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Another "It looks nice, but what to do with it?" flower - passed on to you! I would love to see how you use this!

Me 'n Nina in "lickidly bliss"
(click to see bigger)
credits:
Everything here is from KimB's Just Because Kit
except
Olivia Dorazio (my) Junkyard Garden Swirls

If you've ever been a tourist in the Okanagan then you would have put a visit to Tickleberries as a Have To Do on your list. And so, on the last (full) day of my visit with my sister we (as the official slogan of Tickleberries has it) ... we slung our lip over an ice cream. We hadn't had many photos taken during her stay, so I was hoping to catch one of us here, but it turned out there were not any people about - a very rare thing at Tickleberries. Nina's on the shy side, so I thought I would not get a photo... that is I made a deal with her I would not get one UNLESS someone 'happened' along. Well, ha! I kinda did have to use a bit louder than my usual voice to lure a couple in close enough to have them snap this, but I am glad I did. KimB's colorful Just Because Kit was perfect to frame us!

Yes, its very quiet here now, with my sister home, probably as I'm typing this. We had an AWESOME visit. We are so much alike its amazing, and I'm already planning for next year. We packed an awful lot into the short days we spent together. Our salsa turned out, by the way, for those of you who asked how it is. We wound up making two batches.

I'm so thankful to my thoughtful husband who took a day off from his projects to 'chauffer' us about, while we 'gabbed in the back' of the van on our trip across the border.

Mostly, I thank God for this thing called 'sisterliness' - I don't think I can find the words to describe what it truly means. There's a bond that is completely special and unique. I feel like we are small mirrors of personality in both of us. I better stop here, for I'm totally overwhelmed. I love you Nina and I miss you already!

Happy Anniversary to Barry and Judy
(click to see bigger)
Credits:
Olivia Dorazio's Junkyard Garden kit
Olivia Dorazio's Jelly Pockets Template

Anniversaries are celebrations of the
heart.
Sharing a life together is sharing
steps in time.
It is the giving of songs
and of silences only the heart can see.
The music of love may be different to each
of us, but how beautiful the dance.

Our brother Barry and Sister in Law Judy celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary - unfortunately I missed putting up a card for you. We know you had a few quiet days together on your recent vacation, and I hope you two celebrated in style. What a milestone in your wedded lives and what a close and beautiful family you two have built together. We wish you many, MANY more years together. All our love to you!

Olivia Dorazio's August Grab Bag

CLEARLY, Olivia (me) is a dork. I put this ad up LAST WEEK... erm, a week too early. I totally apologize for any inconvenience for those of you who might have tried to purchase it last Monday morning. It should be there this one, unless I've messed up again. Just click HERE to be taken to the Sophia Sarducci Shop. Each of our designers always have killer grab bags - you don't want to miss this! Oh OH OH, its also Monday Madness, meaning $$$$ savings!

layout by Victoria
Credits:
Olivia Dorazio's Junkyard Garden Kit

I love how Victoria has used my Junkyard Garden Kit - don't you? Victoria is my first "official" CT member. How funny is THAT? I've had loads of friends and people make layouts using my kit, but I've never researched what an official CT does... so, when Victoria inquired if I needed one, I had to ask her what one does... so now she is one! I look forward to watching her work with my products - ummmm, Victoria, do you have a blog site I can link to?

Ok, there is SO MUCH more I could blog today - an award I've recieved *beaming* and another layout created by my dear friend Shirley... but as I've limited time (playing catch-up after my sister's visit) and blogger will only take 5 photos at a time... this is a logical time for me to end for today. These other items will be featured next entry so stay tuned!

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(personal use only)

Just popping in for a few moments to share this Plushy Blossom with you. I'm learning a few new techniques and this is the result. This blossom did not seem to fit with any particular kit I'm creating at the moment so I thought perhaps you might find some good use for it. I would love to see how you use this - and its BIG, like 6 inches or better big! Just email me lalalime(at)hotmail(dot)com with a thumbnail and I'll be glad to share your layouts here!

Olivia Dorazio's Father's Day Grab Bag
WOO HOO!

It's GRAB BAG time at the Sophia Sarducci Shop - tomorrow, yes, on Father's Day... Why should Dad's have all the fun? Yes, if you have a mere $2 on hand I would HIGHLY encourage you to blow it here. I've included 7 - yes, I SAID SEVEN, seperate items in this Grab Bag, and its OK for Personal, Commercial and Scrap for Hire. I've broken these projects down into both png and PSD layered formats. Pardon me for saying this, but you'd be NUTS not to buy - LOL - it took me HOURS upon hours to make. I know more designers from the store are whipping up some wonderfully incredible GB's with you in mind as well. (Like my GOOD BUDDY Adrianna Lunette aka AmyW for e.g.) Just click HERE to be taken to the Shop!

layout by KIMB
credit: Olivia Dorazio's (yeah, thats me!) Digital Dad Kit
click HERE to purchase!

