We hiked through the forest.....

.....and made it a little more than half way up to Mount Townsend last Sunday.  It was so beautiful!!!  My Grandpa took 9 of us on this all day adventure.  That's him in the background (hiking) in the photo below.  He is 81 years young : )

Most of our hike was through the forest, shaded from the hot sun.  There was a cool breeze that felt like air conditioning, which was awesome, since the first third of our hike was a steep up hill trail.  We stopped often to rest, drink, and snack on our way up the mountain.  The wildflowers were so bright and lovely.....quite cheerful, I must say.....

I took lots more photos, and am sure I will share them later on layouts (or for something fun).

Tonight we made some decorations for my sister's wedding.....5 of us at my Mom's dinner table with crafty goodness spread everywhere.  Everyone enjoyed themselves, and our decorations turned out awesome (we think ;)  I'll take some photos of them, once they are hung up for the wedding (eek...only two weeks away!!!).  

Tomorrow, I get to sleep in (yay), and then I"m off to an all breed dog show with Sarah and Amber.  I am hoping to sneak in a Tootsie burger for lunch....yummy!!!

Have a great weekend!
<3 Carrie 

Pink Ninja Addicts Blog Hop w/ Tanisha Renee!

Welcome to our fun blog hop for July, and thank you for stopping by!!!

Our Ninja In The Spotlight for this month is the talented Tanisha Renee.  She has made some awesome layouts with photos of her boys, and also two cool cards with the *Please Play This Song On The Radio* Main Kit.  You will love what she's created, and can see them on the Pink Ninja Addicts Blog, and/or her personal blog. 

I am also excited to share with you the second set of Pink Ninja Addict kits for July!!!  Here is the Main Kit *Toast & Bananas*.....

And the Add-on Kit *Sunday Afternoon*.....



Aren't they perfect!  I just adore these colors right now!!!  Seems like these days, I just can't get enough red.....I think it's officially my second favorite color (green being my first).  And, I am so excited to make more goodies with these two kits!  Even thought I'm on vacation in Washington state, I'm sure I'll have something new to share next Monday ;)

As your hopping along on this blog hop, you'll also get to see all the other creations from the Pink Ninja Addict girls.....so, there is lots of inspiration.  Plus, there are giveaways (made from one of this month's kits, of course)!!!  You can enter for a chance to win one of these beauties:

• a *Please Play This Song On The Radio* kit

• *Robot Earrings* handmade by Ninja Star Gloria

• a *Lined Zipper Pouch* handmade by Ninja Master Nely

• a *Headband* handmade by Ninja Master Ally

• *Summer Pinwheels* handmade by Ninja Star Carrie (me)

• *Pinwheel Embellishments* handmade by Ninja Star Carrie (me)

You have through Saturday, July 31st to enter for a chance to win one of the giveaways.  The winners will be announce Sunday, August 1st on the Pink Ninja Addicts blog :-)

And here are the rules to enter.....

• you have to be a follower of the Pink Ninja Addicts
• you have to be a follower of the Pink Ninja Addicts Girls
• you have to talk about this blog hop on your blog, and the Pink Ninja Addicts have to see it
• you have to leave a comment on the Pink Ninja Addicts blog
• you have to sport the Pink Ninja Addicts blinkie on your blog 

Here are all the other girls for our blog hop, Pink Ninja style.....

• Pink Ninja Addicts - http://www.pinkninjaaddicts.blogspot.com/

• Ally - http://www.allyserrato.blogspot.com/

• Nely - http://www.nelybarger.blogspot.com/

• Gloria - http://creatingfreespirit.blogspot.com/ 

• Tanisha Renee - http://tanisharenee.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!!!

Carrie

I fell asleep smiling Friday night : )

This was my view from the airplane.  The Cascade Mountains.  I arrived in Washington safe and sound.

And today I gave my sister the guest book I made for her wedding.  She loved it, so I'm happy.  Here are a few pics.....

In the morning, I'm going on our hike up to Mt. Townsend, so I'll try and get some fun pictures to share.  My Grandpa is taking us.  It will be a special day.

<3 Carrie

Wednesday ~ Heart Flutter

Meet Clementine.  My brand new DSLR camera.  She's a Canon Rebel XS, and I just LOVE her!!!  This photo is of the two of us looking into the Anthropologie window by my house.....I always love their window displays!

Clementine and I haven't had a lot of time together, and I'm still learning all the different things she can do, but I'm super excited to take her on my hike this Saturday up to Mt. Townsend (in Washington)!  I also plan on reading more of her manual on my plane ride this Friday.  Hopefully, I'll have some fun pictures to share on Monday : )

I also wanted to share with you one of my favorite movies right now.  Ryan bought it for me as a get well gift when I was sick a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you that laying in bed, and watching this gem of a movie made me feel a whole lot better!  The rich colors, adorable characters, imaginative story, and all the beautiful underwater shots are perfect.....I think it's a fantastic movie!!!  Here are a couple pics from "Ponyo".....

Have a lovely day!

