Sunday, June 27, 2010

Cutting Cafe New Team and 2 for 1 Special!

I'm taking a quick break from this
to tell you about this:

Regina, of The Cutting Cafe has announced the new members of the Team.  A BIG Congrats and welcome to all the newbies!! 

To celebrate, Regina is having a 2 for 1 special to celebrate the new Team.  Yep, any set you want of equal or lesser value FREE but only until Monday,  June 28th Midnight so if you've had your eye on a couple of sets, now is the time to head on over the Cutting Cafe and stock up because there's no limit on how many sets you can purchase. 

Hope to be back on schedule with posting tomorrow! 

 
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Friday, June 25, 2010

Foodie Friday - The Fruits of Our Labor

We're back from our annual blackberry, blueberry, peach pickin' trip.  We had such a lovely time...the weather was warm but a lovely breeze was blowing and in the early morning with the birds singing, bees buzzing and blackberries ripe for picking, nothing could be sweeter.  We brought home 10 gallons of blackberries, 1 gallon of blueberries and 3 bushels of peaches...(some for friends).  I'm going to be busy but don't worry, I'll have some stamping for you as well.  Next week, I've got a Paper Cubed (P3) project for you...hint, hint (4th of July!).
 
This is this morning's breakfast requested by DH.  A handful of sweet, plump blackberries and blueberries and a super sweet, juicy peach topped with a couple of dollops of lowfat Greek yogurt (love that stuff) and a drizzle of local honey.  Super easy, nutritious, and oh so delicious! 

I'm making an experimental cake so will let you know how it turns out. 
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Monday, June 21, 2010

Things That Fly

Two super quick cards for you today...we're about to leave for berry picking so I won't be checking in for a few days.  The CAS 71 (Clean and Simple Challenge) on SplitcoastStampers last Monday was "Things That Fly".  I was away and didn't get to play but just couldn't resist a little fun by using my little Seed Shooter (House Mouse Designs) with his "flying" seed.  The sentiment is one of my favorite stamps from The Cutting Cafe  called Sweet Summer.  It's one of Regina's 99 cent special stamps and I can't tell you how often I use it.  I printed it directly on the cardstock for this card. 

This second card uses the same image.  I changed the card dimension to 4.25 x 4 inches.  The sentiment Papertrey.

Two super quick,super simple cards.
Thanks for stopping by today.  I appreciate your comments!

 
 
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Happy Father's Day!


Barely got this finished in time!  My DH loves to BBQ so this cute  BBQ apron (template here) is just perfect for him.  I love this Whipper Snapper image called Grill Sergent and he was perfect for what I had in mind....
He slides out of the pocket by pulling the top of his hat up!  I think my DH is going to get a smile out of this one. I just did some fast faux stitching since I was short on time.

Challenges

Supplies:
Stamps - Whipper Snapper Designs Grill Sergeant
               SU All Year Cheer II - Sentiment
Paper - K&Co.  Hopscotch
Accessories - brads, Scor-Tape, dimensionals, glue dots
Technique - Slider Card


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Another Clear Scraps Album

Goodness, this was supposed to post while I was gone.....

This is my second Clear Scraps album....this time for our grandson.   (You can see the first one here.)   I love that they give you the option to choose your own letters to spell anything you want.   I traced each letter onto the DP, cut them out, then I used a line of  Tombow Mono Multi around the edges to glue the DP to the clear acrylic letters.  I sanded and sponged the edges for dimension then embellished.  Easy, peasy.  Note:  DP is much easier to cut and sand than heavy cardstock. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I appreciate you!

Supplies:
Base - Clear Scraps acrylic letters
Paper - Papertrey Ink
Ink - PTI Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate
Accessories - stick on metal brads


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Friday, June 18, 2010

Blessed!


I've been AWOL for a few days (plus a day for recuperation...I'm old!) because I've been having the time of my life with our grandchildren.  It was a jam-packed few days that included our granddaughter's dance recital, "Beauty and the Beast"...(I must say it the title fits her perfectly!),  swim lessons, tennis lessons,  our grandson's 5th birthday...

Can you just imagine the sound of this?  Too fun and yes, the tongue does help, I know...I used to color that way!  And no, I didn't buy those drums, his Daddy did!   Brave Mommy and Daddy :-)

The most precious time, though, was our granddaughter's decision to commit her life to the Lord.  Her Daddy baptized her.  We are so proud of her!

I'll be a bit sporadic for a bit as I'm going on our annual berry/peach pickin' trip but be sure to check in....there are some fun surprises coming...including one for me this morning...I'll be a Guest Designer for the CAS challenge on SplitcoastStampers July the 5th!!  Woo,Hoo!!

