Bee Mine for Evie

 Hello & Happy Wednesday!

I am back after dealing with that bad migraine and my blood pressure skyrocketing.

Not given too many answers as to why that migraine was so different from the ones i've had in the past. My normal doctor did some bloodwork on me last evening so maybe that will reveal something. For now I continue on the 2nd blood pressure medicine atleast until I see her in April. I'm continuing to push fluids & eating. I am not as quick as I once was at getting things done. I am trying to learn to listen to my body and take time for me if I need it. This whole ordeal has certainly knocked me for a loop.

So, today I want to share the other Valentine's Day card that was made for Audrey's great granddaughter, Evie. I loved making these cards with the Bee Mine bundle that is in the 2024 Spring Mini Catalog. This is a book binder card...

Card Details:

Stamps: Bee Mine

Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black Archival (retired)

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic White, Bee Mine DSP

Accessories: Stylish Shapes Dies, Circle Layering Framelits (retired), Bee Builder Punch, Mini Alphabet Dies, Adhesive Backed Hearts & Flowers, Sweet Sorbet 1/8 Ribbon, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Just the sweetest for a baby's 1st Valentine's Day!

I am going to try my stamp table for a little bit this morning. I talked to Audrey last Friday and left her know what was going on with my health. I have a small order of cards to work on for her. She said not to stress about it. I know i'm going to be rusty after no stamping in over 2 weeks. Gonna give it my best though! LOL

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!
~Wendy

Update:

 Happy Friday, my stamp friends....

I know my blog has been sitting unloved the last few days. I've had a bit of a set back.

Once I woke up Monday and my migraine was gone I still felt horrible. That is not unusual with migraines and sometimes it can take a day or 2 to bounce back. Tuesday I slept the day away. When Shawn got in from work that afternoon I got up and still felt bad. I checked my blood pressure as I do every now & then. It was 154/98. After 3 times of checking it in 10 minutes I called the doctor to be seen. They had me in within the hour. My blood pressure rose even higher by then.....180/100. I saw a different doctor than my normal but he was very thorough. It was determined that I was dehydrated and was given a new blood pressure medicine on top of the one I have been on since I was 30. He said lots & lots of fluids and rest and if I did not feel any better in a few days I was to be reseen. 

The new blood pressure medicine took my numbers down within 30 mins of taking that pill but I have been having dizziness with it and that is a side effect. Also when I am up I get lightheaded and find myself taking some deep breaths. I am slowly moving a little more each day but far from my normal schedule. The Charley Horses in my calves & feet have subsided so I think the dehydration is better and i'm getting some food in me. I never got sick with this migraine like I normally do but the smell or thought of food makes me nauseated. That is getting better day by day. Last evening I cooked spaghetti for supper but only ate a small amount. Shawn grabbed me a container of fresh fruits at the store and that has been a God send. It helps with the dehydration and I can eat lots of it without being nauseated. I am managing the best I can for now. I see my regular doctor Tuesday evening so we will see what she says. Who knew a severe migraine could turn into this?! 

I have a card order on my plate for Audrey but I am thinking I am not going to get anywhere near my stamps anytime soon. I'm still dealing with a very sore neck and my head sometimes feels discombobulated...is that even a word? Eyes are still a little sensitive to the light which I hope gets better. Luckily, we had cloudy, rainy skies recently so that was a blessing. One day at a time for now.

If I get to feeling better by next Tuesday i'll be posting but if not I will be back Wednesday to post an update after my doctor visit.

~Wendy

Year to Celebrate

 Hello & Happy Tuesday!

Hope your all doing well!

I was down & out all weekend with one of the worst migraines I ever had! At one point I wasn't sure if I was going to live or die. It was the worst one I have ever experienced. I was never one for getting migraines up until a few years ago and each time I get them they get more painful. I need to have a talk with my doctor about it because Excedrin did nothing for me this time. I did not get nauseated or sick but my body & stomach are surely off. Yesterday I did get a shower and tried to feel some what normal but wow, it zapped my energy really quick. Back to bed I went. Today is a new day and i'm hoping the headache does not come back and I can muster thru getting some house work done.

ETA: I was not up to doing my housework today. I showered, put my pj's on and went back to bed. I hope tomorrow will be a better day and if not I promised Kelsey I would call the DR.  

