Thursday, July 29, 2010

The last of the DTGD Fan Club Challenges!

Whew! I did it, with a couple of days to spare. With these 2 cards I was able to finish all 33 challenges of the Dare to Get Dirty Fan Club challenges. My geese hugging takes care of: Birthdays in All Shapes & Sizes, and Taylor's Sketch. My 'true friend' card takes care of: Floral, Feminine, & Flirty, and Rainy's Sketch. Both cards use the July SOM from Clear Dollar Stamps called Goose Hugs (you only have a couple more days to get it!)
Stamps: Goose Hugs July SOM, & Kid Encouragements (CDS)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Black Soot Distress Ink, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery
Paper: Pretty Porcelain (CDS), Cottonball White (CDS), BG Sugar Rush
Copics: BV00, BV02, RV000, YG03, Y17, YR14
Accessories: white brads, circle cutter, crocheted flower, button, sponge

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Sneak Peeks start TODAY!

Check out my sidebar for all the Clear Dollar Stamps DT, who are showing off some CDS goodness! You won't want to miss out on these sneaks. I've been on a DT vacation, but I'll be back next month with peeks!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Happy Birthday to my man!

It's my husband's 33rd birthday, and he's home, so the kids and I are excited. He seems to be gone every other year, but that makes the ones that he is here extra special. I've said it before. . .he is a total geek! Naturally for a geek you get geeky gifts. He's getting a computer game and some tickets to a comic book convention. . .hehe, I love him. Unfortunately we don't get cake tonight or any crazy foods for that matter. He has a PT test tomorrow morning, and he takes those very seriously.

Along with it being his birthday, I made this for a couple of the Dare to get Dirty Fan Club challenges. I only have a few more days to get them all done. . .eek! This one is for the CAS using Color on Color, and for my friend Joan's challenge of Colors of the Rainbow.
Stamps: Who's That Geek Guy? (MFT)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Dusty Durango
Paper: Dusty Durango, Neenah Solar White
Accessories: Copics, build-a-brad, black ribbon

Ok, I better get cranking. I have 4 more challenges in the 33 DTGD Fan Club challenges and only a couple more days to do them. Thanks for stopping by :D

Monday, July 26, 2010

Just a few things I made

I received my new set Berries & Cherries in the mail the other day from Taylored Expressions, and I've been itching to ink it up. I've eyeballed it for quite a while now, but the budget always wins. This month was my month to get it! I ended up making this Cherry Journal with it using some Basic Grey Lemonade paper.
Stamps: Berries & Cherries
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink
Paper: Buttercream, BG Lemonade
Accessories: Circle & Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, Baja Breeze ribbon, sponge, Copics, journal
This last picture shows 4 little easy notecards I made with my set. It paired perfectly with my October Afternoon Fly a Kite paper.
Stamps: Berries & Cherries
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze
Paper: June KI Kit (TE), birchtone brown
Accessories: Circle Nestabilities, mustard ribbon, MS Loop punch, sponge, Copics

I may just stick these in my Etsy shop, so if you're interested head over there ;)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

An Altered Item for DTGD

Here is my second post of the day for the Dare to Get Dirty Fan Club Challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers. First I'll show you the finished project:This is what I started with:
I had gotten this little box as a gift and thought about tossing it (GASP)! Using my better judgement, I decided to keep it for a rainy day. Well, it wasn't raining out, although I wish it had been, but it seemed like as a good a time as any to make something with it. I didn't want to completely alter this cute little box, so I just added my touches to it. It fulfills a few of the DTGD challenges: Lost & Found, Treats for All Reasons, & Pretty Packaging.

