Wednesday, January 31, 2007

What's For Dinner Wednesday - Italian Crockpot Chicken/ Cranberry Apple Crisp

Oh my gosh, I almost neglected you all again. Sorry, I got so busy stamping I just plain forgot it was Wednesday. Anyway . . .

ITALIAN CROCK POT CHICKEN

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons) (do not substitute margarine)
1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix (0.7 oz.)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.75 oz.)
1 8-oz. block cream cheese, softened.

Melt butter; pour over chicken in crock pot. Sprinkle dry dressing mix over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Blend soup and cream cheese; pour over chicken and stir to combine with butter and dressing mixture. Cook on low for 30-45 minutes. Serve over egg noodles.

This smells so yummy right now I cannot wait till hubby gets home so we can eat it!

Additionally, I made:

Crockpot Apple Cranberry Crisp (in my mini crock pot)

3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup cranberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup rolled oats (quick cooking)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened

Place apple slices and cranberries in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle over top of apple and cranberries. Place 4-5 paper towels over the top of the slow cooker and place a utensil, such as a wooden spoon, across the top to keep the cover from sealing tightly. Set cover on top. This allows the steam to escape. Turn slow cooker to high and cook for about 2 hours. Serves 4. (This was amazing. I reminded my hubby how spoiled he is to have me *wink*)

CC99 - Taken With Teal and Night of Navy

I tried so hard to take a photo of this one and this is close, but I still don't have it quite right. I might try a scan in a few minutes. Anyway, surprise surprise, it is another Bella. This is the third one I ordered, so you can rest assured I will start using some other stamps again soon because I need to order more still. Anyway, I was totally stuck on the color challenge, so I just started to color giftabella in using the color challenge colors and this is what evolved. I dotted her pants and then I thought that the card background could mimic that and not be using any extra colors, so I went with it. The stitching around the circles kind of just happened because I wanted some variety. I found the navy ribbon in my drawer of ribbon (thanks again for the share Jody), and it matched perfectly. Her hair looks light in some spots because I used the glaze pen on it and it looks cool IRL, but on here, the light was reflecting when I took the picture, so hence the lightness. What a fun color challenge!!!

Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Denise Foxworthy



Stamps: Paisley Background (SU!), Sentiment by Darcie's. Paper: Rose Romance, Mellow Moss, Pretty In Pink, Basic Black. Accessories: Ticket corner punch (SU), Cuttlebug Emboss Folder (Swirls), Black gingham ribbon, Heart Brad by Making Memories, Felt Heart (sizzix die), Pearl stickpin (craft supply). Ink: Basic black, mellow moss/versamark.

The first thing that crossed my mind when I saw this one was wow, so different. I had seen an article on how felt was supposed to be popular for 2007 and was surprised to see it on a card so quickly after I read that. You go girl, you trendsetter you! I really love this card. All of the stampers who used cuttlebug are in trouble. I have been trying to avoid getting one and you all are making me want it more and more. Love the stick pin -- it is just so cute!!!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Introducing Flowahbella!

This is her official coming out party - lol! I love this one. I think she is so versatile and just plain cute. The background plum paper is by Prism Papers. Remember a while ago I told you about the samples I got, well, the two plums I used here are some of that. I really like the texture of the paper. I am not sure if it is white core, I did not sand that long, but when I sanded it, it did lighten up a bit, to create a cool looking texture. The background was then stamped with SU Springtime Stems. Then I layered on the Bella on mellow moss and a light plum color (but I did not glue her down yet). She was watercolored and then details were added using some gelly roll pens (sparkle and clear) and some stickles (diamond). Then I layered her on the lighter plum, faux stitched using a ruler and paper piercer as well as a white gelly roll, and then layered her on the background. I then placed the primas around her to get a feel for where I wanted to place them. Then using glue dots I adhered them to the card. I added a gem in the center of each one. Then I adhered Flowahbella using pop dots. Finally, I added the sentiment in the hodgepodge hardware and the little dots on the background using the white gelly roll. I think it is a cute card! I had so much fun playing with her today and I told M I need more Bellas and he said okay, so I will be putting in another Bella order next month I think. *winks* Check back tomorrow for another Bella -- I did the color challenge using one and will photograph her for you tomorrow!

Bellas and Boxes - Oh My!

