Lissy In Italy

2011-09-23T00:36:00.002+02:00

A Little Move.

Well, it's been a while since I blogged here and you are probably thinking I dropped off the face of the earth.... well, not completely, I did drop off the face of Italy. Yes, we have made the GIANT move once more back to Canada.

Since I can't share my life and experiences in Italy with you anymore, I sadly will be neglecting this little bloggy from now on but I am making the big move over to my other blog:

Bella Expressions

I would love it if you could pop over there upon occasion. I love my readers and hope you will follow me in my move to hear about my experinces here as a Prairie Mom... it may not include gondolas or mideval castles but I hope to bring you great features, funny stories and other little crafty party ideas.

So this is where I say "Ciao!" to this blog and "Ciao" to my new blog.... gotta love how the italian language makes it easier for us other earth dwellers to remember how to say hi and bye ;P

2011-08-20T07:59:00.000+02:00

Wow! The dust on this thing...

Ok, so bad blogger!

I have neglected this little bloggy for a very long time.... and so I thought I would give her a little attention... and update.

We have been crazy busy these last few months. The big move this past March when my girls and myself made the big flight from Italy back to Canada. Then starting a full time job on top of it... If any of you have followed the Lissy In Italy blog then you know I haven't worked in a few years. Quite the change. Now hubby has made the move as well finally after staying back home and cleaning up the appartment for renters or buyers.

Bella Expressions has been busy too! Sales are increasing and this busy momma is finding herself even busier. So much so, I am finally taking a chance at a one night getaway with my girlfriends. A day of shopping tomorrow and probably a fantastic dinner date with my 2 BFFs. Us mommas have been wanting one of these get-to-gethers for a few years now. I am so excited.

What's on our schedule? We're taking in the St. Albert market in the morning and heading to the new Hole's - we hear it is really something to check out. Then off to some shopping. SHOPPING! Now that's something I used to love. See, it became my nemisis almost in a country of fashion. Me having 2 girls in the past 4 years has not left me with my pre-momma figure.... and I was living in a country where everyone was a size 0 (is zero even really a size? Wouldn't it mean you were non-existent... anyways...). So yes, shopping became a painful experience. I'm hoping I can dive right in tomorrow and enjoy myself instead of shopping like I used to (if it fits, buy it cuz the kids are squirming). I'll actually have time to try clothes on... peruze the aisles... I'm getting almost giddy! Ha! Ha!

Well, I'm off to bed. I have to pack in the morning for my overnight stay.
Night night!

2010-08-04T16:22:00.008+02:00

Summer Fun...

2010-06-28T15:04:00.008+02:00

Aquarium at Genova and Chiavari

We spent the day at the aquarium in Genova yesterday and it was a hit with the kids.... ok, us adults too. I kind of expected it to be a bit bigger but it was still pretty interesting and it was great to see the reactions and expressions the kids made. Our neighbour and her daughter came along for the ride so the girls were especially excited to have Angelika come along.

So onto the photos... above is the old sailboat in the Genova port right near the aquarium. It's really quite spectacular. I can't imagine sailing on one of those! Below are a few of the creatures we saw... an eel, several kinds of sharks, tropical fish (including Dory and Nemo and the gang),and that's little Sofia checking out the dolphin.We saw seahorses, manatees, seals, jellyfish (like below) big blue fish (Isabella is trying to kiss him.... I think he quite liked her dress), little turtles, big sea turtles, crocodiles, frogs, lizards... did I mention I got to touch a sting ray? They have some sting rays in a pool where you can touch them... that is if they will come to you. It was so cool! At first I was chicken, but I tried again and it was so cool! Their backs feel like they are all slimey and pimply... and along the edge of their bodies, they are really smooth and slimy... such a wierd feeling!

Then when we were all fishied out... we headed to Chiavari for some beach time.... well, we only stayed a few hours and paid way too much for the beach chairs but it was still fun. Maria had never actually been to the sea and either had Angelika so she was super excited. Sofia on the other hand wanted no part of this sticky, dirty sand business.... she was staying put on mommy's chair... we did get her to get down and play a little but when mommy added a tiny bit of water to the sand so it wasn't so dusty, that was the end of it. We then headed for ice cream and a little walk along the sea just to make sure the girls were good and pooped out. It was a pretty great day!

2010-06-25T15:15:00.022+02:00

So I know, I've been MIA for a little bit but for a good reason.... HUBBY'S HOME! He's been gone for almost a month so I'm taking full advantage of any days he has home with his girls. We've already been very busy running everywhere.

Yesterday we enjoyed a day at the Fiorenzuola pool (see picts). It was awesome. Nice warm day, the pool was a tad cool but it felt good. The kids had a blast too. They were both asleep before we got out of town.

Tonight begins the festival for our town. There's awesome food, torte fritte, music, torte fritte, and dancing... did I mention there's torte fritte? Torte fritte is soooooo yummy (see photo). Basically it's fried bread.... so bad for you I'm sure, but sooooo gooood!

We're also trying to organize a trip to the zoo. I think the girls will love it and the Cornelle zoo is awesome! They have little vending machines (like those old bubblegum ones) so you can feed some of the animals and one cage has a tube-like cage that runs above where you walk over to another cage for the monkeys to pass through... but beware... last time we were there the people watching the bears got peed on!!! Too funny!!! They also put these little ribbons up when babies are born so you know which animals have babies and what sex in the cages... blue is for boys and pink for girls of course. I'll of course post picts of that trip. We were thinking Monday but a friend of ours who's been taking groups of kids there said Sunday would be less busy. So Sunday it might be.

So if you really looked at our pool picts you might have noticed something missing.... nope, not me! Like I'd let you see me in a bathing suit! Ha! Ha! Nope, the photos are missing a handfull of pretty little curls! We went to see our friend Edy the other day so this momma could get her hair cut and I figured I'd get him to fix the chop job momma did on Isabella's hair... and did he ever! He chopped off all the year's worth of growing ringlets... ok so they were only about an inch long but it took her a year to get it that long! Then Sofia was up... for just a tiny trim off the back as she likes to shake her hair... yep, those curls gone too! Oh well, Edy said their hair should grow in better (thicker I guess) now.... I hope it grows quick cuz I have 2 pretty little girls who could easily pass for boys!!! Sofia is sportin' that little pixie cut that Julia Roberts got that made everyone gasp! If only Sofia had a major role like Tinkerbell in a movie to make up for it! Oh well, it'll be cooler for the summer I guess... GROW HAIR! GROW!!!

I also am very excited to announce that we have a shiny new addition to the family.... a sewing machine!!!! It was in the stars for me! I've wanted one for a little while now.... and the other day G's sister saw an ad on the tv about a sewing machine for sale for only 79 euros!!! WOOT! WOOT! So this morning we went to see what it's like.... ok so it's not a Singer or Brother like the one I had in Canada but this one I think I'm gonna enjoy... it has like a ba-zillion styles of stitches! I can't wait to try it out!

Now onto a few great Etsy finds...

thatstoocuteboutique has these cute personalized towels perfect for the pool or beach!

I'm adding this cute little "ouch pouch" to the list as Isabella has "owies" on her feet from the pool yesterday where to rough tiles rubbed off some skin... and because we all have a bit of red skin....

PillowSewCute has a huge variety of ouch pouches for you to choose from.

Well, that's all I can write today.... Hope you all have a great weekend!

2010-06-14T22:56:00.005+02:00

Look what arrived in my mailbox today... Ok, so the picture isn't the best but she was busy twirling around with her new pretty dress. She even gave me a big hug before she put it on.... apparently it was a big hit! Usually she just puts on the skirts I make her but this one called for a hug! Isn't it ADORABLE? I got it from Lil Miss Muffin's shop over at Etsy. I saw it, hummed and hawed as to whether I should buy it... and then I gave in. I figured I'd buy it for Isabella and then Sofia could use it as well, plus, I could use it as sort of a pattern. Maybe make another dress. So this got my mojo going... I was already trying to find the same fabric on etsy incase I wanted to make one for Sofia. I'll keep you posted as to what I come up with.

In the meantime, there are some shops at Etsy that not only sell the patterns (see above) for these kind of cute clothes, there are shops selling DIY kits (see below). How great! They send you the precut fabric and info and you do all the work! It's a great way to try and dive into making something on your own. (images are linked)

2010-06-13T09:01:00.011+02:00

I found this on YouTube, I think we all need to start our day off like this I think...

So my little model finally let me get a photo of her with her new skirt.... isn't she cute?

Dana over at MADE designed this great little dress... I might just have to take a crack at it when I have a sewing machine..... I'm thinking, 1 Italian, and 1 Canadian..... for where the girls were born.... too cool! I love how she put the little heart on the city.

I found these scrumptious little delights while blog hopping.... they're just too pretty to eat... ALMOST! (image linked)

2010-06-12T09:12:00.003+02:00

I saw this on MSN... I could sit in there all day. What an amazing place to see I bet. You'd feel like you were at the bottom of the ocean!

