Do over Day?

So it's only 11 am which is pretty early for us night owl's LOL!  No seriously, this day has not started out well and that was by 10:00 this morning.  I will spare you the little details.  But let's just say I'm a perfectionist and absolutely adore Martha Stewart which ought to tell you something.  I DISLIKE making mistakes or not doing things perfect and we'll just leave it at that!  LOL!  Hey, I can admit that I make mistakes IF I make one ;o)) but definitely don't like it happening......and then my silly iphone is so sensitive....don't you just love when you accidently hit "delete" and didn't intend too or hit "send" and didn't intend too!  Ugh....yea so a couple of things like that this morning.....so I'm just going to make my day a "DO OVER DAY" officially starting now!  I so have to complete some orders for Etsy.....check these cuties out....

and then do some "mom" duties before the kids get home!  So, I'm outta here all!  Be sure and say "hi" if you stop by....thanks for reading the blog!

Where did I leave my Polka Dot Bow?

Okay, i admit it!  i'm a girlie girl and love accessories and one of them is bows!  i am a product of the '80's and we had BIG hair and we wore bows alot!  i'm so happy my daughter is 17 and still wears her bows! LOL!  But, you gotta love Minnie and her classic polka dot bows!  She wears a red one and a hot pink one.  Featured here, of course, is the hot pink style!  Aren't these the cutest?  i can't keep them in my Etsy Shop which is a "good thing"!  i have decided to start showcasing and photographing my tags literally attached to a gift bag in the shop....what do you think?  Helps one visualize don't you think?  Take a peek at more pics of Minnie here.  Hey, and did you know that bows are making a come back?  Yes, they are!  On clips and headbands yeaaaaa....i'm thinking i'm going to need me some!  All this talk makes me want to have some girl shoppin' time!  Wanna go?

Yes, I have a Sweet Tooth

So i have sweets on the brain and cannot get "desserts" out of my mind.....one of my favorite things is ANYTHING chocolate for heaven sakes! LOL!  So this dessert comes to mind that my son had on his birthday....take a looksy!  Can you believe that?  That thing was amazing and i think he had several different types of chocolate candies on it! YUMMmmm!  Oh and i do think i see "A" banana on it! LOL!  Sort of like an afterthought!  Well, maybe i will sneak me some ice cream later tonight don't tell...it is one of my favs.  In the meantime i have some yummy treats in my Etsy shop....you should take a peek!  Like these:

Find more here:  http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/

Cyber Savvy wanna be that's me

Okay, so i made a blog a year ago because i think it is really cool!  i love the idea of it and that it is a place to go and share just about anything.  But, here's the deal, all this cyber space techno stuff is kind of crazy and overwhelming to keep up with for those of us who are the artsy, creative-minded peeps.  i definitely have fun doing it while i am FBing, tweeting, and tryin' to be a blogger LOL!  But, i cannot seem to manage the time because before I know it an hour has gone by in my precious "timed" world of beating the clock.  i love the idea of being in that world to help Chocolatetulipdesign get off the ground and to stay in touch with old friends and make new friends....but it seems to be kickin' my booty on keeping up! LOL!  So, here is my attempt to get back in the game of blogging....the big question i have is how to get "followers" in the blog and tweet world and in some cases the ones you want.  Cyber world also kind of weirds me out with "creepers" do i dare say that for those of you creepin' on me ha ha your busted!! JK!!  Anywhooo, anyone have tips on creating a following base for those of you who do blog and tweet?  What is it that they want?  So, if you are here reading this and have some sound & witty advice on the subject i would love to hear it!

S P R I N G has S P R U N G!

So this is one happy girl.....Spring has arrived and I have enjoyed getting out in my flower beds and preparing the yard for some summertime fun in the pool.....now that my beds have been "spring cleaned" out I can start planting my flower pots! So I thought I would share some of my flower pots that I planted under the back porch just in case there is some "freakish" last minute frost they would be protected! Oh please no!!

One of my favorite colors RED....I love impatience....funny name huh? I guess these little pretties suit me just fine as I am challenged by being "impatient" sometimes LOL!

I definitely love me some pretty Marigolds....these are the most hardy flowers and they can withstand our HOT southern summers!

