Surviving Motherhood

Some scrappy Goodness!

2012-01-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to come and share a few scrapbook pages that I have done recently. *images linked for full credits*

This one may be one of my favorites of all time, I totally love how it turned out, not just the composition of it, but the colors as well. Also...mayhaps I am biased but I am in love with this picture of Becca giggling. Becca has always loved me singing to her and one of her favorites is You are my Sunshine. She has added and always tell me that I make her happy when skies are any color :) Love my baby girl!

My beautiful Sammy Bear. I want her to know that just because she is not the size she thinks she should be, does not in fact make her less of a person, less beautiful, or less important. I hate when kids deal with thyroid issues, because no matter how hard they try to eat right they are still sad and depressed. I pray we get this under control soon, love my Sammy Bear!

And here is one of my silly nutcase, Kayla. She just got her hair dyed the day before this picture was taken. It was the first time she tried anything red and she loves it but she is jealous cause mine is staying red longer hehe. I told her it was only because my hair has no idea what color it should go back to anymore lol. Love my Kay Sue!

Next time I should finally have some new ones of the hubby and I! :) I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Recipe: Cinnamon Bun Waffles

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ask anyone who knows me, I am absolutely, completely, 100 % NOT a morning person. I do not do mornings. Usually for breakfast we have grits, oatmeal, or cream of wheat...because everyone can nuke it themselves! If you can not fix it, you are not eating it, end of story.

That being said, if I occasionally come across an easy to do morning recipe I may try it on a weekend morning. That is the extent of it lol. So, when I saw the idea for these waffles on pinterest I knew I had to try them. They are actually really good and so amazingly easy and quick, plus there is no mess or clean up really. Yep...this is one breakfast I will cook occasionally ... I do mean occasionally, let's not get carried away here!

First what you need are some refrigerator cinnamon buns. I use Pilsbury...and buy them on sale and use a coupon lol. Also... I throw away the frosting. Try not to stone me, but I am not a frosting lover and I try to sneak in some sugar free syrup... perhaps it might be in a regular bottle so the kids think they are getting the sweet stuff even... I mean, perhaps. *insert sneaky eyebrow raise here*

Then you take your handy dandy waffle iron, spray it with butter flavored cooking spray ... do not, I repeat DO NOT accidentally grab the olive oil cooking spray, it will taste horrid! Or so I have heard! Then put one cinnamon bun in each quadrant of the waffle iron, and close...be VERY careful how long though as it takes maybe 2 to 3 minutes only to cook these lil buggers :)

Then off course take em out and slather 'em with what ever sneaky mommy topping you may have! They are great with sliced strawberries, bananas, and a little berry syrup as well.

Oh right ... then watch your kids be totally amazed that you made breakfast as they gobble it up, afraid if they take too long it will disappear right before their little eyes. But on the plus side, with them so used to me not cooking breakfast, when I do, I get total goddess status! it rocks. Now I can drink my coffee in peace!

See ... that look is a look of awe in her eyes :)

p365 2012, week one!

2012-01-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, one week down, 51 to go! lol. I did the first week of the project 52 layouts. I am doing the project 365, taking a photo a day for the year and I am uploading them on FB, but then once the week is over I am tranforming them into a weekly layout for project 52, which will give me a beautiful book of the year at the end. Anyway, here is the first week's layout!

Now that I think about it, I probably should make a cover as well, huh? I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday! It is snowing here and it is so lovely! I am thrilled! Now, if only it would stick! hehe.

Freebie: Conceptions, set 4, template freebies

2012-01-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been awhile since I had a template freebie set for digital scrapbooking, so here is another one :) You can download the set HERE or you can click the template pics, what ever floats yer boat! hehe. The download includes both templates.

and here is a layout that I did with this template, I love the way it turned out :)

and a layout made with this one

If you can use them, download and enjoy please :) Have a scrap happy Saturday!

Valentine's is on it's way!

2012-01-06T13:04:00.000-05:00

I know, Christmas just ended, BUT I really kinda am feeling the crafty bug and Valentine's is on its way! I have started on a conversation heart bunting, and IF I ever complete it I will have a tut for it here. But, in the mean time I thought I would share some of my favorite projects I have come across through Pinterest. Each project will be linked to its original source, so if you want to check out the crafty geniuses, go for it!

Also, if you happen to love these uber things I pin please follow me on Pinterest ... there is a follow me button just below my blog followers on the right hand side :) If you are not a member of Pinterest just leave or email me your email addy and I will send you an invite!

If you want to share any good ideas with me, leave a link in the comments, I would LOVE to see more! :) Yay!

I have left over felt so I REALLY want to do this cute lil project and it is SO easy!

this is TOO cute! I can totally see this with our names on it! :) <3

I totally love these candle holders... so very simple in design but I think they look so sweet.

and one more for now... this is so sweet and delicate looking! I love it!

yep...ok well, I really gotta go get my craft on now, so have a great Friday!!!

Recipe: German Chocolate Brownies

2012-01-04T10:46:00.008-05:00

Ok...I am a fan of German Chocolate Cake! I really love the chocolate with the coconut and nuts, yumm! But I am a big coconut fan! If you love German Chocolate anything you are going to absolutely ravish these brownies! Oh my word they are absolutely fantastic!!! You are welcome to make your own brownies, but really... the box mix is fine for me and so quick and easy. Also... do you see that crust on them, oh my word, it gives them a lovely nutty, chewy texture that is A-may-zing!

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Do they look a little ooey and gooey? Well, yea... that is because they are! And by far THE best brownie I have ever ever eaten. oh my! Here is what you need:

German Chocolate Brownies

12 ounces of pecans

2/3 c dark brown sugar

1/2 stick melted butter

2 tsp REAL vanilla

brownie mix (plus ingredients necessary for your boxed mix)

3 egg yolks

1c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick butter, softened

1c heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 c chopped pecans

2c sweetened, shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, chop the 12oz of pecans into very fine pieces, I used a food processor. Then mix with the dark brown sugar, 1/2 stick of melted butter and 2 tsp of vanilla. Spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan with butter flavored cooking spray. Pour in the pecan mixture and pat down forming the crust. Bake at 350 for approx 15 min, until a nice warm golden brown.

While the crust is baking, prepare the boxed brownie mix according to the directions on the package.

When the crust comes out of the oven, pour in the brownie mixture and cook according to the brownie package directions.

While the brownies are cooking prepare the topping. In a bowl or mixer add the 3 egg yolks, 1c of sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Beat in the stick of softened butter until well combined. Slowly add the cup of heavy cream, mixing well, then mix in the 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Pour into a saucepan, cook over med/low heat for approx 15 minutes, stirring frequently. You need to come to 180 degrees or to a thick syrupy consistency. (I used a meat thermometer lol) Pour into a bowl and let come to room temperature.

Once the topping and the brownies have cooled you spread (gently) the topping on to the brownies and then...wait for it .... wait for it .... EAT THEM!!!! Oh, right, and then you come thank me for sharing this ridiculously good and addictive dessert with you. Also... feel free to give them to your mother-in-law, your boss, the Desperate Housewife next door...anyone you want to impress because they will. Impress them, that is. I promise! Trust me here, people.

***edited to add:
ty Mindy for bringing up the fact that I forgot about the final pecans and coconut lol. You add them into the topping after it has cooled and then spread on top of the brownies, hehe .... ooops!

Participating In:

Whatever Goes Wednesday

Your Whims Wednesday
Wow Me Wednesday
Anything Goes at Type A
Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello

Finally crafting again!

2012-01-03T12:34:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness, it feels so good to have sat down at my sewing machine and used it again :) That is a good feeling... to be inspired to do something creative! I have not sewed anything for ages sheesh! Do you remember the Quilt a Long I participated in last year, I showed pics as I went and the finished quilt top? Well, if not ... or if you were not a follower then, here it is:

I am finally working on finishing it up now. I pieced the back which is some really soft blue and yellow flannel. I wanted to bring a warm and a cool color from the front on to the back, and I adore the soft flannel! :) Now I just need to cut the batting and baste, which I will probably get to later today as I have errands awaiting! Oh and the recipe I have coming... o m g ... to die for! yummmmmy! I can not wait to share that one as well!

Have a great Tuesday!

2011 in photos!

2012-01-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here are three layouts I wanted to share, about my beautiful girls. I took templates that afforded a lot of photos and did some of my favorite snapshots of the girls throughout the year. A little 2011 in review of them. I really loved how they turned out and you can be sure this is going to be a new tradition for me! Maybe next year I will include the husband and I as well. I am currently working on layouts for them of their favorite memories of 2011 as well.

*images linked for full credits*

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. Tomorrow is Tuesday the 3rd... back to the daily grind. It is about time, right? lol Today we are hanging out at home, cleaning...as usual. Hubby and I went out do breakfast together and did a little shopping. I will be working on a craft that I will have a tut for when I am done with it, and a yummy treat that will be shared with a recipe here soon as well. Have a great day and happy scrappin' y'all!

One Little Word and p365 ...READY GO!

2012-01-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

This year I am going to be taking part in two projects that are important to me.

The first one is the One Little Word project that I learned about through the digital

scrapbooking community, if you and not familiar with it please, check it out at the Ali Edwards blog HERE

The word that I have chosen for 2012 is moderation. I really feel that this is something

that I need to put into effect in my daily life. I am feeling completely overwhelmed sometimes

with the amount of stuff I have, the amount of things I have to do, the amount of food I eat, the amount of sodas I drink...it is all leading to an over all unhealthy environment that I am just not happy with. So... I am hoping I can use some moderation and make my life simpler and happier. Wish me luck! If you are taking part in the One Little Word project this year I would really love to hear your word, I would love for you to leave your blog link so that I can follow along and perhaps we can offer each other support in this project.

The next project is p365 ... which again I am going to be trying! Wish me luck, I have never

made it through an entire year. I tried it twice. The first time I think I only made it til Feb maybe March. The second time I made it until May. This time I really want to finish! I would absolutely love to have, and completely cherish, a book covering the little things that happen. My plan is to put up the photos on FB every couple of days with a little blurb of what happened that day, to help me remember for when I do my layouts. Then do a layout per weekwith photos from the week and general info about what happened that week. Again... wish me luck! lol I do have good intentions, but you know what they say about those! hehe

Enjoy the rest of your New Year's Day ... tomorrow is back to work and school and things will be back to normal and I will be sleep deprived once more, woohoo! lol It's ok, I would not trade it for anything in the world... no matter how much I bitch about it! hehe

Now... in keeping with the moderation theme, it is time for some OFF the computer time! :O

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T10:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to pop on and say Happy New Year to everyone! That is, if there is anyone left still reading my blog lol. December has been bleak for posts, but it is the holidays after all! :) Hopefully there will be lots of goodies to come in the New Year! I can not wait actually to get back on a regular schedule of things and get life back to normal! There are a few big changes coming this year and I am really looking forward to them!

Happy New Year to all!

Some scrapbook layouts!

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some layouts that I have done recently! All layouts are linked to my gallery for full credits :)

Thanks for looking :) I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

Recipe: Apple Cider Ice Cream Floats

2011-12-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

I found this yummy little recipe on Pinterest, it appears to have come from the Rachael Ray Magazine. It was really just absolutely delicious! It honestly tasted like a candy apple! The caramel mixes with the apple flavor in a really yummy way, but then to top it off you get the vanilla ice cream in there, YUMM!

My picture does not do this justice, so make sure you check out the original pin HERE.

Here is what you need ..

2 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp. caramel sauce
Grated nutmeg

In small saucepan, heat cider with cinnamon stick. Pour cider into 2 float glasses. Top with ice cream, caramel sauce and grating of nutmeg. Serve with spoon.

I got impatient and I did not heat the cider too hot, in the end if we did this again I will actually use it cold not just luke warm. I also expanded the recipe for an entire gallon of cider and 7 of us had full size floats :)

They were absolutely DELICIOUS!

My Secret!

2011-12-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

I am sharing my absolute favorite scrap booking secret! Secret Stash! Yep, I have shared some of her goodies here before, but she still remains one of my favorites! I love working with her digital designs. There is something to be said for a designer when you sit down with their kit and a layout just throws it self together! I have bought kits before that I loved but when I go to make a layout with them I end up starting over multiple times and sometimes I end up just trashing it altogether. I hate when that happens. Never ever does that happen with Erin's stuff.

