August 1, 2014

August 1st already! Summer is moving right along! Here's hoping July's weather is a preview of August! So gorgeous, lots of sunshine...just WOW! Although I'd like it just a tad cooler, I won't complain because I'd rather this than -30C any day! Fortunately I can find air-conditioning at work and other places if I truly need  a break!

One thing about me and heat, it kind of sucks my energy, so I haven't been overly creative...too hot to sit in my craft room when the house feels like an oven. Still managed to get my "homework" done and worked on the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's August sketch.

Sketch Design by Sue Sykes.

For whatever reason this was a tough sketch for me...I'm not sure why. From start to finish it tested my abilities, guess that's why we call it a Sketchy Challenge! I saw it through and am satisfied with the results despite not wanting to use this design again.

I pulled out lots of Stampin Up papers: cardstock, patterned papers, and vellum metallics. I adore these metallic, pattered vellum sheets and can see lots of potential use! They are the hearts and stripes papers on my layout.

I like to try to use up some older pieces from my [ever growing!] stash along with new product. Here I pulled out some old Riff Raff chipboard and painted it with Viva Decor's Inka Gold paints [LOVE!] and some quotes I had left over from Tattered Angels - they just seemed to fit! Of course Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L keeps it all together...always!

Thanks for stopping by. Drop by Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's Sketchy Challenge throughout the month to see how others have used the sketch or of course to upload your layout!

Happy August!

October 22, 2013

Quick blog post to share my completed layout for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's October Sketchy Challenge! I liked this sketch from the first time I saw it and stayed pretty true to Sue Syke's design! ALL products used were from Stampin Up, the only exception would be the staples that attach one of the tags!

The snowflake stamps with matching dies are truly a favourite! I can see using them time and time again!

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=133285

We'd love for you to join in on the fun! Who knows...you might even get published in a future edition of the magazine!

April 14, 2013

It's a quiet Sunday morning in the Gowdy house, all is well! We officially have [according to the government] 3 adults living in our home! Taylor had his 18th birthday yesterday and it boggles my mind that he is of voting and drinking age! Seriously...how fast did that 18 years fly by! I can vividly remember events when he was a toddler...just as if it was yesterday! Whereas I have a hard time remembering yesterdays events! Oiy...the brain is a funny place to visit!

He celebrated with his besties on Thursday night, so nice when a school long weekend conveniently falls on your birthday weekend! These guys are like family! The have all grown into fine young men over the years, and I have lovingly called them my "Basement Boys". At any given time on a weekend, one or all could be found in the basement...I love hearing their laughter while going about my day or night!

The Basement Boys

Last year we had a special cake made for Taylor that was a huge hit! It was a Friday 13th themed cake! Bill and I felt his 18th birthday deserved an equally fun cake! This is the cake that Donna Kirkland Green made was fabulous! She makes cakes form her home and is genius! I an so happy I found her, it's such a treat to present fabulous cakes!

How fun is this? The perfect cake for an 18 year old guy! We surprised him with a visit to work. His boss was in on the surprised and we got him good with his co-workers singing Happy Birthday! Taylor is easily embarrassed when put on the spot...a wonderful shade of red!

Happy Birthday Taylor! Love you so much!

April 4, 2013

I think I forgot I have a blog! Not that I stress over this site at all but it is a fun way to keep track of things we've been up to! I think I probably got stuck in the YUCK that was March! The weather was crappy and I had just about had enough of winter! So much snow and cold! I think the worse is now over with, we have had a glimpse or two of Spring weather, although tonight freezing rain IS in the forecast!

I continue to be busy with my scrapbooking and am doing some social media work with Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine! I love this publication and the girls who run it! I have "played" with them lots over the past years and am thrilled to be able to help out any way I can. This is not a big corporation of suits running the magazine. They are people just like us....Moms, sisters, daughters, friends...following their dream of sharing Canadian talent! Guess what...they are making it work!

Bill & Taylor had a weeks reprieve from weather over Spring Break with a trip to Dominican Republic. They had a great time relaxing at the pool and taking in a couple local excursions!

My favorite beach bum

Ocean Blue & Sand Resort

Ocean Blue & Sand Resort

I stayed and worked as it is typically a busy time for us at the office and I have a trip planned in May with a friend. We are heading to BC to take part in a hummingbird Photography class! I can't wait! We have been to the "ranch" in the past and know the accommadations and food will be supurb!

I uploaded my take on Canadian Scrapbooker's April Sketchy Challenge! Another great sketch designed be Sue Sykes!

Canadian Scrapbooker's April Sketchy Challenge

PP & CS - Bazzill Basics "Beach House" / Stampin Up / Harmonie Mosaic Tiles / Pink  Paislee "Timber" alphas / Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L / Ranger Glossy Accents

So that's it for today! I am caught up on all things BLOG! Wonder how long it will be before I post again!

Oct. 26, 2012

October 26th! My birthday! Friday! A workday [this week!] and Friends With Flair Day over at Unity stamps!

Usually I have Fridays off so I think my weekend will seem short! My week however was kind of fun, work a day - off a day - work a day - off a day...you get the picture! Taylor's schedule has been crazy with 5 hockey commitments, 2 evenings of tutoring and a drum lesson that we ended up cancelling...sometimes you just have to let something go! Keeps us all running without time for any routine! Good for some, but I like a bit...it keeps me organized which I LOVE! Anyhow,we're making it through the week unscathed.