And lastly, some sweet tags in my Etsy shop that adorn some cute little daisies! Are you the QUEEN of your domain or know someone who is?.....these little sweeties are perfect to adorn a gift bag, a scrapbook page or a party favor bag just to name a few.....check them out in my shop www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com thanks for stopping by.....toodles for now!

I T S Y B I T S Y S P I D E R

Hey so Happy Friday! i went outside this morning because the beautiful sun was calling my name... i am so much more productive when the sun is shining and the truth of the matter is i would much rather be outside diggin' in the dirt and creating my art in the flower beds. So, check out who is already taking a dip in the pool....eek! Awwww, he's harmless! Not anything like the water snake we had visit last May...he was approximately 4 ft. long! But, that's another story! Maybe i should post photos of that....scaaaary! But, anywhoooo, this little guy was basking in the sun already in the pool today. i am really in the spring cleaning mood. i have my list already going and it is really getting long! But, i think i will go out and clean out my front flower beds today....things haven't been so great lately and it takes my mind to another place. Very theraputic for me....my tulips are starting to come up ( my faaaavorite flower). i have forgotten what color I planted so I'm anxious to see. Well, guess i will go get my boots on and head out. Please come soon Spring....i miss you!

C U P C A K E S anyone?

Who doesn't love cupcakes....a little bite of yummy-ness! It's good for me because otherwise I will eat the whole cake! I love buttercream icing! My sister is the Queen of Cupcakes! Hers are rather tasty and so moist! I love how cupcakes can be decorated in themes and actually turned into cute little animals, food items and such! My mother bought a book for my sister one time that has so many cool ideas in it for decoration. Have you seen the ones that look like mashed potatoes, hamburger and types of foods that typically don't look like they are a cupcake. Kind of messes with your mind! Crazy! Well, I don't usually bake cupcakes much but I sure make "paper cupcakes" alot! People love them in tag form too!

I have a few gift tags to share that are cupcake inspired....I love to go on the internet and search "cupcakes" then click on images and see all the different ones that pop up! Fun past time activity if you have a few minutes to spare ha ha! Mine is usually late at night since I am a night owl.....so anywhooo, here are a few of my cupcake tags in my Etsy shop. http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/ If you see a style you like but not the right colors I can always customize! I love doing special orders! As you can see in one of the photos, I did do a custom order. That was a fun order for a 1 year old birthday party and she wanted some tags with lollipops too.....Thanks for taking a peek!

Have you ever taken a famous quote and inserted a word in it to change it a bit?? Fun little thing to do.....so I leave you with....."Give me Liberty, or give me a Cupcake!"

S U N S H I N E and R I B B O N

Good Monday Morning! I know I know.....some don't like Mondays but it is actually one of my favorite days! I love Sunday and Monday back to back....Sundays start off the week with a day of rest and I'm with my family as there is no where to be accept church. Mondays are my day I am most productive! As the week wears on I get more and more pooped! ha ha

So I went into my office today and saw my cute little TJ already in there sunning and enjoying the beautiful sun pouring in the window. My office faces the southeast and I get the most beautiful sun in the morning, that is if it is out....it has definitely been a dreary, snowy January & February here and I am soooo ready for spring already! I am not a fan of cold weather at all! But, anyone who knows me knows that! I go straight from my UGGS to flip flops!

So, today is "design" day for my Etsy site....you can go check it out here if you have not seen my shop http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/ I'm thinking that I am going to design with inspiration from my ribbons today....I L O V E ribbon! It is the perfect touch to anything paper design I think! So here are some ribbons I'm designing with...aren't they scrumptious?! Definitely some of my favorite colors and best sellers....And Mr. TJ is giving the approval!

So I leave you today with this little inspiration regarding "sunshine" and ribbons in my office today....."Wherever you go,

no matter what the weather,

always bring your own sunshine."