After the close of 9th&Bloom, Scrap Orchard was very lucky to find her among their fruit stands! I am so happy HERE is the link to her new store there.

I just wanted to share with you a few layouts I made lately with her stuff! I really love how they turn out. Each layout will be linked for full credits!

My beautiful baby, Rebecca...

My beautiful middle baby :), Samantha.

and my eldest beautiful baby! :) Kayla.

and a layout about the beautiful Fall trees in Virginia...which are mostly bare now lol.

Well, ok, I guess it is not such a secret anymore hehe. Anyway, enjoy your weekend. The girls and I are getting our holiday craft on! Pics to come :)

Recipe: German Potato Salad

2011-12-02T07:19:00.000-05:00

I have always loved German Potato Salad, and it was quite prevalent in Northern Pennsylvania where my family is from. For some reason I have never made it myself though. I love vinegary foods as well, and I had a hunkering for this! So off to Pinterest I went and came across this recipe. It is definitely worth trying out if you might be interested.

German Potato Salad

5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
1 pound thick-cut bacon
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 bunch minced chives, for garnish

Wash, cut, and boil potatoes until fork tender.

Microwave bacon until desired doneness, chop.

Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt. Warm in

a pan until thicker and bubbly, almost foamy.

Add liquid to potatoes, stir to coat evenly. Add bacon and chives, mix, and serve

warm. :) Sooo delicious and yummy, great on a cold winter night!

Enjoy!

New Team new store new layouts!

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

It's all about the new today! :) A new CT that I recently joined, and I am SO loving and SO glad I am a part of! A new store for that designer, that she is debuting at today! To top it off a few new layouts I have done that I want to share using her awesome templates!

*image below linked to the FB fan page*

HERE is the link to her Funky Playground Store. You definitely want to take look!The following

images all linked, product pics directly to her store and LOs the galleries for full credits.

and with it I made this layout:

and believe me there WILL be more! :) yay! LOVE this, I love her designs and I am enjoying getting to know her better as she just seems like such a lovely, down to earth, and nice person. I am always grateful when another nice person enters my life in one way or another.

30 Days of Thankful, the finale!

2011-11-30T19:54:00.001-05:00

Well, this is it! The Wrap of the 30 days of Thankful Challenge. I am glad I stuck with it and made a note every day of something that I am thankful for. :) I am thankful for this challenge!

Day 28. This morning I was thankful for my alarm clock, for without it there is no way on earth I would have gotten up on time this morning! too many late nights over the holiday weekend! lol

Day 29: I am oh so thankful for internet Christmas shopping! Dh and I ordered a bunch of stuff and today it started arriving! :) Put a huge smile on my face!

Day 30: Today I am thankful for Apple Cider Floats! Oh my word, they were delicious! Recipe to come.

And just a bit of good news to share, Erin of Secret Stash Designs is having a Guest CT Call! I am so excited to see who joins us on her team! Check out the ad...I will link it to her store so you can get a good look at her designs, you know... in case you live under a rock and all! lol

Ok, well, bye for now! I am have some more good news in digi world to share shortly, some layouts I am super proud of, and a few yummy recipes! have a good day for now! :) Well, what is left of it anyway! lol

30 Days of Thankful, catching up!

2011-11-27T14:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I may not have kept up with the posting every day but I have indeed kept up with the being thankful everyday and trying to recognize and count my blessings! Here is a little catch up from me:

Day 22: Today I am thankful for music. This may sound silly, but it means a lot to me. Having panic disorder can be tough, especially now when I am trying to deal with it w/o medication. When I get anxious or shaky or...whatever, I love listening to my favorite songs. I can sing a long, they calm me down, the center me. Music is most definitely comfort food for my soul.

Day 23: I am thankful that we did the Thanksgiving shopping last night and do not have to go anywhere today! :) And for the house we are cleaning because not only do I love the house we are in but I love when it is clean and when my amazing kiddos help me clean it .... and PS hubby rocks the cleaning, too! <3

Day 24: Today I am thankful for holidays, like Thanksgiving, that bring us together as a family. That allow us to spend quality time together, enjoy each other's company, have fun, play games, etc. I am also thankful we have no holiday horror stories and every holiday we have together is actually a great one :)

Day 25: I am thankful today for my ability to be spontaneous and just go do something I want to do! Kayla and I had fun Black Friday Shopping which is something I never do. But she wanted to as she had never done it either and so we just up and went and had fun and scored some great deals to boot! :) Woohoo!

Day 26: Today I am thankful for the nice friends that Rebecca is making. She went to her friend Emily's house today and she seems like a really nice girl. Her mother is nice and I love that she makes decent, well mannered, and good moraled friends. I pray that this stays this way as she enters middle school next year!

Day 27: Today I am thankful for my crockpot... which is doing all the hardwork of making awesome chili for dinner tonight! YAY! I can not wait, I love me some chili...especially with the cheese melting into the top when we serve it and a small dallop of sour cream!

Ok, here is a lovely reminder... The best things in life can not be seen or even touched, they can only be felt. Here are a few of those things in this layout about my dh!

*image linked for full credits*

30 Days of Thankful, Days 20 and 21

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Day 20 ... I am thankful that Elizabeth posted about this 30 days of thankfulness project at Sweet Shoppe. I am really glad I decided to take part in it and thus far I have stuck with it! Go me!

Day 21 ... Today I am grateful that my awesome hubby took dd to work at 5:30 in the morning since I was up with a sick kiddo and OH SO TIRED! Love ya hubster!

I just wanted to share another thankful thing, a layout that I did about my amazing hubby and how thankful I am to have him in my life. Image linked for complete credits.

Have a wonderful Monday!

30 Days of Thankful, Days 18 and 19

2011-11-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well, on day 18 I was oh so thankful for my new Kindle Fire!!!!!! and !!!!!!!! and !!!!!! This is most definitely the most awesome little toy I have ever owned! Seriously...EVER ty my amazing dh for buying it for me the second it was released for pre-orders. I am LOVING it!

Today my 19th day of Thankfulness I am super grateful for the new couch that dh went out and bought at Ikea today ;) even though it is slippery when I wear fleece jammies and I slide down and off it lol, it was too funny!

Ya know, being forced to look and be thankful every single day has made me wonder ... am I always this wonderfully blessed and just do not stop and notice it like I should, or has this been one exceptional month for me? I really need to take stock more often I think and appreciate what I have!

30 Days of Thankful, Days 16 an 17, and a few wish lists!

2011-11-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! I can not wait for Saturday to come so I can sleep in a bit...getting up at 5:30 is catching up with me. I guess I will get used to it evetually, I know my poor sister's wakes up way early and she seems to manage somehow! whew!

Day 16, Yesterday I was thankful for Xanax. lol. ounds terrible right? but hoenstly, I started having a panic attack in the middle of the grocery store yes and if it were not for the Xanax I probably would have made a blubbering fool of myself, good grief. Thankfully it works fast, too!

Day 17 Today I am thankful for Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino from WaWa, it is absolutely yummy and delicious and it pumps the caffeine and sugar into me til I am awake enough to drive straight lol.

Next I just wanted to share the girls Christmas WishLists. There are lots of credits here so I will link each page, feel free to click the layout and check it out in my gallery for full credits including: Nettio, Traci Reed, Shawna Clingerman, Penny Springman, and more! I warned ya! lol

So...here is what Kayla wants for Christmas this year:

and what Samantha wants:

and what Rebecca wants:

The only thing I wish was that I had discovered this concept earlier so I could have been scrapping them throughout the years. I will try to keep this in mind and do it again next year though :) I love how they turned out!

As for the rest of this holidays...I think I am giving in and decorating this weekend, I just do not know if I can take another week of waiting, I am SO ready!

30 Days of Thankful, Days 12 to 15!

2011-11-15T10:42:00.002-05:00

Well, first let me update my thankful posts from this past weekend.

Day 12 ... I am very thankful that even when I make absolutely terrible desserts that my family grins and bears it and laughs along with it lol.

Day 13 ... I am thankful for time alone with my dh. We went out for Mexican for lunch, have the best day together that we have had in a very long time, and just we feeling so wonderfully happy together. I am a happy girl!

Day 14. I am thankful my dd got her first job, starts it today and even though it is a PITA being a chauffeur I am thankful I am here to do it for her and be a part of her life. I am a happy mama.

Day 15... I am thankful that this morning i caught dh before he left for work. Seeing him, smelling his cologne, getting a hug and just talking with him in the morning always makes me more centered and have a better day. :) Thank you God for the best hubby ever!

Is that enough mush for ya? lol Before I go I want to share with you a little Christmas hybrid project I did this past week. I used a kit from Dunia at MScraps. Image linked:

It is so cute and cheerful looking to me :) Here is what I did with it, sorry about the pic...this new house really has terrible lighting lol

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

Participating In:

Anything Goes Linky Party
Show me what ya got at Not just a housewife

30 Days of Thankful, Day Eleven... and a new quilt done!

2011-11-11T08:55:00.008-05:00

This morning I am thankful for my sewing machine, which my dh spent WAY too much money to get the uber expensive model for me. After I finish a project and I look at it, it really just makes my heart happy to see the finished product. I can smile and get such a sense of accomplishment. It really is a gift that keeps on giving as corny as that sounds. I love it and I love my husband. I am a lucky girl :)

Here is my third quilt I just finished with it :) It is a rag quilt ... I am pretty sure everything is gonna be a rag quilt lol SO much easier than binding which drives me insane...and as I discovered with this disappearing 9 patch block, you can make the blocks beautiful still, it does NOT have to be plain to be a rag quilt :)

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And one more thing to be thankful for, today, on veteran's Day 2011. I am so very thankful to every man and woman that have risked their lives to make my life easy, safe, and secure. I am also thankful to all of their spouses who had to run a household w/o them and did it knowing it was for the greater good. I am thankful to their children, who had to do w/o a parent all in the name of freedom. Please know that your sacrifices do NOT go unnoticed and that there are plenty of us out there aware and appreciative. I am thankful for you today, as well.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone and a very blessed weekend.

Participating In:

Weekend ShowOff Party
Every Crafty Endeavor
Creative Princess Party #27
Show Off Your Stuff
Anything Goes Linky Party
Show me what ya got at Not Just a Housewife

Thirty Days of Thankful.... or so I thought!

2011-11-10T14:27:00.000-05:00

I should have known that I am too forget to keep logging in every day to be thankful! sheesh! Let's see what I can remember .... I have missed 3 days, tho!

Day 5... I was thankful that Day 5 was National Digi Scrapbook day and that my family totally supported this. they cooked and cleaned and let me play all day to contests, games, and crops! It was SO much fun!

Day 6... I was thankful my eldest dd is such a great kid and loves to come grocery shopping with me...and then she carries it all in, cause that crap is heavy, man!

Day 7... I was thankful for Claritin, cause my youngest shared a hella nasty cold with me! ugh!

Day 8 ... Thankful for voting day cause youngest got a day off of school :) I love having her around! Plus eldest went to fill out new hire paper work and was so happy!

Day 9... I was great y head did not explode this day and great ful more than anything for my hot Earl Gray tea... bad, bad cold day!

Day 10... today... I am thankful that I got caught up with the dishes! Our dishwasher is broken and trying to keep up has been kicking my ass! :(

30 Days of Thankful, Day Four

2011-11-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

Well, today I am grateful for a medical community that actually cares and goes above and beyond to help a little girl. Samantha now has sleep apnea, we just discovered it yesterday but today we already have a CPAP machine, an appt for a tonsilectomy consult, an apt w/ the sleep study for follow-up in Jan, and the reassurance that we as parent are moving in the right direction to get Samantha on the track for healthier living, thank God! It is a relief.

Today I am going to share with you some of Erin's great news, her store at Scrap Orchard is officially open! Here it the linked ad:

She has a super new kit out also and she has a FREE fan give a way that is just beautiful! Half of it is on her Facebook page HERE and the other half is for her newsletter subscribers which I believe you can sign up for via her blog HERE! Take a look at the beautiful freebie!

And this is the Layout that I made with if, of Samantha :)

Anyway, happy Friday! Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day, woohoo!!!