So, today I want to share another set of birthday cards that I made with some Merry Bold & Bright DSP that just recently retired. This pack of DSP is like a hidden treasure...one side has a Christmas print on and the other could be used for something other than Christmas. I chose this big bold polka dot print to add to my Year to Celebrate cards...

Sadly, this stamp set had retired too but it's definitely one that could be used all year long!

Card Details:

Stamps: Year to Celebrate (retired)

Ink: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Basic White, Merry Bold & Bright DSP (retired)

Accessories: Stylish Shapes Dies, Circle Layering Framelits, Deckled Rectangle Dies, Tasteful Textile 3D EF (retired), Hot Pink Gingham Ribbon (from stash), Glue Dots, Glossy Dots Assortment (Melon Mambo), Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!
~Wendy

Bee My Valentine Fun Fold

 Good Morning & Happy Saturday!

Hope you survived the snow storm yesterday!

We made it to Shawn's appointment and he got his Epidural Injection. He is doing pretty well. The roads weren't all that great when we left and thankfully Shawn's boss got us there safely. We were there a little over an hour and then on our way back home. It was still snowing which it did up till about 6 last night. His boss was so gracious to plow out our driveway so that Shawn did not have to do it. Definitely going to have to find a nice way to thank him!

We came home, grabbed some lunch and slept the afternoon away which never happens! LOL

He is to rest and take it easy this weekend and let's hope the injection does it's job. No physical therapy till next week which doesn't make him mad! 

So, today I have a cute Valentine's card to share that was part of Audrey's recent card order. She wanted cards for the 2 great granddaughter's 1st Valentine's Day. This one is a fun fold that I whipped up using the Bee Mine Suite from the 2024 Spring Mini Catalog.

Card Details:

Stamps: Bee My Valentine

Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black Archival (retired)

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic White, Bee Mine DSP

Accessories: Stylish Shapes Dies, Circle Layering Framelits (retired), Mini Alphabet Dies, Adhesive Backed Hearts & Flowers, Sweet Sorbet Ribbon, Glue Dots, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

She wanted each card personalized which sometimes I don't like to do but these new Mini Alphabet Dies worked like a charm and we loved the outcome!

Later today our Baltimore Ravens are playing in the playoffs for a chance at the Superbowl. We will be watching & rooting them on! What better way to spend a very cold afternoon/evening than watching football!!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy your day!
~Wendy

Merry Fishmas!

 Hello & Happy Fri-YAY!!

Today is the day Shawn is set to get his Epidural Injection in his lower back.

I have been down this road 3 times and tried to calm him telling him what will happen. It really is nothing to worry about but I know since it's his first time he's worried. His appt is at 9:50 this morning and yes, it's snowing! His boss has graciously offered to take us and then come back to pick us up when he is ready to leave and he has a truck so no worries on getting there. Shawn is not allowed to drive afterwards and we were going to take an Uber. I guess I get to meet the boss today! Haha! I'll update tomorrow on how it goes...just say a

little prayer in hopes that it's a step in the right direction to help his pain.

Anyways, today I have a cool card to share that I made last month for Ryan. He wanted something special for Shawn for Christmas to put his Bass Pro Shop Gift Card in. I knew exactly what I wanted to make and everyone loved how it turned out!

Card Details:

Stamps: More Wishes, Alphabest, Warm Hugs (retired)

Ink: Night of Navy, Misty Moonlight

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Basic White, One Horse Open Sleigh DSP, Let's Go Fishing DSP

Accessories: Best Label Punch, Tailored Tag Punch (retired), Misty Moonlight Enamel Dots (retired), Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Perfect for the fisherman in my house and Ryan got all the compliments!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy your Friday!

~Wendy

Lighting the Way

 Hello & Happy Thursday!

This week seems to be flying by so quickly!

Hopefully today we hear what time Shawn's appointment is for his injection tomorrow. I am a bit worried as they are calling for more snow tomorrow. Fingers crossed it's not much so he can get his procedure done.

Today I have a pretty cool card to share with you made using the Lighting the Way Bundle from 2023 Spring Mini Catalog. I have had this set for over a year and just recently pulled it out to ink it up and have some play time with it. The little lightening bugs in it are super cute! I remember when I was little out at night playing hide & seek with the neighborhood kids and seeing all the lightening bugs or fireflies as some call them. They are so intriguing to watch when it gets dark at night during the summer months...