I used my Sweet Treats 2 set from Taylored Expressions to make this little cutie. Now he's all ready to give to someone special around Halloween.
Stamps: Sweet Treats 2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: BG Halloween (don't remember what it's called), Basic Black, Cottonball White (CDS)
Accessories: Picket Fence punch, Circle, Pinking Circle, & Labels Trio Nestabilities, sponges, Copics, green ribbon, M&M's, cellophane package, random swirly ribbon

Winter in July for DTGD

Last night while my man played his game, I got inky in the 'craft cave'. I came out with a couple of things, which I will show the other a bit later. This first card was for a couple more of the Dare to Get Dirty Fan Club Challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers. This one fulfills a few challenges: Anything but Average, Welcome to Winter, and Amber Dawn's Sketch.

I used my Tweeny Teen Frosty Friends set from MBoldFT. I have a lot of scraps of CC Jolly by Golly paper laying around, so I figured why not use it up before new stuff starts hitting the market.
Stamps: Tweeny Teen Frosty Friends
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Mellow Moss
Paper: Sweet Cheeks (CDS), Fresh Papaya (CDS), Cottonball White (CDS), CC Jolly by Golly, Spring Leaf (CDS)
Accessories: Copics, Swiss Dots & D'vine Swirls embossing folders, Large Circle & Scalloped Edge Frame Nestabilities, sponges, Bubble Gum ribbon (CDS)

Friday, July 23, 2010

A few more DTGD Challenges

Here is yet another post dedicated to the Dare to Get Dirty Fan Club challenges that are going on over Splitcoaststampers. This little journal qualifies for a couple of the challenges: Alter Ego & How Does Your Garden Grow. I used my Who's that Goes Green from MFT for these challenges.
Stamps: WTG Goes Green
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink
Paper: July KI Kit (TE)
Accessories: journal, Certainly Celery twill ribbon, Copics

This next card covers quite a few DTGD challenges: JustWright sketch, Dies & Punches, All Stitched Up, & Winged Theme. I was excited to see that my friend Dawn was hostessing the Winged Theme. I ended up using one of my Doodle Pantry images from a set called Branch Birds.
Images: Branch Birds
Ink: Certainly Celery
Paper: July KI Kit (TE)
Accessories: orange rhinestones, blue glitter, dimensionals, flower, green ribbon, Oval Nestabilities, brown marker, paper piercer

Here is a closer look at the glitz :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Keepin' it Rural DTGD

It's Friday, and normally that would mean that rest and relaxation should be on the way, but that may not be the case for us. I'll let you know very soon if some changes are coming for the Trask household. Until I know for sure, we'll 'just keep plowin'! Haha!

I made this for the Keepin' it Rural Dare to Get Dirty Challenge for Fan Club Members over at Splitcoaststampers. I really have been having so much fun trying to keep up on the challenges. This card only covers the one challenge, so I have some serious make up to do. I don't mind. . .that just means more projects to make, hehe. I used this fun Cuppie set called Udderly Sweet from Taylored Expressions. Being a Nebraska girl, this set just speaks to me :D
Stamps: Udderly Sweet
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink
Paper: CC Garden Variety KI Kit
Accessories: Copics, buttons, arrow punch, Tangelo Smoothie ribbon (CDS), sponge, yellow ricrac

And once again, here is the inside all done up for viewing pleasure (although it's pretty simple).
Ok, I've got more crafting to do until I know for sure if the winds of change are a comin' my way!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A few more Fan Club Challenges done!

Last night I managed to tackle a few more of the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges for Fan Club members going on over at Splitcoaststampers. I pulled out my Chick Flick set from MFT and when crazy paper piecing with my new BG Olivia paper. Here are the challenges I managed to get with this one card: Girls, Girls, Girls. . .& Gingham, Patterned Papers, Movies, and Leigh's Sketch.
Stamps: Chick Flick (MFT)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Basic Black, Neenah Solar White, BG Olivia dp
Accessories: copics, black buttons, red twine, Crystal Effects (on the popcorn bowl)

And I've taken to fixing up the insides again. I just really love the look it gives.
Hopefully tonight I'll have more time to knock out a few more the DTGD challenges. . .I am having so much fun ;D

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

TE Blast From the Past July Blog Hop

Here we are at another month and another Blast from the Past Blog Hop for Taylored Expressions! This month all that signed up were given a sketch to follow if we wanted, and I chose to. The point of the hop is to pull out sets from previous years, and I think it's such a great idea. I don't know about you, but I when I get new sets my older sets don't see light as often. This is a great way for me to pull out the older sets and give them some love. Then I don't feel so guilty about having billions of stamps, LOL!