30 Days of Thankful, Day Three

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am SO thankful for my bed! We paid WAY too much money for our mattresses and I argued with dh that is was ridiculous to spend so much money on them...6 years later I am SO so grateful for my amazing and comfortable mattress. I spent the night at the hospital while my middle dd had a sleep study done and I had to sleep in a chair... thank you God for my comfortable bed! :) AMEN! whew!

Quick little share today! I am on the creative team for Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs, she has a brand new template pack out today and I am SO in love with the layout that I made with it. Take a peek, product image linked to her store and my LO linked to the gallery for full credits :)

LOVE love love it! Happy Thursday, I need to go catch up on my sleep now! lol

30 Days of Thankful, Day Two

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am grateful for Pinterest. Does that seem silly? Well, I get SO much inspiration from Pinterest ... I find all sorts of new recipes that I can make and share with my family. I find all kinds of baked goods which are just delicious and fun and a great outlet for me! Whoever came up with that website is pure genius in my eyes, and thank you!

Now, for some scrapping news: Secret Stash is opening a new store on Friday! I am so beyond excited. I am thrilled with where she will be and can not wait to show off the LOs there that I have made with her gorgeous products, seriously!!! A-MAZING! So, stay tuned and you can check her out and I am sure there will be some goodies for NSD as well!

You can see the Secret Stash blog HERE and the facebook fan page HERE. I know that there will be freebies coming up for newsletter subscribers and Facebook fans! So... go check out her stuff!

30 Days of Thankful, Day One

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy November. I am going to start off my 30 days of Thankfullness with the obvious, but you can never ever say it too much in my opinion...

I am so very very thankful for my family. All of them... my kids, my hubby...they are absolutely amazing and love me way more than I probably deserve. I want nothing more than to be the best wife I can be and love my husband the way he needs loved. I want nothing more than to be the best mom I can be and love my children and give them more in life than I ever had. Thank you, God, for these blessings!

On an every day note... I am working on my quilt again and am putting it together, hopefully it will be done soon, I can not wait. This one is for ME! :)

This coming weekend is NSD (National Scrapbooking Day), so if you are a digi scrapper you are probably already scoping out the deals coming our way! I can not wait to see what I can get my hands on! I will be spending it at Scrap Orchard which is quickly becoming my new digi home. They are so welcoming there, and have SO many things going on, which I LOVE in a forum! I am so glad I finally became active there.

And last but not least a few more layouts to share with you that I have done not too long ago. Each image is linked for full credits. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Until tomorrow...happy scrappin' and do not forget to take a moment and be thankful for something today!

Happy Halloween and GREAT news to share!

2011-10-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

I wanted to say Happy Halloween! I am seriously having some trouble, however, believing how fast this year has gone by. It is so ridiculously cliche, but I guess it is true... time does go faster as you get older. I am already getting Christmas crafty minded, too! It seems like, for us, anyway, that it goes from Halloween to Christmas and the only thing we really do for Thanksgiving is have a big dinner lol.

A very sweet and VERY talented scrapper I met not too long ago, named Elizabeth, introduced me to the concept of 30 days of thankfulness. You know... stop and smell the roses? So, for November that is my goal to blog every day and include something that I am thankful for. I need to stop skipping over the season and holiday all about gratitude, sheesh. So, hopefully, I can remember every day, if not I will update when I can.

Ok, now... for my GREAT NEWS!!! I am so excited to share this and I had shared it on facebook and google+ already, so excuse me if you have heard this before but I am really so excited I HAD to blog about it as well.

I have had several layouts published in online scrapping magazine, BUT... I just had my very first publication in a print magazine! Yep...I have a magazine and in on... on page 48 is MY layout! OMG ... so many happy adjectives and exclamation marks go here. take a look, here is the magazine... Scapbooking Memories, Australia.

and HELLO! page 48 baby! :)

this is a close up of the layout:

Anyway, thanks for listening to my gush :) It totally made my day to get that magazine in the mail. :)

Please have a wonderful, safe, and happy Halloween! I will share my trick or treaters with you tomorrow!

Freebie: Conceptions, set 3, template freebies

2011-10-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday to you! :) I am so grateful to be feeling better today, whew!

Today I have a free template set for you! About time isn't it? lol I hope you enjoy, you can

download HERE or by clicking the image! Both downloads are

included in one link. Have fun and happy scrappin'!

Not quite as planned

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well, that weekend did NOT go quite as planned. Instead of going to the Fair and having a super wonderful weekend with my girls, we ALL had to flu. All five of us at once. awesome. I am still not able to really eat but I am feeling a bit better thankfully. Just thought I would catch up on some layout sharing while I have nothing else going on here to share lol.

Each lo linked for full credits.

This is dh and I, and was taken at a Fall Festival we went to a few weeks ago.

Becca in these, being UBER cute!

A layout about my Nana. I have no pictures of her, so words are going to have to do. But I want them recorded for future generations to at least learn about her.

Becca, at the same Fall Festival as dh and I, above.

This one is Kay...yep, same festival! lol

Have a great Wednesday!

Happy Saturday!

2011-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hi hi, it is Saturday! One of my favorite days of the week, because everyone is home together. I usually get to do something fun with my girls and just enjoy being with them! Today, we are supposed to be going to the local fair...assuming the weather holds and everyone is completely over their illnesses. This has been quite the germy week in out house, blech!

I wanted to share with you a few of the LOs that I have done recently. Each image is linked for complete credits! :) Next week I should have another yummy recipe or two for you plus a cute craft or two as well! I really can not believe it is almost Halloween for goodness sake! Anyway, thanks for looking!

This one is Kayla and Samantha at a local Fall Festival that we went to.

This one is all about Kayla and her morning coffee addiction! lol

This pic of Becca was taken last year at Gatorland in Florida. They have this fun little splash water park area and there is this HUGE gator right in the middle lol. It was funny because she refused to take her glasses off the whole time she was playing in the water lol.

Becca and Kayla, both dressed as kitties, two years ago. Last year everyone was too sick for Halloween, so hopefully this year they will get to wear their costumes! :)

This last one is Becca, it was also taken at the Fall Festival.

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Hybrid Tissue Box Cover

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is really easy and quick...oh yea, and inexpensive, too! :) Yay! All I did was measure the side of the box and the top, I decorated the squares in Photoshop, printed and adhered with my tape runner.

I used the following kit, from Traci Reed, image linked:

Here is the cute box, just in time to comfort Becca and the cold she brought home from school, poor kiddo!

Just another cute and quick idea on how to get the most out of your money with digital scrapbooking kits, they really are SO versatile, and you never have to repurchase because you never run out, it is awesome!

Happy Friday to everyone!

Buffalo Chicken Mac n Cheese

2011-10-18T09:04:00.001-04:00

I got this amazingly delicious recipe from Food Network Magazine. They have so many delicious recipes wow! I did change it up a bit, so here is what this recipe called for...besides a ginormous fork!

7 Tablespoons butter
salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce, divided
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2-1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup crumbled feta
2 Tablespoons parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt 3 Tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 more minute.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mustard with a wooden spoon until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.

Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce evenly on top. Put the remaining 2 Tablespoons butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until melted. Stir in the panko, feta cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni. Bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Drizzle with some wing sauce for color.

Garnish with even more wing sauce, blue cheese and sour cream if you like!

It was definitely spicy, but not too much, even the kids LOVED it! <3

Hybrid Bag for the sick geek!

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I made the cutest "punniest" bag ever, if I do say so myself! :) If you are giving a little pick me up to a friend that is fantubulously geeky then you need something like this! I used an adorable kit from Traci Reed called Weird Science and a hybrid bag template from WendyBird Designs for this bag, check it out.

*product linked*

And here is my adorable bag... "I hope you are up and atom soon" get it... atoms! BWAHAHAHA

I really think I am punny! lol

Anyway, thanks for looking, and probably giggling at my ridiculousness lol!

Halloween Snake Wreath

2011-10-14T08:00:00.006-04:00

I wanted to come and share this super cute wreath that I found on Pinterest and replicated. I think it turned out really great, even though I have less snakes on mine than the original did.

Here is the original wreath that is on Pinterest

Here is mine:

It turned out pretty cute, right? It was really easy. I bought a grapevine wreath and a bunch of toy snakes. Oh...and lots of black spray paint lol. Well actually it felt like lots but it used a whole can. The stupid snakes were originally lime green! lol So I spray painted everything and then just wove the snakes in between the grape vines to make them stick...did not even need glue or anything messy.

And... not that this happened to me...but should your spray paint can leak and you get black paint ALL over your hands... olive oil and salt works like a charm to get it off...and maybe a make-up remover for any little extra bits.

Ok, that's it for now, including my PSA haha! Have a super day, enjoy your weekend!

MMM @ CRAFT

Halloween Party at eighteen25
Manic Monday
Market Yourself Monday
Made with Love

Halloween Hybrid Vase

2011-10-13T12:14:00.000-04:00

This is a really cute and quick Halloween idea. I needed a little something more on my counter in the kitchen with a couple other little things I had ready for Halloween. All I did was take a really cute Halloween kit, from Amy Stoffel at 9th&Bloom, and measured the size around my vase and how wide I wanted it and simply made a cute little layout to then adhere to the vase. It turned out really cute.

Here is the kit I used, image linked:

and the finished project... the inside is filled with the colored paper "grass" they sell at every craft store on every holiday...aka shredded paper lol

Anyone can do this in just a matter of minutes! :) happy Thursday, btw!! I have a few more hybrids to share coming up, a Halloween wreath, and some new recipes finally as well! :)

Wow, it's Wednesday!

2011-10-12T10:14:00.000-04:00

I was starting this blog post by posting that is was Monday! lol Ooopsy!

I just wanted to share some happy scrapping news! This month I have been SO lucky to guest for Little Green Frog Designs. I really wish my guest gig would never end frankly, I am considering bribing Andrea to get to stay on the team some how! Seriously, her templates are absolutely amazing!

So I just wanted to show you some of them today and the amazing LOs I have created with them! I will share with you two template packs I used first and the four layouts I made from them, I am SO in love!

This first template pack is called, Turkish Delight. Image linked so you can grab it if you like, at Funky Playground!

This LO is of Rebecca, being a silly free spirit. I love when kids are like that! Image linked for full credits as well.

This other one is Sam and Rebecca being loving. I am really enjoying the fact that these moments happen more and more often as they get older. Image linked for full credits!

Now, for the second template pack! I am absolutely, completely in love with this pack and these two layouts I did are by far my favorite and best EVER! Seriously. All images linked again.

My Becca bear, and one of her favorite songs for me to sing to her.

And my Kay Kay. I just think these are stunning photos of her and the colors in this kit, mixed with the amazing composition of the template is so perfect *sigh*

Ok, well, that is all for today :) I hope everyone has a happy hump day! I just can not believe how fast this week is going, wow!

2011-10-09T09:29:00.000-04:00

Good morning! :) Happy Sunday to you!

I had to come and share with you a layout that I did of our new little kitten! She is such an absolutely wonderful little ball of fur! She is so cuddly and sweet, adorable and fluffy! I am definitely in love with her and so glad that my daughter got her! I am already thinking when my daughter grows up and moves out I am going to need a kitten of my own! Anyway, take a look see!

I did this LO using the following kit and template from JennCk Designs:

All images linked.

For the rest of today I am going to recover! I have an ear ache that is really bothering me and I did something to my knee, but walking hurts and bending it hurts like @&^% so yea... I think I will be sitting on my butt. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday and continue enjoying the three day weekend, if you are in the states.

Starting to feel Halloweeny?

2011-10-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

I had a great excuse to use a Halloween kit already! I am feeling ready for Halloween, loving decorating, make cute projects, it is TIME! :) hehe.

Samantha and Kayla made a super cute Gingerbread Halloween House together. So I just had to scrap it, of course! I love the way it turned out. It is sitting in the middle of the island in the kitchen and is so perfect!

and I used JennCk Designs' adorable new Midnight kit!

Adorable, right? Happy Friday to everyone, I have some shopping to do today and am looking forward to it! One of the shopping stops will be costume shopping, of course! YAY!