I got my Bellas yesterday *giddies* I only ordered three because M instituted a new "budget" into play this month, and I have been trying to do better! I admit it, I have a serious shopping problem *smiles* But I am a good shopper!

So I started out yesterday by creating a coaster box. I had never done it before, so I followed Taylor's directions on SCS. Her directions are awesome and make it really easy to make one of these, so if you have coasters, try it and if not, next time you are out for dinner, as your waiter if you can have 5 of them . . . hehehe. I did end up making a couple of changes. One, I used glossy accents, which is similar to crystal effects, instead of modge podge. I couldn't find my modge podge for the life of me. Anyway, the other change I made was that i put the base of the box inside the patterned coasters. It fit with ease and I glued on the exterior bottom area, but inside the box so you don't see the undecorated coaster. It turned out perfect! I can't wait to give this to someone because I just love to see people react to my creations! The paper is by Rob and Bob Studios -- I got it when I was in El Paso at the gathering at Jody's (Thank you Jody for having such great taste). I still need to add a sentiment, or tag or greeting or something on it, but I am not sure who the recipient should be yet, so I will wait. Oh, and the ribbons are all either from Hobby Lobby or by American Crafts. Inside is an entire bag of Hershey's Caramel Kisses - YUMMY and so INDULGENT!!!

Then I checked the mail and my Bellas had arrived. If you want Bellas they can be found HERE. I am excited about them, because not only are they totally cute and chic, but they are from Canada, and even my home province, so that makes them cool!!! I ordered emmybella, flowahbella, and giftabella with hat. Here is my first card ever with a Bella. When I looked at the paper I was thinking of using, I decided it would make some snazzy pants for Emmy - so I stamped the pants and cut them out and put them on. You can't really see the stickles well, but there are some on her bag, and shirt. The brads in the corner were an afterthought, but I think they help balance it out a bit. The lime polka dot ribbon is by American Crafts and you know what, my hubby M got it for me for christmas. He has pretty good taste! There again is that "Just a Little Note" sentiment by Stampendous . . . I really like it. Oh and I also used a gelly roll sparkle on her hair, just some outlines to make her really shine! Cannot wait to play more with the Bellas!

So, I am now at about 45K views. I think we are going to have a celebration for 50K -- so let me know what you think of the blog so far and how you would like me to change it, what you would like to see, etc. Oh, and if you have not subscribed, you should *smiles*

Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Colleen Laux


Stamps: Like It a Latte. Paper: Chocolate Chip pocket notes, regal rose, designer series paper. Ink: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Whisper White craft ink. Accessories: Regal rose Marker, Rose and Chocolate Chip ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals.

This was one of two of the pocket note cards we got in this swap. I have decided I really like them. They are just the perfect size to put with a gift bag. I love this card because it is so small, but has so much character, and so many layers. They all combine to make this most yummy cup of cocoa. ENJOY!

Monday, January 29, 2007

SOME GOOFY FUN!

Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Anne-Marie Zimmerer



Stamps: Denami. Paper: KI/American Crafts patterend paper, Whisper White. Ink: Staz On Black. Accessories: Prismacolor pencils, gamsol, glitter glue, making memories staples, foam squares, clear snap fluid chalk ink, duch brand adhesive.

Each of these were so different, but this card really stood out to me because of the gentle coloring. I love the angel. I love the glitter on its wings and the hearts! Totally sweet!!!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Just a Little Note - Study in Black and White

Things went well at the dentist today. My tooth was extracted and the dentist said it had the biggest root he had ever seen. He asked to keep it for some kids science project. Pretty funny. It bled for a long time, and still is a little, but I ate some ice cream and a burrito from taco bell because I was starving, and it seems to be okay. I will salt rinse before bed! My crown turned out to look perfect. I am satisfied with it. It does not hurt at all on that side of my mouth.



M decided he wanted to play Warcraft III (I hate computer games - UGH) online with his brothers, so I decided to put in some time in the stamp room and see what I could come up with. I admit it, I am an Alli wannabe. She does such amazing things in black and white, so I decided to try to do a study in black and white. I played with another set by Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps (Second Nature by Rhonna Farrer) and love what magically appeared before my eyes. Apparently the stamp Gods are feeling sorry for me and shone down some light. The sentiment is by Stampendous and I have had it lying around forever just waiting to be used and the swirl vellum is Stampin' Up! although I am pretty sure it retired a long time ago (sue me for being too lazy to look right now . . . I am suffering *wink wink*). I embossed the flowers in black and white contrast. I really like this! What do you think of it?

