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So this past weekend it appeared as though Cupid had exploded on my craft desk. I brought out all of my new Valentine’s Day goodies and before I knew it, I was getting really in to it! I had so much fun with the red and pink colours and the glittered hearts..and I am no where near being done either!

I purchased some new stamps recently from Impress and wanted to put them to good use before the “love” holiday passes us by..of course my cards will all be sent off to girlfriends this year, but you know what? Thats okay! And who knows..maybe I’ll just buy myself chocolate and flowers this year too (and I’ll buy all my favorites while I’m at it!!)
So, here is my first Valentine of the year..isn’t this photo sweet? I picked up that cute lil mailbox at Michaels and I’m sad to report I went back for more and they were already all sold out!

I used PTI’s Pure Poppy Cardstock for my base as well as PTI’s patterned paper found here. I love this paper bundle..the colors and images are to die for!

The cupid and heart flourish are Impress images while the sentiment is from PTI. Velvet ribbon was purchased from Taylored Expressions..and it seriously adds the perfect touch to a Valentine card..I love it!

And I’m starting to decorate the insides of my cards more now too so I couldn’t resist sneaking this picture in…
Inside sentiment is from this set while the heart clusters is from this one, both of Papertrey Ink. So, what do you think? Doesn’t it just make you a little excited for Valentine’s Day? Many people find this holiday highly over-rated but for me its just yet another excuse to bring out my paper goodies and make something oh so sweet for those I love:)
Have a great night everyone!! Happy Crafting!
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As with many women before me, I have turned to a favorite past-time of mine (baking) to mend a broken heart. Okay so I’m not moping around crying with a trail of tissues behind me..but any excuse to bake is a good one, no?

After reading Melissa Phillips entry on her next baking endeavor..my interest was piqued..I mean who wouldn’t be curious about a cake named “The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake.Ever”? As a baker, I knew I HAD to try this one out for sure..and let me tell you it did not disappoint!

I gathered my baking supplies last night, turned on Grey’s Anatomy and baked to my hearts content! The aroma in my house was warm and chocolatey and as I poured the batter on to the cake sheet I had to laugh as, there on the floor, was my trusty side kick Jake, drooling and licking his lips, waiting for just a drop to hit the floor. Once the cake was out of the oven I poured the nutty icing on to the warm cake and couldn’t resist digging my fork in immediately…

Oh.My.God…thats all I can say to possibly describe this amazing piece of heaven on a fork! If you love chocolate and quick desserts..you need to check out this recipe..The Pioneer Woman knows what she’s talking about!! See her photo below for proof…mmmm

As well, I have recently added a new baking cookbook to my stash entitled “The Happy Baker: A Daters Guide to Emotional Baking”..its written by a fellow Canadian and let me tell you, I cannot wait to dive in to her recipes..the titles are hilarious, the photos are drool worthy and her dating stories are reminders that we’ve all be there..(and we all know where there is!). If you know someone who is going through a break up, experiencing dating disasters or just plain loves to bake.. I highly recommend this little gem!!

Other than that, Happy Friday everyone! Woo hoo! we made it through another week! I plan on doing a little cleaning, a little movie watching and a whole lot of eating Pioneer Womans chocolate cake this weekend..how about you?

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  • Denise (peanutbee) - OH yeah, any excuse to bake…and eat the baked product….is a good excuse to me! Hehe! That cake looks absolutely DELICIOUS! Mmmmm mmmmm!ReplyCancel

I am extremely blessed to have some long lasting friendships in my life. Don’t get me wrong, the ones I have made in the last few years mean just as much to me..but there is always something special about growing up with someone and staying close to them as you go throughout your years. One such friend is celebrating her birthday next Wednesday and therefore I needed to get a card made to pop in the mail today..hopefully in time for its arrival on the 27th!!

I decided to use a few different sets from PTI for this card, including Polka Dot Basics II, Vintage Labels and Star Prints (one of my favs!). I also decided on Aqua Mist for the card base with accents of Dark Chocolate (Ribbon & ink) and Lemon Tart…

I started by stamping my base with Polka Dot Basics II in Aqua Mist ink as well as using one of my favorite flourishes from Vintage Labels for the background. Then, using my Nesties, I cut out the main label and stamped it with a sentiment from Star Prints..to finish off the label I stamped Vintage Labels image in Lemon Tart and ran my glue pen along the edges and dipped it in glitter…

To finish the card off I ran some Dark Chocolate ribbon around the card, stamped and cut out a star image from Star Prints and adhered it to the Nestie label then adhered some Star Dust Stickles on to the flourish in the background…simple but oh so sweet!!
That’s it for me today…have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!!

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Something tells me that if my blog were a hallway and I yelled “Hello” right now, all I’d get back would be echo’s of myself! I know, its been really quiet around here..and each post I promise to be back and then make a liar out of myself. I’m so sorry I’ve been gone for so long..sometimes when life takes you through the ringer things drop off your priority list and unfortunately this little blog-o was first to go! But I will say, I’m starting to feel normal again..not 100%, but I’m getting back to the me that I know and that should mean creating isn’t far behind!

So, where have I been? Well I’ve been making HUGE life changes..all personal ones, but all ones that I feel I can share here on this blog with any of you that may still be checking in on me. Last month I made the decision that after 9 years of being in a relationship that wasn’t a good fit, it was time to cut my losses and do it on my own. It was a scary decision for me to make, leaving the comfort of a relationship I’d known since I was a teenager, to being completely on my own. Sure, I had a few panic attacks in the middle of the night but I know in my heart that I made the best decision for myself and thats whats keeping me going day to day. That and the amazing group of family and friends I have surrounding me (seriously, you guys are awesome!)

So, what do you do when the life you’ve known for the last decade is no longer there? You pick up the pieces and move on. And thats exactly what I did when just a few weeks ago I bought my very own house..a sweet little cozy bungalow all to myself (and my loveable furball Jakey, of course). Of course it will need a bit of work, but I’m already gathering a troop of people to help me and will show pictures this summer that will show you the work from beginning to end. I’m considering this my “Project of 2010”..something for me to focus on, put all my energy in to and keep me busy..I’ll learn lots and I get to do this for myself. Its exciting!!

So now that, that is all out of the way I have a huge exam to study for at work and I’m busy decorating my new home (in my head) and getting super excited. I’m taking fun classes with my girlfriends and am determined to get back in to scrapbooking, photography and everything that makes me, well..me. I hope you stay with me during this journey..I think its going to be a year worth remembering!!

Take Care everyone..I’ll see you all very soon 😉

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  • Denise (peanutbee) - Kuddos to you girl. That’s NOT an easy decision to make at all and I admire your strength. HUGE CONGRATS on the house! That’s totally exciting!!ReplyCancel

Hey Everyone!!

It’s officially the last day of the year and I’m so excited to get 2010 rolling! 2009 was a difficult year for our family and I know that everyone around me will join me tonight in waving good-bye to 2009 and welcoming in 2010 with VERY open arms!! I have a great night out planned with all my friends and then tomorrow, I’m going to try really hard to start fresh and new and motivate myself to keep the good vibes going throughout the year:)

Have you made your New Years Resolutions yet? Or do you not worry about them at all? I try really hard to make them every New Years Eve but, like many, they fall by the wayside way too easily! This year, I’ve written them down and I am determined to follow through on each and every one of them!

I have so much going on in my life right now that I’m just bursting to tell you all about!! But, that will have to wait until next year, when everything is finalized 😉 Until then, I’d like to wish you all a very safe and happy New Years Eve and may all you wish for come true in 2010!!

See you next year!!

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