My Pride and Joy

2011-10-06T12:19:00.000-04:00

Well, one of my pride and joys anyway! I love my baby girl. Here she is :)

and I used this kit and add-on to make it, from JennCk Designs. I also used a new template that will be coming out tomorrow :)

All images linked. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday! I am looking forward to this weekend, I hope we get to do a few Fall like things together as a family this weekend. That would be a lot of fun :)

Freebie: Conceptions, set 2, template freebies

2011-10-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Another template set for you all. This one was on google+ previously, so if you grabbed it there it will not be new for you, but I do have another new one on its way in the not too distant future! :) Hope you like it, download link below template previews!

You can DOWNLOAD both themplates in one zip HERE! enjoy :)

OOOoohhhh it's coming to 9th&Bloom!

2011-10-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

Check this out!!! So excited!

Super Easy and Super Yummy Ice Cream Cake

2011-10-03T10:03:00.002-04:00

I made this ice cream cake last weekend. I can not believe how delicious it was for how easy it was! It also looked pretty darn impressive. I was a bit upset when my family wanted to know how I made it because I had to admit how easy it actually was! rofl!

Anyway, take a look, it is yummy yummy!

and here is what you need:

1c of heavy cream

3 tbsp sugar

ice cream sandwiches

a chocolate bar

chocolate syrup

All you are going to do is beat together the cream and sugar until you have whipped cream. Easy peasy, seriously... takes a couple of minutes and is worth NEVER buying whipped cream again! Seriously...trust me here.

Then you get a loaf pan, line it with waxed paper, parchment paper, or even foil. I used foil.

Then you put ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of the pan, cut them to fit if necessary and fully cover the bottom. Put half of the whipped cream on top, then layer again with ice cream sandwiches. Top with the last of the whipped cream. Then use a potato peeler and shave a bit of the chocolate bar over the top and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Make sure you cover it completely. I made sure the cake came to just under the top of the top so when I covered it it would not ruin the top. Then freeze it until done, for at least a few hours. I made mine in the morning and it was absolutely perfect at dinner time. The foil worked out perfectly as well.

Enjoy!

Participating In:

Made with Love at Sew Chatty
Show Me What Ya Got At Not Just a Housewife

Hybrid Halloween Tree

2011-10-02T11:24:00.004-04:00

Do you like my blog Fall makeover? I used the Apple of My Eye Kit from Traci Reed, available at Sweet Shoppe Designs to do it. Now...on to my project!

I found this adorable little wooden tree at the dollar store and I knew that with some equally adorable scrapbooking elements it could make a great addition to my Halloween decorations. I love how it turned out and it was beyond ridiculously easy! Seriously ... All I did was put the tree together, which came in two pieces, then I pulled up some elements from a great kit, re sized them in Photoshop and printed. Cut them out, stuck them on, and VIOLA!

Here is the kit I used, it is linked to the 9th&Bloom store.

and my little tree :) It currently resides on the island in my kitchen, giving shade to an adorable gingerbread Halloween house that Samantha and Kayla made together

Isn't it adorable! :) I love simple projects! I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday! I have a yummy recipe to share with you tomorrow. I think I was supposed to do that today lol, but I HAD to share this cute project first!

participating in:

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Manic Monday Linky Party at Sew Happy Geek
MMM at CRAFT
Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife

Friday New Releases at 9th&Bloom

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

There was not only some great new stuff from the designers at 9th&Bloom yesterday, but there was a few new designers joining the team as well! Woohoo!!! So what that means is that there was a ton of scrap happy goodness going on!! Let me share a bit of it with you, then I can finish sharing it tomorrow. I also have a super duper yummy recipe for you on Monday, I promise you are going to love it! :) It is super yummy and super easy! Gotta love recipes like that! Anyway, here is what I have to share with you today and as usual all images are linked to the store or my gallery for full credits!

I used a kit and a template for the following layout of Rebecca.

I used a template for this layout, from another store and a super pretty kit, love these patterns and colors! This is my Kay :)

And one more, of my Sammy Bear! :) with something from a new designer to 9th&B!

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday and I want to go out with her and the girls for awhile. Nothing special, just spending time together and enjoying each other's company. Hopefully I will stop feeling sick long enough for this to actually happen! I shall keep my fingers crossed!Happy Saturday, y'all!

Girly Sleep Over kit, so cute!

2011-09-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

I got to work with this so super cute Sleep Over kit from JennCk Designs! I love it, I finally got some cute pics of Becca and her BFF when the had a sleep over! They are so cute and so good and have so much fun together. I am so glad that Rebecca has a nice friend. Anyway check out this cute kit and my layout using it!

*image linked*

*linked for full credits*

That is all for today. I am not feeling the greatest, I have caught the first cold of the school season, oh joy! My throat hurts so I am sitting here on the couch, scrapping and drinking some nice hot Earl Grey tea, which is my absolute favorite. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Hybrid Tutorial: S'mores on a stick!

2011-09-28T08:00:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone! I am so glad to be sharing another hybrid tutorial! Traci Reed's kits are so inspiring and fun to work with! I just finished moving into a new house and one of my new neighbors has been absolutely so sweet and wonderful. I really appreciate when people go out of their way to be nice and helpful... especially since that does not seem to happen too much any more.

So I decided to make her a cute little thank you gift. I made a little bouquet of one dozen S'mores on a stick and then added a super cute tag saying "we need S'more neighbors like you" She was surprised and so happy and I think the cute little tag I made using Traci's kit was the perfect touch. I have step by step directions for you if you would like to re-create this project, and of course it can be for S'more anything... teachers, friends, co-workers, etc.

The first thing that you need to do is have all your ingredients set out for the S'mores on a stick. You will need marshmallows, lollipop sticks, crushed graham cracker crumbs, and melted chocolate. If you have everything laid out while you melt the chocolate you will be ready to go as soon as it is melted which helps the process go smoothly!

If you are unsure how to melt chocolate it is actually really easy! You just microwave it in 30 second increments, stirring in between to make sure it does not over cook.

First you will stick a lollipop stick into the bottom of a marshmallow. Then you will dip the top of the marshmallow into the chocolate to coat it, then swirl the stick, coating the sides of the marshmallow in chocolate as well. Tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to get rid of excess chocolate, if you have to much it will run to the mallow once it is upright. Then you will gently roll the graham cracker crumbs onto the wet chocolate, using your hand to dredge as opposed to swirling the it into the crumbs as that will make the chocolate come off. Then just lay on foil to dry. There will not be any sticking because the crumbs cover the wet chocolate completely.

Let them dry completely. I let them sit for about half an hour. Once they are dry you are going to put them in a candy/lollipop bag and tie them with a twist tie. I made a cute little tag with my saying on it in Photoshop, using For The Love of a Boy by Traci. I made mine 2.5 in height by 3.5 in width. I then punched a hole in one corner with a hole punch, just not too close to the edge. I got a roll of twine and I used that to tie around a vase and put the tag in it. I also shredded up some tissue paper and used that to fill in the bottom of the vase.

It really does make such a sweet gift and these are incredibly delicious! I was not sure I would like them, I thought they might be a little dry due to the cracker crumbs but they are perfection! I hope you like this little tutorial. It is a simple and cute idea and it goes pretty quickly as well. Plus... what a great little sentiment to hand to someone!

Until next time...happy scrappin' y'all!

Participating In:

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Lil' Luna Link PARTAY #44
Your Whims Wednesday
Wow me Wednesday

My oh so sweet surprise!

2011-09-27T07:42:00.000-04:00

We have a new kitty! Yep...no intro ...I just needed to blurt that out! She is such a little cutie. She is three months old and her name is Riley. Look, look, look...

The last pic is kinda off focus but it is the absolute sweetest photo ever...my goodness. She is so sweet and loving and soft and fluffy and all kinds of wonderful adjectives!

Tomorrow I will have another hybrid scrap booking project to share with you, along with the tutorial for how to re-create it. Oh...and it's a tasty project as well! See ya tomorrow! Happy scrappin'

Scrapbook Layouts

2011-09-26T08:11:00.000-04:00

I have some good...super cute news to share with you, but I am going to make you wait until tomorrow! lol But... oh my goodness, it is adorable!

Here are some layouts that I have done recently, that I wanted to share with you. Each image is linked for full credits to my gallery. These are all about Kayla today! :)

Until tomorrow ... have a wonderful start to your week!

Fall Hybrid Candle Tins

2011-09-20T13:19:00.008-04:00

These are really a super easy, quick, cheap, and adorable craft! What more could a girl ask for? All I did was take a super cute digital scrapbooking kit and combine it with a few candles that came in a non descript tin with a lid. The candles were actually on clearance for 50 cents at the pharmacy. They are a delicious scent, they just were not much too look at is all.

Here is the cute Fall kit I used, from Traci Reed at Sweet Shoppe, image is linked.

All I did was measure around each tin with a soft tape measure, then I made a strip that long in Photoshop and decorated it and printed it out flat. These were going to get a lot of hands on use so I did not want anything sticking out or 3D that could get ruined easily. Then I measured the diameter of the top, made a circle in photoshop and decorated that as well. Then all I did was use my tape runner and over lap it on to the existing paper manufactured label. The end result is really cute and was an extra touch of Fall that I wanted for decorating!

So, viola, easy peasy! Enjoy, and happy Tuesday!!!

Participating In:

Show me what ya ho at Not Just a Housewife

Take a look Tuesday at Sugar Bee
Manic Monday at Sew Happy Geek

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Made with love by Sew Chatty
MMM at CRAFT

Some scrapbook layouts!

2011-09-18T11:22:00.000-04:00

It is a good thing I did not hold my breath because my internet did not get fixed. The guy never even showed up. He is, however, here right now and I am hoping that he fixes everything, though there seems to be some issue...of course.

Here are some layouts I have done recently, well, semi recently but I have not shared them here yet lol. Each image is linked for full credits!

Wish me and my internet luck! lol have a wonderful Sunday!

Hybrid Gift Box: Trapezoid

2011-09-17T14:14:00.000-04:00

Well, today is the day that my internet is supposed to be getting fixed...I am not holding my breath though, it is already 2pm and nothing. This is so beyond frustrating. On the plus side with no internet I have done just a couple of cute crafts here and there as I had the time. lol. I wanted to share this really cute little gift box with you guys! I love how it turned out!

I used this hybrid template from WendyBird Designs at Brownie Scraps, image linked.

Then I used some pieces from Traci Reed's kit, My 3 Sons, image linked.

and I came up with this really cute little box, I love how the flower turned out! After I printed it out I wet the flowers and crumpled them up. I then let them dry and uncrumpled them. Viola, a cute aged look. I added a yellow button with a piece of twine.

Happy Saturday, y'all!

Sunday...and I rested!

2011-09-11T18:54:00.000-04:00

So, happy Sunday! I decided I needed a day of rest. Too much unpacking going on around here. I ended up having a lovely day, and even got to sneak in a few minutes of free WiFi to come and share a scrapbook layout that I did during my hiatus! I read a book today, too! It was a great relaxing day! I am almost ready to start all over again tomorrow! lol. I have to finish my craft room and then the downstairs is pretty much together :)

Here is a kit I got to snag before loosing internet and the layout of my Sammy Bear that I made with it! I love how it turned out. The colors in this kit are really amazing. I think I may use it again for another layout, I really do love it!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! :)

Scrapbooking for my sanity!

2011-09-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

So, even with moving I have managed to get in a few moments at night here and there to scrapbook. I defintiely needed it to keep myself sane! The movers are here today and we are getting moved out, I can not wait to get this over with. The only thing I am going to hate is not having internet for a few days lol

Here is a kit I used from JennCk Designs, I LOVE the pretty colors, the girliness, the flowers, the patterns, it is great!

*image linked*

Here is a layout I did of my Becca Bear :)

*happy sigh* Isn't she a cutie patootie!? Ok, off for now. Time to move in, settle in, get some internet going lol. Wish me luck!

Veggielicious BABY!

2011-09-03T11:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday, and here is an unconventional use for a veggie kit ... this is SO stinkin' cute I love it! Take a peek!

Today I am off to paint some rooms in the new house, for some reason they are bubble gum pink, bright sherbet orange, bright yellow, and highlighter pink! ugh! No thank you lol. So a painting I will go! :)

What happened to Tues - Thurs?