I used the Beach Bum set on this card with a previous Key Ingredients kit (along with a few other embellies).
Thanks for hopping over to my blog! Now why not hop around to the rest :D

Another Dare to Get Dirty Challenge

I have really been enjoying the challenge of trying to complete all of the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers for the SCS Fan Club Members. Each day they have given us new challenges, and if you complete all of them then you're eligible for a prize. For me, I just love the challenge of trying to complete them all and say that I did it.

This card complete 3 of the DTGD challenges. It fits Sharon's Sketch, Strut Ur Stuff, and Jeanne's Color Challenge. My bff, Christi, sent me some goodies as we do for each other from time to time. In my package was this ribbon and the base for the card, but also that awesome handmade paper. When I first received it, I just wanted to hoard it! I mean look at it. . .you can't buy the exact same stuff anywhere, so naturally my instinct was to lock it in a vault and never let it see the light of day for fear that someone would try to steal 'my preciousssss'. So rather than have a Gollum moment, I decided to use it.

I used a new digi release from Clear Dollar Stamps called Turtle Greetings.
Isn't that paper cool?!
CDS Images: Turtle Greetings
Paper: handmade paper, scalloped cardstock, CC Garden Variety, Sweet Pea, Neenah Solar White
Copics: YG06, G05, YG67, G28, R27, R29, Y17
Accessories: red ruffle ribbon (MFT), red buttons, label punch, linen thread

Thanks for stopping by :D

Monday, July 19, 2010

Giveaways over at HiyaLuv


I just wanted to let you all know that Gina, over at HiyaLuv, is having a birthday week full of giveaways! Go check it out!

Dare to Get Dirty Post #2

I told you that I had been creating things, haha. I managed to knock out 2 of the DTGD challenges with this card. I used Fred Bear Hits the Beach from MFT, and was inspired by Kim's sketch and the TV Dinners challenge (Summer Rental with John Candy).
Stamps: Fred Bear Hits the Beach
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Dye Distress Ink
Paper: Fresh Papaya (CDS), Citronella K&CCo, Cottonball White (CDS)
Accessories: Sun Die-namics (MFT), Large Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Labels Trio Nestabilities, sponge, Copics, button, linen thread, circle cutter

This next card knocks out 3 more challenges for the DTGD fan club challenges. Those challenges are Just Faux You (faux leather), Embrace the White Space, & In Touch with Texture. It uses a little $1.25 stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps called Sneaky Snake, and a set called Kid Encouragements (that I just LOVE).
Stamps: Sneaky Snake & Kid Encouragement
Ink: Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Hot Cocoa
Paper: Cottonball White (CDS), Raging River (CDS)
Accessories: Tiny Mosaics embossing folder, clear embossing powder, circle punch, Copics
All right, now let's see if I can crank out any more of these challenges to meet the goal of all 33. . .

TESC121 & a few Dare to be Dirty Challenges

I've been making stuff all weekend, but wouldn't you know it I had no time to really post anything. The Dare to be Dirty challenges have started over at Splitcoaststampers for the Fan Club members, and I really want to participate in all of the challenges. I know, 33 challenges is a tall order, but I'm really going to try. This card was made using Taylor's sketch, and also 2 challenges from Dare to Dirty 2010. Those challenges were Paper Pieced and Glitz & Sparkle.

The card uses Crafty Cuppie and a previously released Key Ingredients kit, and I topped it off with one of my flowers (I use them a lot, I know).
Stamps: Crafty Cuppie (Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Material Girl CC & unknown cardstock, buttercream
Accessories: circle cutters, crocheted flower, button, chipboard, green glitter, Copics
Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

A Happy Birthday Blog Hop for Lori!