Now off to see what you all have been creating!  Happy Summer!!

 
 
 


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Monday, June 14, 2010

It's Sketch Challenge Time at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store!

 

It's time once again for another sketch challenge over at the Posh Designs Scrapbook Store blog.  Nini has two challenges posted...one for cards and a layout challenge for you scrapbookers.  You're welcome to try one or both!  There's always a super prize for the winning participant so why not play along?!

Here's  my sample to give you a bit of inspiration.  Be sure to head to the blog and see the other DT samples then link up your creation.  Do you see my colorful sentiment?  I was sampling colors to match my DP before coloring.  They looked so pretty, I just stamped my sentiment right on the sample then cut it out with a Spellbinder oval die.


Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic Crest, DCWV Citrus Packs
Stamps - SU Kids at Play (retired), PTI Scattered Showers Additions (sun and sentiment)
Ink - Memorex, Copic Markers
Accessories - dimensionals, Art Institute glitter, Crystal Effects, Spellbinders circle and oval dies, corner rounder

 
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Friday, June 11, 2010

It's the House Mouse Grand Prize!

 
Wow...look what arrived in today's mail.  I was so excited, I just set everything out on the kitchen counter.  There are waaay too many goodies for my little photo box.  I was the lucky winner of the very first House Mouse  and Friends Monday Challenge blog hop.    I'm pinching myself that's for sure!  What a blessing.  Be sure to hop on over to the blog for this week's challenge #71...there's still time to play.   It's a "sweet" one!  (hint, hint)




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Foodie Friday - Kentucky Hot Browns

Welcome to another Foodie Friday!  Today, I've got dinner for you.  We've lived nearly all over the country and I've got to tell you the truth...some of the very best cooks live in Kentucky.  One of the very best, in our humble opinion, is Sarah Fritschner.  There are alot of recipes for Kentucky Hot Browns out there, but we love Sarah's the best.  They're easy, delicious, and company worthy so here we go.....
Notes:   The tomato is optional.  I put the bacon on top because I like to crumble it over my Hot Brown but you can also place it under the tomato if you choose.  We like our tomato topped with some additional Parmesan cheese and just slightly warmed for the last couple of minutes of broiling time.


KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS
This recipe serves 4  (I cut the recipe in half to serve 2.   If you need more servings, just double or triple it. Easy!!)

8 thick white bread slices (I used a thick sliced oval shaped "country white" bread)
1 lb. roasted turkey slices 
     This is a great recipe for leftover turkey.  In summer, we grill turkey breasts and freeze slices for this
      recipe.
Cheese Sauce (recipe follows)
1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
8 bacon slices, cooked
2 large tomatoes, sliced and halved  (optional)
                                    
Trim crusts from bread slices, and discard.  Place bread on a baking sheet, and broil 3 inches from heat until toasted, turning once.

Arrange 1 bread slice in each of 4 lightly greased baking dishes.  Top bread evenly with turkey.  Pour hot Cheese Sauce evenly over turkey, and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

                                    
Broil 6 inches from heat for about 4 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned; remove from oven, top evenly with bacon and tomato.  Serve immediately. 

Prep time: 20 min.,  Broil: 4 min.

CHEESE SAUCE

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. 

Gradually whisk in milk.  Bring to a boil, and cook, whisking constantly, 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Whisk in cheese, salt, and pepper.  Remove from heat.  

                                    

Prep time:  5 min., Cooking time:  8 min.

 
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Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Cutting Cafe - I Scream, You Scream...Ice Cream!!

 

It's hot and steamy outside...the perfect excuse for a yummy ice cream cone.  The good news?  This cone is calorie free!!  A dreamy swirl of Dark Chocolate and Pink Pirouette decorated with a generous sprinkle of sparkly gems. 

I used two sets from The Cutting Cafe to create this cool treat.  The perfect summertime set, Sweet Stuff This set is chock full of popsicles, ice cream, cake, lollipops and sentiments to go with them.  I used Birthday Fun for my sentiment circle.  Birthday Fun is a set of ...are you ready?...63 images!! 

While you're feasting on all the yummy digital stamps at the Cutting Cafe, you might want to check out the DT call Regina has posted..  Regina is looking for some new designers for the next term.  Just check out the requirements here.

Thanks for stopping by...I love your visits and your comments!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Cutting Cafe Sweet Stuff, Birthday Fun
Paper - PTI Dark Chocolate, SU Pink Pirouette
Accessories - stick on gems, Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies, Scor-Pal





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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

House Mouse Challenge and a Grand Prize!