A Sucky Saturday

I will probably be away most of today. I am going to try to stamp, but we will see how I feel. I am going to the dentist today and will be getting a crown put on as well as getting a tooth extracted, oh, and they are on opposite sides of my mouth, so I am guessing that I will just want to veg out and watch movies for the most part today, but I might post later tonight if I am feeling up to it and get stamping. (Just ignore my major run on sentences.) Hope you have a great Saturday! See you soon.

Friday, January 26, 2007

What a STEAL!!!! / Published????



So today I was at Walmart, picking up fabric softener so I could finish the laundry (yeah right, like that ever happens), and we came across this bin full of toys and stuff for $3. Well, I found a Jack Sparrow Costume, complete with spy-scope and treasure and purse for treasure, and also an Ariel Bride costume and a set of Bongos -- you know, the kind they have at Toys R Us that are nice, but I never would pay $15 to buy my kids, well they were only $3 so I got them too. The kids have been having such a fun day playing dress up. I just had to take some pictures. J looks so funny as Jack Sparrow. He hates the hair on it. He loves the money bag though, I think it makes him feel rich or something.

E loves being a princess bride. She is really really into dress up lately anyway, so this was a huge bargain to add to her dress up box. Although, the dress up stuff is getting out of hand and I may just have to go shopping at Hobby Lobby and see if I can find a trunk that will work in their play area or in one of their rooms. Oh and I inserted the head shot of E in the bottom corner because how adorable is her face in that one. Almost makes me tear thinking that I will see that little angelic face again on her wedding day *smiles*

I also got a postcard today from The Rubber Stamper Magazine. It said "we are considering your submission for publication in a future issue" so I don't know if that means that they are going to publish one of the 4 cards I have submitted to them, or if it is just something that they send to everyone. It does actually says "keep reading the rubber stampers. You'll soon be on our pages!" So does that mean I am finally going to get published??? That makes me so excited. Okay, so all you already published stampers, help me out . . . let me know if I should be happy dancing right now . . .



Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Amy Rysavy



Stamps: Olive You, Lots of Hearts Jumbo Wheel, Linen, Small Oval Stamp from Amuse. Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink. Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink. Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Google Eyes, Romantic Red Glitter, Prima Flower, Rhinestone, Red Grosgrain, Black gingham, Paper Piercer, Uniball White Gel Pen, Word Window Punch, Marvy Mega Circle and Giga Scalloped Circle punches. Techniques: Doodling, prismacolors and gamsol, double backgrounds.

I absolutely loved the little red glitter heart. It just pops out and really made this card stand out. Also love the gingham tied inside the red grosgrain bow. Oh, and the little prima -- too cute. Oh and the doodling around the circle -- well, I can learn a lot from this stamper, that is all I am saying *smiles* See you tomorrow for more fun Valentines.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Amanda Sewell

This is my Valentine for the swap! As you can tell, it was created back when I was totally addicted to those Stampabilites lips. I really loved this paper when I saw it in Hobby Lobby and just had to have it. I thought it would be perfect for this swap. I have seriously had a paper addiction lately. It is crazy how much paper I have acquired lately. Hopefully I will use it more frequently. I was asked to be the host of a monthly scrapbook night that I can schedule for whenever I like. I decided that I would do this cause it sounds like fun, so I am sure I will use that paper up.

Stamps: Small Sayings (SU!), Lips by Stampabilities Ink: Regal Rose, Whisper White Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Basic Black, Diecuts With a View - Valentines Words 12x12. Accessories: Black grosgrain, Black gelly roll pen, paper piercing tool, ruler.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Bloggers Only Valentine Swap - Alora Sweetser

I decided to post these cards on my blog starting today as a countdown to my birthday on February 9th. I figure that way you can get some ideas (*cough cough - CASE) from them before Valentines Day. Please if you do borrow ideas -- give credit to the stamper. These will be done alphabetically. Recipes are listed at the bottom. I hope you will check back everyday to see the newest card from the Bloggers Only Valentine Swap!