Wow, NICE layout Kim! I'm loving it. Thanks EVER so GirlFriend! How the HECK did you find time to make this for me, I'll never know... haha, but I am so grateful you did! Kim's email to me read:

"Just finished this one of Nathan- he was sitting behind me listening to music from his PC- and your kit popped in to my head as his shirt sort of matched too - Hope you like it So shouted his name and snapped- LOL" (and Kim added a MUAH at the end *beaming*

And now, I'm off to spend the rest of the weekend basking in our family visit. Things have been just amazing. I can't think of a better gift than getting to spend Father's Day with our Dad (my Father in Law) I promise to fill you all in over the coming weeks. Thanks SO MUCH to all of you who have visited me in the past few weeks and left encouragement!

TSUNAMI BLUE KIT

Tsunami Blue Kit addon - Quick Page

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My Layout using my own QP to tell Miles "I Love You!"
(click any of the blog images to see them a bit larger)

This third giveaway should give you a good sense of the quality of my new Tsunami Blue Kit. It's been a tremendous amount of work and a labour of love. Everything just 'flowed' with this one. It all began with one of the big waves, which I played with in three separate programs. Once I had the big wave, I had to make the little wave border, then I had to have seashells being a nautical theme. Then, being nautical I added a watery 'splash' overlay, and of course there had to be some sparkle and shimmer. Looking at the colors I could see this might appeal for masculine layouts, so I added in some rust and grunge too. When I finally 'drew the line' I'd added over 50 peices to this kit. If you have enjoyed the three giveaways, and would like to purchase the kit, its only $5, and if you shop tomorrow its Monday Madness at the shop so you will save an additional 20%. To visit the shop just click HERE. The kit should be up first thing in the morning.

I'm going to simply enjoy the rest of this long weekend - I hope you do too, and thank you for visiting my blog!

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(exhumed from last year's virtual goodie vault!)

It was big. Real big.

We've had it for a while, and every so often I would come across it and think to myself “We should really use this.”

But I'd never dealt with one before. So I procrastinated.

I was afraid.

Then, last week an opportunity presented itself and I thought, “Hey, why not give it a go?”

I'm talking Prime Rib.

We bought a side of beef a while ago, and in among the assortment of the usual cuts was this BIG prime rib roast. The thing had to weigh 7lbs or better. Even with salmon colored freezer wrap on I imagined dinosaur bones beneath.

Growing up in a family of eight kids the only prime rib I ever saw was in glossy magazines or on tv or in movies in fine restaurants or movies about the British Royalty. No, when I was a kid the further removed from any type of meat that was minced, the rarer the sighting. Even these days, the cost would be prohibitive!

So, seeing this monstrosity in my own freezer kind of niggled in the back of my mind every time I went in there. I knew I couldn't cook it any old day, cuz it would be far too much for just me and my hunny. Then we were having company. It was very brave/stupid for me to attempt it for guests – either the meal was going to turn out to be a huge success or a failure, but even at that I knew it had to be memorable.

So I took the plunge.

I love finding recipes on the internet, mostly because I like to not only read the actual recipes, but I find the reviews of them give me a good indicator of the success rate. I mean its one thing to take a recipe from my trusty old Betty Crocker or Joy Of Cooking books, but I never really know if what I wind up with is correct or not.

So, a'hunting I did go.

There were all the usual recipes where you fuss and finick over the thing and stand over the stove and look at it and baste it and test it etc... but I'm a 'no fuss' type of girl and I like a recipe thats easy and different. I found just such a recipe. It goes like this:

Fully defrost roast.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Put roast in pan, fat side up.

Season.

Poke a meat thermometer in it.

Put in preheated oven.

Bake 60 minutes.

Shut oven off. DO NOT open door.

Leave, door shut, for 2 – 4 hours.

Turn oven on to 375 degrees F. Roast for additional 60 mins.

Check thermometer for doneness ( I left mine in an extra 20 mins for medium)

Take out of oven. Cover with foil. Let rest for 20 min.

Carve.

Sigh with relief. Beam with pride.

I deemed the meal a success because the mom popped her head back in the house on the way out and said “My little one gave the biggest compliment – she said Mummy, that supper was nummy!” We all know that kids 'tell it like it is'

It WAS good. I want to cook another one already. I'm glad it was a big roast, for originally we had anticipated 2 guests. Then we added two. Then, three more. And I found out in a big hurry that our dining table stretttttttttttttttttttches. It gets big enough to fit 10 if we had wanted. Two guests were little people though so we smooshed them together with a big looker-after person to chase all their droppings. Another thing – we are like '2 People' company kinda people. Having more than two is an instance proportionate to finding a immense dino roast in the freezer...