Have you heard?  House Mouse and Friends has a brand new DT and Challenge Blog.  Last week they had their first blog hop and guess who won the Grand Prize?  Me!!!  (insert happy dance!)  I seriously uttered a big ole' squeal..and danced around the room.  The dog thought I was playing so we both had a good time!   There were lots of other winners too, so head on over to the  HM blog and see who the lucky ducks are.

Guess what?  You can win a House Mouse stamp this week, too!  Here are the details:  Simply create a card or project that is "Sweet" themed and uses at least one House Mouse & Friends Image then link it up on the House Mouse and Friends Challenge blog.

I used the sketch from Midnight Madness Sketch  MMSC57 on Priscilla Styles.  Not their usual style  but my image is big so not much room for lots of embellishments and guess what?  Priscilla offers two sketches..one more elaborate and one simple.  No reason not to play, right?
                                                       
This also qualifies for the caardvarks June challenge to use wet/dry embossing, and the One Stop Craft Challenge #83 to make your own DP.

See that cute sentiment?  It's from The Cutting Cafe, of course.  It's from a really cool set called Sweet Stuff.  It's loaded with ...well, Sweet Stuff!  Popsicles, cake, lollipops, ice cream cones and no calories!!!
            
Thanks for stopping by my playground.  I'll be sure to show you what I won when it comes....oh somebody pinch me, would you?  Thanks to the team at House Mouse and Friends!!

                                           
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Clear Scraps Album #1


This is my very first Clear Scraps album.  It was so much fun that I know I'll doing many more.  I've got another in progress for our grandson. 

I'm ashamed to say that I got these books at CHA in Orlando and didn't have the courage to take them on but once I did some research, it really wasn't hard at all.

I had purchased these papers from Imaginisce awhile ago just because they are so pretty and girly and I knew my granddaughter would love them.  

Supplies:
Album - Clear Scraps
Paper - Imaginisce Fairest of Them All
Ink - Papertrey Chai
Accessories - paper roses, stick on pearls, sanding block, Tom-bow Mono Multi, ribbons




 
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Sunday, June 6, 2010

Pink Fusion

 
This is my submission for Guest CAS DT spot on SCS.  We were to make card using bright colors with black matting.  I decided to combine the challenge with the Inspiration Challenge (IC235) on SCS...Oh, my!  Steph found the most awesome store called Layla Grace.  Wow, what awesome eye candy and so much inspiration.  I could spend some serious $ here.  Since that's not possible, I will come back for inspiration that's for sure!
 
I chose this headband as my inspiration primarily because I thought the bright colors were perfect for the CAS challenge. 
 
My flower is made from tissue paper that I ran through my Big Shot with the Spellbinders Peony die.  I layered a bunch of the cutouts, ran them through with a brad then proceeded to scrunch them up around the brad.   Easy, peasy!   I stuck it to my card with a glue dot.
 
The base is PTI cream layered over with vellum that I ran through the Big Shot with a Cuttlebug die.  I popped the image panel up on the vellum with dimensionals.
 
That's it for today....Thanks for playing on the playground!
 
 
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Friday, June 4, 2010

Foodie Friday - French Breakfast Puffs

 

Welcome to another Foodie Friday....My DH finally has a day off after working 12 days straight.  Since we have a day of yard work ahead of us and because he loves breakfast, I wanted to make something super special for him today.  Our DDIL baked these for us when we were visiting a few weeks ago.  Oh, my!!  These are from the Pioneer Woman's cookbook but I've had them before. 


If I say warm, melt in your mouth, cinnamonny (is that a word?), sugary, and oh so easy...would I be able to entice to head to the kitchen right now?
You can because these are super simple.  Bet you have all the ingredients in your fridge and pantry so here we go:

French Breakfast Puffs

3 cups all purpose flour (always stir it up a bit and spoon lightly in your measuring cup..don't tap it down)
3 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grund nutmeg
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening (I used butter flavor Crisco)
2 eggs
1 cup milk (I used whole milk because I had some in the fridge for another recipe)

Coating

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) real unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease 12-15 muffin cups. 
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.  Set aside.


In another large bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening.

Add one half of the flour mixture, pour in all the milk and beat on low speed just until blended.  Add the remaining flour and beat well just until completely blended.

Fill the greased muffin cups 2/3 full. 

Bake for 18-25 min.  or until golden.  (I baked mine about 19 min.  Check yours with a toothpick poked in the center after 18 minutes, if it comes out clean, they're done.)

While muffins are baking, prepare the coating.  Melt the butter in a glass bowl or pan.  In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. 

Remove the muffins from the pan immediately.  Be careful, they're tender.  Dip the warm muffins in the butter coating completely.  (If you have a couple of kids handy, they'll love doing this job for you!)

Now roll the muffins in the cinnamon/sugar.  Make sure to coat these completely.