2011-09-02T14:58:00.000-04:00

Seriously, I swore I just posted here yesterday. Today is Friday already! What on earth happened to the rest of this week...I am not sure where it went! This week has been a blur and I am SO glad that Rebecca goes back to school next Tues. I need to be up early everyday and have my routine back or I can never get anything done! sheesh!

This week we have had a cold, a case of bronchitis, carpet being torn up due to mold after the hurricane, the disposal repairman, getting the new house ready and everything turned on, two walk throughs of the new house, the dog got a cold, piano lessons, three doctors appointments, sleeping in the living room cause the dog peed on a kids bed... then we fixed it and she did it again, open house for 5th grade. Just...ugh! ENOUGH! I am ready to move, settle down, and return my life to some semblance of normalcy at this point.

Here are some scrapbook layouts to share, at least something has remained constant. Scrapbooking is the only way I have to just relax and let go and I love it :)

My baby Becca bear. Image linked for credits.

My hubby and I. :) I wish I had more pics with him. <3 Image also linked.

My eldest.

That is about it for now! I need a fall vacation from my summer vacation! lol

Monday Monday!

2011-08-29T10:27:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday, y'all! Thankfully Hurricane Irene was a total wuss and went through our area with

no troubles. I hear there was minor damage here and there, but thank God we did not even loose power! :) I was so relieved. Plus, living in Florida most of my life it was not such a big deal for us. I, frankly, found the small earthquake more disconcerting. I am not exactly used to my house doing the tango! That was weird!

I thought I would pop on here and share with you a few more of my scrapbooking layouts that I have done recently. There was no creative team commitment involved in these, these were done at Sweet Shoppe which is the only other place I frequent. I know I have mentioned it before but I really love their challenges, they are actually challenging and I find myself scrapping some things I may never have thought of to scrap!

If you are interested I have given away some new digital scrapbooking templates lately. Just go back to yesterdays post and a couple before... or click in the Freebie tag on the right. :) Enjoy!

Other than scrapbooking, nothing much is going on here lately. School is about to start in a week and a day and then things can get back to normal and back into a routine! We are moving, I just picked up the keys to the house this morning. We are still in the same city, for now, our lease was just up at this house and we are downsizing a bit. Big houses are beautiful, but have you ever tried to keep 5500 square feet of house clean? I am DONE!

Anyway, here are a few layouts, thanks for looking, and I hope everyone has a blessed Monday.

(each image in linked for full credits)

Myself and my super cute hubby, before he shaved his head lol

My Becca bear, this pic was taken about a year ago. My goodness how much she has changed in a year!

All three of my girls. This was taken in the Richmond airport in July, right before Kayla went on her summer trip to Orlando to visit her friends.

My Sammy bear :)

My girls and I. These were taken at Splitsville, a bowling alley, on Becca's bday in June.

Thanks for looking! Have a great day...I am off to go paint color shopping! Wooohoo! FUN!

Participating In:

Manic Monday Linky Party
Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Made with Love at Sew Chatty
Monday Mingle
MMM at CRAFT

Freebie: Conceptions, set 1, template freebies

2011-08-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

For all my fellow digi scrappers I have a new template set for you to enjoy! I do hope you like them! Feel free to share with me any LOs you make with them, I would be honored to see them. You can comment here or email me, fb me, google + me, what ever floats your boat! lol Just use and enjoy! Get your creative juices flowing!

They are both included in the download, and the link is at the bottom of the post.

You can DOWNLOAD the TEMPLATES HERE! :)

More New Releases from 9th&Bloom

2011-08-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

A couple more of new kits and my layouts made using them, from the New Releases at 9th&Bloom yesterday! Take a look see, and say a little prayer that the hurricane is not too bad for us today and tomorrow. I am scheduling my posts ahead of time, just in case! hehe.

This first layout was done using a template from a newly released template set and a kit from an awesome new kit! I love how it turned out, and it got featured on the Gallery Stand Out blog which I am very proud of :)

and my layout was of Kayla and some photos of the play they did at Districts, Regionals, and then States. She was so happy and proud and they had SO much fun!

This next kit is a cute back to school kit from Erin of Secret Stash Designs. I love the unconventional colors and look it is amazing! Her kits are so polished!

and my layout is of Rebecca's new school bag. She is starting 5th grade the day after Labor Day and she picked out an adorable Glee messenger bag, which I am totally jelly of!

Thanks for looking! Happy scrapping, stay safe and dry from the storm! Tomorrow I will have a freebie for ya!

Friday New Releases at 9th&Bloom

2011-08-26T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to share with you the beautiful new releases that I got to play with this week at 9th&Bloom, they are out as of today! Feel free to click on the product image to view the item at the 9th&Bloom store.The layout images are linked to my gallery, for full credits. Also, let me know what you think of my layouts :) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and stays safe from the hurricane. It should be hitting our area tomorrow.

This is a beautiful and elegant kit, perfect for remember a loved one that you have lost. I did a LO about my Nana, whom I loved so much, and miss dearly.

This cute kit is all about the sweets! I decided, since I did not have any candy like pics, to scrap about my Samantha and how sweet she is, because sometimes she forgets how amazing she truly is.

I love the coastal/beachy feel to this kit. It was perfect for some pictures I took of a marina while on a drive out with Kay one day. I had not even thought to scrap these until I saw this kit.

I have a few more goodies to share with you, but I will save them for tomorrow! Happy scrapping!

Free template Set!

2011-08-18T08:00:00.019-04:00

I made a template set, for digital scrapbooking, and thought that I would pop in and offer it here in case anyone else can use it :) Please download and enjoy! You can grab it HERE!

This is what you will get, in .psd and .tif formats.

and two layouts that I made with them:

Enjoy! :)

Scrapbooking Layouts!

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I do love the Creative Team work that I do, but that work is always centered around making a LO work with a kit I am given to work with. Granted I usually have no problems because I only work for designers I love, but I also feel the need to be prompted to make some pages about certain things that maybe I would not think about on my own.

This is one of the reasons that I am enjoying doing the challenges at Sweet Shoppe Designs. I like the challenge system that they have, and that there are SO many challenges. They also manage to actually challenge me and make me think. I find myself journaling more remembering to date things more, remember to actually record the memories instead of just making pretty pictures.

So, that said, I just wanted to share with you a few of the layouts that I have done recently at SSD for no other purpose but the love of scrapbooking and memory keeping for my girls. Each image is linked to my generic gallery for full credits.

Thanks for looking and taking a peek into my hobby! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Digital Scrapbooking meets Retro Toy!

2011-08-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

Here is a ridiculously easy and yet ADORABLE and unique hybrid craft I did this past weekend.

I took a special kind of Shrinky Dink paper that is printable and printed out a circular design. I then used an eyelet hole punch tool to make holes in said design. :) I baked according to package directions and then sewed it on to my daughter's jeans. Viola! Shrinky Dink digital scrapbooking buttons! OH MY WORD! The possibilities here are endless people!

I used an element from Traci Reed's newest kit below:

*image linked*

Thanks for looking and letting me share my love of digital scrapbooking with you!

Participating In:

Anything Goes at Type A

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee
Manic Monday at Sew Happy Geek

Sharing a Scrapbooking Secret!

2011-08-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love puns lol. I am going to share with you my love of Secret Stash, which is the name of the design line by Erin Tietz. It is definitely a good secret to share because you would be hard pressed not to make beautiful pages with her gorgeous designs! She has a great sense of color, playfulness, and traditional scrapbooking style. I love her stuff! I am going to share with you a few of her recent kits and the layouts I have made using them.

First you can find Secret Stash's STORE HERE you can find Secret Stash on FACEBOOK HERE if you pay attention she doed give a ways, special coupons even exclusive FB content for free! and you can find Secret Stash's BLOG HERE! Sign up for her newsletter for more goodies!

Here is a recent kit, called Dream a Little Dream

*image linked*

I made two layouts with this beauty! I love the way both of them turned out!

This adorable kit is called Lil' Chickadee

*image linked*

I made one layout so far with this cutie!

And the last kit I will share with you today is called Just Push Play. This is a collaborative kit that Erin did with Winnie of Studio Charlize! This is seriously gorgeous!

*image linked*

I have done 3 layouts with this one so far!

Thanks for letting me share this secret with you!

Recent Release by Nikki Epperson

2011-08-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Nikki Epperson had a new release this past week that was so absolutely adorable and girly! I loved working with it! Take a peek! It is adorable! I am lovin' the pretty pink doily!

*image linked*

Here is the layout that I did using this kit:

I did not even get one comment on it in a gallery, but I think it is freakin' adorable so booyah! lol
Yep, blogging feels good again, two days in a row, I am glad to be back! I think a blog make over is in order since Fall is on the way! :)

Hybrid Tutorial!

2011-08-13T10:44:00.002-04:00

Well, summer is almost done here, the kids go back to school here in 4 weeks! I am almost back into my daily routine. I have missed blogging, let me tell you! :) I thought I would pop in today and share a little something from a guest post I recently did.

Here is a tutorial I recently shared on Traci Reed's blog.

With school starting up soon, I thought this would be a great time to share this hybrid tutorial with you! When I did this, it was for a friend that loves gardening, and it says "All Things Grow with Love." I was thinking that you can easily change it to something like... "Thanks for planting the seeds" or some other cute and catchy teacher"y" saying as a lovely back to school gift for your child's new teacher this year! How sweet! Here is what I made:

and if you are interested in doing it, I made a little seed packet template to share with you as well. It is absolutely nothing fancy, just workable :)

It is only in .psd format, and if you would like to download it, you can do so HERE.

Just take a look and follow along. You will have a finished project before you know it!

I used Traci's kit Farm Fresh 4 U

The first thing you are going to do is make and print out as many seed packets and you like. You are also going to make a pretty cover for the pot itself, if you want to, in this case I did. I simply measured the height and width of the pot I was using and made a mini LO to go on it.

Then you are going to cut out all of those pieces.

The next step is going to be to crease and then fold along the tabs, as well as in the middle (between the front and back portions) of the seed packet.

Next you will use some double sided tape, or a tape runner and the first tab you need to stick down is the one on the bottom of the bottom face of the packet. You need to tape this one on the inside and stick it down, otherwise it will interfere with the finished size of the template...do not ask how I know that! *See it down first in the 2nd picture? Then you are going to fold the tabs on the sides in and tape on the TOP of these tabs, which is the patterned part here. This way when you fold in the middle and press together the tabs will stick to the front of the seed packets, easy peasy! Then you just slip in your seed packets.

The next thing to do is adhere the pretty covering onto the pot. In this case I was able to use my tape runner as well, since I had a very lightweight plastic pot. Once attached, you are going to put a piece of Styrofoam in the pot, which will hold the seed packets in place. I cut a round piece off of some left over that I had, you do not have to have a specific kind, it is great for using up left overs!

Next I printed out two plain papers from the kit, put them through the paper shredder and then crumpled the up. I loosely added them to the top of the pot which gave a really cute grass like affect to the project, but I did not need to purchase anything extra to do it.

The last part is to attach the seed packets to the sticks they are on and then poke them into the Styrofoam. I used BBQ skewers, because for some reason we have a bagillion of them in our house, but you can use wooden downl, wire, anything you have really. I used a heavy duty packing tape to adhere the stick to the back of the packets, it helped give it a little more stability. Then just rearrange the "grass" as you like and you are done!

I thought this was a really fun project, but not too difficult. I am pretty sure a nice little surprise like this would make any one smile. I hope you give it a try!

Participating In:

Sunday Blog Love Linky Party

Keep It Simple at the tattered tag

Hybrid Notebook Necklace

2011-07-10T17:33:00.003-04:00

Just a super cute, super easy and pretty decently quick hybrid craft! lol How is that for an explanation. I made this for Becca. She loves little necklaces and for some odd reason she just absolutely LOVES little notepads to write in. She always has a bunch of them. You can find her doodling, writing poetry, writing her own song, making up new jokes, or even stories. She is such a darn cutie.

Traci Reed has two new kits out this week, this one is a collab, take a look, image linked.

And here is the little necklace I made:

Of course I just so happened to make a scrapbook layout with is as well! lol

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday. I have one more hybrid and lo to share with you tomorrow from Traci's other new release!

Participating In:
MMM at CRAFT
Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
KISS at The Tattered Tag

New Release for Nikki Epperson!