Alora Sweetser (StampinSweetie)



Stamps: Love Matters, Canvas and Everyday Flexible Phrases. Paper: Almost Amythest, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Shimmery White. Inks: Black Staz On, Almost Amythest. Accessories: Dimensionals, Rich Regals Brads, Sweet Shoppe Ribbon, Crafters Tool Kit (Mat Pack), Aquapainters, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Stamp-A-Ma- Jig.

I just loved the paper piercing on this card. Also, the subtle background is just gorgeous!!! Oh, and that watercoloring is amazing! Props to Alora for watercoloring on a swap!!! *smiles*

What's For Dinner Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

It has been so cold lately, even here in AZ, that I thought it only appropriate to use this soup recipe for what's for dinner tonight. It is really yummy! I made a few modifications (I was in a hurry) but I was really proud of the result! *smiles*

Chicken Tortilla Soup I


INGREDIENTS

1 onion, chopped (I used frozen chopped here)
3 cloves garlic, minced (I used from a jar)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked
1 cup white hominy (not a corn fan, so I used a can of great Northern beans in its place)
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I used dried here, and much less than 1/4 cup)
2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces (I used can chicken and it was totally fine in this recipe. Just make sure you drain it well)
crushed tortilla chips
sliced avocado
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
chopped green onions

DIRECTIONS: In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in corn, hominy, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, and chopped green onion.

ENJOY!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

A Bloggers Only Valentine Swap

So I joined a Valentine swap. Usually I am SO not into swapping, but there are a lot of talented stampers out there and I am actually really excited to see what they all came up with. I plan to show a card a day from now until the my birthday. I may have a couple days with more than that -- we shall see. Anyway, these are the artists you can expect to see on my blog in the very near future:


I hope you all take a few minutes to visit their blog sites and tell them what you thought of their gorgeous work, or leave a comment here when I post! Thanks for visiting. See you tomorrow *smiles*

CC98 - Baroque Burgandy, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue

WOW! I absolutely loved this color challenge. But for some reason, the colors did not love me so much. I tried. I will try some more, but I feel these cards turned out okay, but kind of substandard to what I was hoping they would be. Anyway, I will let you be the judge:



Thanks for stopping by and I will see you tomorrow for "What's for Dinner Wednesday."

Monday, January 22, 2007

Rhonna Farrer Stamps

Okay, so the other day I was lucky enough to find a couple of the Rhonna Farrer stamps at JoAnn's. I got three different flowers and each was only $1. WOOHOO right? Well, it gets better. I was wandering in Hobby Lobby and I discovered that their clear stamps were on sale and that they had some of the Rhonna Farrer collection. I got "Second Nature" (set of 9) and "Hearts and Stars"(set of 12) and they were both on sale for 1/2 off. So, I got a LOT of stamps for $14. YAY! I can't wait to put some time in creating with the stamps I bought.

This card was made using the colors Ballet Blue, Certainly Celery, and Bravo Burgandy. I was inkspired by a card that I saw on Splitcoast stampers for these colors, but the person had used Bashful Blue instead of ballet and I did not realize until too late. SO, this one is all my own. I stamped the background flowers in chocolate chip. The ribbon is also chocolate chip. Each of the flowers was watercolored using a blender pen and the lids of my inkpads. Then I used my diamond stickles (for the first time, I am no longer a stickles virgin - YAY) on top of each flower. They are so glittery and pretty in real life. "Hello" sentiment is from my new Karen Foster Snap stamps and is stamped in Bashful Blue, and put inside a piece of hodgepodge hardware. I love how vibrant this card feels. Hope you are having a good Monday and thanks for coming by. See you soon.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

I've Been Tagged! Dang that Ribbon Addict!!!!