2010-06-11T08:12:00.006+02:00

Here's a few lemony fresh finds from Etsy sellers:

1. Lemon Luggage 2. Rose and Lemon Soap 3. Yellow Plaid Dress 4. Little Lady Felt Brooch 5. Vintage Yellow Purse 6. Yellow and Blue Earrings 7. Yellow and Purple Bracelet 8. Child's Lemon Dress 9. Yellow Flower Crochet Hat

So, yesterday I was completely embarassed! We've (ok I've) been really trying to push the potty training and pantie wearing thing a lot lately. I mean, it's summer and I'm sure it must feel so much better wearing panties than a big, fat, wet diaper in this heat. So anyways, I digress... we stopped in at the pharmacy to pick up some mosquito repelent as they seem to have half devowered my poor Isabella and I'm afraid if she spends another 1/2 hour out in our garden area she'll completely disappear. I turned around to check on Isabella as she always likes to sit in the baby section because they have baby toys etc... and she was standing there looking at me... with THAT face. "OH NO!" She had an accident. Ok, it was her first but I was so embarassed. I quickly grabbed my wipes in the stroller and the kleenexes and tried to clean it up. The ladies told me not to worry about it but this is my first time going through this and I felt so bad. Then to top it off, the Doctor who owns the pharmacy went and gave Isabella this little rubber watch/bracelet. Great, my kid pees on the floor and they give us free stuff! I know I should get over it and it is a tile floor and is easy to clean up, but still, I felt horrible! Next time I'm bringing extra panties!

2010-06-10T15:39:00.026+02:00

See this little lovely lady? She arrived at my house yesterday....
...and she brought her lovely girly friends with her... isn't this fabric cute?
She may be Russian but she came all the way from Japan. I couldn't wait to get started on a little skirt for Isabella. I also have enough to make one for Sofia.... I'm thinking it'll be a cute surprise for when hubby comes home. Here's Isabella's skirt. I added this soft satiny ribbon trim and when Isabella walks it creates a great swing to the skirt. I thought it was missing just a little something so I bought some fat baby blue ric rac to add to the bottom edge. It'll be just that much cuter I think. So onto something else....

My peppers are in peril!

My plant is covered in these icky teeny tiny bugs! I'm not sure what to do! I don't want to spray a chemical onto the plant incase it kills it or seeps into the future veggies.... not sure what I should do! I don't want the bugs to migrate to my sweet little baby tomatoes which are right on the table beside it. I thought about moving the plant but I have no where to put it on our teeny balcony. If anyone has suggestions I'd love them.

So I just found these little lovelies...

I found these at Strawberry Fool. I want them! Ok so I'm not too sure why I need the picnic basket as we already have an electric cooler but the picnic blanket would be nice and the little cooler would be awesome when I go grocery shopping as it's a half hour walk for me with milk and meats etc... it would be just so chic and smart! Only problem is... They only ship to the UK! Please oh please ship to other European countries!!! PLEASE!!! I'm in love! They also have plates and other fab stuff if you are in the UK and are interested.

HEE! HEE! HEE!!!

Ok, I had to add these too, they're just too adorable... and they gave me a chuckle. The girls would love these! (They're at Strawberry fool too.)

2010-06-09T21:53:00.003+02:00

2010-06-08T23:19:00.010+02:00

Well, to keep up with my newest addiction.... here's a super cute tutorial I found for saving a cute child's t-shirt at Make It and Love It. I've had some of those that I have had to throw out because I didn't know how to get the stains out... wish I saw this blog post sooner. Makes me want to dig through the girls' clothes to see what I can cut up! Seriously, check it out! (Image is linked)

Now, onto more sewing.... here's the two skirts I made a while back... I still need to add the ruffle ribbon along the bottom of the second skirt but for now, it still looks super cute on Isabella. The polka dot one is Sofia's although it would probably fit Isabella. I apparently measured wrong and made it a tad big for Sofia. Oh well, she will grow into it. The great thing, it only took 1 fat quarter of fabric for each skirt.

2010-06-07T08:27:00.011+02:00

Gosh! I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged! Bad blogging momma! I had good intentions to try and keep up with this little thing but hence, it's summer, it's hot and hubby's away at work which means, more walking trips to the grocery store with the kiddies and more walks to the local coffee bar so Isabella can use her little shovel and pail in the pea gravel there (as our town has the most crappy and unsafe playgrounds I've ever seen!) Isabella doesn't mind, infact she usually asks to stay longer. haha!

So to keep my sanity I've been trying to get my crafty mojo back on. I've ordered fabric and I bought some more yarn... did I mention I sold my first hat the other day? Made 20 euro! Plus I got a few free things at the local coffee bar... The lady that works there (it's her family bar) ordered one for her 6 month old neice... she didn't have any colors in mind and had seen 2 different hats I made for the girls (a floppy hobo sunhat and a newsboy) and gave me full freedom on colours and style... I settled on newsboy as I figured it would stay on baby's tiny head better. Little ones are always pulling at hats (or at least my Sofia did). Anyways, she loved it, and I mean LOOOOVVVED it! The last 2 times I went for coffee I didn't pay for anything cuz she paid for my stuff then the second time the baby's mom was working and offered everything on the house again. Woot Woot! Apparently it was a wild hit!!! Auntie even asked if she could ask again in the future for more hats.... I said sure, I could do up a little kitty winter hat if she liked. I think I'll be getting another order :) This is Sofia modelling it.... it's a bit tight as it's for a 6 month old but it sure is cute on her!

So anyways, back to fabric, I ordered some cute fabric in the past and made some skirts for the girls out of some fat quarters.... and now I'm hooked. I ordered some more and saw this shop (see below) with the most adorable items and thought, I wanna make something cuter than just a skirt. I didn't get a pattern yet, I figured, I'm crafty, let's see what I can come up with.... I'll keep ya posted on how things go. This is the fabric... isn't it fun?

This shop has awesome patterns, click the picture above to check out her blog. She also has an Etsy Shop.

2010-05-31T15:14:00.015+02:00

Happy Monday!!!

Or should I say sad Monday.... hubby starts his new job today.... he's off to Venice and then all over Europe. This new job is "supposed" to work better for us (the operative word is SUPPOSED). He's on about 20-23 days on and around 20 days off..... we'll see how it works. He might even see if it works to do 20 on and 10 off. Anyways, he'll be doing japanese tours so it should bring in more money than he's making now, plus he's used to doing these tours.... the people are so much easier to work with and not such long hours like his last job. The only part that sucks is that he's gone a bit longer. The sacrifice better be worth it. Anyways, we enjoyed our couple of days with "Ba" a lot! We went to Sarnico on Lago d'Iseo to visit with our friends Marino and Elena and their family. That town is so much nicer than ours! They actually do stuff for their citizens like installing AWESOME parks for parents and kids. They have great markets and the city is just so pretty on the lake.... we would totally consider moving there if we could.... G even told me to look into the real estate listings on the web. Even Paratico would be nice. It's on the other side if the river but it literally feels like all the same city. That little bridge in the photo is what joins the towns. Plus the city has so many beautiful villas all along the lake.... like so beautiful George Clooney should seriously consider buying one. They are fantastic. If you google Sarnico you should find some amazing picts.

Anyways, I know I am trying to keep up with the Monday Mojo thing but I'm not really upto it today.... sulkingis more my mood I suppose.... but I won't leave you empty handed... I found this little linky for a great do it yourself project at The Long Thread... It's an adorable little kids' drawing case.

2010-05-28T17:42:00.005+02:00

Happy Friday!

So last night was the premier of Sex and the City 2....

OMGosh I want to see this! I just caught wind from my mom that my sister got herself some tickets to go see it in Red Deer with some friends.... I HATE HER! haha! Just kidding! I want to see this so bad.... I saw some picts of how the girls were all decked out... GORGEOUS!!! I loved SJP's dress! I could never pull off a neon yellow/green dress but she sure could. Oh how it makes me want to go shopping!!!

Anyways, not too much else to post. Hubby will be home for a few days (YAY!) before he starts his new job (hope it goes well). Isabella keeps telling me she wants to go to the beach so I called Ba (that's what we call dad) this morning and told Isabella to tell him. He laughed. So we'll see if we can at least swing a trip to the lake where our friends live.

2010-05-26T08:35:00.006+02:00

Well.... that's just it. Yep, I woke up this morning thinking it was Thursday. I must be trying to bump up the days so hubby can get home sooner. I swear i already went through Wednesday this week but apparently Tuesday was so much work it equalled 2 days in my head.

See, Sofia woke up at 6:30 yesterday morning (usually she's a 7:30-8 am kinda girl) and it totally threw off her whole day. She was whiny and cranky and grouchy and throwing herself on the floor in a fit kind of mood.... ALL DAY!! I swear, I asked myself why I haven't taken up drinking yet as a hobby. It was just that kind of day and of course when Sofia is like that it affects miss Bella too... oh, 2 cranky females under the age of 4.... so much fun! Then Sofia cried bloody murder cuz she didn't want to go to bed even though she was sooooo tired. That went on for about an hour.

Then hubby mentions on the phone last night he might have found a new job... (ok, it's so hard to find jobs here now it's next to a miracle to find one). Now wait for it... hubby calls this morning to tell me he'll be home Friday for a few days!?! Ok, at this place now, he's hardly been home... ok he's been home 3 days in a month and a half. Then he tells me he changed jobs!!! Ok, here we go again. Ok so I usually leave that stuff upto hubby as he's more experienced in that field and knows a lot of the companies or people who have worked for them.... wow! I hope this works out the way he wants it to. He said he had an agreement to work a little and then have some time at home, etc....

Anyways, I'm so glad I got the kids pooped out this afternoon... they're both sound asleep at 9 p.m.! Can I get a woot! woot! Ah.... momma might just relax with a glass of wine tonight and work on the skirt I've been making for Sofia. Evening folks!

2010-05-26T00:07:00.005+02:00

(Image is linked to my photography shop "Eye Poetry")

2010-05-23T22:09:00.010+02:00

I love this show.... Gillian McKeith is so flat out honest. I'd love to have her help in losing the last 5 kg from both pregnancies. I've decided to try (and the important word is TRY) to eat a litter better, lighter and just basically get this body back to what it used to be.... curvy and sexy. I have this sort of (I think) lumpy body.... ok hubby would say I look fine but I AM the one who would like to be like I was and that's why I need to do this. Wish me luck cuz I sure could use it!!!