2011-07-07T12:56:00.000-04:00

Nikki has a new release out today at the Digi Chick! It is really cute and fun, great for capturing every day photos and some silly outtakes! Take a look:

and here is the layout I created with it, the girls, with their silly "get your camera out of my face" faces! lol

Super cute right? Now that I happen to be biased but my girls are amazing! :) Gotta love 'em! Anyway, until tomorrow, have a great day! I have another yummy recipe to share soon, this one is for a really good summertime treat!

One Busy Scrapper!

2011-07-06T11:36:00.001-04:00

I have to say that I spent most of 4th of July weekend relaxing and scrapping! I did scrapping just for me, no Creative Team commitments, etc. I just had fun and enjoyed myself. I was hanging out at Sweet Shoppe Designs. I love their challenges. I really wish sites would have MORE challenges like they do! Anyway, here are some of the pages I have created recently. You can click the page to go to the gallery and not only see the credits but in most places read the journaling.

What I loved about 4th grade. Journaling available.

Kay n Beck

6-24-11

Aquia Landing, journaling available.

Unlovable, journaling available. This one is very personal and was very hard for me to do, but it was also quite cathartic, which I guess is good. Too much holding crap in for way too long!

Thanks for looking! :) I hope everyone has a great Wednesday. It is gray and raining here and I plan on staying inside.

Scandinavian Cardamom Buttermilk Cake

2011-07-05T08:00:00.004-04:00

Ok, first I must say to you ... "This cake rocks my socks!" Truly, it is so yummy! When Kayla graduated, this was the cake that she requested for her graduation dinner ... no kidding. She said it is by far the best cake she has ever eaten. Now, I do not agree with the best ever thing, but it certainly is good.

I had never had a cake with cardamom before and it was a bit different at first, but wow, it really grew on me and I enjoy it a lot. It is not at all overly sweet which is great for me because I really kinda hate frosting lol. Hey...don't judge! Anyway, take a look and see what you think.

If you look closely at the bottom and the top (just under the frosting) you can see a coarser texture. That my dear wonderful bloggy friends is a yummy mixture of nuts and sugar that bakes into the cake and gives this really yummy little crunch to the cake.

Ingredients:

non stick cooking spray

1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened

3/4 c pecans, finely chopped

1/4 c sugar

1c sugar

5 tbsp sugar

1 orange

2c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1c buttermilk

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 c light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 1/2c heavy whipping cream

1pt raspberries, slightly smooshed (its a word!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spray the non stick cooking spray on the bottom of 2 round 8 or 9 inch pans. In a small bowl, combine the pecans and the 1/4c sugar. Mix together and then divide evenly between the two pans. Roll the contents around and along sided to stick and then even out the mixture that will not stick in a think layer on the bottom of each pan.

From the orange, grate 1/2 tsp zest and squeeze 2tbsp of juice.

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt, cardamom, ginger, and orange peel. In a second bowl mix the buttermilk, orange juice, and 1 tsp vanilla.

In a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Add 1c sugar and brown sugar, mixing until combined. Add eggs, one at a time. Add flour mixture alternately with the liquid mixture. Blend until smooth.

Pour batter into the pans, dividing evenly. Be careful not to scrape the bottom of the pan. Cook about 30 min, until done. Cool for 10 min, then loosen with a butter knife. Invert onto cooling racks or plates.

After cake is completely cool make the whipped cream by mixing the heavy whipping cream, the remaining sugar, and the vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form. Take the slightly smooshed raspberries and fold in.

Put one layer of cake, pecan/sugar side down on the cake plate/serving plate frost with half of the frosting and then top with the next layer with the pecan/sugar side up. Frost with the remaining frosting, and if desired top with any extra raspberries.

Enjoy! I really hope everyone had a great holiday, for those that celebrated Independence Day! My day did not go as planned at all lol, but... these things happen right?

Participating In:

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife.
Tasty Tuesdays

New Collab with Traci Reed

2011-07-02T08:00:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be a part of Traci Reed's creative team as a Hybrid Hawt Mama. How is that for a title? I am diggin' it!

She has a new collab coming out today at Sweet Shoppe Designs, called Scrumdiddilyumptious! It is so super duper cute and gold ticket worthy! I made a cute little hybrid box with it and a layout as well, take a peek!

*image linked*

Super "sweet" right? lol I could not resist!

Here is the layout I made with it, I love this picture of Becca with the frosting on her nose! On this layout I also used a template from Cindy Schneider at Sweet Shoppe.

Then I used this really adorable hybrid template from WendyBird Designs, a cake slice box!

*image linked*

and I added some ruffled ribbon I hot glued on to make the "frosting" on the bottom of the box as well as added ribbon to the top for a pretty decoration there. I a in love with this little box!

Thanks for stopping by today, enjoy your Saturday and have a wonderful holiday weekend.

New Releases at 9th&Bloom

2011-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy July!!!!

Some lovely new things today coming out of 9th&Bloom, plus a new designer, new July Guests, a retirement sale...you really need to check it out!

Here are two kits coming from one of the new designers, Sabrina Dupre! LOVE her and her kits!

*image linked*

A little layout I did of myself ;)

One more kit from Sabrina:

*image linked*

And a layout I did of Kayla.

last but not least for today, there is a template pack by July Guest Zinna & Swallowtails.

*image linked*

And a layout I did of Sammy, using a kit called Fresh by By Becca.

See... I told ya, gorgeous scrapbooking goodies, right??? I hope you have a great Friday!

New Release by Nikki Epperson

2011-06-30T20:41:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to pop in and share a cute new kit, meant for boys, but I snagged it for my girl! :) It is a cutie.

*image linked*

and here is my LO, click LO for full credits.

Thanks for looking, tomorrow goodies from 9th&Bloom!

God Bless America Print

2011-06-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

By now I am sure you must have seen this adorable free printable from Landee See, Landee Do, the image is linked so please stop by her blog if you love it and let her know and you can download and print one for yourself.

I happen to like the print and was going to print out one for myself when I got ahold of that kit I shared with you yesterday from Meredith Cardall Designs, this one (also linked):

So, I decided to open up Photoshop and make one for myself.I love the way it turned out, and I like being able to give dimension to it myself by adding shadows to the banner and such. ROFL at the fact that you can actually see me taking a picture of it in the reflection of the glass! bwahahaha ... this is real life here folks, you just can not script this kinda of dumbness lol.

It is now sitting proudly on my mantle :) I love it, too! Thank you Landee See, Landee Do for the inspiration!

July 4th Freedom Sign

2011-06-28T08:00:00.005-04:00

Ok, well I know I said that recipe was coming today, but honestly I have been dying to share this and July 4th is quickly approaching so ummm .... the recipe will have to wait! lol

I made this super dee duper adorable little wall hanging for July 4th! Now my dh loved it but suggested next time I do the letters in a different print because he felt he was going to go blind or have a seizure! lol Anyway, I love the thing and think it is adorable!

That cute little blue sign was a plain sign and I got it at hobby lobby for 1.99 All the ribbon hanging I happened to have left over from my bunting project I previously shared. The letters and the pretty flowers were printed out using a gorgeous digital kit from Meredith Cardall designs, pictured (and linked) below.

It was really cute and quick ... one minute I was in a blah mood and about ten minutes later VIOLA! I lub it! I did one more cute little print with this kit, I will show you tomorrow, and then maybe the cake lol!

Happy Tuesday everyone, have a wonderful day!

Participating In:

Show Me What Ya Got by Not Just a Housewife
Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story
Trash to Treasure at Sassy Sites
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts

Quilt a Long Progress

2011-06-27T08:00:00.005-04:00

Well... here it is, the completed quilt top! I am SO so so proud that I did it and that is looks so good, yay me! lol. Pretty good for HST's I think. There is a few screwups, but thankfully you can not tell unless you inspect it, so I am good with that! Now... too see what comes next, my guess would be basting and quilting? Anyway, what do you think?

Thanks so much for looking and tomorrow I will bring you that recipe for savory cake that I mentioned last week and got too lazy and out of sorts to blog about lol. Have a wonderful Monday and a great week everyone!

Participating In:

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
One thing, One week at Amy's Creative Side
Sew Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations

Quick Layout Share

2011-06-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

I wanted to pop in today and share a scrapbooking layout that I did for Nikki Epperson, which is a designer I just recently started blogging for. I will be starting next Tuesday, and I will link you up when it goes live so that you can come and check me out! :) Anyway, in return for blogging for her, I get her lovely products, found at The Digi Chick, for free to play with! Yay me! She just released this cute kit today:

*image linked*

And I made this pretty little layout of Rebecca with it :) I love the warm colors of the kit and the photos!

Super cute, right? Today I am off to do some shopping for Rebecca's birthday tomorrow! She is so excited!

Sort of Out of Sorts

2011-06-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

Yep, that is me... sort of out of sorts. My dh has been off all week, the kids are home all day, and my laptop screen broke. So everything I normally do in a daily routine has been turned upside down this week, and I am struggling to find a way to do the things I want to do that is going to work and fit in with all of those things lol.

Today I am working on the Quilt a long quilt. I love the way I layed out the pattern. The girls and I got down on the floor and played with it til we found something that I just love. Now, the only problem is that when I sew it together the seams are NOT matching and just about every square is off. GRrrrr. However, I am not going to overly analyze it this time. I am going to go with it and then see how I can improve upon it the next time I do HST's. That always seems to work best for me. I guess I learn more if I can see how a little wrong will affect the entire project as I keep going along, teaching me how to correct those things. Does that make sense?

In between that I am working on cutting my 9patch squares into disappearing ones and I am loving the way the pattern plays when you cut and mix them all up! My girls think I am nuts for cutting them and re-sewing lol. They are amusing.

I have a really yummy and different cake I made that I will share with you later this week, as well as two Fourth of July crafts I did that are super cute! I think you will love them, but I used a digi kit and it is not being released until Friday so I can not show you just yet! bwahahaha!

Ok, so pictures next time! Oh geez...and my youngest baby is turning 10 on Friday! Seriously...double digits! No more single digit kids *sigh* Bittersweet, that is.

What has everyone been up to? Let mw know what you are doing or working on! I can not wait to hear!

New Hybrid Card Templates Today!

2011-06-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I have not shared any of my hybrid crafts in a little while. The hybrid bug had taken a few weeks off while I was bit by the sewing bug! lol Anyway, I made some card with Wendy's new templates that are being released today. Take a peek! I love how they turned out!

*image linked*

Super Cute right? For anyone that is new to my blog since I last posted about hybrid ... Hybrid is using digital scrapbooking supplies to make physical products and crafts. So I use a digital scrapbooking kit, print out the pieces and assemble. Thankfully, since it is all digital supplies not only is there no mess, but I can also re-use the scrapbooking supplies as many times as I please which saves a lot of money!

Anyway, happy Tuesday!!!

Happy Father's day and QAL progress!

2011-06-19T08:50:00.001-04:00

Good morning, and Happy Father's Day to the fathers out there that deserve it. Mine sure doesn't but my hubby does! :) He is a great daddy and I love him with all my heart. We have been together since we were 16 so he was not always a great dad but it is a role he definitely grew into and he really is an amazing father! My girls are so very blessed to have him in their lives.

We still have family in town so we are going to have a nice big family dinner tonight and just enjoy each other's company and have a relaxing day!

I did want to share with you my QAL (quilt a long) progress. I am a little behind due to having family here, but I have been making a little time each night when everyone is settling down. This pic is my half square triangles sewn, cut, and lying on the table lol. I have since ironed them flat and they are ready to be trimmed. Which I will probably start on tonight.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Weekend. Tomorrow is the first official day with no school for my kids so WELCOME SUMMER!!!! Woooohooo! What is every one up to?

So so proud!

2011-06-18T13:52:00.000-04:00

I am such a proud mama today! Even more so than every other day! hehehe My eldest child, Kayla graduated from high school today! She is such an incredibly amazing young woman.She was a distinguised honor grad, and graduated with an advanced studies high school degree. She also had her National Honor Society Stole on, her cords for being a Thespian, an award pin she was given for being Summa Cum Laude, and a red stole as well... but I can not remember what that was for lol. We are just so very proud. Here are a few pics of her with some of us!