Happy Birthday, Lori!

If you've stumbled across my blog, then I'm so happy you did! If you're following the Birthday Blog Hop then you should have made your way here from ClearlyiStamp, which is also the start of the hop! As you may have already read, this hop is purely a way for the Clear Dollar Stamps DT to say Happy Birthday to our wonderful Lori, the owner of CDS.

I met Lori through CDS and blog-land roughly a year and a half ago. I started working on her Design Team in May of 2009, and can only hope that I have blessed her and CDS as much as they have blessed me. Lori is such a wonderful person that has become a friend, and I am so glad that she is my sister in Christ. Even though I've never met her face-to-face, I can truly say that I love her!

I made this card for her using an oldie, but a goodie from CDS called Charlie Daisy. The papers I used are called Tropical Mist, Spruce Needle, and Bubble Gum, which are from CDS's Clearly Coordinating Collections. The little clouds were made by cutting out a cloud image on a post-it note and masking it down while I sponged around it. . .cool effect don't you think?

BoldCDS stamps: Charlie Daisy
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Handsome Hunter, Baja Breeze
Paper: Tropical Mist, Spruce Needle, Bubble Gum (all CDS), Cosmo Crickey DeLovely dp
Accessories: Copics, sponge, button, twine, Spruce Needle ribbon (CDS), scallop edge punch

This was supposed to be a surprise, and I sure hope that Lori was! The next place you'll go along the hop is to Katie's blog. When you're done ooohing and aaaaahing over what Katie made for Lori, be sure to head over to Lori's blog and wish her a very happy birthday, because she is one special lady ;D

Thursday, July 15, 2010

New Digis at Clear Dollar Stamps! ,

It's the 15th and that means that some new digital images are being released over at Clear Dollar Stamps! I have a couple to show you today, and they are images that I just LOVE! The first one I'm showing is called Turtle Greetings. Isn't he cute?! I tried something a little different with this card and digitals. Do you notice the 'background stamping'? I went a little 'crazy' and decided to copy and paste him horizontally and then print him out on some of my Sweet Pea paper from the Clearly Coordinating paper line over at CDS. I like how it turned out.
CDS Images: Turtle Greetings
Paper: Sweet Pea (CDS), Blueberry Patch (CDS), Strawberry Jam (CDS), Neenah Solar White, Lime Rickey BG
Copics: C1YG06, G05, B39, R29
Accessories: Circle Cutters, red brads (CDS), Strawberry Jam ribbon (CDS), dimensionals

The next newest digi that I'm showing is called Ewe Are Special and I paired it with a flower digi background that you can download for free from CDS over at ClearlyiStamp right HERE. CDS has lots of great backgrounds that are free to download, so go check it out!
CDS Images: Ewe Are Special
Ink: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Strawberry Jam (CDS),Fresh Papaya (CDS)
Copics: C1, C3, R29, Y26 G21
Accessories: Circle Cutters, Scalloped Circle & Ribbon Tags Trio Nestabilities, sponges, dimensionals, Fresh Papaya ribbon (CDS), yellow liquid applique

There are other images and lots to see, so be sure you head over to Lori's blog, ClearlyiStamp, and then be sure to check out the rest of the Digital DT's creations too: Sarah, Linda, Vicki, Lisa, Tricia, Laurie, and Trudy

It's all available today, so make your way over to Clear Dollar Stamps ;D

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I'm a Guest Designer!

I was so excited when Robin over at the Creative Belli Challenge asked if I would be this week's Guest Designer! I couldn't believe it! So naturally I told her I would love to. The challenge this week was to make an altered item. I love altering journals, because I tend to use the heck out of them. From sketch books to tiny books to stick in my purse, I have these everywhere.