2010-05-23T08:28:00.015+02:00

Sweet Notes on Sunday.

Well I've been busy this week. I had a few card orders and I'm trying to finish up some work for a bride-to-be for her wedding. I also got asked to make a hat for a lady who works at the coffee shop right by my house. She wants one for her neice and said she just loves the hats I made for the girls. Friday my best friend back in Canada had a baby girl... Alyssa Eileen... she was almost a 9lber!!!! Very cute. I'm anxious to see more photos in the future and to hear how big sis Brenna is adjusting. I guess I better get that surprise for the new baby finished now!

Yesterday hubby was home. He's been gone for 2 weeks for work, oh the life of a tour bus driver (especially these days with the whole after effects of the hit on the stock market.) Hubby was lucky to find work... it just really sucks that he's gone for 2 weeks and only home for 1 day. The girls are totally out of sorts when he's home too. Sofia especially. Ok, so she's the baby and can be a bit of a whiner sometimes but holy man! Seriously, she is so draining the days G is home. All she does is cry all day and wants to be physically attached to G all day. If I try to change her she cries. If it looks like I'm coming to pick her up, she cries. If I'm actually holding her and need to put her down, the waterworks come flooding in! Seriously, I think I need to drink the days G is home... Sofia just might be more tolerable! haha! Thank goodness Isabella usually behaves.

Just a little shot of my table-top-balcony cherry tomatoes. So cute!

Anyways, we got some good news! We got a new playhouse for the girls... FREE!!! Ok so it's not new new... but it's new to us and that's all that matters. Everyday when we walk to get groceries we pas "nonna Maria's" house and her neighbour has a playhouse in the backyard I have been eying up. It doesn't look like they use it and I never see any smaller kids there so maybe they are all grown up I think. Of course I never remember to ask Nonna Maria. So yesterday I made hubby drive by to take a peek at it and see what he thought... there were people in the backyard, YAY! So he asked them about it and first thing they said was "want it?" HELL YEAH! G didn't even have to pay for it!! BONUS!!! The cheapest one we've found costs over one hundred euros!!! Can this frugal momma get a WOOT WOOT! So hubby brought it upstairs to put on the balcony (with a little help from our friend Adriano who showed up at the perfect time might I add.) It just needs a good cleaning. It's covered in cobwebs and dirt. Should be a fun day today when I let the girls go out on the balcony.

Yeah, I think they like it.

Just a shot of our little "garden" and playhouse.

2010-05-20T23:11:00.007+02:00

Thursdays, Thoughts. I've been busy lately... apart from my girls that is.

I have a few Etsy shops (see the right side for my links) and my birthday cards (especially my ice cream one) have been selling like hotcakes! The ice cream theme must be a wildly new popular theme for birthdays! I actually did this card up for a friend a couple of years ago. Anyways, I have it in a sort of girly style so I thought I'd offer a version that would suit the little gentleman in your life. I also added a cuppy cake invite for my clients. It's oh so scrumptious! I'm just in love with it now! I might have to try and spin it for a baby announcement! We'll see. Here's the two new cards:

So I have been staring at this computer so much lately I felt I needed a non-electrical craft release. I bought some fab fabric fat quarters off Etsy and have been trying to decide what to do with them. Originally I though I might make a cute little clutch but I've been seeing so many cute skirts on Etsy lately I thought I'd use the fabric for a new skirt for Isabella.... I'm trying to figure out the best way to work it so it will work for Sofia too.... we'll see what I come up with.... I am sewing it all by hand... yes I'm throwing back to the days of pioneers...haha! I actually am doing this by hand because I don't have a sewing machine... it's on my "honey I want" list. Apparently hubby's brother has their mom's old sewing machine so I asked G to call Davide to see if I can steal it from him for a little while until I get my own. G's sis is coming this weekend to bring some little ride on cars for the girls. We are in search for a little playhouse for the girls to put on our balcony for the crappy rainy days and for the super hot days. See our condo's backyard is in full, super hot sun in the afternoon. It's just too hot even for me to be out there. I figured at least they can play in the playhouse on the balcony with the blinds pulled and still get some fresh air. I hope we can find a used one cuz really, those plastic houses don't really get too worn out before the kids grow out of them.... heck, then maybe we can pass it onto Elisabetta and Alessandro. Ale is G's nephew and we recently found out they are expecting! And it gets better! Betta is due right around Sofia's birthday! Maybe we can celebrate together! I'm already on the hunt for baby gift ideas!.... I might have to make a cute monkey hat or something!

So that's about it. I'm trying to get my Suzy Homemaker on and actually craft something by hand. It's no less strain on the eyes but for some reason it just feels so much more relaxing. As soon as I get it done, I'll post some photos.

Have a great Thursday and I'd love to see what you are all busy with!

2010-05-19T21:35:00.005+02:00

2010-05-16T09:49:00.011+02:00

So appropriate...

I am so in love with the show Glee.... and my girls, well, they love this song. It comes up on a commercial here and everytime it's on, they dance and try to sing... so how appropriate we mix the two...

Wow! I got awarded another blog award! Well, guess it's a good thing I dusted off this thing and am trying to get back in the swing of things. I have to thank Being Zara and Zidan so much for awarding me this. My whole intention originally was to blog so family and friends can keep up with us and our goings on but I have kind of changed things up along the way... good to know people actually like some of the musings that pop out of my head.... well, and the photos don't hurt either I am sure.

Ok , now onto the award stuff...

Here are the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1.) Thank the person who gave you this award.
which I can check off my list as I did it above (if you read my previous posts youèll see I seriously have to make lists for EVERYTHING.

2.) Share 7 things about yourself

1) I am a huge Sex and the City fan..... I think I know every episode off by heart and if I watch it in Italian I still know exactly what they say in english cuz I can read their lips.
2) I am a closet fan of Jessica Simpson.... ok, she may say some stupid things (but who doesn't every so often). I mean I want her clothes, her hair - even if it is fake, her fabulous hairstylist to the stars BFF - cuz who doesn't need a BFF who KNOWS HAIR! I'd love to have boobs the size of hers and still not need a bra - ok I got her beat on the size but hey, I'm still breastfeeding.... I know, don't get started on that...
3) I am a shoe and purse-a-holic. I really should go to meetings for this and I believe I have passed it onto my daughters.... my 3 year old passes a storefront and has to stop and touch the window and stare in amazement.
4) I took interior design technology in college.... then I wanted to take construction but at the end of 2 years I figured I had enough schooling for a while. ha! Now I'd love to be able to go back and learn something else.
5) I am learning crochet all by myself. I am not doing too shabby at it also... I made some of the cutest hats and headbands for my girls.
6) My next learning project is sewing. I used to sew and really miss it. I see so many super cute outfits for wee ones and purses etc (of course I had to mention purses!) on Etsy, I want to make my own. I even asked hubby for a sewing machine.
7) I miss our house. When we lived in Viking (Canada), we had a big house with our own yard not one you have to share with 10-15 other condos.... I miss it. the space for the kids to actually run in the house on rainy days, a big yard for them to play in in the back yard on warm days... a swing set of our own.

3.) Pass the award along to 10 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic! (Wow! Again, not sure the kids will allow me time to list 10... we will see).

http://traceyjanedesigns.blogspot.com/

http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/

http://attic24.typepad.com/
http://babblingsofamommy.blogspot.com/
Again, Sofia is crying, gotta go!

2010-05-15T09:32:00.010+02:00

Wow! I won my first blog award! Good thing I got back to blogging. Well, Tv's Take gave me this little award but there's apparently a catch! You are supposed to share the sunshine love by passing it onto 12 other favorite blogs.... wow! 12! I'm not sure the kidlets will allow me enough time to list 12 so I'll add what I can.
http://www.sweetopia.net/ - seriously, these cakes are AMAZING! I'm in love with the Cake Boss but these I would have to say are even better!
http://www.thefarmchicks.typepad.com/ - beautiful visual eye candy.
http://www.theletteredcottage.net/ - I love her sense of style
http://www.tidymom.net/ - so many wonderful things!
http://www.tannyps-rubbish.blogspot.com/ - Tanny has the best cards! She's so creative and a friend of a friend too!
http://www.cutsewrepeat.blogspot.com/ - absolute craft heaven! so many wonderful projects, so little time!
Well, that's all the kids will allow... gotta go make lunch!

Here's a few things I'm lovin' lately!
(links below left to right, top to bottom)

Fabulous Fabric, Cute Wall Decal, Ruffled Skirt, Ruffled Bloomers, Noodle Noggin's beanie, Flower beanie perfect for me, Russian Nesting Dolls that I've always loved, Gussy bags, Make Your Own Cupcakes,

So here's another thing I'm lovin'... those damn skinny jeans.... oh gone are the days when I would try to wear these...

The other weekend when we were out and about doing some shopping when hubby was home, we saw this chick with cute skinnies on and those adorable little bootie high heel shoes and hubby asked my why I don't wear something like that. Ok, I have to admit, when the girl walked passed, even I turned to look... of course this girl was your typical young Italian girl I see EVERYWHERE here.....stylish, THIN! I told G it wouldn't happen until I lost some of this weight I still had from the babies... (ok, so I know it's ben 17 months since Sofia was born but in my subconcience I believe that I'm still holding onto some weight because of the breastfeeding... ok crock of SH*T). I mean, look at these girls.... Beyonce is known for her lucious curves and Jessica Simpson isn't size 00 anymore and is fine with it (despite the terrible critisizm she's taken over THOSE jeans). Why is it that when I went to H&M and actually tried a pair on, all my mind said was "Holy crap you're fat!" I really only have 4 or 5 kg to lose to return to pre-baby (Isabella) weight but I am so not motivated to get on it these days even with the summer looming in. Arg! Maybe next fall..... did I mention I ate buttered popcorn while writing this? Yeah.... that's like eating ice cream while watching Biggest Loser. Maybe tomorrow...