How bittersweet is that? The first is Kay, the second Kay and I, and the third is Kay and her daddy, AKA my man! :)

Friday New Releases

2011-06-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

This is a beautiful kit that has just come out today at 9th&Bloom by By Becca. It is so soft and pretty and girly! I just love it.

*image linked*

I made two layouts with this kit, one of my self and one of my almost ten year old! :) Take a look! I am totally in love with them and the kit! The one of my daughter I also used a LO by Cindy Schneider at Sweet Shoppe.

This one from Erin of Secret Stash is just so adorable! I love the colors and the adorable little elements! My girls and I are always playing Lips on Xbox 360 so this was such a cute kit for some of those pictures of Becca when she was singing!

*image linked*

Here is my LO of Beck!

And last but not least for today there is a new kit from Flutter Expressions. I really love...YES the colors! lol I love the sweet feel of this cute, it is very lovey. I did a journaling only page of the story of my hubby and I :)

*image linked*

These next few days are going to be busy for me. My eldest daughter is graduating high school tomorrow and we have some family visiting so I may not be here. If not, wish me luck. The graduation is outside for FOUR hours! Ugh! Really? Plus I may dissolve into a pile of tears! lol. Anyway, have a super weekend!

My first Quilt a Long (QAL)

2011-06-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

I am so excited that I found a quilt a long I felt I could join in on! I have wanted to do one for a little bit now, but I needed to wait until one came along that I felt confident in the fact that I could actually do it! lol

Half square triangles (HSTs) are a basic component in a lot of really lovely quilting designs. I have now done any of them yet, though, and I feel I am ready to move on to that step now! Yay! Here is a little info about the quilt-a-long that I will be joining. I believe you can still sign up for it if you are interested in joining us.

I like the idea that this is an experiment in color usage, because as I have mentioned previously, a lot of what draws me to things is their color or their color combinations. So I will get to play with warm and cool colors and piece them in an aesthetically attractive way, which I love. :) The above little graphic, which is linked by the way, is what the quilt will look like.

So, the first step in the QAL was to pick out your fabrics, which I have done. Here they are. The warms and the cools :) They are generic fabrics ... nothing fancy. Just colors that I happen to like.

The next step for me will be cutting them into 5' squares to start with. I would already be working on this but I may possibly have started another small quilt,but more on that tomorrow! lol

Star Spangled Sprite

2011-06-14T07:40:00.005-04:00

This is a really cute, quick, and easy idea. You can use it at a July 4th picnic, for your own BBQ, or just adapt it to be something cute and fun for the kids to have during the summer!

I bought two star shaped silicone ice cube molds at Michaels. I froze one of them using Sugar Free Kool-Aid in red, and one in blue. Then I simply added them to a glass of Diet Sprite. First of all it was adorable and second of all it tastes really yummy together!!!

Definitely worth a few bucks for the cute molds, and my mind is spinning with cute drink ideas here! When Samantha tasted it she literally said, "Woah! This is a flavor explosion!" rofl! I almost died laughing, she is so darn funny! HappyTuesday, y'all!

Participating In:

Tasty Tuesday
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee
Tea Rose Home Linky Party
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Lil Luna Linky Party
Link Parties at Saturday Mornings

More Kindle Kozys

2011-06-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

I made 4 more Kindle Kozys, one for my mother in law, two for friends, and one is currently up for grabs at WhoopdWhoop! Take a look:

The last one is the one that you can get at WhoopdWhoop! If you are unfamiliar with WhoopdWhoop, it is a marketplace that deals in handmade items...much like how Etsy is. However the currency is Whoops. You earn whoops by inviting people, selling, and buying things, etc. So basically it is a crafting barter system. This is the only thing I have there right now but I will be adding some more. I love the idea of getting some things in return for some of my things and trading with other crafters. It is a lovely idea to me. Anyway, if you want to sign up and check it out, there is a purple button on my right sidebar, just click and check it out! Or, HERE is the link to check out my listing directly :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. Happy June 13th!

Participating In;
Manic Monday at Sew Happy Geek
Sew Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations
Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Grownup Mac n Cheese

2011-06-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

This recipe is nothing seriously unusual. It just gives a little sophisticated twist to Mac n Cheese! It is really yummy and the hubbs, the kids, and the dog all devoured it...said it was the best mac n cheese and begged me to add it to my recipe box! :)

Grown-Up Mac n Cheese

4c heavy cream

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 package of precooked bacon, chopped

2lb macaroni, cooked

8oz shredded Gruyere

8oz shredded Fontina

Add to a medium saucepan the cream, rosemary, chopped bacon, salt

and pepper. Bring to a light boil (careful not to scald or boil over) stir frequently

and keep at a low boil until the cream thickens. It takes around a half an hour, just be

patient and keep your eye on it, remembering to stir.

Once your pasta is cooked and drained, and the sauce has thickened add the cheese to the

sauce, take off the heat and stir until all the cheese fully melts and incorporates.

Add to the cheese cause to the macaroni and stir to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

This is also great the next day, and if you freeze it it keeps well.

Enjoy and have a happy Saturday everyone! I have some cleaning to do today and some sewing to get a move on!

Friday New Releases at 9th&B

2011-06-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

Yep...Friday...AGAIN! Yay! I just love sharing my scrapbooking layouts and the awesome goodies I get to use to make them. That is the reason I started the blog in the first place, but since I have Crafting ADD I just couldn't seem to make it stick to just one type of craft! lol. Instead it turned into the myriad of ways that I survive motherhood...scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, baking, reading, and more! Oh, right...do not forget babbling which is exactly what I am doing now, so on to the layouts!

Here is a first for me, this was the first time that I got to work with Megan Fisher's designs. I kinda fell in love! Her doodles in this kit are so fun and playful!

*image linked*

and my layout, about me and my 2011 summer must haves! lol I think it turned out cute!

Here is a new one coming out from Erin.

*image linked*

I did a really cute layout of Rebecca. This pic was taken during Spring Break when we visited the Marine Corps Museum.

And this one from Sandra, FruitLoop Sally Designs. This is adorable! So cute and fun! Look at the little hair dryer element, and the nail polish and lip gloss!!!

*image linked*

And my LO of Kayla with it! I can not believe this kit graduates in ONE WEEK! UGH!

Not too many new releases today, but they are super cute, right?!

Today I am off to take my mother to a doctor's appointment, go out to lunch, and do a little fabric shopping! I am going to join in on my very first quilt a long! I can not wait! :)

Quilt Show Fabric Scores!

2011-06-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

Just a little bit of eye candy to share with you today! Some lovely little fabric bundles I got. I scored one yard each of all 6 of these. I have no idea what on earth to do with it, but one day...one day it will speak to me, I just know it! lol

Aren't they lovely? *happy sigh*

Totally Sinful Oreo Cake

2011-06-08T08:00:00.026-04:00

Ok...well, I do not mean to be full of myself or anything, but I know I am a good cook. I mean, let's just be honest here. If not humble. However, this cake made me look like a total frickin' ROCKSTAR! I could have been rocking Top Chef or Chopped or something! No, seriously! I promise you, just check this shizz out! This is by far the best thing I have baked in a LONG long time, yes it is THAT good... just look at how many capital letters I have used for goodness sake!

Behold...

Oreo Cake

Ingredients:

1 package of Devil's Food Cake mix

4oz of semi sweet baking chocolate

1/4c soft butter

8 oz cream cheese

1/2c sugar

3c Cool Whip, thawed

15 oreo cookies

1. Cook the Devil's Food Cake according to the package directions, in 2 round 8 or 9 inch cake pans, let cool completely before continuing.

2. Mix the cream cheese and the sugar until well blended and creamy. Chop the Oreos with a knife into course pieces and then fold in the Oreos and the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Put one layer of cake on your stand/plate and then top with all of the Oreo Whipped Topping mixture. Then top with the other cake layer.

4. Chop the baking chocolate and add to a bowl with the butter. Microwave at 30 second intervals until completed melted. Stir and incorporate completely. Let cool before putting on the cake. Once cool put on the top of the cake only barely pushing it toward to the edge to slightly run over the sides.

Now... take a moment, grab a glass of milk, eat your cake, make semi-obscene noises, and then come back here and thank me for introducing you to this incredibly sinful cake! One of my favorite parts is that because the majority is Cool Whip in the middle it is not overly sweet! I actually did not need to scrape anything off...and I hate frosting so go with it here!

Now...leave me alone, I think I might have a slice of this left in the fridge! I am outta here!!!

Participating In:

Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snaps
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Lil Luna Linky Party
Just Something I Whipped Up at TGC
Making the World Cuter Monday
DIY Project Parade
Made by you Monday at Skip to my Lou
Get Your Craft on at Todays Creative Blog
What's Cooking Wednesday at The King's Court IV
monday Link Up Party at Dimple Prints
Sweet Treats Thursday at Something Swanky
Thrifty thursday
Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple
Anything Goes at Type A
Its a party at Creative Princess
Show Off Your Stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Creative Juice at Momnivore's Dilemma
Weekend Show Off Party at Ladybird Lane
Fun w/Food Friday at Paisley Passions
Fantastic Friday at Iron Violet Designs
Let's Party at Your Sassy Sites
Friday Favorites at Inspiring Creations
Sunday Blog Love by Cherished Treasures

More Quilt Show Goodness!!!

2011-06-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you a few more photos from Saturday's Quilt Show! I am still fondly remembering my first quilt show and still feeling inspired! I just think it is so amazing to see people's creativity! Isn't it amazing what people can do?!

These first three I had to share because I fell in love with the embroidery on the quilting, some quirky and cute, some so fantastically detailed, some playful...all inspiring! Again, I apologize for the quality of these pics! ugh!

This next one...just WOW so creative. This is a beautiful reflection! This picture does not do this justice at all, but you have to see it! The quilter even managed a slightly muted color tone in the reflection which amazed me! I just love this!

And this last one... I thought the rabbit was a cute, if not a little wonky lol. However... LOOK at the clock! It actually worked!!! I was there, looking at it at exactly that time!!! What an ingenious idea!

I have one more set of pics I would love to share with you another day! They are cute and playful and they were done for a great cause! Anyway, thanks so much for looking!!! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

4th of July Argyle Wreath Tutorial

2011-06-06T08:00:00.024-04:00

Ok, well, this wreath was super dee duper easy it just took me awhile... awhile awhile. All that yarn wrapping was tedious and my arm almost fell off a couple of times lol. But it is SO cute.

Take a peek!

So, if you want something to mindlessly work on while you are watching tv this is the perfect project for you!

You will need:

a circular wreath form

red yarn

white felt

blue felt

fabric adhesive

straight pins

star or star template (I used a 3" star)

Start by pinning the end of the yarn into your wreath form. I used this type of form as I had it on hand... I simply left the plastic wrapping on it so as to not have any straw poking out. Then just start wrapping... as you get a little farther it will get tighter and closer together, but occasionally you can push them tighter together if you are, like me, anal retentive about gaps! lol

Now just keep wrapping for about a year lol. For some reason it took me awhile, I think my arm muscles need some help! Maybe I should start making more of these! lol

Next you are going to trace your star shape onto the felt. I happened to use a 3" wooden star. You can print a star from online using clip art or Photoshop Shapes, etc. Then you are going to cut out stars from white and from blue felt. I cut them out, alternating and seeing how many of each I would need as I go. Depending on the size of your star you can do that same.

One I had the white ones on, I cut the blue to fill in, in between the white. I then used fabric adhesive, in this case I used a multi purpose spray adhesive, just enough to help the stars hold on while I wrap them in yarn again.

Sorry for the smudges in the photo here, I think I got a fingerprint on the lens lol. You are going to take that yarn and pin it down to the back (so no one sees the pin) and then wind the yarn across half of each star going in the same direction until you get back to where you started, cut and pin it down again.

Then you are going to do the same thing going in the opposite direction, forming an X over each star. The key here is to use the red so the Xs are the same color as the wreath itself. Then... you are done!

Very simple, but very cute! If you try it let me know! I would love love love to see it!