~ Anthony J. D'Angelo

Hazelnut coffee and T I N K E R B E L L

Good morning and "clink"....today is the day I am preparing to travel. I am going to be off to a very happy, magical place! I'm so excited....there's a big hint in the photo :O) I brought this coffee mug back last year from this magical place and it inspires me so much everytime I get it out and sip on coffee as I mull over designs. I actually created some Tinkerbell tags from inspiration attributed to this mug. They were so cute and I sold several sets on my Etsy site. If you are curious you can view them in my "sold" section at my Etsy shop http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/ I think when I return from the magical place I will make some Tinkerbell tags again as well as some new Disney designs....everybody loves Mickey, Minnie, Tinkerbell and well, etc, etc, etc......so I have this mile long list I need to do for real, but seem to be doing things that haven't gotten done in 6 months or more....or why do we all of the sudden think our house needs a deep cleaning before we leave. I'm not going to be here to enjoy it! And yes, it is nice to come home to a deep cleaned house but really, must I exhaust myself before I leave? Okay, I talked myself out of it....CHECK THAT ONE OFF THE LIST! ha ha! I need to get my Iphone loaded with new songs for the plane ride....I haven't done that since I got it a month ago....which will probably take me over an hour because I completely do not understand the whole iTunes thing anyway, well sort of but I end up looking at so many songs when I should just download and get off! We had a friend come over this last week and move the software to a newer computer, of which I'm deeply grateful for. All this techno stuff is over my head. I just want "people" like Marth Stewart......you know when someone says I have "people" ha ha.....ohhh in my dreams. Well, should probably go tackle my list as I will be leaving to go to the Magical Place at 4 AM in the morning. I will be getting up at 2:30AM I suppose and yes that is in the AM....this will be really great for a night owl! Toodles and until next time...."Have a magical day!"

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R kind of late....nahhh

Well, typically one says "Happy New Year" at the beginning of the month of January more than the latter but it's still the first of the year and my first posting for January 2010!

Sooooo, H A P P Y N E W Y E A R!

Gosh, the year is definitely up and running out of the shoot already! Have you made your list of goals for 2010....you know I've never been one to actually write them down. I do think about them though and plant them in the brain....I should probably write them down so that I can see them as they happen! My hubby is a big planner and "writer down person"....he keeps me on track with our family goals and then reflects back at the end of the year and shares with us what we accomplished....when he does that I'm thinking WOW we did do alot. So, it does pay to "write" them down!

So let me think this year I need to dust more, you know the AC return air vents and those cob webby things that hang from the lights to the corner of your room, oh and dust the blinds, sweep and mop my tile floor more, clean out the fridge more (did I mention I got a new one for Christmas) so this is a must this year! Put those knobs on my laundry cabinets that I purchased a year ago! ha ha.....well, I'm being silly but I would like to "clean my house more on a regular basis" you know like I did in my 20's!! Where did that energy go?

No, for real, I would love to take some graphic artist classes, some cooking classes, some photography classes, and exercise more! I have gotten a catalog to the local college here to sign myself up. I still haven't decided HOW I am going to exercise...I absolutely hate going to gyms where sweaty people I don't know are using machines. I'm thinking I will try the Wii fitness program. We got one for Christmas and I here it is pretty good....any thoughts on that program? I also love to walk and will probably pick that up again and swim in our pool once it warms up! I can't wait for that! So, those are a few thoughts from me on 2010....how about you?

C O F F E E C H A T

Well Good Morning! It's been a while.....I seem to have dissappeared from my blog. But, I promise I have not been far....with teen kiddos quite involved with activities this mama has been busy with her full time job! Where has the time gone? We are already through one semester of a school year! Yikes! Winter has moved into our area and we had a white Christmas which was the best gift of all! I must confess for the first time in my entire life I was not ready for Christmas or even really in the spirit. In reflecting back, I would guess a couple of life events happened that affected my spirits.....my grandmother passed away....(my mother's mother) and it was all in the spectrum of a week. Very sudden after learning how sick she was. Then, my husband left his job this past summer after almost 20 years with a family business. And, thirdly my brother in law had an accident and fell off a ladder breaking both his legs. Gee, maybe that had something to do with my spirits being in a different place?? All these things happened in the latter part of this year. Well, my grandmother bless her soul is with my grandpa and as my cousin put it very nicely she and grandpa must be dancin' now! And my hubby, he is one intelligent, gifted man who is blessed by the Lord and will follow God's direction and God's will for his life. And thank goodness bones heal. I know my brother-in-law will be back strong soon!

Life IS good I can't complain too much.....my babies are healthy, happy and fill our life with joy and my furry baby TJ is always by my side! I am looking forward to 2010!! You want to know a silly reason why...my hubby laughs at me for this reason. I love "even" years!! Don't know why, maybe because I was born in an even year, graduated high school and college in an even year and married in an even year....who knows but I'm excited! LOL! Plus who doesn't love fresh new starts? I think this year is going to be incredible. I can't wait to see what God has in store! Soooooo, thanks for stopping by for some coffee chat. Please leave me a comment and share some coffee chat you have...are you ready for the new year? Let me know what is going on with you! I hope you have a blessed and joyous upcoming year in 2010! cheers!