2010-05-14T23:48:00.004+02:00

Friday's Fun Finds

Well, this little card has been crazy popular these days! I think I've sold 4 or 5 of these this week! (That's pretty good as my shop is still fairly new.) I have another card like it in shop but in different colours. I had a client ask if I could make the same one with orange, pink and green and voila! I think that person had an awesome idea!

Now onto a little find:

I found this cute how-to t-shirt bracelet at U-Create (wow, I just realized how many hyphens are in this sentence!) Anyways, Ashley from Lil Blue Boo was nice enough to share the tutorial with everyone... I thought it was just plain cut but also a great way to use up any great scraps of fabric you have laying around... RECYCLE! First person I thought of was Maddy my neice. Apparently she and her friends are into making friendship bracelets.... ah, that takes me back! Sitting in class with string and a safety pin, busily working away at making the coolest bracelet while I should have been paying attention to the teacher... Anyways, pop on over and check it out.

Well, that's it for today folks. I'm pooped an am off to bed. Hope you have a great Friday evening!

2010-05-13T22:41:00.007+02:00

Well, today was busy.

We did a bit of shopping this morning.
I finally remembered to buy some grappa for hubby. He was on a tour with clients one time and they were given this drink to try. He was told that if you put rose petals into grappa and let it sit, it makes a wonderful flavoured grappa like the one they tasted. Ok, so this chick isn't at all into grappa (gimme a glass of wine and I'm happy) but we'll see if his concoction works like the other time he tasted it. If you aren't sure what grappa is like, imagine drinking terpentine.... ok so it's not that bad but I believe it's comparable to Newfoundland's famous "screach" I believe it's called. Germans have their schnapps, Russians have their vodka... Italians have grappa.
Anyways, G bought me beautiful roses for Mother's Day so he said when they start to wilt, wash them off and stuff them in the bottle...

This afternoon, both girls fell asleep during "quiet time." I've started calling it this as Sofia needs her nap and usually Isabella doesn't want to nap and fusses... hence "quiet time." Sofia dozed off right away and I turned around to look at Isabella on the couch and boom, out like a light... "YES! QUIET MOMMY TIME!" No, not "mommy productive time" or "mommy clean the kitchen time"... "Quiet Mommy WASTE TIME time". I got a chance to check out some blogs I've been wanting to check back into and found a few new ones... of course, they are all crafty or sewing ones.... just what I need to jumpstart the ideas of "oh I should try that". As if I don't already have enough to do. Let's see..... I started a bag for my double stroller so I actually have my own cup holder - yep, it's not finished.... I have a gifty for my friend Sherry who's expecting.... yep, not quite finished yet either... let's see..... I have to finish flowers for Sofia's sun hat.... and I have a bunch of yarn I bought to make some more flower headbands and hats and whatever else.... plus I'm waiting for fabric to arrive so I can sew myself a purse (yes the one mentioned in a previous post). I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I seem to be good at that these days.

As for forgetting things.... did anyone ever tell you (assuming you have kids) that after the birth of your children, you lose all memory? I didn't see that one in any of the books I read.... or at least I don't remember reading it ;) Lately my memory has gone to pot! I'm surprised I haven't left a kid somewhere. My hubby gets so frustrated cuz he'll tell me to do something for him and in a few days he'll ask me about it and I'll respond with "What? You asked me to do that?" I think it's just that I have such a busy day that if it's not something on the usual routine, it easily gets forgotten. Anyone else find this? I'd love to hear!

This afternoon turned out with a surprise. I got the kids in the stroller so we could go pick up a few more petunias (crazy flower lady me) and when we got there, the shop was closed..... ah, wonderful Italy. Yes, it's normal. I just didn't realize that flower shops fall under the category of businesses that are closed Thursday afternoons.

See there's a lot to remember when you want to do shopping here as well. See, some coffee shops (like the one near our house) are closed Monday until late afternoon because they are open Saturday and Sunday. Restaurants I believe are closed Tuesdays.... for the same reasons.... grocery stores are closed Thursdays... same reasons I believe. Now for the twist... if I was to go into Cremona (the city across the river 4 kms away) the days would be different. Why? Because it is a different region (that's province to us Canadians or State to Americans). Hell I'm screwed! Like my brain doesn't function well enough to remember to buy grappa for my hubby for like 2 months among other things.

Anyways, it didn't make the long walk quite so bad. Since we were there I decided to check out the street near the shop. Turns out there's a nice quiet little park/playgound back there. If you know me, you know I have an issue with this and our town.

Our town has 2 playgrounds built quite close together ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY that runs through our town. Ok so you are thinking that doesn't sound quite so terrible.... wait for it....neither one has any sort of fence or hedge or anything around it! Let's just say the girls have never been to them because it's totally not safe enough for me. There are semi truck just motoring down that road. Hell, cars don't even stop for us at the crosswalk.... surprisingly it's usually the semi truck that stop for me to cross the road. I told hubby that one day I'm gonna have to pop open my shirt just to cross the road... maybe then someone will stop! One time a car was slowing down to stop and SOME ASSHOLE IN A BMW ACTUALLY SPEEDS UP AND PASSES HIM! Yes, oneday someone is gonna get an apple or water bottle chucked at their car!

Anyways, this playground is right near where I go for groceries so now we can make a pit stop there and let the girls play on the slide and swings. Isabella was so pleased she actually didn't fight coming home tonight for supper cuz I said we'd go back tomorrow if it wasn't raining.

Well, that was my day... and my usual rant about idiot Italian drivers... and Castelvetro's playgrounds..... (ok enough ranting already - back away from the keyboard!)

Hope everyone else had a productive Thursday!

2010-05-12T09:36:00.003+02:00

2010-05-11T12:52:00.008+02:00

So first off...

Like the new bloggy look? I figured why not change things up a bit? I was tired of the old look and the photo needed to be updated. I don't really have time to redo one myself so I went to one of those sites where they have templates....Shabby Blogs is one of my favs (see link in top left corner). So yellow normally wouldn't be my choice of colour but I went with this one because I'm in serious need of something sunny. It's been raining cats and dogs (almost literally) here lately. Infact, the River Po has overflowed again and G heard that the floating bridge at Piacenza is closed. Anyways, getting off topic.... so this leads to my first tip of today:

Tip 1:

Changining up or customizing your bloggy:

Super easy even for the most html illiterate folks.... for example, head on over to Shabby Blogs and she gives you the code AND instructions of how to set up your background. I was so happy to find her blog months ago as Blogger really has no templates that even remotely appealed to my shabby, crafty style. Shabby Blogs even has headers and tags for you to use for free plus a lot of extra cute blinkies as well. It's not the only site out there but it happened to be my choice. So get out there and give your bloggy a little springy facelift!

So as we live in a condo and have no backyard of our own (we have a "public condo backyard") and I love to garden and plant flowers we decided to give our balcony a little lift. We planted window boxes with pretty petunias of all colours.... and I think I might try to convince hubby we could use a few more... and we planted some pots too. I decided this year we would try to grow some tomatoes... I mean in summer we have full on sun in the afternoon so it gets good and hot out there.... our tomatoes should love it! Here's a little tip for giving your plants a little boost....

Tip 2:

A little kitchen fertilizer of your own...

So I save the shells from egg to crush up and put in my pots.... We have really clayish dirt here and hubby went and got me dirt (instead of the bagged kind) and now I don't have anywhere to dump it... so why not try to make it "better"? We're doing our own little "sort of" compost thing.... I am trying to add egg shells and every so often I also add some coffee grounds as I've noticed my flowers really seem to like it (don't add to much folks). They must be reacting to all the caffeine (haha!). I have been adding the old dead flowers from my petunias as well.... we'll see how my tomatoes do this summer.

Tip 3:

Clean out your drains - naturally....

So I needed to clean out the kitchen sink drain as there's always some food that ends up in there, and I found this cool tip somewhere on the net. Put some salt, baking soda and vinegar down there and let it sit and fizz for a few minutes..... Then add hot water.... voila! This works great on cleaning up your kitchen sink as well. It's much better than dumping harsh chemicles like Draino down there don't you think?

Happy cleaning!

So it's Post-It Note Tusday over at Supah's blog.... so here's mine:

2010-05-10T15:45:00.008+02:00

Well, I'm always looking for visual and crafty influence so here's a bit of crafty stuff I've found lately....

I ordered this fabulous pattern from Sewing With Me on Etsy

and I got the fabric from Brody & Ma on Etsy....
let's just hope it turns out this good....

I'm also working on a little crochet gifty for my friend Sherry who's expecting her 2nd baby in May.... we're not sure if it's a boy or girl, but either way, this little gifty should be a hit...
I'd share a pict, but in the chance she sees this post it would ruin the surprise.

2010-05-10T14:01:00.012+02:00

Yo! Let's Tweet!

Looking to follow me on Twitter? Clicky on the linky below and get tweeting with me! Everyone is always welcome in my nest of tweeps! (Image is linked)

Welcome to Yo Tweeps Twaffic Exchange.
This is a test OF the emergency broadcast network or something... it's a trial.

WHY: Everyone wants to grow their Twitter audience.