Participating In:

Manic Monday at SewHappyGeek
Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do
Craftomaniac Monday at Craft-O-Maniac
MMM at CRAFT
DIY Project Parade
Making the World Cuter Monday
Just Something I Whipped Up at TGC
Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife
Ten Buck Tuesday
Take a Look Tuesday at SugarBee
Whatcha Making at ScrapAddict 4 Sure
Stut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings
Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snaps
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Lil Luna Linky Party
Anything Goes at Type A
Its a party at Creative Princess
Show off your stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Weekend Show Off Party at Ladybird Lane
Fantastic Friday at Iron Violet Designs
Let's Party at Your Sassy Sites

Friday Favorites at Inspiring Creations

Northern VA's Quilt Show!

2011-06-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh, I loved the quilt show yesterday! I was completely exhausted when I came home but it was worth it. I feel SO inspired to make something and I saw so many beautiful quilts! People's creativity just amazes me!

This was not a quilt show with a bunch of new stuff like fabrics and all so I did not actually buy very much, I mean after all I can buy anything I want online for about the same price. One lady, from a local shop, had bundles called "Sew a Recession Quilt" bundles. They were 3 yrd bundles for 20 bucks and I did buy two of those. I will show you on Mon or Tues, the colors called to me immediately!

I find when I am looking at quilts and quilt designs, even though I know that I can change a block majorly by its colors or fabric choices, that what really draws me in to a design, or suckers me in to buying fabric is color combinations. They do not have to always be bright and cheerful either, just a fantastic, beautiful array of colors SEW inspires me! *hee hee, see what I did there? SEW inspires? Get it? hee hee*

Anyway, here is a few of the things that caught my eye. I actually took 111 photos so this is definitely just a sampling! lol I will share some other pics later this week, of different things that I fell in love with.

This one is a small little wall hanging/art piece. The colors are just stunning. The design is beautiful. Never mind the piece of the info card in the bottom corner... these were not the best of photos lol.

This is a stunning combination of colors and I guess I have a thing for black lining huh? This quilt, if you look at the bottom of the photo, also has a very unconventional edging, my daughter loved it!

And here is a close up ... GORGEOUS!

And one more for now! Just wow... this is most definitely a labor of love and a piece of art!

That is all for today. Today I am working on finishing up a wreath, making a cake, and a new recipe for dinner ... all of which you should see this coming week on the blog. Wish me luck! lol Have a wonderful, blessed, and safe Sunday everyone!

Some layouts in my absence!

2011-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

While I am off gallivanting at the quilt show today I scheduled this post to share some more of my scrapbook layouts with you! have I mentioned lately how much I love digital scrapbooking? Probably yea huh? lol

Flutter Expressions is one of 9th&Bloom's new designers premiering this week. I used a kit from her and a template from Fizzy Pop and came up with a cute and silly lo that I did of myself, what do ya think? lol

*image linked*

and my silly, but cute, layout of me! lol

And one more new designer this week is Meredith Cardall! She has such fun and lively designs! I love her play with color! I did a really cute layout of Rebecca with this one.

*image linked*

Here is my layout of Becca :)

Hopefully I am having a great time right now lol, and hopefully you are having a wonderful Saturday as well! Until tomorrow ...

New new new and more new! :)

2011-06-03T17:14:00.000-04:00

YAY! Today is an awesome day of new stuff! I have my bloggie newly decorated, what do you think? I think it is cheerful and bright...like summer! I have a new siggie *points to the bottom of the post* and I have a new header *points to the top* all of which I happily made myself :) I love playing with this stuff and changing everything up. I am glad I am not a big, huge, famous blogger because I could never "brand" myself with one decor and stick with it! BLEH!

Also today is a new release day for 9th & Bloom which means that I get to show you some new goodies and the awesome scrapbook LOs (layouts) that I did with them! I am so in love with scrapbooking. It is a wonderful creative outlet for me! Please remember, if you are not familiar with digital scrapbooking and would like more info, just e-mail me or ask anything you like in comments. I will definitely get back to you! Also you can come check out 9th&Bloom's forum. The people are so amazing and friendly and we chat on and off all day! My name there is Tanyia if you would like to look for me. Now, on to the goods! hehehe

One of this month's guest designer's is Tracie Stroud. She has this fantastically playful kit called "Awesomesauce" love it! Check it...

*image linked*

In addition to Awesomesauce, I used a template that just came out today from Two Blue Birds.

This layout that I did with it, is a picture of Samantha when she was 5 yrs old...she just turned 13. In order to use up some of my old physical photos I actually took a pic of it with my camera and scrapped that. I think it turned out pretty decent!

The next layout that I did was using this super pretty kit from Erin of Secret Stash, called Make a Wish! I love the colors of this kit!

*image linked*

Here is my layout, no template here, this is all me and I LOVE the way it came out!

I have a few more but I will schedule that to share with you tomorrow. I will not be home most of the day as I am going to a quilt show at the Dulles Expo Center. I am so looking forward to. It is not a big one or anything, but it is my first so YAY me! lol. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Does anyone have any plans? What is going on in your neck of the woods?

Cha Cha Changes!

2011-06-02T08:22:00.000-04:00

I am tired of looking at my blog like this....the end. lol

See ya tomorrow...looking, bright, new, and summery!!!

Strawberry Crumble Bars

2011-06-01T08:00:00.043-04:00

All I need to say about these is that they are DELICIOUS! Seriously, you need to try them! Especially while strawberries are in their prime! Yummmmmy!

Strawberry Crumble Bars

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks or 8 ounces)

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Zest and juice of one lemon

4 cups fresh strawberries, cut into smaller pieces

1/2 cup white sugar

4 teaspoons cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 375, and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Using a mixer beat in the egg and cold butter... a little persistence and you will have a crumbly dough. It takes a few minutes but it is SO much easier than doing it by hand.

In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, corn starch and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir in the berries until well coated.

Press half of the crumble/dough mixture into the pan, forming the crust. Pour the strawberry mixture

on top of that, spreading semi evenly. Pour the rest of the crumble/dough on top.

Bake for 45 minutes, and let cool completely before attempting to cut or they will be too soft.

Just look at that yummy texture! I made this as an after school snack last week and the girls absolutely loved them. Also we had a couple left over that I refrigerated for the next day and they were even better! Enjoy!

Participating In:
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Tea Rose Home Linky Party
Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snaps Crafts
Lil Luna Linky Partay
Creative Share at the Trendy Treehouse
Your Whims Wednesday at My Girlish Whims
This weeks cravings
It's a party at Creative Princess
Show Off Your Stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Fantabulous Friday at MommasKindaCrafty
Tasty Tuesday
Whatcha Makin at Scrap Addict 4 Sure
Strut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings
Sweet Treats Thursday at Something Swanky

4th of July Bunting Tutorial

2011-05-31T08:00:00.023-04:00

Well, I finally had an idea of my own! lol So, I thought I would turn it into a tutorial for y'all! Yay! I will have a matching table runner soon as well, but I am still working of that.

I am not going to give you exact amounts, it will vary depending on how many stars you will need and what size you make them, etc. But, if you can craft, I imagine you can figure out how much of everything you will need.

Here is the finished bunting. I hung it up real quick to show ya ... don't mind the unpatriotic mantle, it is not time yet lol.

For this project you will need:

Red felt

Blue felt

White felt

Star shaped felt stickers

Patriotic ribbon

needle

thread

twine

fabric glue

First thing you will do is make a star template. You can print out a star shape or clip art or trace something. I traced a star shaped wooden box that I have. The you will cut out as many felt pieces as you need to make stars, but doubled, as you will be sewing two together for stability. I cut out two at a time.

Then you are going to sew the stars together and trim to make sure they are even, as some movement might occur during sewing. Simply sew along close to the edge.

Next you are going to lay out the ready stars and cut snippets of ribbon to go crossways on your stars. Two pieces, one here and there, really however many you choose. I chose to do groups of three at a time so I could visualize it and make sure that I did not have too many the same next to each other.

Continue to do this, until they are all completed and stack them in the order that you wanted them so as not to jumble up your very prettily placed ribbon order! hehe

Then you are going to attach the ribbon with a small amount of fabric glue... this will make the sewing so much easier. If, unlike me, you are a sewing genius just sew it then! hehe.

After you let the glue dry, then you are going to trim the ribbon so that they end exactly where you want so you may sew down each ribbon strip, on both sides of the ribbon strands in one continuous motion for each strand.

After they are sewn down completely you can attach one of the stickers... or if you can not find stickers you can easily cut smaller shapes and adhere them with the fabric glue. Put a sticker on each star.

Then you are going to attach each star to the twin. I used a needle and thread, sewing through the back star layer only, so it does not show through to the front. I warn you...this is not pretty sewing, at least on my part lol, but it works!

Then I simply tied loops at each end, and tied a few ribbon pieces in between each star. You can choose to tie more than I did, but I like the minimalist look...it kind of reminds me of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree heehee. And, there you have it!

Hopefully, someone can use this and feel a little inspired to make something as well! Feel free to tell me what you think. I am happy with the way it turned out. I will soon be getting out some more Patriotic stuff. I will usually have them up from early June til just after the 4th of July.

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

MMM @ CRAFT
DIY Project Parade
KISS at The Tattered Tag
Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Show me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife
Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts
Anything Goes at Type A
Whatcha Makin Wednesday at ScrapAddict 4 sure
Manic Monday Linky Party
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts
Tea Rose Home Linky Party
Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snaps Crafts
Lil Luna Linky Partay
Creative Share at Trendy Treehouse
Your Whims Wednesday At My Girlish Whims
Its a party at Creative Pricess
Show Off Your Stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Fantabulous Friday at MommasKindaCrafty
Strut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings

Fabric Heaven!!!

2011-05-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

So, I have recently stumbled across a new fabric store on Etsy, called The Intrepid Thread. I happened to have found them while they were having a clearance sale to make way for all of their new goodies! They have beautiful fabrics, super fast shipping, really great communication and the best part... the most reasonable prices I have found thus far!

This is one of the most recent purchases I made there. This is a combination of Margherita On The Rocks by Jenean Morrison and Ty Pennington and Silent Cinema by Jenean Morrison. They are so gorgeous! I love LOVE love them! I think I am just about done buying fabric for awhile. lol I have one other set I purchased that I will share next time, but, I am sure I will not be buying any for awhile ... right?

Happy Memorial to everyone in the U.S.

AND... ps, the give a way has not responded yet, it has been two days. I will email her again and if I hear nothing by tomorrow I will draw another winner, ladies.

Delicious and Guilt Free Snack Recipe

2011-05-29T08:00:00.008-04:00

I think I heard some where along the line that this was a Pampered Chef recipe... but this has been about 87 times removed so I can not swear to the validity of that, but I am none the less giving some credit, if it is due there! lol

This is so amazingly delicious! I had this ready as an after school snack last week and I the girls absolutely loved it! I loved it as well, it really was great and easy!

Fruit Salsa w/ Cinnamon Sugar Crisps

The recipe I received I did not pay attention to. If you like the fruit add them, if you think you have

enough of one fruit add more of the next, ya know what I mean? Basically you chop up, really tiny,

strawberries, apples, kiwi, and raspberries. Then you add a tbsp or two of jam (any kind you wish, I used strawberry 'cause it my fave!). Mix it gently and let it set in the fridge for a little while, it tastes

better if you do. Then for the crisps, just get some flour tortillas and spray with a cooking spray. Sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar and then bake at 350 til golden brown. As you can see mine were

a little excessively golden lol. They still rocked..no one will care, I promise!

*Also, I found that if you add the apples last and immediately stir to coat they will not brown.

Yummy, yummy, yummy! We will definitely be making this often this summer!

Have a wonderful Sunday and for those of you in the US a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Participating In:
MMM @ CRAFT
DIY Project Parade
KISS at The Tattered Tag
Manic Monday
Market Yourself Monday At Sumos Sweet Stuff
Tasty Tuesday

Give-a-way WINNER!!!

2011-05-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

Agh! I am so excited to have a winner for a give a way! :) Yay, this was a really fun first time and I am pretty darn happy that I had more than I person entering! I thought if nothing else my sister would feel bad for me and join in lol. So, thank you all for playing along, and I am already working on the next give a way so make sure you stick around!

So, the winner of

is.....

LeAnn, congrats!!!!

I can not believe that it picked number 1 lol! That is awesome! Congrats LeAnn, I will be emailing you shortly, hun!!!