I altered a sketch book that I had found at one of the local craft stores for only a buck. I couldn't pass that up, so I grabbed a few, hehe. I used a previous Stamp of the Month from Clear Dollar Stamps called Yummy Cupcake from May's release.
Stamps: Yummy Cupcake
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Crushed Curry
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Nook & Pantry BG, unknown brown
Accessories: notebook, Lime Juice ribbon from CDS, Square & Square Scallop Nestabilities, dimensionals, Copics, sponge

I'm still giddy that I was asked, and I truly thank the ladies at the Creative Belli Challenge for their inspiration that they provide every week. Now go check out their work and try your hand at the challenge. You never know when you'll be asked to be the Guest Designer ;D

Friday, July 9, 2010

A Limelight Challenge

Good afternoon! I managed to sneak in a little crafting between laundry and cleaning, hehe. I made this using the Limelight sketch and challenge to stamp the background. I used this adorable little tank stamp and sentiment from Hambo, and the background stamp is called Striped Background from Clear Dollar Stamps. I made my own little faux buttons with a punch and some thread. This way these are more postal friendly ;)
Stamps: Tank & sentiment (Hambo), Striped Background (CDS)
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Hot Cocoa, Vintage Photo distress ink
Paper: Worn Parchment (CDS), Spring Leaf (CDS), Cherry Go Round (CDS), Neenah Solar White, watercolor paper
Accessories: sponges, thread, Copics, Square Nestabilities

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Caardvarks & MFT Weekly Stamp Club

Today was a day I just HAD to get into my 'Craft Cave'. Ever have a day like that? I had started a project and just needed to get in there to finish it. I thought that the summer would have afforded me more time to 'play', but that has really not been the case. There is always something to do, and we have really relaxed on some summer learning. That, of course, makes me feel like a slacker, but we are anticipating our new curriculum to get to the house soon. After all, August is around the corner. I don't know that I'm ready for it.

I made this card for 2 challenges. The Weekly Stamp Club over at MFT, was a sketch. The ladies over there have really provided some lovely eye candy. The other challenge was a Birthday card challenge from over at Caardvarks. I've participated a couple of times over there. . .always a good challenge. The set I used is called Fred Bear and the Butterfly from MFT. I love Fred Bear, and my son gave me a great idea for a great card so if I have time I'll make it and show you. The paper is from my bff, Christi. We try to keep each other well stocked on goodies.
Stamps: Fred Bear and the Butterfly, Fred Bear has a Birthday
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Vintage Photo distress ink
Paper: white scalloped paper, Neenah Solar White, October Afternoon Fly a Kite
Accessories: Fresh Cut Grass Die-namics, brown ricrac ribbon, crocheted flower, brown thread, red button, Martha Stewart butterfly punch

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A couple of Challenges

I'm sure you've all heard by now, but the Color Throwdown is celebrating their 100th color challenge! It's very exciting, because it's a great weekly challenge, and they are offering up some amazing prizes! The colors this week were Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Real Red, and Baja Breeze. I also used the Little Red Wagon challenge which was Nestabilities. You were supposed to make a different shape card than the usual.

I pulled out my Hanging Out set from Clear Dollar Stamps, that was a release from last year. I love this set!
CDS stamps: Hanging Out
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
PaBoldper: Certainly Celery, Neenah Solar White, October Afternoon Fly a Kite
Accessories: Copics, Top Note Die, Tags Nestabilities, linen thread, silver eyelets
This set of four will most likely end up on my Etsy shop ;D

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Clearly Delightful Challenge meets Get Sketchy

It's been another crazy day around here getting things done now that company is gone and the weekend is over. There was so much running around this morning I thought I was only going to get to look in my 'Craft Cave', lol. Lucky for me, I spent about 30 in there (even though I should have been doing laundry), and this is what I came up with for the Clearly Delightful Blog Challenge and the Get Sketchy sketch. For the CDBC we were supposed to use Pearls, Bling, or Buttons! I chose buttons to go with this darling little Cuddly Bear from the Doodle Pantry.
Images Used: Cuddly Bear
Paper: unknown SU dp, buttercream, Fresh Papaya & Soft Mint (CDS)
Accessories: Copics, buttons, Bubble Gum ribbon (CDS), linen thread

Monday, July 5, 2010

MFT Guest Designer Card with a Sketch

I've been so busy with company that I haven't had time to post much. That doesn't mean that I haven't been creating, but I just haven't had the time to take pictures of what I've made. I used the sketch from Mojo Monday to go along with the Blue and or Red challenge for the Guest Design spot for MFT. I would really LOVE to get this.

