"Love is Sweet"

 

Wowser, Christmas came and went at lightning speed.  Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas.  Ours was small and cozy.  Thanks to our number 2 son who enjoys cooking, he was a fantastic help preparing most of the dishes which we also shared with our neighbor.  On the menu was Korean BBQ Chicken cooked on the grill, Pulled Pork, Baked Ham, Corn Chowder, Edamame Rice, Tofu Salad, and Lemon Crunch Cake like the one from the former Young Hotel on Oahu back in the 50's.  All I made was the Edamame Rice and Tofu Salad.   That allowed me time to do some major house cleaning such as jealousies, etc.  We're also painting the bedrooms.

 

Today, I'm sharing a card I made several weeks ago for a wedding shower.  The image is by Penny Black.  I also used Copics, Spellbinder die, punch by Martha Stewart, DP from my ever-growing stash, flowers & buds by Inky Impressions and Wild Orchids, Ribbon from Stamps and Memories (on Oahu), charm by Inky Impressions, leaf punch by EK, distress ink, pearls by Kaiser Crafts, and sentiment by Hero Arts.

 

Here's  a close-up.....

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - "Challenge 249 - Anything Goes"
Fussy and Fancy - "Challenge 79 - Furry Friends"
Charisma Cardz Challenge - "Challenge 51 - Anything Goes"
Little Miss Muffet Challenge - "Challenge 51 - Anything Goes"
Tuesday Alchemy - "Challenge 46 - Anything Goes"

Wishing you all a warm, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2013.  Thanks for poppin' in for a visit. 

My Final Batch of Christmas Cards

OMG, I can't believe Christmas is next week already.  Here is my last batch of cards for this year.  Woo-hoo, all pau (finished).

 

For this card I used ornament dies by Memory Box, sentiment by Dandelion Designs, embossing folder by Sizzix, pine and pine cone stamps by Stampin' Up, Spellbinder dies, DP from stash, shiny CS by DCWV, gold peel stickers for ornaments by Stampendous, and twine.

 

And here are 3 of them.....

 

 

I'm entering the first card in the following challenges:

Crafts and Me - "Winter Wonderland Bumper Christmas Challenge"

Kaboodle Doodles - "Challenge 150 - Christmas/Holidays Anything Goes"

Paper Pretties - "Create A Christmas Creation"

Fashionista - "Wk. 2 - Winter Challenge"

Paper Playtime - "Challenge 91 - Winter Fun"

ABC Christmas Challenge - "Y is for Your Favorite Punch/Die"

 

Thanks for poppin' in for a visit.  Hope you Have a Scrap Happy Day.



Magnetic "Tag" Calendars

Whew,  I finished!!!  YAAAAY!!!  Do you  remember I mentioned in a previous post that I spent at least 17 hours crafting the other weekend?   Here's what I was working on.    As my own Christmas tradition, I enjoy enclosing a little gift with my Christmas cards and I must say this image by Dandelion Design was a life saver.   I knew I wanted to make some kind of calendar gift.  While tossing some ideas around and not coming up with anything, I saw this image on the Dandelion Designs blog.   Oh, I thought, 'WHOA, THAT'S IT!!!'  This was a "must have."  Thanks Lynn for coming up with this cute idea.   The mini calendars fit SO PERFECTLY!!!   I got the other image too.

 

Other items I used were Sizzix "Tags, Rounded" dies, Copics, embossing folder with Cherry Blossom design by Cuttlebug for the pink piece, ribbon by Offray, strip magnet affixed to the back, and distress ink. 

Here are 54 of them.....

Here one with a red kimono....

 And one with a purple kimono.....

I'm entering the first tag in the following challenges:
Tuesday Alchemy - "Challenge 44 - Anything Goes"
Totally Stampalicious - "Anything Goes"
Love to Create - "Challenge 45 - Anything Goes"
Wags 'n Whiskers - "Challenge 94 - Anything Goes"
Crafts and Me Challenge - "Challenge 113 - Anything Goes"

My 7th Batch of Christmas Cards - A Cutie by Whipper Snapper

Hi Peeps!  How are you all doing with your Christmas "to do" thingys?  Would you believe I crafted for at least 17 hours this past weekend?   Yup, no exaggeration.  But these cards aren't what I worked on.   I'll post my "project" after all of my Christmas cards are mailed and received.   During the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend, I usually get a lot of crafty stuff done but since we were on a trip, I had to jam like crazy.   I told my hubby I'm not cleaning house this weekend, crafting takes priority.  LOL.  I don't think our house is very messy.  :-)  Well, whatdaya know, he cleaned house for me, toilets too.  Woo-hoo.  I should tell him that every weekend.   Nah, nah. 