~My coffee tags can be found at http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/

J U S T B E C A U S E

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by....today is a "just because" day.....life is good, it's absolutely gorgeous in the 70's in November no doubt! I really want to be outside planting pansies but am working inside today doing this and that on house chores while running in and out of my studio getting work done! If you get a moment stop by my store at Etsy and take a peek at some of the really cute cards I have put up....one is here! Everyone needs a sweet greet "just because" and who doesn't love to get mail in the mailbox in this day in age of techno something or other!! Plus, I have several things on sale....stock up and save! I also have Christmas items coming very soon! www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com

I hope you are having a sweet day and you are blessed, and maybe you can be a blessing to someone today "just because"! Smiles....see you soon!

my most recent "reserved listing" i. e. "custom order" yay!

Hello bloggers! Thought i would share with you the most adorable "custom order request" from an ETSY client. The request was for a custom pinwheel present card like the one i have posted here a few postings ago, as well as several for sale in my Etsy Store. http://chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/ This request was for a pinwheel card to be turned into a baby's 1st birthday invitation! They turned out so cute... what do you think? They are textured cardstock in hot pink & salmon with a beautiful hot pink sheer ribbon, a touch of tulle and polka dot ribbon! I am in love!! She sent a photo of a tutu for color inspiration that she had purchased for her little baby to wear on her birthday....now how cute is that?!! And it really was inspiring i based the invite colors, ribbon and tulle from that! So thanks for looking and i hope you enjoy these darling little creations!

A U T U M N & F A L L & seasons of change bring festive fall holiday tags

All these items can be found at my Etsy site for purchase!

Check it out you might just find something you like!! http://chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/

Look it's Jack he's back! :O)) Fun, whimsy and a fun twist on Halloween....i like to make Halloween a fun, more festive party atmosphere....have i told you that i am SCARED to death of this holiday? Literally anyone who knows me from childhood i was the scaredy cat and NEVER went into the haunted houses when my friends had sleepovers...i'm actually surprised they still invited me because it was really ridiculous. i still don't today....silly i know but that's ME! :OD

Okay, typically & honestly :O)) I'm not a cat lover, actually I think they don't like me ha ha.... if you have read any past postings I have put my cute cuddly TJ who is a Wire Fox Terrier on here....but I do love this Bold Black fun Cat tag!! Wouldn't this look so cute on just about anything Halloween?! I really like the ribbon found it at Hobby Lobby! My most favorite store IN the world!!

This is a fun & whimsy bat tag that would look soooo cute on

any party favor bag, gift bag or party name tags! EEEeeek do you suddenly feel something swarming around your head?! Ha Ha i kind of do!

P I N W H E E L paper present...i think you need one

Isn't this the cutest little custom card you've ever seen? I love this....a little sweet sentiment to send to that someone special! It has a country french feel with a romantic twist. I call it a Pinwheel paper present card....read more about it at my etsy site http://www.chocolatetulipdesign.etsy.com/ and pick one up! I have several different designs in this sweet little thing ....as always thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment I would love to hear your special thoughts!

H A P P Y L A B O R D A Y ! !

i hope each of you are having a fantastic Labor Day today! And that you have enjoyed your 3 day weekend! it has been not so great at our home my oldest son is sick with bronchitis and my husband and daughter are working today but we are trying to salvage it as best we can. i'm thinking of doing some rearranging of furniture to surprise my family when they come home! But, here is an ice cream tag that i thought i would share with you to celebrate the last weekend of summer celebration. it makes me sort of sad...i absolutely LOVE summertime and hope to live somewhere warm year around someday or at least have a second home in a toasty place! Some cool tools i used in making this tag are the friendship maker and the Geo Multi-maker from Creative Memories. i love their tools! So have a super fun day today! Eat lots of ice cream, hot dogs and hamburgers! Happy Labor Day!