**I want more traffic period**

So play along with

Image courtesy of Wolverine on August 20, 2009 by Dave Mott

To play along and increase your twitter twaffic: we need to meet some new people.

1. Follow me on twitter . Click on my twitter Icon above.
2. Follow lissylee77 on Twitter {http://www.twitter.com/lissylee77}
2. Shout a hello on twitter. #yotweeps Then I'll know you followed and I'll reciprocate.

Want more tweeps?

3. Grab the YO Tweeps Button

2010-05-09T21:37:00.008+02:00

2010-02-15T00:12:00.002+01:00

Save Grandma Oak

Save Grandma Oak Photograph Italy by EyePoetry on Etsy

This beautiful old tree is just down the road from us and apparently someone had the stupid idea to cut down this magnificent tree so that they can build yet another highway here in Italy. She's known here as Grandma Oak and is believed to be 200 -300 years old. Her span is enormous and height as well. The first time I saw her was summer time and I was in awe of her. I've seen old trees but around these parts, not too many really old, big trees remain.

Apparently she was important enough for national news. We heard from family Castelvetro Piacentino was on the news the other night as people were protesting her being cut down. Children from the local school gathered around her to plead for her to be saved.

I think in a time like this, where we are slowly becoming more aware of how we need to be more respectful of our earth, she'd have more power. I hope enough voices are heard over dollars in this case. I'd at least like to see her last into spring... one more time to see her full of leaves, lending shade to whomever would take shelter under her strong bows.

Want to help? Check this link for more info: http://www.wiserearth.org/group/savegrandmaoak

2010-02-09T00:58:00.001+01:00

Get Your Valentine On!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so why not get some cute cards designed to send out?

Bella Pink Teddy Valentine Photo Greeting Card by lissylee77

2010-01-20T14:04:00.003+01:00

Look What I Got In The Mail Today!

Isn't this great? I ordered this for Giovanni just before Christmas (ok, I ordered it a bit late but who cares) and decided to get one for myself.

I found it in a shop on ETSY called Lucy's Friends.
She custom makes the glass tile necklace AND tin box with your photo.
I figured why not take it up a notch and add a bit of my styling to it... so instead of just a plain photo I added "Love..." I think it turned out amazing! and a really decent price as far as I'm concerned.

Visit Lucy's Friends' shop here.

2009-12-04T14:32:00.004+01:00

Woot! Woot!

I just got a message from a seller at Etsy that I won anything I want out of her shop for simply doing her poll.
It was hard to pick an item but I thought that this item would be most practical for me...

Sparrows in Green Basket Tote Bag

I of course, could not pass up getting a new bag and this would be so cute for casual days. Ok so my everyday is casual but heck, It's so cute and springy-feeling.

She also makes cute little girls dresses and shirts and the sweetest slippers. Check out her shop here.

2009-11-30T23:43:00.013+01:00

Our Saturday at Lago d'Iseo

We have friends who live in Sarnico (near Bergamo) that we haven't seen since before we moved to Canada. Giovanni finally had a Saturday off that worked out (well sort of) with them so we could get in a bit of a visit.

It was a perfect day! We got in the car early in the morning and headed out of this gloomy, grey, overcast day to spend the day at the lake. When we got there the sun was out, it was warm (ok except for the ever so slight breeze off the lake). We met Marino and took a little walk along the lake so Isabella could feed the swans... we remembered to pack old bread this time. She loved it!

Isn't Sofia just rockin' this kitty hat I made her? I just love this picture I got of her.

Isabella and I played in the leaves for a bit.... Giovanni was worried about us stepping in the "poopies" from dogs.... people should just learn to pick up after their dogs so little kids (and moms) can enjoy playing in the leaves... I said who cares and we went on about playing...

This little walkway went out over the water... really this town is so nice... I told G we should move there... we'd be closer to his sister as well plus we'd maybe get a bit nicer weather other than the permanent grey we get all fall and winter.

We stopped for lunch with Marino. Elena (Marino's wife) joined us as well as their son.Then Marino showed us the playground nearby so Isabella could have some fun... even Sofia enjoyed her first swing ride. Yes, her first. There aren't any playgrounds near our house with swings (don't even get me started on the playgrounds in our town!) Needless to say, Sofia LOVED the swings. Can you tell by the 2 tooth grin from ear to ear?This playground was so nice... first off it was fenced... not like the big playground in our town which has tall grass and is not fenced... did I mention ours is right on the state highway running through our town? Yep, we've never visited THAT playground. Anyways, this playground had all rubber on the ground and well kept playgound equipment (unlike the "new" playground near our house which is only 2 years old and the merry go round is already broken and my 2 yr old can't even go on it... but I digress). It has 3 little areas - 2-4 years and 5-10 I believe and 11 and up.... very nice playgound, heck I'd move just for that! Also there's a cute little gazebo shaped coffee house right inside the playground. Perfect for cool days like that Saturday. We went in to warm up and for a hot chocolate.

We had just a tiny bit of bread left.... so we had to feed ALL of the birds and swans again. Another man with his daughter came and let Isabella throw in some of their bread too.

It was such a nice day out of the house. The girls were so tuckered out! As soon as we were in the car they pooped out.

2009-11-28T10:25:00.005+01:00

Etsy Feature

I've decided to do a little feature of fellow Etsians shops once and a while and since this weekend there are big sales going on and Christmas is almost upon us I thought I'd do another one.

Here's a darling little shop with a little bling for the holiday season... (I'm sensing a pattern in my choice of features here - hee hee)

Kattfive's Creations

Flights of Fancy Antique gold butterfly necklace

This beauty would be great for your holiday parties! I love butterflies and this shade of acqua is so pretty. She also sends this little gem in a gift box which saves you having to find one if you are planning on giving it as a gift... and this would make a wonderful stocking stuffer for the girly-girl in your life (I know, I'm a girly-girl) or even for one of your best girl friends. Why not buy it for the gardener in your life or your mom? I'm sure my grandma would like it or my mom (I know, I'm a mom too and I'd love to get this as a gift!)

Kattfive writes:

Elegant antique looking butterfly filigree placed as a centerpiece on this pretty antique brass chain, which has beautiful emerald Czech glass beads inserted in between the chain. A timeless piece.

So what are you waiting for? Get over there and do a little shopping!

2009-11-27T02:08:00.003+01:00

These are too cute!

There's a giveaway going on here for the pattern for these.... they are just too darn cute!

2009-11-20T14:35:00.002+01:00

Etsy Blog Feature

So I decided to help some other Etsiers out in hopes that the sales fairy will leave some dust on my shop... here's 2 cool shops.

Leaf Thai Silver Necklace with Green Charms by Flaunt Designs Jewelry

Is this piece not refreshing? I just love the look of it! This past summer we were overwhelmed with purple everywhere here in Italy so it's a nice change to see green.

Flaunt describes this piece as, "Thai silver leaf pendant on a sterling chain, with emerald Swarovski crystal and faceted green aventurine gemstone charms. Pretty necklace which celebrates nature. Thai silver is more pure than sterling, being 96 - 99% silver content. This leaf was handcrafted by the Karen Hill tribe in Thailand. The sterling silver box chain is 18 inches long, with spring ring fastening. The handcrafted sterling & Swarovski crystal accent charm is an 8mm sphere of sparkly emerald green, the gemstone charm is a faceted, 6mm rondelle of milky green aventurine."

It sounds like a wonderful gift to buy someone this holiday season doesn't it? I know I would LOVE to see this in my stocking (hint hint befana). Flaunt has a lot of other gorgeous items in shop ranging from $8 up so get over there and snatch up something!

__________________________________________

Set of 6 Winter Snowman Themed Wine Glass Charms by Cre8tiveQT

This is a mommy like me putting her earnings into the bank for her wee on like me....
She said her daughter wants a computer so lets give a little girl a dream come true.

These are cute little charms perfect for your holiday parties! Ever been to a party and set down you glass only to find you set it beside someone elses and now you aren't sure which is yours? That's where these fancy little charms come into play. Joanne gets the snowman, Suzy has the brrr... and so on. Practical AND cute! Ok so I'm a wine lover so this item is totally perfect for me! Ha! Ha! Cre8tiveQT also has some sweet little bracelets at really low prices that would be great for your teen's stocking this Christmas. I know times are tough this year so why not pop by this shop and do a little shopping, save some loot for yourself and help that little girl get her computer? Sounds good!

____________________________________________

Don't forget to pop over to my shop as well!

www.lissylee77.etsy.com

to check out the Christmas card sale!

2009-11-19T17:44:00.003+01:00

New Card (Ok Revised Card) In the Shop

I got a convo the other day asking if my snowman card came in another colour as a lady liked it but had a son.... (the pink is obviously too frew frew for boys).

I decided it was a great idea listing the same card in a more masculine tone... here's the result:

Feeling Lynette-ish....

2009-11-15T14:12:00.001+01:00

Oddly enough I've been feeling a bit like her these days, especially the early days on DH... as I watch the old episodes, I (scarily) can totally relate to her.

2009-11-13T17:56:00.008+01:00

Is this Not Gorgeous?

I pass this yard all the time when we go shopping for groceries... but the other day it was particularly more beautiful than most days...

I think it's the fact it was actually sort of sunny. Yes, sunny...

Right now it's autumn in Italy and if you've been here in autumn, you know, the sun is not a thing you see often. Ok so we don't already have snow, and no it's not freezing but everyday it's a greyish shade of BLAH! (Ok I can say this because I live here now... if I was a tourist I probably wouldn't even notice it cuz I'd be distracted by the old buildings and sites).

Just had to share this autumn beauty.