 

For this card, I used the cute stamp by Whipper Snapper which I bought at Cute Stuff on Oahu.  That was a "must have."  I altered it a bit to make this a "Christmas" theme by adding a gift image by Dandelion Design on the wagon. The original stamp has a flower and kitty in the wagon.  I also used Spellbinder dies including "Fancy Tags",  Copics, sentiment by Dandelion Designs, punch by Martha Stewart, DP from stash, holly flourish by Cheery Lynn, and ribbon by Offray. 

 

 And here are 7 of them....

I'm entering my first card in the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly - "Anything Goes"
Loves Rubberstamps - "Week 29-Anything Goes"
Top Tip Tuesday - "Challenge #91-Christmas"
Lollipop Crafts - "Challenge 95-Happy Holidays"
Cheery Lynn - "Challenge 57-Happy Holidays"
The Cupcake Craft Room - "Anything Goes for Christmas"
Lady Bug Crafts - "Challenge 4-Christmas and/or Winter"
Crafts 4 Eternity - "R#100-Christmas Chaos"
Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge - "Challenge 77-I Love Christmas"

Thanks for stopping by.  Wishing you a fun and crafty day.

Shopping Black Friday in Vegas and a CAS Card

Here's a card I made for a wonderful co-worker who left the firm I work for.   She's one heck of an amazing person and I'm a truly going to miss her.  I wish her well.

 

For this card, I used a plumeria DP and "Aloha" laser cut sentiment from Island Scrapbooking.  The DP comes on a sheet with 3 identical prints.   Isn't it pretty?  I also used Spellbinder dies, punch by Fiskars, beige striped DP from my stash, butterfly punch by Martha Stewart, and rhinestones by Crystal Stickers.

Our family flew out to Vegas on Thanksgiving Day and arrived just before midnight .  We stayed at the Golden Nugget for the first time in Downtown.   Awesome place!!!   I'd stay there again.  Personally, I prefer Downtown rather that the strip.

One of the restaurants we ate at (3 times) was Island Sushi at The Plaza.   OMG, THAT is my new favorite restaurant in Vegas.  Check this out, my hubby ordered the "All You Can Eat Sushi."  The menu had a bunch of other yummilicious things other than sushi."    If you go to Vegas, you MUST eat here.

Among the MANY things he ordered was Hamachi Kama (I think that's what it's called).   You should've seen the look on his face when he was done....PAIN!!!!    LOL.   I ordered the Shrimp Tempura Teishoku with California Roll Sushi.  (Sorry, no pix of that). 

My SIL and I are not gamblers so we shopped till we dropped on Black Friday and Saturday.  Lucky for me she and my BIL drive in Vegas with no fear.  You wouldn't find me behind the wheel....LOL.  First stop on Friday was Blue Diamond Shopping Center.  I got a real-deal at Kohl's, 2 tops totalling $11.00 PLUS a 15% discount.  CHA-CHING!!!  Got some great deals at Target (60% off 2 tops) and Big Lots at this shopping center.  CHA-CHING!!!

2nd stop was Premium Outlet (Downtown).  OMG, thank goodness my BIL suggested he drop us off.   He KNEW traffic would be bad and boy was he right.   We were among MANY, MANY vehicles at a complete stop and couldn't even get close to the parking structure so my SIL got out of the van and walked about a block.   One of the super deals I got were on Crocs sandals, Buy One, Get One Free.   CHA-CHING!!!

On Saturday, we shopped at Premium Outlet (old Bellz).  Got some great deals on t-shirts (Hurley and RVCA) for the boys, 2 for $25.00.  CHA-CHING!!!  Next stop was Town Square and I got some deals at The Bath and Body Shop and Whole Foods.  Third stop was M&M's World on the strip.  My nieces sure had fun shopping here while Aunty (me) got a cool bling-bling  t-shirt.  Check out all that colorful candy. 

Back to Island Sushi.  Hubby ordered Fried Noodes.  That was surprising because he's really not a noodle kind a person.  He's a meat and gravy kind of guy.

Yup, you guessed it.   I ordered Won Ton Mein and boy was that deeeeelicious.

On Saturday night, we had a surprise birthday dinner for my MIL at the Chart House at the Golden Nugget.   Here's the simple favor I bought/made.   The Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookie is from Big Island Delights.   It was nice because they're individually wrapped and all I had to do was make the tags, 14 of them.