Just kidding! Thanks to Jody for tagging me. Secretly I really wanted to be tagged because how fun is it to do little quizzes and such on your blog? Okay, here we go, all the things you never wanted to know about Amanda:

A - Available or Taken: Taken
B - Best Friend: I have had lots of best friends growing up. One that I can always talk to is Carrie Anne, one that I can tell anything to is Rob, and my bestest friend right now is my hubby.
C -Cake or Pie: White cake with lemon frosting -- YUMMY!!!
D - Drink of Choice: Chocolate milk (ovaltine is the best) or Powerade Option - Grape
E - Essential item you use everyday: My laptop, or my full and soft mascara
F - Favorite Color: Deep chocolate brown. I also like white a lot -- if that can count as a color.
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: I prefer swedish fish.
H - Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
I - Indulgence: I have so many for this category. Stamps, Cafe Rio, Shoes, Patterned Paper (that I rarely use), Ghirardelli chocolate squares (mint or caramel) - YUMMY!
J - January or February: February . . . that is when my birthday is. My DH and DD also have birthdays that month!!!
K - Kids & Names: Emma and Jonah
L - Life is incomplete without?: Movies! I love to watch them and seriously what would I do for fun without them???
M - Marriage Date: 2002
N - Number of Siblings: I have one younger sister. Val.
O - Oranges or Apples: An apple a day keeps the Dr. away. Actually, I prefer apples, but only if they are peeled and sliced. I like those little clementine oranges though too.
P - Phobias or Fears: Fire. I have always been afraid of this, even as a child. Also, I fear my husband leaving me. I think this one relates to my childhood.
Q - Fave Quote: "If it's on your a$$, it's not an a$$et!" Seriously need to lose some poundage this year! Seriously!!!
R - Reason to Smile: I have two cute babies who love me lots and lots. I am spoiled ROTTEN by my hubby and we have a pretty darn good life.
S - Season: Well, we don't really have much variation in seasons here in AZ, but I know summer is not my favorite -- too darn hot, so everyone besides summer is good!
T - Tag 3 or 4 People: Dorinda, Debbie and Lisa! Hehehe!
U - Unknown fact about me: I am lazy! Okay, you might be thinking this is not an unknown fact, but I seriously hate doing chores like laundry and picking up the house and would so LOVE it if I had a maid. LOL!
V - Vegetable you don't like: Asparagus -- too planty for me.
W - Worst Habit: Nail biting. I hate that my kids are learning this too. I am also a hair puller when I get bored, so that is kind of bad too . . .
X-rays: Dental are the only ones I have ever had! Never broken a bone.
Y - Your Fave Food: Easier described my restaurants I like. Sweet Tomatoes, Cafe Rio, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse! Those are my top 5.
Z - Zodiac Sign: Aquarius!

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Skipping Stones Design

Yep, I am still up! I should be stamping, but I came downstairs to watch a movie with M, and he is playing computer games still and my butt somehow got glued to the couch. It is just so comfy . . . *contented sigh*

So I was surfing and remember how I told you about Skipping Stones Design? Well, how I am going to be doing some design team work for them. Well, I found them for sale on Addicted to Rubber Stamping and I thought I would post a link for you so you can buy their cool stamps. The two sets I got are "Garden Spot" and "Wonder Years" and you can purchase both of these lovely sets here.

Friday, January 19, 2007

How Does Your Garden Bling?

So when I sit and watch TV, I keep myself awake by playing on my laptop at the same time. I surf on the commercial breaks and last night I found myself on all sorts of cool sites. I found so many more cool things to add to my sidebars. I know you will love them too.

This particular card was inkspired by the pagemaps site. They do really cool stuff on that site -- mostly related to scrapping, but they do have a page of card sketch ideas and I fell in love with this one. I really wanted to try using my punch to create a scallop as I had never done this with it. It worked like a charm -- really easy too!!! I NEVER use prima flowers, but since I am involved in a wholesale purchase group and will be getting a bunch of these lovelies very soon in the mail, I decided to go for it. The flower paper at the bottom is by EK Success and is in the Inspirables collection. I really love it. I have used it before but I had some left over on one sheet and decided to use a piece of it here. The small flower stamped in the background in cranberry crisp, pretty in pink, and mellow moss is from the Small Sayings set that was in the mini catalog. I love this set. I find that I can use it so often. It is the PERFECT size. The little gems are just some "bling" I picked up at the dollar store -- they are even self adhesive. Can't beat that for $1. The celery polka dot ribbon was from Michaels. I love how it looks on this card. Oh, and the stems are paper pierced and then stitched with a pink gel pen that I got from my DDSS for this past round. They came from Target I think. It was a little brighter pink than the rest, but I think it looks okay. Off to stamp some more. Happy Friday -- let the creative juices flow . . . thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again soon!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