2009-11-13T17:26:00.010+01:00

Quoting Rachel Ray... "Yum-O!"

I'm busy making pizza for tonight... I hope it turns out as good as last time.

Here's a shot:

While I'm no Betty Crocker or Rachel Ray, I do seem to have a knack for making kick ass pizza lately (the proof is in the picture above). I made pizza the other day and it was soooo good! Even Isabella ate more than usual (ok so that's like 2 more bites than her usual 4 as she isn't a pizza person) then I used the same dough (using mother yeast - I'll explain in a bit) to make mini calzones cuz I was at the end of my wits trying to find something to make other than pizza and rice the other day (I didn't go shopping so the cupboards were limited). I saw mini calzones on the Kraft Kitchens website and decided to try to make my own. (Yes, that's the mini calzone below in all it's yummyness.... with ragus sauce and cheese....mmmm)

EUREKA!

Isabella actually ate 2! That's a big deal in our house AND she kept saying "Yum mommy, buono!" Well, that little comment from my food critic was enough for me to decide to try it again in the future!

Ok so I know you are wondering what mother yeast is and for those who are cooks, you probably know...

Mother yeast is when you make dough and save a portion in the fridge, the next time you go to make bread or pizza (like me) you use it and add to it - flour, water, oil, salt - NO MORE YEAST PACKETS. The end result: much yummier pizza with less of a yeasty taste. Believe me, once you try it, you won't really want to go back. We learned this trick from Giovanni's Auntie Evelina - that woman can make pizza! (Probably helps too that she has a real wood burning pizza oven!)

So tonight I'm trying it again... hope it works, it's been in the fridge a few days. Oh yeah, if you want to try this mother yeast thing out, you need to work the dough at least once a week... yeast like us, gets hungry.... you need to feed it flour and water to live....

Good luck if you try it out!

2009-11-12T16:54:00.004+01:00

New card in the shop...

Well I added a new card to my shop yesterday... just in time for Christmas.
(Click photo to go there now)

Remember, my sale is on until Nov. 25th, then all Christmas cards go back to $15... so hurry on over and save $3!

http://www.lissylee77.etsy.com/

2009-11-12T16:45:00.004+01:00

Help me out!

So I just joined Top Mommy Blogs and I could use a little help getting some votes...

All you have to do is click here:

Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

or here:

Thanks so much! You might even find a blog you like as well!

2009-11-11T14:32:00.002+01:00

Is this not cool?

I found this via another blog.... so I checked out the site and can you believe there are only 2 shops internationally selling these? Guess where one of them is located! Sondrio, it's just a few hours from here near the mountains. G and I went there a few years ago, it's beautiful and I would love to go back and see it... and possibly check out the shop where these items are sold. They are so Alice in Wonderland! I just love it! Click the pict to check out the website...

2009-11-11T07:59:00.003+01:00

These are so cute for your kitchen!

They are super cute measuring cups! I found them on La Alicia's blog (she popped on by and left a note.) She found them on http://www.fredflare.com/

2009-11-07T07:50:00.004+01:00

Finally Done!

I finally finished the hat I was working on for Isabella. Turned out pretty good considering I didn't know what the heck I was doing (ok so a little bit).

I saw these amazing hats Kristy makes over at Noodle Noggins and thought I wanna try my hand at it. I sort of know how to crochet... if it doesn't work, I'll just take it apart and make a scarf! haha!

So I found this pattern here at Etsy, and VOILA!

I think it came out ok considering my yarn was a little on the fine side for the pattern and the fact I ripped it out 3 times before getting the right sizing. I had to do a little modifying to make it work. It's a wee tight for Isabella so I doubt she'll be wearing it a whole lot (unless mommy wears it around the house to try and stretch it a bit - haha).

Why don't you go try something new? go pick up the pattern...

My new project? Girly-ing up some hand-me-down jeans of Isabella's. They are boy jeans and since Isabella's hair refuses to grow, people already think she's a boy... gotta bling up the jeans!

2009-11-04T18:06:00.012+01:00

Making Banana Bread

I decided to make banana bread the other day with Isabella. I had some bananas that were getting way too brown for my liking but thought they were perfect for bread.
Isabella liked helping as well... almost too well because I caught her eating it! Yucky!
Ok, so anyways, I thought I'd share this yummy recipe to those who wish to try it. It's my mom's recipe but I like to modify it a bit.

Danish Banana Bread
3/4 cup oil (I like to only use 1/4 cup and 1 extra banana)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups mashed bananas (usually works out to about 5 bananas - remmeber i like to add 1 more)
1 tsp vanilla
1tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg (I add a bit more and a bit of cinnamon as well)
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups nuts chopped (almonds are a nice choice but here I decided to take advantage of the season and use Italian roasted chestnuts)
2 tsp baking sodadisolved in 2 tbsp hot water

Mix all your wet ingredients together including mashed bananas and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Now add all your dry ingredients.
Pour into 3 bread pans greased with butter and bake at 350 F for 45-60 minutes.
You may want to try adding mini chocolate chips to the mixture - it makes this bread even more delish!

Isabella helping me mix the ingredients.

Yummy bananas and castagna (Italian chestnuts)

This is what the chestnuts look like when you buy them... you need to roast them or you won't be able to get the shells off.

The mixture of all the ingredients minus the nuts.

And this is what the chestnuts look like after roasting... you need to cut them open just a tad or you'll be having chestnut fireworks in your kitchen. Just use a sharp knife to make a little slit in the shell on one side. We also have a special pan designed for roasting nuts. Oh yeah, remember to open the windows and turn on your fan so you don't smoke out the house. If you have a BBQ - even better!

And this is what we do while we are waiting...

And waiting... and waiting for the bread to finish baking....

And voila! Doesn't it look scrumptious? This stuff doesn't last long in our house! 2-3 days tops!!!

2009-10-22T10:44:00.005+02:00

Free Christmas Card Contest!

That's right people! You can win a free Christmas card design courtesy of me!

What do you have to do?

Pop on over to Scrap 3's blog and do the following:

1. Comment on the post

2. Visit my shop Bella Expressions (and hopefully shop there as well)

3. Become a follwer to Scrap 3

4. "heart her store" (Doohickies&Such)

A winner will be chosen by her on October 28th.

What are you waiting for? GET OVER THERE!

2009-10-13T08:38:00.003+02:00

A Halloween-ing We Will Go!

I added a new card for Halloween to my shop over at ETSY.

It's super cute and what a cute way to show off your little princess or goblin to grandma and friends!

Want it? Get it here!

Isn't my little model cute? That's Isabella's first Halloween picture. Oh how time flies!

2009-10-12T09:12:00.010+02:00

Thanksgiving at Cesenatico

Giovanni had to work thi weekend but got to take us with him on Thanksgiving Sunday to Cesenatica, Italy. We had to leave the house by 6 a.m. but heck, it was worth it! Plus I think Isabella and Sofia got to steal a few hearts that day.... the bus was full of older people... lots of new nonnas and nonnos for them to flirt with!
Giovanni and Isabella checking out the "fishies" in the canal in the center of town. They were both down on their knees looking at the little crabs all climbing on the canal walls and watching the little fish swim by. They even tried to feed the fish Ritz crackers... but the fish just swam away... apparently they don't know the yum factor of Ritz crackers like my kids do.

All these boats are the museum here. These are boats that really used to be used for fishing etc on the sea. Now they are tied up here for people to enjoy and learn about them. What a fantastic museum hey?Sofia had to get in the shot as well... sorry hunny, you're too small to get on your knees to check out the fishies, maybe next year. She is pretty cute rockin' out in the stroller though.
So when Sofia and I were walking along the pier to get over to where Giovanni and Isabella were playing on the beach we had to walk past these little fishing houses. See the brown one there? They were enjoying the sea's bounties for lunch... they kept dropping the net and pulling it up. I saw them feasting out on the deck with full platters and yummy bottles of vino! Now if it was Thanksgiving here, that would be an awesome Italian way to do it!
Isabella and Giovanni hard at work building the Rotelletti Fortress of Champions. Giovanni would build and Isabella would destroy whilst trying to help.... I guess you could say we had our own mini war attack on our own Castello. Giovanni evenually had to give up the fight and retreat.... for a nap that is. Momma was in charge of helping from here on in.... and thus the result was this:
Isn't it pretty? Now that's a castle fit for a Queen and her 2 Princesses. Isabella did 90% of the decorating. She even got soaked finding shells in the water. We originally tried to keep her dry but the sea was calling and when that happens to my little Pisces there's no fighting it. Heck she didn't care, until it was time to change and head back to the bus that is.
This was our lunch as there was no room for the stroller at the restaurant where we were supposed to eat with the group. Instead I went and got some french fries at the restaurant on the beach and we finished that off with some bananas and persimmon we bought earlier. Sofia thoroughly enjoyed the persimmon... we heard many a "numm numm"s coming from her little mouth. Of course this picture I had to post despite it not including Sofia.... I was trying to take a picture with me in it for a change and look at the lovely turkey face my husband makes... haha... thought you were funny hey?
And finally, after all my bellyaching (as my husband would say), I finally got in a family shot. I'm usually on the other end of the camera so it's nice to finally be in at least one photo for the girls scrapbooks. Aren't we just so beachy cute? I'm rockin' out my brand-spankin'-new pagmina I bought for 5 euros.... not a bad deal... it's pretty blue and soft... perfect for beach photos.

2009-10-07T23:06:00.002+02:00

Blog Feature! Help the Lady raise moolah for March of Dimes!

Baby Makin(g) Machine featured me in her blog post here!