I'm not a drinker but heck, we were on vacation so I ordered the Fleur de Lis.  It has coconut rum and pineapple juice, etc.   Ohhhh, that was GOOOOOD!!!   On rare occasions that I do have a drink, I enjoy those that taste like juice.  LOL.    

Here's a pix of hubby's Lobster Bisque.   I tasted it and it sure was yummy.

Hubby and I LOVE crab.  We and our youngest son ordered it.   BAD MOVE.   For me, it was a toss up between Alaskan King Crab or Scallops.   I should've order the scallops.  Others who ordered the scallops said it was very good.   We were so disappointed with the crab.  This is supposed to be 1 1/2 lbs. of crab....yah, must be shell weight.  Plus, most of the pieces were at room temperature and a couple were cold, like out of the refrigerator.   We like it hot.  We paid "market price" for this....54 bucks.  What a rip-off.  Last time we go there.

Desserts was the Lava Cake.  That was good.

On Sunday we had brunch at The Buffet at the Golden Nugget.  This is a pix of my first of 4 plates.   No shame yah?  Oink.

Hard to tell we like to eat.   Hee-hee.

Thanks to stopping by.  Have a great week!!!

Happy Birthday Hubby

Whoa, am I overdue for a post or what????  Can someone turn back the hands of time please?  Got so much to do in too little time.  :-)  Here's a quickie post so I can get to my Christmas cards, etc. again.  I made this CAS card for my hubby's birthday.  Yup, had to be an easy-peasy one so I wouldn't torture my brain.  Hee-hee.

 

For this card, I used washi paper from Japan, image from the "Asian Artistry" set by Stampin Up which I received from a dear, dear friend (thank you!!!), sentiment by Amy R Stamps, distress ink, Spellbinder die, and ribbon by Offray.

 

Okie dokie, thanks for stopping by and HAVE A SCRAP HAPPY DAY.   Toodles!

Winner of My Blogaversary Candy

FYI, lucky winner, Mary has contacted me. 

Hello, Hello Peeps!!!   Just want to say, "THANK YOU" again to all of you who visit my blog.   I'm enjoying this fun journey and you all make it extra special.

The lucky winner by random drawing by my hubby is MARY917.  She said:
"congrats on 3 years of blogging-I am so thankful for a wonderful husband, children and grandchildren and many blog friends-thanks for a chance to win some fab blog candy."

Mary, please send me an email with your mailing address to hoaloha1999@gmail.com by Saturday, 12/1/12, 7:00 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time). 

Thank you everyone and HAVE A SCRAP HAPPY DAY.

A Chance for You to Win My Blogaversary Candy

This candy is now closed.  Thank you.

 

As the saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."  I can't believe this month makes 3 years since I started my blog.  It's been such a FUN journey learning and trying new things, making new friends in blogland who share the same passion, and being totally inspired by all of the amazing creations by you crafty and creative bloggers. 

 

November is the month of Thanksgiving.  I for one have much to be thankful for and one thing is each of you who visit my blog.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH, you make my day!  To celebrate my 3rd blogaversary, I'd like to offer you a chance to win some candy. 

 

Here are the easy-peasy deets:

• I invite all of my current followers (148 as of this posting) to enter this candy.  If you are not a follower, I welcome you to follow my blog for a chance to win future candy.
• Leave a comment on this post letting me know one thing you are thankful for.
• One entry per person please....thank you.
• Please do not post this candy on your blog, if you have one.

The deadline to enter is WEDNESDAY, 11/28/12 at 10:00 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time).  The winner will be posted on Thursday, 11/29/12. 

 

You have a chance to win the following:

"Whimsical Flourish" die by Memory Box

"Pine Cone Wreath" stamp by Hero Arts

"Happy Holidays" stamp set by Dandelion Designs

"Mini Snowman" stamp by Your Next Stamp

 

Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

My 6th Batch of Xmas Cards and Happy Mail from Leanne

Since I was beginning to feel the pressure of completing my Christmas card, I decided to make these CAS ones.  I'm still not finished, though I do have some "kits" I prepared and still need to assemble among other things.  

 

For this card, I used a pine branch stamp by Hero Arts, sentiment and cute monkey image by Dandelion Designs, punch by EK, Copics, twine, and distress ink.

 

 

 Here are 8 of them.   The stocking image is by Mari & Me which I dazzled with Stickles.