BOOOOOO!! Are you ready for creepy crawly things, Halloween and fall?.....we are having unusally cool weather in these parts of the USA. it makes me kind of sad that summer is leaving us but it is always really neat when fall comes rushing in....the beautiful leaves turn and there is a crispness in the air! Well, here is another card i have whipped up using Creative Memories Limited Edition Trick or Treat paper pack! The big spider was made using the CM Black and White paper line....in particular the spider was made with a paper flower which resembles silk flower embellishments. They are very cool as well as CM has paper ribbon. It is pretty neat to use because you don't have to worry about using fabric glue to apply it. Also used, are CM black swirly ABC letters, paper and stickers from the trick or treat pack and some sanding to distress. Start pulling out those fall decorations it will be here soon....thanks for stopping by!

H E A R T to H E A R T

Good Monday morning!! Thanks for stopping by.....i captured a precious moment while walking by my back windows the other day that look out on our backyard. To my surprise i saw a special moment between my husband and my son. i call it "HEART to HEART".....you can read about it on the journaling on my layout. This is a digital design using Creative Memories Storybook Creator Plus software. Love, love, love this program....i have mentioned it many times here you should check it out on their website creativememories.com i hope you have a glorious day and admire something beautiful in this world we live in because there are too many little moments like this to let slip by....i think i stood at the window, watching, wondering exactly what was being said and snapping photos without them seeing for at least 10 minutes. Go see what you can stumble on today and come back and share with me!! i would love that!

T R I C K or T R E A T in August?

Happy Friday blog readers! Am I rushing the fall?! Ummmm, no because I DO love summertime BUT, I have gotten the privilege of receiving the Limited Edition Trick or Treat Addition pack from Creative Memories to have some play design time with! Woooohooo! and it is playfully CUTE!! The papers are awesome with bold color and prints....I love printed paper....'cause I'm a "detail" gal you know. The papers have these reeeeally cute printed owl and spider web in the corners of the papers as well as some rockin' stickers!! So, enjoy my little "treats" for you today.....this limited additions pack becomes available September 1st!! So, call your Creative Memories consultant or go online to http://www.creativememories.com/ and use the consultant locator if you do not have a consultant. You can also just order online and have it shipped straight to your door!! Other items used in these projects were The Creative Memories Tag Maker, circle maker, ABC Letters in simple and swirly, large and small sizes. These items are currently available....enjoy!

1st Day of School AUGUST 2 0 0 9

So, I have dinner on and am doing a little reflecting at the end of the day as I smell spaghetti and meat sauce bubbling. It was a good day....the house didn't get messed up, no shoes all over, no clothes, NO DIRTY dishes in the sink and me cleaning the kitchen 3 times a day, I didn't hear spongebob or icarly screaming out of the TV....in fact I didn't have the TV on all day. Just beautiful solitude! It was glorious and I could actually think! BUT, I did find myself racing against the clock to get my work done before the kids hit the house so I could be mom and hear about their awesome day and which teacher they loved and which teacher well you know ;o) Sorry, but I was a teacher once and I know! But, to really sit down in front of them and LISTEN to everything they had to say because we had spent time apart and I sent them into that big world without me and to see what they had to bring back to share with me. Kind of like Mama bird! LOL! It is nice to have some structure back and to have some time of my own but I do love when those pitter patter feet come running in the door from the bus or the chitter chatter in the car all the way home from my youngest. This is my purpose to be here for them as they go out and come back home daily.....I love teaching them and raising them up so they are strong, courageous, caring, loving to others and then for them to have a place they can't wait to come back too.....yeaaaa I know I have been reflecting today in the solitude... as much as I am excited about the structure and having some time to wear my "woman" hat instead of my "mom" hat it does always remind me as we start another new school year how much my kids have grown up so much over the summer! My sweet daughter who is a junior in high school texted me to let me know she had made it to the "big" school at 8:24 am this morning. She is at the "high school" where only junior and seniors go.....wait a minute wasn't it yesterday I was just taking her to kindergarten it is so clear in my mind, I can see it, feel it, taste it....and yes, you guessed, I cried after I read the text....this cannot be she is out there without me but cares enough to let me know she made it....she was nervous and had no idea where her classes were.....so yea there you have it. That was my day.....bittersweet....just me & the fuzzy dog, solitude and work, work, work! But, I DID love getting to design today without interruptions! I can't wait for you to see what I am working on for Creative Memories as soon as I get the word that I can share I will.....stay tuned! Now back to icarly screaming out of the TV and to eat yummy spaghetti! Awww this is heaven!