Carrie

The days just seem to fly by.....

Yesterday, I took a much needed break and went out for a yummy beer with sweet Gloria.  It seems as though lately, time just escapes me.  I have been getting ready from my upcoming trip to Washington, and been super productive, but there is still so much to do.  It was nice to just sit outside at a local bar, and free my mind of it all.  Gloria and I made plans for my birthday party, which I am now super excited about!!!  We talked about all the fun ways we will keep in touch while I"m gone (you'll see what I mean next week).  And if all goes according to plan, will have a fun video to share with you this Thursday or Friday.  We also talked about dreams and dreaming.  Sometimes I feel a little like Alice in Wonderland.  I love to dream and enjoy my wonderland but worry that from time to time I get stuck down the rabbit hole.  The good news is, I couldn't be in better spirits lately.  And my Mom even called me yesterday to see if I wanted to go hiking on Saturday.  I'm getting super excited!  I leave on Friday : )

And now I leave you with this beautiful music video.....Enjoy!



<3 Carrie

Pink Ninja Monday!

Today I would like to introduce you to the first of two brand new lovely kits from the Pink Ninja Addicts for the month of July.

Please say hello to the cool main kit *please play this song on the radio*.....

.....and the cutest add-on kit *electric youth*.....



There are already some awesome projects up on the Pink Ninja Addicts blog with this kit from their talented Ninja in the Spotlight, Tanisha Renee!  And you will especially want to check out what she did with the adorable little robots HERE...it's genius...these little guys really are too cute!!!

I hope to have the second kit for July available to show you next Monday, for another fun blog hop, with another special handmade giveaway : )  I can't giveaway too much, but I am super excited to work with this kit.....it reminds me of the 4th of July, picking blackberries, making homemade fruit crisps, summer in the country, and classic movies all rolled into one!!!  It is just perfect for me right now, and for the summer!

Happy Pink Ninja Monday!

Love,

Carrie

Beautiful Nighttime Zoo

Spent Friday night here with Ryan. We played with different camera settings, and lenses.....it was fun.  Only thing is, we were so caught up in taking pretty scenery photos, that we forgot to get more photos of the animals.  We'll have to remember that one for next year ;)

Today I mostly ran errands, but was also craving fresh fish, so Ryan and I went to the Cardiff Seaside Market.  I made a delicious dinner of fresh halibut seasoned with butter and green onions (forgot to get a picture), fresh caprese salad, a baguette, and real lemonade.  It was soooo good.  My tummy is still happy.  The perfect summer dinner on a hot day.

What are some of your favorite summer dishes?  I am not much of a cook, so an ideas you might have will be exciting to try.....

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Carrie

Summer of Love.....

I have finally started the journaling prompts for this lovely book.  A book that is documenting my summer here in San Diego, and also, be the perfect place for remembering my days in Washington (thank you, Kara) : )

These first two pages are the first day of summer with my self portrait (taken on that exact day), and also the introduction (since I am writing a book of sorts, after all).  I think the key, for me at least, is to keep each page simple, since there are so many to do.  There are 29 journaling prompts alone, not to mention the 17 photography prompts.....and I am determined to finish it this summer.

I am looking forward to hiking through lush forest, to a beautiful beach along the coast of Washington.  I can see myself sitting in the sand on a sunny day, and taking out this little book to write down my thoughts and adventures from the day before.

The last few days here have been very warm (a little too warm for my liking).  So, today, I am just trying to stay cool.  Working on little bits of different craft projects, more digital art, and watching a special on the salt nomads of Tibet.

Have a beautiful day!

Carrie

Wednesday ~ Heart Flutter

This just makes me smile : )

<3 Carrie

Her Invitations

.....for her summer wedding.

My sister, Sarah has these beautiful tattoos.  (I'll try and remember to get a photo of some of them next time I see her.)  She has some delicate lilies on one of her legs, red roses on her back, and an entire sleeve of different colorful flowers that represents our family.  This sleeve of flowers was the inspiration for her wedding invitations.....the flowers we chose, the colors, etc....

These are also the first invitations I've ever offered to make, and I have to say that I would do it again.  It gave me the chance to draw (and partially trace) flowers from photos for some of the artwork, which was fun.  Plus, making most of the invitation a digital image to print out, made it so much easier than I thought it would be to put them all together....with the help of my Mother and sisters, of course ;)

And today I am daydreaming about being with them in WA.  I can't believe it is almost here!  Only a week and a half left till I'll be hiking to beautiful waterfalls and beaches, making decorations for Sarah's wedding, eating Jean's Deli honey buns, and hugging my little sister!!!  Heaven!

Have a beautiful day...

Carrie

Pink Ninja Monday!

This little book is only 2 & 1/2 inches wide by 3 & 1/4 inches tall.  Super tiny and cute!  When I saw the pretty floral paper, the colors were perfect for making a mini with a couple of the pics from my trip up to Fern Gully.  I used the Pink Ninja Addicts June Main Kit and May Main Kit to put it all together.  The only thing from my personal stash is the paperclips.

