Little Red Wagon #196 - Christmas in July

Well, nothing like leaving it to the last minute.

My challenge over at Little Red Wagon is Christmas in July!

I used scraps to create this card:

We'd love it if you would play along and link up your Christmas'y' creation at Little Red Wagon.

Enjoy your day!

Hydrangeas and Blue Mason Jars

I've been admiring the blue mason jars from Target I've seen on a few blogs recently.

This past week I took Brittany to Buffalo shopping for the day and what did I find in Target but the blue mason jars.

I added some hydrangeas to create this floral table arrangement:

Simple but effective I think.

Thanks for stopping by!

Little Red Wagon #195 - Tag You're it!

Happy Wednesday all!

It's really happy for me as I have 5 days off!

Today for Little Red Wagon, Regan is challenging us to use a tag on our project.

I created a card using a tag:

So what do you think, could I have found a smaller tag?!

Anyway, please join us over at Little Red Wagon with your tag adorned project, we love to see what you create!

Make A Wish

A quick post before an afternoon of scrapping in St.Jacobs to show a card I made this past week with the help of my friend Avril.

Avril gave a few of us some instruction on how to use Cricut Craft Room with our Cricut machines. She put together this cute card for us to make while working on our Cricut skills:

Isn't it sweet?  And Avril made the felt flower too!

Thanks so much Avril!

Little Red Wagon #194 - Project Makeover

Time for a Little Red Wagon challenge and this week Tammy has a good one for us!

She wants us to makeover a previous project we were not completely happy with.

I found a card I had started and didn't finish, here let me show you:

Pretty bad right? Yep, I'm surprised I kept it all.

So I gave it makeover like so:

 I used all the same papers but changed the shape of the pink matte.  Then I clustered the flowers instead of the hexagon paper cut outs.  I did still use the hexagon paper but cut the flourishes out of it.

Much better.

So why don't you link up your project makeover at Little Red Wagon.

We love to see what you create!

Enjoying the Fruits of the Season - Local Highlight, St.Jacobs Farmers` Market

We are fortunate to live near an awesome Farmer's Market, the St.Jacobs Farmers`Market.

I've blogged about it before and while I enjoy going to it any time of year,I particularly like going at this time of year.

The fresh produce changes weekly, last week were the last of the strawberries, this week raspberries are in season along with the first of Ontario peaches and sweet corn.

There are over 150 outside vendors who sell everything from from food to produce to flowers to clothing.

There is also the year around main market building, a charming post and beam structure jam-packed with delectable foods on the first level. The second level is devoted to home decor and crafts. Peddler’s Village next door includes house wares, furniture, fashions, footwear, crafts and upscale food vendors.

In summer it operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I most often go early on a Saturday to beat the crowds!

Last week I bought strawberries to make Strawberry Salsa that I featured in a post here.

This week I bought raspberries and made freezer jam.

There is nothing like buying fresh fruit in the morning and making preserves in the afternoon!

Are there fresh food markets near you? Please share!

Little Red Wagon #193 - Monochrome

Happy Wednesday!

This week Jan is challenging us to create something with a monochrome colour scheme.

As I was digging through my papers,I found some patterned Papertrey paper my Mom shared with me that I think works for this challenge.

And here's my card:

Please share your monochrome project over at Little Red Wagon, we love to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping by!

Some Layouts!

 Hi all.

Thought I'd share a few layouts I completed a couple of weeks ago.

The first uses some molding paste to create some texture.  I've been wanting to try this  technique for awhile  as Sharon over at The Silk Purse uses it frequently with fabulous results.

These layouts are of our trip to the Baltic from a couple of summers ago.

Loved this room at Catherine Palace, although I think it should be called the wedgewood room.

Back soon!

New to the Garden This Year

Every year I like to try few new plants in the garden or containers, this year I found some interesting ones.

First is this plant, Anagallis, that is in our front urn and window box.  It is a beautiful blue colour that shows up nicely against the brick and black urn.

Second is burgandy oxalis also known as shamrock.  It makes a terrific contrast against the green potato vine.

Also in the following photo is Pinstripe Petunias, a very dark purple, almost black petunia with a thin whitish pinstripe.

Steve has purchased several new hostas this year with unique names ranging from Miss Linda Smith, Queen of the Seas, Empress Wu, Sum and Substance as well as Mouse Ears shown below.

Another interesting petunia, aptly called Phantom.

And finally Black Velvet Petunias.

Depending on how they perform in the garden this season these new plants may be back again next year!

What new plants have you tried this year?

Brittany Baked in Jars!

Brittany recently made these blueberry muffins in jars.

Quite large but very yummy!

Little Red Wagon #192 - Clean and Simple

This week Joanne wants to see those Clean and Simple creation over at Little Red Wagon.

This card is about as clean and simple as it gets, look at all that white space!

A little edging with patterned paper, a simple stamp, a sentiment, flower and finally a sequin and voila!

Please join us over at Little Red Wagon with your CAS project,  we love to see you what you create!

Blooming In My Garden

I've been remiss in sharing my garden so far this season so let's catch up now shall we?

Our climbing rose is in full bloom.

Stella D'Oro lilies.

Clematis, a little beaten from the rain.

Shasta daisies just coming  into bloom.

Neighbour's tree lilac that hangs over the fence and makes a sheltered entrance to our backyard.

Hosta in bloom.

A closer look at the blooms on the lilac tree, they are fully out right now and heavily scented, makes our patio area smell so good.

Annabelle hydrangea just coming out in bloom.

Pink rose against a backdrop of white vibernum, actually looks much nicer than this photo shows.

A closer look at the roses.

As is tradition, my flower filled birdbath.

And another tradition, I always hang a fuschia in the hopes of attracting hummingbirds, here's some buds just ready to burst.

Hope you enjoyed this little tour around my garden.