Its amazing how far you can expand a meal when you're pressed. I'd made fresh bread the day before, thinking there would be some for all week's breakfastes and lunches – but it never made it past the company. Well, except for the ball of dough I sent home with a friend. I don't think, by the expression on her face, that anyone had ever presented her a ball of dough as a visting gift before. Imagine. Have YOU ever been given a ball of dough, uncooked? Its kind of a dough ministry for me. Go forth and bake.

Talking about food, I have a new favorite eat. These would be the mini honey mandarins. They come in a small box, a minature replica of the Chinese Mandarins you can buy at Christmas. They are soooo cute. Each one is the size of a walnut. The peels come off the same. They smell the same. And you can take each little one apart into teeny-weeny segments. Whats different is the taste. They are far more sweet and succulent. Worth every moment of peeling pleasure! And at $2.50 a box, they are as affordable as a coffee out – and far healthier!

Here's something else sweet – sweet if you live in Canada, that is... its Cadbury's Sweet Getaway Contest. Go enter, then I can blog about you winning, ok? To put your name in, just click HERE.

layout by blog reader Shirley

Thanks for sharing, Shirley.

Be sure to slip over to Shirley's to download her sweet freebie balloons!

credits:

Template is Closeknit by Kimb. designs

Heart element by Barb Derksen

kit The Magic of Christmas by Newlife's Dreams

font is Eurostile

I want to thank you all for your warm response on my last journalling on marriage. It is heartwarming to see you women stepping up to the plate to be good stewards of your relationships. For sure, it will be what you put into it. Although some marriages are genuinely unhealthy or one-sided, I believe a determined and gentle woman can revive and kindle the flames of love in your husbands. Thanks for your thoughts!

My husband and I were given a wonderful book which explores marriage and faith and... sex. This, coming from a young, newlywed couple yet! Kinda racey you might be thinking – but actually this was a deep, thought provoking, beautiful book which I'd highly recommend anyone read! I had to make myself read it sloooowly or I would have had it done in one night! It's so good that I've been asked to read it, one chapter a time, over the phone to someone in my life. How cool is THAT? The book is called SEXGOD and its written by Rob Bell. Go get! You can find more info, or order by clicking HERE. I'd love to know what you think of it. And... this would make a TERRIFIC Valentines gift to your love! (read it aloud, together!)

My SIL Judy sent me the following sentiments on housecleaning (shades of what I've been hearing you all muttering about on your various blogs, tee hee! 'Peshully you Kimb!) I'm sure you'll appreciate these:

PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!

I don't do windows because... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible ( plus they may sue me.)

I don't mind the dust bunnies because... They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own. I don't Spring Clean because. I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because... I don't want to get in God's way, HE is an excellent designer!

I don't put things away because... My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because... "A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!

Remember: A clean house is a sign of a broken computer!

Ok and for another good laugh, you just have to this site and click on the horses. Way talented they are! Just CLICK here to visit the farmyard!

I have a ton more great sites to share with you over the next little while. I wasn't feelinga bit sad and not too blog-happy for the past while, but I thing having a whip-creamy beverage and visit with my friend Becky has inspired me again. My fren' Becks is havin' a baby!!! I hope you get 'spired too, on your blog Becks. (once the poor girl gets past feeling sick all the time...)

Friendship is a precious gift,

that cannot be bought or sold.

but it's value is far greater,

than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,

It can neither see nor hear,

and in the time of trouble,

it is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen,

no heart to understand.

It cannot bring you comfort,

or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift,

be thankful if he sends,

Not diamonds, pearls or riches

But the love of real true Friends.....

~ Author Unknown

LUXURIOUS LEATHER KIT

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Happy New Year to all!

I've put together a larger than usual kit for you to enjoy - and its a little off the 'beaten path'...

Miles and I are feeling rested and relaxed after our time away. We spend the holidays with our folks at the coast. Our mom goes all out for us - decorates the house from top to bottom - in almost every single room. There's details down to themed soaps! I will post pics later on sometime but for now just wanted to stop by and say hello - first thing after it turned New Years - after Miles and I had a nice, quiet evening in with special snacks and goodies we whipped up (pics of that coming too!)

I will be coming on full force here over the next few days and look forward to catching up with all of you too.... psssst.... what did SANTA BRING YOU? C'mon, lets all compare. Did you go shopping on Boxing Day? My friend Gina tells me our Boxing Day is not celebrated in the U.S.A... but I know you have something called Black Friday. If you are reading me from another country - do you have some sort of the same thing? I went out boxing day with my Mother in Law and Sister in Law and the best buy was a DVD player for $9.99 - truly! I can't imagine someone making it for that.

Catch you on Tuesday!

BARB'S HANDY TIP #162

What CAN'T your ipod do???

Want to downsize your furniture and still be able to watch a movie (solo) on a large screen? Got an ipod? You HAVE to check this out!

The ICUITI iWear generates a virtual 44" screen viewed at 9 feet distance.

ICUITI