Canada Day 150

I always like to do a little entertaining to celebrate Canada Day and the beginning of the summer. It's nice to put up some flags and show some appreciation and gratitude to live in such a beautiful and respected Country. It was a small gathering but I enjoyed making some good summery food and I was gifted this lovely bouquet...

I've been wanting to try to make a giant cookie for some time so I just grabbed a recipe off the Internet and gave it a try.

I loved the Canada Day M and M's. So festive. I put the dough on a pizza pan and held my breath as it crept closer and closer to the edges while it was baking.

I narrowly avoided a baking disaster and overall the cookie turned out pretty well but I found it a touch dry. I wanted to make sure it was thoroughly baked in the middle so maybe I left it in a little long. Once it was decorated up and accompanied with ice cream, it turned out pretty well...

Here's the recipe if you want to give it a try.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
1 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips (I substituted some M and M's)

Mix as per usual for cookies then spread on a 14 inch pizza pan. Bake at 375F for 20 to 25 minutes.
(I might try turning the oven temperature down a bit to avoid the overbaking)

Lindor Gets her CKC Title

We recently participated in a Dog Show down in Vanessa. This was a new venue to both myself and Lindor. We had two trials and after a stressful start (had to change collars just before we started our test), Lindor did amazing. Working the best I've ever seen her work. Excellent heel position and attentiveness.

 The Judge was super picky but we were still able to get great scores and earn our SECOND CKC title in Rally Obedience Intermediate. Super happy with how Lindor did. Not sure if we will continue to the next level or not. After all my girl is turning 9 and she doesn't have the spunk she once did but as long as she enjoys getting out, I think we will keep going.

June Monthly Challenge

We both had really busy months so we simplified our cards using ideas that we got off the Internet.
I used an image from a 6x6 paper pad and just coordinated it with the other papers...

and Keri made a cute wedding card with a computer generated image...

I really need to find a better spot in my house to take photos. They always look so washed out. A photographer I am NOT!

Graduation

How is it possible that this handsome fella is heading for HIGH SCHOOL?!!!!

A special occasion deserves a special card so I went with my favourite Birdbrains. They seem to have a theme for everything. This is a standup card and I got some great brads at Michaels that matched up perfectly.

On another note, I've started working on the next Loonies for Lindor fundraiser. Actually I work on it all year long but it's getting close now so time to get focused and get production underway.

Garden Update

I'm sure everyone is glued to their computers waiting for my garden update. LOL. It's been a weird spring of weather and now that summer is officially here, it's a little cool today and doesn't seem summer like at all. I hope my tomatoes don't sulk. The yellow beans had very poor germination but I started some green to compensate.
SO the little garden that I put in at home in my only sunny location is doing quite well. I'm getting lots of lettuce...

and yesterday I spotted the first teeny tiny makings of a cherry tomato on my very vigorous tomato plants that I got from Costco..

I need to walk up to the school to see how that garden is doing. It doesn't get watered as often.
And on another note, I got my first Simon Says Stamp card kit in the mail. My goal is to make at least 6 cards from every monthly kit or I will have to cancel my subscription. We will see how THAT goes! Isn't the teeny, tiny bikini die just the cutest?

Pet Sympathy

I'm constantly adding to my Pet Sympathy selection. I feel there is a real absence in the marketplace for this type of card and sadly this is one we need to send when someone loses a beloved pet.
I like to work in multiples when I get an idea. Designing is not my forte.

I think this card has a lovely sentiment.. "Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog". Senior are so special.

We're off to practise for our Dog Show on Saturday. Wish us luck! Lindor does not like to move too quickly when its hot out.

May Stamp of the Month Challenge

We exchanged these cards right at the end of the month and I simply could not get around to posting them. So today is the DAY!
Keri outdid herself this time with a beautiful shaker card and she snuck in a new Bee Stamp purchase without telling me as this is the the mini theme for the next Loonies for Lindor fundraiser and she wanted to surprise me. She used this Bee themed set from Kraftin Kimmie....

called Bugs and Kisses.

But you won't be seeing this card in your goodie bag. Lots of work went into making it special but if I ask really nicely, I may be able to borrow the stamp set.

I used a couple things new to me. I wanted the Stitched Flowers from MFT for the longest time but they were really pricey so I put it off until finally I could resist no longer. I think I'll be using them a lot. I combined them with my newer favourite scalloped edge die and made a really nice card that could be used with a variety of sentiments.

And now I guess I best get busy with THIS month's challenge. And just so you know, I don't seem to be reading at all these days.