Here are a couple pages I  worked on last weekend and this week. The first one uses Unity Stamp's SWAK kit for September 2012 and will be linked to the Friends With Flair page! I loved this set as soon as the sneak peek came out!

snapshots from Nova Scotia

The second is page was inspired by the fun picture of Taylor. I have been wanting to use it for some time, but was waiting for the right papers and idea to jump in my head. I LOVE how it turned out!

YUP! The boy cleans up well!

November...already!

So here I am again, sitting and trying to put some words to "paper" [so to speak]. I tried to update my blog yesterday a few times but always got interrupted or pulled in another direction, this is lovingly known as "squirlling' by my wonderful friend Cathie Allan! She has adopted this saying from a movie [can't remember the name] and has declared it a verb...I love it! I live it! You should take the time to check out her blog, she is an amazing teacher and artist with paper and ink!

Life has been very crazy for us the past few weeks! Taylor schedule is very busy with hockey, tutoring, drums and work...Bill and I do a lot of chauffeuring from one activity to another. It makes for some crazy nights and a welcome bed at the end of our day! This week we had a bit of a reprieve as Taylor sprained his ankle and was off hockey for the week, this plus a week off school for Fall break lightened our schedule and put a bit of calm into our week! Back to hockey tonight and 2 games early in the week!

We were blessed [ I use the term loosely] with our first snow on Friday night! Not a huge amount, but enough to blanket the ground and stay there. The temperatures will keep it there for a while now. I know at some level I shouldn't complain, we live in Alberta and have had snow and cold temperatures way earlier than this...BUT I have just loved the gorgeous autumn we have had and wish it could stay longer! In my next life I think I will try to come back as someone who LOVES winter...not happening in this life! I will, however; try to make the best of it when I can and get out for walks with the dogs and wait for gorgeous hoar frosts...there are moments that can be breathtaking...too bad they involve COLD! That being said my boots are ready to work for me, my down coat has been brought up from the basement and the gloves...well they have already been put to use! Bring it on and lets move forward to Spring!

For the love of dogs!

With all our running around I have had little time for "play". I did get some Christmas cards made during a weekend away in Pigeon Lake with some wonderful friends, and finished up on a scrapbook page that was taking too long to complete. I am working on an advent project for Christmas right now, and will show it when it's completed...it will be fun! So, I guess some things are getting done!

Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine has their November sketch up, so I am hopeful I will find time this month to work with it: I really like it!

November's Sketchy Challenge!

So, on with my day I must go! Taylor was up early for work and I suspect Bill went to the gym after dropping him off [he's not home yet...good assumption!]. I have lots of little things to get done today to help make our week flow a little smoother. I'll get to the bottom of the laundry hamper [hopefully!] and maybe get something into the slow cooker for tomorrow. In an ideal world I'll get out with the dogs for a walk as well, but not right now...the wind is blowing, it's snowing, grey and looks awfully cold! Bella may just have to play indoors with her new favourite toy!

Bella giving her new toy some lovins!

October 23, 2011

We are nearing the end of October, which means my birthday and Halloween are just around the corner! I am loving the fact that our weather has been very Fall-like...which means NO SNOW! Sadly I have experienced too many cold Alberta Octobers and anticipate snow on Halloween! This year could be an exception! We have had lovely mild temperatures and sunny skies, great weekends to get out with the dogs or tidy up the yard and deck for what is to come!

Bill has been busy putting things in the garage and raking leaves to be composted. The dogs are enjoying the long walks and off leash runs they have been still getting...life is pretty good!

Ball obsessed Bella!

As usual I try to get in some creative time whenever I get a chance, it is what I love doing in my down time! Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine has put out another sketch for the month of October. I look forward to them posting other peoples take on the sketch...it's always amazing to see how different all the entries are.

Here is my take on October's sketch:

Enjoy the rest of October and have a great Halloween! Keeping my fingers crossed that the snow stays away!

You guessed it...more snow!

I'm starting to get a bit confused! I am pretty sure it is April 14th, at least the calender tells me so. However, March was "In like a lion out like a lamb"...I am pretty sure that April "showers bring May flowers"...so what in the heck does 15cm of snow and the same on the way for tomorrow bring...a pretty miserable bunch of Albertans!



Bella and I looking out the door in disbelief!


I have just about given up on seeing Spring! Or have I given up on life in Alberta? I am just not sure! Fortunately Taylor choose to shovel because I refused to do it, it's just not right! I wished away the snow indoors todays, leaving only to go to yoga this morning and to get Taylor to and from school.



My shoveller.




Mom! It's all ice under here!





I do love this guy!



Laundry got done, a visit with my friend and neighbour and some cookies made. I tried a new recipe using Quinoa flour, they turned out pretty good. Taylor noticed a bit of a difference in taste but still went back for more. I didn't tell him I switched out the flour for a more nutritous option...a little more protein and fiber will do him some good! what he doesn't know will only do him some good!

bet you can't have just one!

Stay tuned for the continuing snow saga that has become my life! Hope you're enjoying your SPRING!