Card Details:

Stamps: Lighting the Way

Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Basic White, Gold Foil Paper

Accessories: Stitched With Whimsy Dies, Lighting the Way Dies, Metallic Dots, Gold 1/8 Trim (Online Exclusives), Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Isn't this card just the cutest?

I love the little lightening bugs but that Gold Foil lantern steals the show for me!

This set would be great for some masculine cards wouldn't it?

The wheels are in motion to make some but today I am giving my hands a break after finishing up my calendars. That was quite the chore! LOL

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!
~Wendy

Perennial Lavender

 Hello & Happy Wednesday!

Our day is starting out VERY cold and quite snowy!

We are not getting out of the low 20's today and that wind just makes it feel worse. I will be hibernating in my stamp room again today. I finished up my 2024 Calendars yesterday! I will share them soon.

Today I have another set of cards to share with you that I made for Audrey. This pack is also a no sentiment set so that she can use them for whatever occasion arises. She sends out lots of cards so I am sure she will go thru these quick. I pulled out my Perennial Lavender DSP and whipped this set up for her.

Card Details:

Stamps: none

Ink: none

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Perennial Lavender DSP

Accessories: Deckled Rectangle Dies, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

These were so quick & easy to whip up and I made them flat for easy mailing!

She loved this pack with those pretty lavender flowers on the front. That DSP is beautiful as I have used a good bit of it already. I haven't used the Perennial Postage Bundle that also goes with this paper but I hope to play with it soon. 

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by, stay warm & safe in this extremely cold weather!

~Wendy

Floral Notecards

 Good Morning & Happy Tuesday!

Welcome to a "Snow Day" here in PA! It has been snowing since noon time yesterday!

There isn't much on the ground, maybe 5 inches but it's to get very cold tonight and so this snow will most likely be sticking around a while. Tomorrow we are not to get out of the low 20's! Burrr!  I will happily be staying put in my stamp room finishing up my 2024 Calendars that I have put off long enough! I am 3/4 of the way done so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Since it's a snowy day here I am going to share with you a much colorful set of cards that Audrey requested. She loves her notecards so she can use for any occasion that comes up. She likes them without a sentiment which I find tough sometimes. This set came pretty easy with the use of some retired Garden Walk DSP that just retired January 4th. I have almost a full pack that I decided to use and they turned out beautifully with a little help from a new SaleABRation set called Softly Sophisticated. 

Keeping them simple for easy mailing was easy for this set!

Do you see that interesting focal point?

That is part of a new bundle called Everyday Details. The dies in the set are worth there weight in gold....although I will admit....getting all those little pieces from the holes is a bit time consuming and what a mess! LOL Nonetheless, it gives an interesting focal point and that pretty floral image is from the Softly Sophisticated Bundle that is a SaleABRation offering this year! I cannot wait to play more with it soon! 

 Audrey loved these!

Card Details:

Stamps: Softly Sophisticated (SAB 24)

Ink: Garden Green, Flirty Flamingo

Cardstock: Thick Basic White, Basic White, Garden Walk DSP (retired)

Accessories: Everyday Details Dies, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Such pretty florals on this snowy day!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the snow!

~Wendy

Softly Stippled Card Set

 Hello & Happy Monday!

Hope you had a nice weekend!

It got really cold here which is why we pretty much hibernated all weekend!

Shawn had PT Saturday morning but that was it. This Friday he gets his injection so I hope that helps him....if not there might be more down the road.

Today I have a set of cards to share that I made for Audrey last week. She requested a pack of Thank You so I pulled out a new pack of paper that is a SaleABRation offering. I used Softly Stippled DSP and a number of different prints.

I'm not sure why I chose the darker colored papers from this pack when there are some beautiful prints. It's been cloudy, rainy & dreary here as of late so maybe that is why I went with the darker colors. I left the paper do all the work and just added the sentiment and called them done.

Card Details:

Stamps: Charming Sentiments (Million Dollar Achiever Set)

Ink: Pebbled Path

Cardstock: Pebbled Path, Calypso Coral, Basic White, Softly Stippled DSP (SAB 24)

Accessories: Nested Essentials Dies, Wild Wheat In Color Dots, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

~Wendy

With Sympathy

 Hello & Happy Saturday!