My trusty sewing machine helped add a small border to the photos, and attach the sweet white paper flowers onto the orange paperclips.  I also used white thread to sew detail onto the green fabric leaves.  I just love when there is fabric in the kits!!!

Today I am taking it slow.  I ended up getting sick on Friday, and am now recuperating.  Some tea, animal crackers, popsicles....it's all good.

Happy Pink Ninja Monday!

Carrie

Pink Owls and Music LOVE

Handmade these little pink owls for a friend.  Thought it would be nice to share their happy faces with you :)

Today I am working on some fun paper goodies, laundry (yuck), taking care of my sick husband, and hopefully more graphic design....but honestly, right now I am totally entranced with this DVD.  Jack White, Jimmy Page, The Edge.....and they actually talk the whole time.  It's not a bunch of people being interviewed about them.  It's about their relationships with their guitars and their music.  They tell stories, play you records of their favorite songs by other artists, play music themselves, and the way that the DVD flows from one subject to the next is perfect.  Love.

Enjoy your day!

Carrie

Wednesday ~ Heart Flutter

Yes....I have a new crush.  It's official, and I thought it only proper to mark the occasion.  This is the most refreshing drink I've had all summer, and is my new favorite!!!  Sometimes I get it sweetened, sometimes not, sometimes only halfway.....and it's ALL good!  Honestly I am not a big fan of iced tea, but this is perfect.  I'm a happy girl.

 I think it's time to invest in one of those reusable water bottles ;)

Love, 

Carrie

Table for Two

I just love my occasional lunch date with sweet Gloria.  The 2nd story view, delicious food, and cool breeze is enough to draw us back to this same spot.....our usual table at the Pannikin.  It is a little piece of heaven right now.  A place where we can escape from the monotony of lunches at home and enjoy time.

And here is beautiful Gloria quite lovely in black and white, and a pretty pale pink rose growing in the well tended garden at the coffee shop.....

Hmmm.....wonder where I'll have lunch today?  What about you?  Is there a spot that has been perfect for your summer lunches???

<3 Carrie

Pink Ninja Monday!

This is a photo of the starry night sky last night (the 4th of July - my first try at photographing the stars).

I used both of the June kits from the Pink Ninja Addicts to create the little 6x6 layout above, plus a black sharpie, a small doily, and my sewing machine with golden thread.  I also spray painted the pretty yellow thickers pink (just because).  I love the colors in these kits.....so happy : )

I took the starry photo just after these colorful fireworks.....



Ryan and I were visiting with his parents in Temecula.  We had a delicious dinner, went for a light walk, and then sat by this lovely lake listening to the chatter of all the families that were waiting in anticipation for the light show.  The breeze was cool, and dyed down after the sun set.  Once the fireworks started, the reflections on the lake seemed to come alive.....they were beautiful!

How did you spend your holiday?

Happy Pink Ninja Monday!

Carrie

A Week In Photos

Ryan drew these amazing designs with a flashlight.....I don't know how he connected all the lines in the dark.  I think it's magic ;)

He was also sweet enough to help me practice my night portrait skills.  I have a hard time with the manual focus at night, but I'm trying.....practice makes perfect, right?!?!



Gloria twirled for me, so I could get this shot.  She got really dizzy.....



This was the best night picnic. We drank Choco Vine Chocolate Red Wine from Holland. Chatted. Relaxed on a great quilt.

I had never done this before.  Painted with water on the cement.  How did I miss this one growing up???



All the photos have been photo prompts for the online class I've been taking.  One of the assignments that I haven't completed yet, just so happens to be, "take a picture of your favorite nighttime place (during the summer)".  For me, that would be the San Diego Zoo.  I daydream about going all year, and finally when summer comes I get to enjoy a few cool evenings there.  Ryan said he would go with me tonight, and I'm super excited!!!  I'm taking Gloria's DSLR, and tripod, and going to try and get the perfect shot!

Happy Weekend!

Carrie

Some silly faces....

.....while waiting in line for the midnight showing of "Eclipse" last night.  We had a blast, and honestly time went buy faster than last year for me!  We had delicious salami, seasoned feta cheese, and french baguette sandwiches....snacks, strawberry italian sodas, played cards, and that fun game (I don't know the name of it) where you put a famous person's name on a piece of paper, draw a name (without looking), stick it to your forehead, and have to ask questions to figure out who it is.  I also looked through some magazines while the girls listened to music.  And the movie, wow, there were some really artistic shots that I LOVED!  It was so fun to be in an audience where everyone responded to the movie with sound effects....ooohing, and aweeeing, and clapping....and giggling!!!  Only bummer is Miss. P hurt her elbow.  She got so exited during one part of the movie that her elbow slammed back at the chair.....and she had to go to the doctor, AND get a cast.....poor Miss P.....being a Twilight fan can be dangerous!  Anyways, in the end it was loads of fun for all of us, and we can't wait to go to the next one!!!

See you at the movies!!!

Love,

Carrie