A couple of days ago I received happy mail from Leanne which I won in her Lilo's Fun Friday #43.  Isn't this a cute and handsome guy? 

And here are the goodies Leanne sent me.  How sweet.   THANK YOU LEANNE!!!!

Thank you for hopping onto my blog.  Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

Happy Birthday Jenny

Hi Peeps!   Whoa, can you believe the weekend is almost here?  Woo-hoo, YAH!!!!

Today, I want to share this little bag I made and filled with some goodies for Jenny's birthday.  Of course I definitely wanted to use one of Sister Stamps images.  Mariko is one of my faves.   

For this bag, I used a die by Sizzix called "Bag with handle," washi paper from Japan, Spellbinder dies, punch by Martha Stewart, Copics, sentiment by Hero Arts, ribbon by Offray, flowers by Prima and All Natural Accents, and leaf punch by EK.

And here's the card I made for her.  I used Mariko again, washi paper from Japan, Copics, Spellbinder dies, laser cut sentiment by Island Scrapbooking, leaf die by Memory Box, beaded pin which I made, and flowers by Inky Impressions, Wild Orchid, and Prima.

 

Jenny, hope you had a FABULOUS BIRTHDAY!!!!

 

I'm entering my first pix above (the bag) in the following challenges:

Yumi and Fumi Handmade Crafts - "Challenge 7 - Ribbon or Lace"

Simply Create Too - "Challenge 26 - Use Your Stash"

Papertake Weekly - "Flower Power"

Tuesday Alchemy - "Challenge 40 - Anything Goes"

Dream Valley - "Challenge 45 - Anything Goes"

 

Thanks for stopping by and HAVE A SCRAP HAPPY DAY!!!!

My 5th Batch of Christmas Cards - "Meowee Christmas"

Happy Aloha Friday Peeps!!!  Woo-hoo, a nice L-O-N-G weekend up ahead.   I'm hoping to jam in some crafting.   How 'bout you?

 

Today I want to share my 5th batch of Christmas cards.   This cute image by Tinytwinies was another "must have" from Cute Stuff.  I totally love the sweet scene.  To add some dimension, I used "Flower Soft" for snow on the ground, looks so real.  I also used Copics, Spellbinder dies, DP by Doodlebug and my stash, pine embossing folder by Sizzix, holly image by Dandelion Designs, snowman embellie by Xu Tai, and the sentiment was made on my computer.  I know I saw this sentiment on another blog before but can't remember which one....hmmmm, maybe Cely's.  If so, credit goes to her.   

 

And here's 9 of them.   The glittery tree embellies are by Dress It Up.

I'm entering my first card in the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly Challenge - "Anything Goes"
Bearly Mine Challenge - "Challenge 60 - Anything Goes"
Loves Rubberstamps Challenge - "Week 25 - Anything Goes"

Thanks for visiting my blog and hope you have a scrap happy weekend.

Magnetic Coaster Calendar with Cute Kiyomi

 

Woo-hoo, craft fair season is officially here.   How FUN!!!   I made these calendars and donated them to my friend along with some previously posted cards.   She sells papercraft, sew items, yummilicious baked goods, etc. at a fair annually.   Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.  The fair was held today.  I had hoped to post this earlier but I actually whipped these up at the last minute and time sure wasn't on my side.  

 

For this magnetic calendar I used "Kiyomi" by Sister Stamps, Copics, dog image by Dandelion Designs, crinkled washi paper from Japan, fence, butterfly, and grass punches by Martha Stewart, and rhinestones by Kaiser Crafts.

And here are all 3......

Yesterday after work, hubby and I made our quarterly 100 mile haul to Kona to shop at the one and only Costco on the Big Island.  The sun was setting and I couldn't resist taking a pix of the beautiful site.  Costco, Costco, can please open a store in Hilo?    LOL.

I'm entering the following challenges:
The Paper Shelter Challenge Blog - Challenge 88 "Anything Goes"
My Mums Craft Shop - Challenge 382 "Bold & Bright"
Anything Goes Challenge - "Anything Goes"
Totally Stampelicious - "Anything Goes"

Hope you have a fun and crafty week.  Thanks for poppin' in for a visit.

Happy Mail from My Secret Sister for October

Receiving happy mail always puts a big smile on my face.   Today I received this awesome king-size bar of Hersheys Symphony Creamy Milk Chocolate with Almonds & Toffee Chips.   YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY.  I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!!  More so, I love how my secret sister Sheila from WA designed the wrap.  What a cool owl and and sentiment.  She did a fantastic job wrapping the candy bar in bubble wrap and mailed it in a bubble envelope which I think prevented the chocolate from melting.   That's got to be the trick.  Can't wait to sink my teeth into it. 