We've had so much rain in the last week that our sump pumps kicked on which I guess is a good thing. We have 3 of them in our basement and one is located right under our bedroom so when they go off we hear it. Last night is rained buckets again and Tuesday we are in for another weather event whether it be rain or snow, time will tell.

All went well at the dermatologist yesterday! 

I really like my doctor. I've been having a bit of an issue with my rosacea and breakouts on my nose, cheeks & forehead. So, he said let's change up your medication! I haven't picked up my meds from CVS yet but I will start it after that. Not sure what to expect as he said this medication can cause redness & irritation to start and i'm only to use it every other night for a week to start. I will go back to see him in May for a recheck. We got home from my appointment before the rain started so that was a plus!

Today I have a set of cards to share that was part of Audrey's card order this week.

She was in need of a pack of Sympathy so this is what I made for her. SaleABRation lasts until the end of February and this pack of paper is one of the offerings. With any order over $50 you can pick from several things and this Flight & Airy DSP is one of the offerings.

I love the colors and prints in it and thought this would work well for her Sympathy cards...

Card Details:

Stamps: Something Fancy

Ink: Boho Blue

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Basic White, Flight & Airy DSP (SAB 24)

Accessories: Deckled Circles Dies, Distressed Tiles 3D EF, Something Fancy Dies, Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Lots of crankin thru the Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine but pleased with how these turned out and I love the texture from the embossing folder!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!
~Wendy

Wanted to Say Dies

 Hello & Happy Fri-YAY!

Today we are in for more rain later this evening and more 50 mph winds. Those winds always worry me since our neighbors yard is lined with a million trees that could easily end up on my house. Let's hope they don't get that bad. 

I have an appointment late this afternoon with the Dermatologist for a Psoriasis check up. Other than that no big plans this weekend. It's going to get pretty cold this weekend so I am hoping to get working on my 2024 Calendars even though we are almost halfway thru January. Like I said yesterday, I'm always late to the party! LOL

The card I have to share today is one that Audrey requested for a friend that was turning 80. I made this using the Wanted to Say Dies that are worth their weight in gold! Love that Stampin Up gave us an entire set of sentiment dies!

Card Details:

Stamps: none

Ink: none

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Wild Wheat, Garden Walk DSP (retired)

Accessories: Wanted to Say Dies, Alphabet A La Mode Dies, Wild Wheat Ribbon, Festive Pearls, Adhesive Sheets, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

I wasn't crazy on the colors but I wanted to try using up some of the paper from the pack of Garden Walk DSP. In the end I did like how it turned out and Audrey loved it! I used the Adhesive Sheets when diecutting because it makes life so much easier! When using dies as thin as these you don't want to use liquid glue because it will always seep out and make a mess. I always forget that I even have the Adhesive Sheets until recently when I put the pack of it right beside the dies on my cart so when I reach for the dies I am reminded of the Adhesive Sheets and to use them. They always work like a charm!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a fabulous Friday!

~Wendy

Twisted Ribbon Technique

Good Morning & Happy Thursday!

Hope your week is going well. 

Yesterday I made my way to my stamp table to play a little with a new technique called Twisted Ribbon. Actually it's been around a while but I only just tried my hand at it. You know me, I am always late to the party on trying something new! I found a video tutorial from Terri Gaines whom is a Stampin Up demonstrator. Here is the link if your interested in trying this. 

Twisted Ribbon

Since Valentine's Day is coming I pulled out some retired Country Floral DSP from last year and tried my hand at the Twisted Ribbon Technique. It's pretty easy and definitely gives your card a different look. And also it's a great way to use up those 1/2 inch strips of paper!

Card Details:

Stamps: Country Bouquet

Ink: Balmy Blue, Mint Macaron (retired)

Cardstock: Thick Basic White, Basic White, Balmy Blue, Country Floral DSP

Accessories: Stylish Shapes Dies, Circle Layering Framelits (retired), Country Bouquet Punch, Simply Score Board, Pastel Adhesive Backed Sequins (retired), Dimensionals, Stampin Seal Adhesive

This was my first try so I hope to make more soon!

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My thoughts today...

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

~Wendy