January Swap card

 Wait for it! 

Yes, the monthly Swap card between Keri and myself is back. It was a little painful getting started again (at least for me) but I'm happy to have a goal and a purpose again to get creating.

Keri made this lovely card, lots of heat embossing (she does such a good job) using a Stamp Set from Stampin UP.

This is the Stamp set that she used...

I used the Honey Bee Stamp set; Hugs enclosed to make this versatile card....

This is the stamp set I used...

Quick and easy to get the ball rolling for 2022. 

2021 Reading summary

Well I can't say that I had a stellar year of reading but I did manage to accomplish 30 books which is the highest number that I have completed in awhile. I was going through my list and I can't say that any really stood out for me as amazing books. I did really like The Rosie Project but I found the sequel a bit of a let down.

 

 I ended the year reading a lot of historical romance fiction which is not my genre but I found I needed some really light novels to keep my reading interest. I also must say that I also discovered Libby this year. The online library platform. I have really enjoyed reading on my ipad especially when its so dark so early. The problem is they all seem to come in at the same time. The good news is there are always books available to read if you so chose. I'm starting 2022 with Anxious People and I'm really enjoying it so far. 

I'm setting my goal again this year at 40 books (2021 ended at 30 books read. Fingers crossed I can complete my goal this year.

Happy 2022!

Christmas Baking 2021

•  Last year, I didn't bake a single cookie. This year seemed more promising with some small gatherings planned but now with another variant circulating, maybe there will be some more cancellations. On the plus side, I was able to have my neighbours over for a short Open House and I think they all enjoyed getting together as we are a very diverse neighbourhood. Anyway, I digress. 

 

Here is the list of cookies that I made this year (almost all of them tried and true favourites and most of the recipes can be found on this blog....

• Nainamo bars
• Pink ladies
• Butterscotch Marshmallow squares
• Chipit Cherry Jewel bars
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Traditional Shortbread
• Peanut Butter Balls 
• Mennonite Shortbread (iced)
  
• Almond Tree cookies (a rare fail, they were too thick for the Cookie press)
• Mini Chip Shortbread
• Whipped Shortbread 
• Caramilk cookies
  

I exchanged some shortbread for some date balls with a friend of mine to round out the lineup.

I might still roll out some sugar cookies to use up my leftover buttercream frosting. Merry Christmas everyone!
 

July? Card swap

 Hello, anybody out there? It's been awhile. Finally getting back to the monthly cards. Not sure if we will try to catch up or just start from here. It's been a busy few months and the summer is not as conducive to sitting indoors and crafting. Hopefully with Covid on the decline, there will be more regular get togethers and days dedicated to card making and planners. 

I used this sweet stamp set from the Colorado Craft company.  I kept going back to it in the store and didn't know what was drawing me to these bunnies until I looked up the artist. She illustrated Guess How Much I Love YOU? One of my favourite children's books of all time.So I had to have it and made this simple card...... I was thinking of an Anniversary sentiment but decided to leave it blank as it could work for friendship etc.

Keri made this cute card with techniques that she learned from Crop and Create. The stamp set is from Photo Play...

Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going now that we are back to crafting and fall weather.

June Card Swap

 We are going to catch up, I swear, maybe once the cold weather hits but for right now it's too nice to sit inside and scrap. 

We did manage to whip up a couple cards and here they are:

Keri used the new Giant Sentiments: Happy Birthday to you from Lawn Fawn to create this card...

 

What a coincidence! I chose a Lawn image as well...

Here's the stamp set I chose...

It's called Birthday Before and Afters. There you have it, a quick post. Now I'm off to cut the lawn (again)

May Card Swap

 Trying to get back into the swing of card making. Keri and I are going to attempt our Monthly swap. I started with a super easy copy card to get my mojo going....

Keri gave me a couple cards from her Paper Pumpkin collection. We are both trying to get back in the game. I loved these sweet cards...

Wish us luck for JUNE!

The Rosie Project

 I feel like I'm getting back in my reading mode.  It was helped along by finally reading a novel that was INTERESTING! I have read 3 books in 2021 so far. 

"Wife Wanted: Must be punctual, logical and enjoy travelling by bicycle. No smokers, drinkers, or horoscope readers need apply.

Don Tillman, has a brilliant scientific mind, but social situations confound him. He's never had a second date. And so in the evidence based manner in which he approaches all things, he embarks upon the Wife Project: a 16 page questionnaire to find the perfect partner. Then in walks Rosie Jarman."

You grow to love this quirky character and the science thrown into the mix is interesting as well. I definitely enjoyed this book and I hear that there is a 2nd one called The Rosie Effect. This was a first novel as well for the Author. Well done!