 

Sheila also included these embellies.   THANK YOU SO MUCH SHEILA....you made my day a happy one!!!!

If you'd like to join this fun swap, click here to hop over to Kris' blog for the deets.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a fun and crafty day.

My 4th Batch of Christmas Cards - Merry Christmas Mouse

(Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for HOT news)

 

Yay, I finally finished another batch of cards....getting there. 

 

I got this stamp by Gillian Roberts at Cute Stuff during my recent trip to Oahu.  When I saw it, I knew it was a "must have."  I think it's so dang CUTE. 

 

I also used Spellbinder dies, DP by Doodlebug, Copics, sentiment by Dandelion Designs, Distress Ink, punch by Martha Stewart, twine, Stickles, embellies by Dress It Up, and pearls by Kaiser Crafts.

 

And here are 6 of them.....

I'm entering the following challenges:
Fab 'n Funky - "Challenge 144 - Animals"
The Crafty Pad - " Challenge 193 - Use An Animal"
One Stop Craft Challenge - "Challenge 201 - Anything Goes"
Totally Papercrafts Friday Challenge - "Challenge 139 - "Christmas 9 Weeks & Counting"
Fussy and Fancy - "Challenge 74 - Anything Goes"

Wait, don't leave yet.  Do you want a chance to win Cheryl's Hello Kitty Giveaway?   Then click here to see the deets on her sweet blog.

Thanks for poppin' in for a visit......on to my next batch.

More Happy Mail

Happy Sunday Eve Peeps.  Good grief, where did the weekend go???   It just flies by much too fast.  Sorry, I haven't been blog hopping and leaving comments much for the past few weeks as I've been quite busy lately.

 

I want to share this darling panda card I received from my dear, dear friend.  I'm definitely keeping this in my collection so I can look at it from time-to-time and get inspired.   I love to eat with chopsticks too so this card is perfect for me. 

 

She also included some yummy sushi stickers and a cute Hello Kitty spam musubi sticker.  LOVE 'EM ALL!!!!

And she knows I'm a noodle lover and included an image of a bowl of noodles.  Ummm, I feel like eating some now...LOL.  She's so good at keeping everything she sends within a theme she chose.  Cute yah?
  

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Happy Mail from Cuz

 

My sweet cuz surprised me with another happy mail.  As you can see, she's really talented.  Here's a Thanksgiving card she made using some cute Penny Black chick images.  I need to check into the Spellbinder die she used.  Love the shape. 

Aren't these penguins adorable?   Here's a die and matching image. 

And here's a koi fish die by Cheery Lynn.  Awesome!!!  This die would be perfect for an Asian themed card.

Here's a pkg. of darling owl and tree embellies.

I'm looking forward to playing with my new toys.   THANKS CUZ!!!!  Your happy mail sure put a huge smile on my face.  

Thanks for stopping by and HAVE A SCRAP HAPPY DAY.

My 3rd Batch of Christmas Cards "Warmest Holiday Wishes"

Hello, hello peeps.   Hope you all had a great weekend.  Yesterday was a FUN day.  I went to Island Scrapbooking for their anniversary sale and bought a bunch of stuff.  Sorry, can't post it because some are gifts, RAKs, and prize for my upcoming blogaversary.    Then dashed to Yen's Restaurant to celebrate my dear friend's birthday.   For those of you who live in Hilo, I would really recommend this place.  The food is YUMMY.  We ordered the Special Cake Noodles and Chicken Rice Noodles with Spring Rolls (I think that's what the latter was called).  We always enjoy our girly chats and should get together more often.

 

Here's my 3rd batch of Christmas cards.   The snowmen image reminds me of the time we went up to Mauna Kea when we first moved the the Big Island.   We had a blast making a snowman and having a snowball fight. 

 

Items used for this card:  Image by Close to My Heart, sentiment by Inkadinkado, snowflake embossing folder by Darice, glittered snowflake ornament, punch by Martha Stewart, Copics, Spellbinder die, and distress ink.

 

And here are 3 of them. 

I'm entering this in the following challenges:
One Stop Craft Challenge - "Challenge 200 - Heat Embossing" (The image and sentiment are heat embossed)
Paper Play Challenge - "Week 41 Simply Cute"

Thanks for visiting.   Hope you have a awesome week.