She is offering everyone the chance to win fabulous items from Etsy shop owners and trying to rais e funds for March of Dimes. What a great idea hey? I offered up a cute card design to a winner AND a scrap kit to a lucky winner. Get on over there and check it out!

If you missed the link, here it is again:
Baby Makin(g) Machine

2009-10-02T19:34:00.001+02:00

A Funny for Friday

2009-10-02T14:22:00.005+02:00

Woot! Woot! Plus check this out!

I'm being "showcased" over at Pink Patrice's blog!
She did a blog post about my Bella Expressions shop over at Etsy.
http://www.lissylee77.etsy.com/

Check it out here:

http://www.pinkpatriceboutique.blogspot.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You have to check this out.

http://www.twist21.etsy.com/

This person makes the prettiest jewellery with a little sand and resin.

My Page Pet

2009-09-12T17:49:00.001+02:00

2009-09-07T15:12:00.003+02:00

I'm so Anxious!

So I got an email saying our hats will be here soon from the Etsy Shop "What's On A Name" (see post below). Oh I can't wait to get them! Isabella has already seen me checking out the shop and asked "Bella hat too? Fia hat too?" I told her yep, mommy was getting here a pretty new hat and Fia one too - here's hoping Sofia will were the darn thing! Let's just say that anytime we put something on Sofia's head, she rips it off immediately.... so we'll see how it goes... I may just have to come up with some cute little earflap additions to attach to the hat!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

So that said, we are also waiting to get a package from nonna and nonno....
they picked us up some new "backpacks" like Dora the Explorer's. Ok so these backpacks are WAYYYY cuter than Dora's pack and they come with an ingenious little tail (ok leash people). Anyways, we had such a hard time finding one for Isabella before we came back to Italy, we figured we better put the grandparents on the lookout for another one for when Sofia starts running around. We also had grandma pick up a few extra, seeing as how we've been stopped NUMEROUS times here in Italy by people wanting to check out the brilliant little bag.

These backpacks are a Godsend to anyone who has a strong-spirited (good choice of words hey?) wee one. Isabella has escaped from us in a parking lot a few times while trying to get her into the car and she so is not about to hold our hands when we go for a walk.

2009-09-07T14:52:00.003+02:00

Check this out!

Ok, so I found this awesome shop via "Our Homeschool Fun blog"

OHF blog is doing a freebie giveaway of one of Kid-N Around Creations felt food packs.

I went to check out the shop and found these:

Are they not just the cutest you've seen? And they are great toys to pack up in your purse cuz they really aren't that bulky or heavy. They are so bright and fun as well!

2009-09-03T20:07:00.001+02:00

How Do You Eat Your Cookies?

This is how Sofia eats.... isn't it cute?

2009-09-03T17:21:00.003+02:00

Freebie Alert!

So I thought I'd give out a little freebie to go along with my newest kit....

Lemon Lime Spritzer.

It's in shop right now.... so what are you waiting for?

Get over there and scoop up the kit while it's on sale and grab the freebie as well!

2009-08-29T09:12:00.002+02:00

Yay! It's an Etsy Giveaway!

So the Etsy Mexico team is doing a giveaway and I hope I win! There are some awesome things for the winner!!! My fav is that gorgeous bracelet by Glasspond Studio. I checked out that shop and there's some really cool stuff!
Pop over and check it out: www.etsymexicoteam.blogspot.com

2009-08-28T09:39:00.002+02:00

New Kit in My Shop

Well, it's finally finished! I've been working on this kit for a while. My inspiration? Freshness! Why? Cuz it's darn hot here and anything that makes you feel more fresh and cool is a welcomed escape. In the summer, nothing seems more fresh than a squeeze of lemon or lime in your drink... coke, iced tea, lemonade, heck I even had commenters add that they like it with vodka or tequila! Ha ha!

Need some freshness? Pop on over to my shop (www.bellastyledesigns.blogspot) today and get your squeeze on!

2009-08-25T09:56:00.002+02:00

A Etsying I Will Go... A Etsying I will Go...

The bug has hit me and now I have this craving to be on Etsy all the time! So I figured, "Why not try my hand at selling my cards there?"... So I'm trying my hand at Etsying.
For now I've only added a few cards... I hate to commit a lot and find out in a short while that it's not for me. We'll see how it goes. So if you know anyone looking for invite or announcements, send them over to me! You can see the link to my Etsy shop on the right.

2009-08-18T15:39:00.005+02:00

I'm-a-Shopping!!
So I'm not an Etsy virgin anymore. Have you ever checked out some of the stuff on there? There's some pretty cool handmade stuff!

Ok, so the money I've made so far on the sale of my kits, I decided to get the girls some super cute new hats for this fall/winter. You gotta go check out this shop!

What's On A Name

She's got some super cute hats for kids!!! And, I did some searching on Etsy to try and decide what I wanted to get and I found her hats to be super cute and her pricing and shipping aren't outrageous!

So wanna see what I ordered?

This is for Sofia

This is for Isabella Super cute hey? And she has some other great stuff like tutus and jewellery.

Oh I can't wait till I get them in the mail!!!

2009-08-14T22:07:00.004+02:00

Yay! This movie is on tonight... ok so I misses the first little bit as I had to get the wee ones to bed, but oh well.

I love this movie! It just makes me chuckle! And Helen and Julie make an awesome pair.. they are such brilliant actresses. I just love the whole idea of "it's so risque" and they say what the hell, we gotta raise some funds! Why not raise some eyebrows as well. If you haven't seen it... go rent it! It's such an awesome chick flick.

2009-08-13T15:26:00.006+02:00

Splishin' and Splashin' and Boy Am I Pooped!

G had the day off yesterday so we headed for some shade and water... THE POOL!

There's a really nice pool at Fiorenzuola D'Arda. It's outside and has 2 great pools for kids. One is small and very shallow with some jets that bubble up water and the other has a big fountain thing and a hydromassage area where tiny jets bubble up water all over the place in one of the corners.

We packed apicnic and off we went. It's amazing how much cooler it feels near a pool! Little Isabella stayed in the pool over 3 hours! That's a long time for a little 2 year old. Sofia enjoyed the pool for a bit with mommy and then pooped out so we went to hang out in the shade and have a nap.... ok so I didn't get to nap cuz G and Isabella decided to come over and steal my chair... so much for reading that magazine I bought almost a month ago... again!

We had a snack, coffee, ice cream and then instead of Isabella pooping out, she wanted to go in the water again! This was the plee of an over tired child who wouldn't take no for an answer. Of course this time we gave in because it had been a while since we had been to the pool. Needless to say the pool time didn't last long and she was out before we got home. No suppy that night as she was too cranky... straight to bed. I admit, it was kind of nice not having to fight to get her to go to sleep for a change!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pop over to the shop!

I have new photo masks on for a discounted price.

You don't want to miss it!

2009-08-11T09:47:00.006+02:00

A Day at the Lake
We decided to go visit G's sister and husband the other day. It was too hot to hide out in the house (and really, how much fun is that?) so we decided to head to the lake! (Ok, so that's really the only reason we went to visit anyways as we did intend to stay home and get some things finished around the house.) Off to Lago di Como.... yes I know you readers are asking yourselves..."Isn't that where George Clooney has a house?" Yes it is but not this part of the lake.... see the mountains in the picts... well he's on the other side of those. We didn't want to waste our day being hounded by paparazzi! haha! Just kidding.

It was gorgeous there! We found a nice little spot to sit on the grass in the shade and there was even a nice soft breeze. I quite enjoyed myself as we had 2 extra babysitters to help watch the girls so I could finally look at my magazine I bought almost a month ago and still haven't found time to look at it. Needless to say that was cut short as everybody kep bugging me to come over to where the kids were playing.... because I've never seen Isabella go down the slide before... ok so no one understands that mommy needs a few minutes every once in a blue moon to herself. Alright, so I gave in. At least I got 1/2 an hour or so.

G and Michele took Isabella to go play in the water for a little while. I never got any picts because it was a little way away from where we were sitting. Apparenlty she loved it even though it was really chilly water.

We stayed till after sunset, managed to get some pictures and pooped the girls right out. It was really a nice day. Would love to go back... maybe see if we can take a tour on the lake or something next time.

2009-07-31T23:52:00.003+02:00

This was on TV tonight.... I love this movie! Aside from the beautiful shots of the Italian countryside... it's just got such a warm fuzzy feeling to it. I just love how Diane Lane pulls herself up and throws herself into the unknown... and in a different country might I add.... ok so it has some resemblance to my life (ok a lot! hehe) but that's not why I like it. It's just a wonderful "chick flick" to watch.

Everytime I see it I tell hubby, one day I'd like to see Cortona and Positano... ok so Positano is a bit far away but hey a girl can dream hey? Diane did and her dreams came true in one way or another in the film ;)

2009-07-23T12:03:00.003+02:00

New Scraps!

Here's some pages I managed to get finished the past few days while the girls had their naps. These are inspired by the challenges over at Shabby Pickle. TFL!

2009-07-16T15:15:00.004+02:00

Well, we went to visit G's friend Edy who's a hairstylist and we all (well not G) ended up leaving with new haircuts! Even Sofia got a little trim to all 4 hairs on her head! Isabella lost all her tiny little ringlets but Edy said if we cut it it should start to grow faster.... hence the new "boyish" cut. Oh well, no barrets or piggies for a while now. Hee! Hee!