Now, bite into one of these warm sugary confections...you'll want to use a plate so you can catch the crumbs and shhhhh...lick the plate and your fingers.

Yes, they're that good!!

After cooling, you can freeze these and reheat later.

Edited to add:  I made these for church using a mini muffin pan.  Worked out great!  The recipe made about 28-30 minis.  Sorry, I lost count as I needed over a 100 servings.  I baked them about 11-12 min.  Be sure to check with a toothpick for doneness.



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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Cutting Cafe - Best Wishes

Gosh...it's June already!  Anybody know where May went?  We've been having the normal afternoon thunderstorms almost daily.  The big ones cause the barometric pressure to drop fast and when that happens, my blood pressure goes up.  Weird, right?  Means I have to take extra meds and I get a horrible headache.  It's subsided a bit so I'll try to make this brief.  
 
At any rate, when I think of June, I think of weddings...we don't have any icoming up soon but when I found this elegant Color Splash Challenge #18 over on Hand Stamped Sentiments blog, I just couldn't resist playing along.  
                                            
                                             
                                                  
Regina, over at The Cutting Cafe has just designed a set of card frames called fittingly, Celebration Frames.  You get 3 frames..."Party Time", "Happy Birthday" and"Best Wishes".  I thought the Best Wishes would be perfect for a wedding card.  
 
                                    
I tried to keep the card CAS (Clean and Simple) so I added a strip of DP and simple sentiment panel.  See that cute bag?  It's one of my most favorite bags.   It's by The Digi Chick and it's called Funky Bag 2.  I'm not sure why as I think it's just perfect.  I kept it simple to go with the card and because I wanted it to look more taylored like the card.  The bag is closed with a velcro dot and the accent is just a gem glued into the depression on my button.    I printed the DP from a free download pack I got a long time ago.  It's on my other computer so I'll look it up and add it later.  I think it's called Lola.   Isn't it elegant?  I used the leftover strip on my card so no waste!
 
Thanks for stopping by to play with me today.  I love your comments!!
 
Supplies:
Paper - Neenah Classic, digital DP
Stamps - The Cutting Cafe Celebration Frames, unnamed rubber
Ink - Versafine
Accessories - Funky Bag Template - The Digi Chick, May Arts silk ribbon, silver twine, silver gems, button, velcro dot
 
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PDSS16 - John 15:13

Hi Everybody!  It's time for another Posh Designs Scrapbook Store sketch.  Nini's sketches are always so imaginative and fun.   You actually saw a sneak peak of it on this post...and here's another with a completely different feel.  This is going to my sweet Bible study leader. 
 
                           
 
Here's the sketch :
 
and here's what you can win...you know Posh Designs always has some goodies for playing along!

Woo-Hoo.....Yummy Primas...brand new in the package! 

The deadline:  June 14th @ 11:59 PM EST Canada   Get creating and then head on over to the Posh blog and link up.  Can't wait to see what you do with this fun sketch!!

Thanks for playing with me today!!

Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet, Blush Blossom, Neenah Classic White
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs Friendship, Papertrey Polka Dot Basics
Ink -  Versafine black, SU Craft White, PTI Berry Sorbet
Accessories - Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Martha Stewart Flowers, Michael's bling
 
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

If it's the First of the Month, It Must be Paper Cubed!!


The first of every month the team over at the Paper Cubed (P3) blog have a super challenge for you!  This month, Kim, our team coordinator, challenged us to make a container. 
Well, it's summer and in summer, my mind turns to picnics....I adore picnics.  My poor DH gets so tired of hearing me say it because he's not a trudge, sweat, swat while you eat kinda guy, but sometimes he gives in and lets me plan one. 
I had this paper from Gooseberry Patch on my desk, so when Kim sent her challenge over, I saw the bounties of summer packed into this little basket template from Papertrey Ink.  Inside, I've packed a jar of my Spiced Peach Jam and a package of my homemade Multigrain Pancake Mix.  I made a recipe card to go with it.
Be sure to pop over to the Paper Cubed blog to check out the rest of the eye candy from the P3 team then get creating and link up your project at P3 to win a $15 gift certificate to Lauren Meader's MyTime Made Easy site.  Lauren used to design for Papertrey and designed the template for this basket.  You've got a month so no need to feel rushed.  Have fun and good luck!!  Be sure to check out the rest of the awesome projects from the team at the links below.

P3 Team

Supplies:
Template - Papertrey Ink Pack a Picnic
Paper - Gooseberry Patch, SU Barely Banana, White
Stamps - Papertrey Fruitful
Accessories - Martha Stewart punch, Spellbinders circle dies, SU flowers, plaid brads (Target $1 spot), Scor-Tape




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