Speaking of the Last Hurrah...

Since Walgreens is offering a free 8x10 collage for the next 3 days, I was inspired to print out a few photos from our recent Forest Falls excursion and scrap the trip for our first CC Focus Group challenge (based on a photo collage produced by the extraordinary "JeepMama" Paula, one of the DT members of CC). Paula has set up a challenge at her blog, in case you want to join in the fun!

All of the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye (CC sold a bunch of the "So Sophie" collection papers, together with some diecuts), as well as the journaling block. The only non-CC materials I had to use were tools: a black marker, Fiskar border punches, a QK die, and my Cuttlebug.

Attention, twine lovers! The Twinery is celebrating their anniversary with a bunch of contests and giveaways! Their giveaway for today (and today only) is an incredible (and huge!) set of their amazingly beautiful twine spools. Be still, my beating heart! Check out their blog here to see how you can enter... and perhaps best of all... there's a promo code "Anniversary" to get 20% off your order this week. Woohoo!

A couple of days ago, I received my scraplifting contest prize from YSS - 20 papers from Fancy Pants' upcoming lines (Summer's End, Off to School, Saint Nick, and Oct 31). They are fantastic! Gosh, I just love Fancy Pants - their papers are so classy!

Yes, it's been awhile since I last scrapped. There are so many things I want to get done while the girls are in school, but... perhaps my "to do" list is too long!

Hey, ribbon lovers! You may want to check out Scrapbuck's new ribbon selection - they have quite a few new ribbons (including roses!) in the store in the big spool form! There are great deals to be had here!

Just read this article this morning and gotta say... "I am relieved..." (I always thought he looked way too creepy!).

First day of summer vacation

Couch potatoes aren't allowed in our house, so on our first day of summer vacation, we walked to the local post office (3 miles round-trip) to ship one of my Ebay packages. The girls never mind doing this, as long as the little one gets a ride (check out her wheels!) and we stop to feed Baby, the neighborhood horse. We've been feeding him for over a year now, so he recognizes the girls and often comes running when he sees them. He knows we bring carrots!

Along the way, we passed by a very busy ant nest. You know me, I can't resist the opportunity to use the macro lens on my camera. And besides - insects are awesome! ;)

We were delighted to get a phone call from our buddy H., who suggested we go hiking at Forest Falls. There's something therapeutic about being up in the mountains - and it's only about a 20-minute drive up there. The girls love to play in the water and thankfully, since B. came along, we felt secure and safe. (Don't forget - if you want to see the pictures in more detail, just click on the collage!)

It was a good day! And as you can see, the girls were worn out!