Obviously my card is patriotic with these colors. I know that the 4th is over, but as a military spouse patriotic cards are appropriate for almost all occasions ;)
Stamps: Beach Bum (MFT)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze
Paper: October Afternoon Report Card, buttercream, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Cherry Go Round ribbon (CDS), Large Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Oval Nestabilities, sponges, Glittered Garnishes (MFT), Copics, dimensionals

Friday, July 2, 2010

Clearly Inspired Challenge #15

It's time for the Clearly Inspired Challenge over at ClearlyiStamp, and this month the theme is 'Thank You'. That's a pretty easy one for me, because there are always people I want to thank. I made this for a special friend who has been a prayer warrior for me and so much more. I truly do thank God for her. I used the newly released set called Loving Lamb. All of the July releases came out yesterday, so be sure to head on over to Clear Dollar Stamps to see all of the goodies that have just been released. That, and this month you can get the SOM for free for spending only $35. . .how easy is that?!
CDS Stamps: Loving Lamb
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Dye distress ink
Paper: Raging River, Tickled Pink, Fresh Papaya (all from CDS), buttercream, unknown dp
Accessories: Copics, crocheted flower, button, linen thread, sponge, EK success punch, Swiss Dots embossing folder, circle cutter, dimensionals

Here are the basic details for our challenges, they are sweet and simple and

one of you will definitely go away with a prize.


  • These challenges will occur the 1st Friday of the Month
  • You have until the following 1st Friday of the next month to link your project using Mr. Linky (below)
  • Challenges will vary each and every time
  • Your work is important so there will be 5 Inspirational Cards/Projects chosen to be featured here.
  • Use CDstamps if you have them... IF NOT PLEASE PLAY ANYWAY... use what you have!
  • We even have a Free Digital Image for you to use as well. Click HERE with full instructions and a tutorial on how to use it.
  • If you upload to Splitcoast Stampers or another online gallery please use CIC15 as one of your keywords
Now get on out there and start creating! I can't wait to see what you make ;D

Happy Birthday, Kim!

It's Kim's birthday, so we're celebrating MFT style! What better way to celebrate the MFT owner's birthday than with a blog hop?! I decided to make Kim's card using the Wednesday Stamp Club challenge to use 3 different ribbons. Be sure to head over to Kim's blog to wish her a happy, happy birthday, and be sure to check out everyone's wonderful creations for Kim!
Stamps: PI-Birthday Princess
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Suede
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Spring paper packs collection (MFT)
Accessories: sponge, Copics, rhinestones, ribbon from Spring ribbon bundle, paper piercer, dimensionals, linen thread


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Creative Belli Challenge

I've been a bit absent, but blogging was on my mind. We've had family in town, and I've had a lot on my plate. I won't go into the boring details of it all, but it has really had me down and very overwhelmed.

With it being July 1st, that means that Clear Dollar Stamps has released some new goodies! Not only do they have stamps, but their last addition of colors to their new line called the Clearly Coordinating line. Not only that, but CDS has some new kits available! And who doesn't love a kit with all the goodies included for your paper crafting needs?! Lots of fun stuff, so you MUST go check it out!

I created this card today for the Creative Belli challenge, which was a patriotic sketch. I used a June digital release from CDS called Let Freedom Ring. The paper I used is textured and from CDS's new collection.
CDS Images: Let Freedom Ring
Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Mustard Seed (CDS)
Accessories: buttons, sponge, paper piercer, linen thread, Copics

I know I've been absent for a few days, but come back tomorrow for some more fun posts ;D