Mask by Benthai Creations

2009-07-16T14:56:00.002+02:00

Last Sunday Giovanni took us gals to the pool at Fiorenzuola for an afternoon of "chuffy chuffy" as Isabella says. Isabella LOVED it! She wasn't scared of the water at all which was awesome but G really had to watch her cuz she would just keep walking and walking deeper and deeper. She even tried to go into the deeper pool! Sofia got to dunk her feet but of course she didn't stay too long at it was naptime so we hung out under the trees relaxing, reading my magazine, people watching and yes... she slept... for 2 1/2 hours! All that fresh air I guess. She loves her naps in the stroller.

Tomorrow G has to take some people to the pool so he's going to cart us along. Well, better go. Have to make pasta salad to take tomorrow and Sofia just woke up. Here's a pict of Isabella swimming.

Ciao!

Mask by Kimla Designs

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Don't forget my sale going on at Bella Style (www.bellastyledesigns.blogspot.com). I have a few kits discounted!

2009-07-10T14:30:00.004+02:00

Shiny New Layout!

Like the new look? Thought this tired old blog was in need of a facelift, especially since I hadn't updated it in 2 years. Maybe it will inspire me to blog here a bit more:)

And if you've been following my design blog/store, you'll recognize all the yummy stuff I used for the layout... yup... it's my Sofia kit. Apparently I'm on a huge purple kick these days as half my wardrobe (ok so maybe more than half) is in different shades of this royal colour. Seriously, I'm not really sure if I've ever even owned a shirt in purple before, and now look at me! Ha! Ha!

So anyways, not too much new with us. Hubby is working steady (thank goodness as there's a tourism crisis - ok employment crisi alltogether)and the girls are growing like weeds. Yesterday Sofia turned 7 months old! Wow how time flies. I've been trying to do some scrapping and designing.... I have a yummy little summer kit coming out soon...

Hubby's been looking around for new vehicles.... our 14 year old clunker that we bought to get G back and forth to work is proving to be a little tight for us 3 ladies.... you know it's bad when you have to open the car door to do up your seatbelt! It's a bit snug for Isabella's car seat, Sofia's car seat and me all in the back plus when we throw our double stroller in the back there really isn't room for anything else! Hubby has been eyeing up.... HOLD YOURSELF PEOPLE..... (this is where the scarey "REE REE REE" music comes into play)... a family VAN! Ah yes, I may have to give in to the "soccer mom mini-van" thing. Well actually the van he's eyeing up isn't so mini.... we could probably fit the whole team in the van it's so big! It's a Renault (yes we Canadian/Italians will probably be driving a french car haha). It's actually a cool idea inside... 2 of the seats face backwards and there's a table that pops up, it's just kind of boxy looking on the outside is all. G wants something comfortable to move around in for the times we go to the sea or the mountains or make the long 6 hour excursion down to see the relates in Abruzzo.

That's the beast there.

Well, Sofia is getting squirmy so gotta sign off!
Ciao folks!

2009-06-26T10:12:00.006+02:00

Sofia

I just put up a new kit in my digi-scrapping shop called Sofia.(http://www.bellastyledesigns.blogspot.com/)

I was so lucky to have some help from some AWESOME scrappers over at DST (digishoptalk) help me promote it. You can check out their awesome LOs in the slide at Bella Style Designs.

Here's a little preview of the kit and some pages I did with it:

2009-06-02T17:55:00.003+02:00

Girly Girl....

So Isabella is turning into quite the little lady...

She already enjoys admiring shoes and purses in store windows... yes she actually stops to look! Ha! Ha! She has now taken to having her nails painted. I did my nails last night after the kids went to sleep but left out the nail polish... this morning Isabella saw it right away and said, " Bella...la, la! Bella!" She excitedly pointed to the bottle on the counter. I got out the nail polish and started painting... but then thought, white paint is very boring for this little girl... so I got up and grabbed another colour. Isabella sat patiently.... and believe me, for a 2 year old that is no easy task...
I added a little colour here and a little colour there.... voila! Polka Dots! Ok so it turned out a little messy but that's what you get with an anxious 2 year old. She's pretty proud of her fancy piggies....

2009-05-28T14:26:00.003+02:00

Lissy, G, Isabella, Sofia&f=Ciao!&px=41.45&py=53.1&n=4&dom=http://www.wishafriend.com/pf/ladybug" quality="high" wmode="transparent" width="380" height="260" name="Lady Bug Note" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="samedomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />
Make a Ladybug Note at WishAFriend.com

2009-05-01T12:35:00.004+02:00

So we managed to get to the River by sunset...

There were a lot of people going down there to check it out.

Here's a pict and a video we took:

See the little dots in the picture? from there all the way to the right is where you could walk/bike/even drive! Then the river would be about 8 feet or so below that level! Now it's ALL covered.

2009-04-30T17:06:00.003+02:00

Well, I haven't been able to see the river since G has been working but if he gets home early enough we're going to try to see it. See the River Po is apparently overflowing thanks to all that rain we've been having.

Po has been getting so high that the bridge at Piacenza (the major city close to us) colapsed.... see here for the news story: http://www.nce.co.uk/news/structures/partial-collapse-of-bridge-over-po-river-italy/5201352.article

A friend of ours who lives in Cremona across the river crossed the bridge there today and said it was scary. G crossed it last night and said "wow! it's really overflowed!" I just want to check it out cuz I've never seen Po overflowed or that high! If we get over there to check it out I'll post some pictures.

2009-04-12T01:21:00.002+02:00

I have a new kit called "Family Tree" coming out soon at my store.
Keep checking in to see more info.

2009-04-03T01:58:00.004+02:00

Did Some Scrapping...

Well, DDs went to bed at a decent enough time for me to get a tiny bit of scrapping done. Here's a picture Dana took for me of Sofia when she was a month old... what a little darling in that angel dress!

I used one of my kits (Storytime by Bella Style) to make the page. It's on sale in my store:
www.bellastyledesigns.blogspot.com

2009-02-26T00:51:00.000+01:00

2009-02-23T22:46:00.008+01:00

Download Here

2009-01-21T17:25:00.003+01:00

New Design Blog!

Well, I've started up a new design blog with some of my digi designs....
check it out here:
http://www.bellastyledesigns.blogspot.com/

2008-12-08T00:24:00.004+01:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2008-12-05T19:34:00.005+01:00

A Few Layouts...

2008-10-21T01:57:00.004+02:00

I'm in a RAKing mood....

So if you are a follower of DST (Digishoptalk), you'll know I'm RAKing my Spooky Fun Halloween Kit to 2 lucky winners....So get over there people and start leaving me sweet lil' comments.

2008-10-21T01:27:00.002+02:00

Halloween Freebie

So it's been a while since I had a freebie so I thought I'd post one of my Halloween concoctions. A little bit of candy for all you sweet toothers out there...

Download Here

2008-10-06T02:36:00.003+02:00

Got some more pages done!

So the first one is all thanks to Dana for coming over to do some last minute photos for me... and she even used my camera - they turned out great!

The second one is a kit I got free from a designer... it was a fun page to do.

2008-09-26T08:03:00.002+02:00

I Got A Page Scrapped!!!!

Well, I took this photo of Isabella in August and am just getting to scrap it now... I've been so busy with getting Christmas cards organized and trying to get custom wedding pages scrapped for Dana to use as examples as well... it's been busy.

2008-09-24T22:41:00.002+02:00

I love Wordle

2008-09-06T16:51:00.005+02:00

In the meantime...

Here's a freebie paper for you... hope you like it.

Download Here

2008-07-30T00:44:00.004+02:00

New Freebie

DOWNLOAD HERE

2008-07-23T22:50:00.005+02:00

Here it is! Freebie time!

Here's my new addition to my series of flower watercolours...
I call it "Lovely Lavender."
Hope you like it. I'd love a link to your pages if you use it!

DOWNLOAD HERE

2008-07-23T00:50:00.002+02:00

Show Me What You Made

I've had a great response to my freebies I've been posting and am curious as to what everyone is doing with them. So come on people, if you have used just one item, I'd love a comment on what you used it for and send me a link.... I might just feature your LO here on my site for others to oohh and aahhh over!

2008-07-21T16:57:00.001+02:00

Freebie Time!

2008-07-21T01:30:00.003+02:00

Our Ultrasound....

Here's baby number 2. Nope, we didn't find out if it's a boy, hence the blue paper AND pink flowers. I tried to keep this LO a little unisex-baby-ish feel... think it worked.

Also used some of my new papers and stuff I've been busy trying to create lately.... so if there's something you like here... keep your eyes peeled, it may just come out as a freebie soon! (That's for all my digiscrapping followers that is.)

Credits can be found here

2008-07-19T04:24:00.005+02:00

New Freebie Paper.

Well, thought I'd add to my watercolour flower collection...

This one is called Baby's Breath

DOWNLOAD HERE

2008-07-15T21:00:00.004+02:00

Old Painted Flowers

Well, it's been a while since I had a few minutes to create any papers. I've had a bit of time to surf for inspiration though... here's some really great stuff out there!

If you like my paper, please leave me some lovin'!

DOWNLOAD HERE

2008-07-03T06:28:00.002+02:00

Party Girl

Dana Andreson took this sweet photo of Isabella at Taya's 1st birthday party on Saturday. It's such a cute pict but you can totally tell she was so tired that day and a little overwhelmed by all the strangers there.... poor thing!

2008-06-07T07:35:00.001+02:00

New LO!

2008-06-02T01:47:00.004+02:00

June Desktop!

Tried my hand at making a dsktop this month. Hope you like it.

Here's the link.

2008-06-01T22:15:00.006+02:00

Freebie paper!

Well, I'm trying to get back into creating again. Just thought I'd start out with a little paper sample as DD doesn't give me much time on the computer. Hopefully eventually I'll get a chance to make up some freebie kits soon!
Enjoy! Download here

and here!