Dance here} I got my early Christmas present in the mail yesterday. Or a really late birthday present, or late anniversary present, or really early birthday present, or...okay, okay, a gift to myself. Any ways, I got my Photoshop Elements, yeah!!! So I've been playing around with it and downloading some super cool add ins, plug ins, whatever they are called. I'll get the lingo yet, give me a little time-I'll get there.

Anywho... Uh, I guess I had a lot to say for only posting 2 photos. If you've read this far, thanks for hanging in there. You rock!

j


Pipa frame found here
Bijou frame found here

button showers

Our trip to the park was thwarted due to rain. Boooo! So what better way to kick the rainy day blues then to sort momma's buttons? I couldn't think of anything either so that's what Miss Maribel decided to do.
As a child I loved sorting my mom's buttons and thought I'd join in on the fun! Oh how the memories came flooding.



Have a great long weekend! I hope it's sunny and full of wonderful memories =)

bring on september

I can't believe it's September already! That's insane in my books. But good things will happen this month, I can feel it.


For instance, my niece and nephew began school this year. Aidan was sooooo excited for his first day in Grade One. He counted the sleeps til the big day.
Sherry, on the other hand didn't share her brother's enthusiasm for starting Kindergarten.
While Aidan was very outgoing and freely talking with others, Sherry just blinked her large eyes at her teacher, her schoolmates-well pretty much anybody who looked at her. Poor thing.


Looking at these photos really makes me homesick. I would have given anything to have had my presh niece blink her eyes at me. *sigh* 2010 seems so far away.


But on a side note: did you know that it's 115 day's until Christmas? I just thought I'd share that little bit of info with y'all.
Stores already have their Christmas isles up and running so I guess I better get crackin, eh?