THURSDAY AGAIN

Today I was feeling kinda blah! I needed to go shopping for a present for a birthday party that E is going to, so I went to Target. Mmmmm, I love Target. I did the "traditional" browse the $1 spot. I was looking for the mailboxes for a friend, but no luck. We did find a Sleeping Beauty doll and a cute scooter and shirt set. E really likes what we got. Next we went to JoAnn's because I wanted to see if I could score some of the Rhonna Farrer stamps I had heard about and I did in fact find some, but the selection was really "picked over." I bought three of them and three other wooden $1 stamps and decided to try and look at another JoAnn's. I had no luck at the other JoAnn's store I went to, but I did remember that I was close to my favorite stamp store. So, we went to it. I usually do not go there with my kids because it is one of those stores that my kids could actually wreck everything, but they were amazingly well behaved and I found some Karen Foster Snap Stamps for a really reasonable price, as well as I got some EZ Mount Stamp and Store Foam, and a plain square stamp that was being clearanced out for 1/2 price. Oh, and I bought my first bottle of diamond Stickles. I fully intend to use that soon! There were some gorgeous Penny Black stamps that were just in and I was really tempted, but J got bored right then and I had to leave because he was cranky and I did not want him to wreck stuff . . . so maybe next time. On the way home we stopped at Ceretta's Candy Co. and went in for a sample. I figured if we all got Sugar free and just one each, it was not that bad of an indulgence and would not totally destroy my diet and exercise. E and J were so excited! They had so much fun picking out which one to try.

So, if you are wondering where I was and why no new uploads . . . there you have it. I was taking a procure new stamping materials day *smiles* I am sure you can appreciate that.

POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING: Oh, and for all you Grey's Anatomy fans . . . how good was that show tonight eh? It made me laugh, cry and shake my fist at the screen. I am so glad that Alex and Addi are hooking up! They match well. I wonder how Izzy will take that. I am glad that the surgery went well with the patient Izzy donated the money for. How cool is that? I am sad that George's dad had to die, and I wonder how he will do with it. I really hope he clings to Callie because I just love them together. I think it was cool to see Cristina talk to him about it at the end. It is always nice to see that she is human. Meredith cracks me up . . . I loved her conversation with dear old daddy. Too funny! All in all, I love this show and cannot wait till next week. I haven't been so addicted to a show since "Friends" and "90210" -- lol!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Inkspired by JulieSoko/CC 97

All day yesterday I wanted to do the color challenge but for some reason, none of my stamp sets were speaking to me. I have lots of them, so I was beginning to wonder what was wrong/worried I had lost my mojo. Anyway, I absolutely loved the colors of the challenge and knew I had to do it, so I just started to work with what I had out on the desk and this is what I came up with. I love it!

The flower is from Polka Dots and Paisley. Then the background was stamped with canvas over top of the watercolored flowers. The sentiment is from Small Sayings and under it "happy" from Polka Dots and Paisley was stamped. I really like how that turned out. It is so subtle in real life and looks awesome. The ribbon is skinny stitched ribbon from Hobby Lobby. I had never used it before and I love how skinny it is and the look that it helped to create. Thanks to JulieSoko for her awesome layout!

What's For Dinner Wednesday - Pierogies Taco Casserole

We had this for dinner last Thursday and it was so delicious. M had seconds and ate until he was stuffed. So good!!! Even my kids ate it. Way less messy than tacos too since it is in a bowl.

Pierogies Taco Casserole


Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

1 pkg. Mrs. T's Pierogies (I used potato and cheese mini pierogies)
Browned ground beef (I used ground turkey here)
1 jar salsa (My personal fave is Pace Mild Salsa)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream

Create a casserole by layering frozen pierogies in a 9 x 13" pan with browned ground beef and 1 jar of salsa.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Inkspired by Jen (cobrielle)

About a week ago, my friend Jen was chatting on SCS and suggested that a friend use her layout and make a card. Well, naturally being the nosy person I am, I just had to look and see what layout she was showing and I decided I really liked it and thought it would be fun to try. SO, I finally got to trying it today. I created a card using colors inspired by the American Crafts rub ons that I bought a couple weeks ago. They are totally not typical and somewhat bright, and at first I found them pretty ugly, but they grow on you. The colors are: Cameo coral, tempting turquoise, chocolate chip, real red, and green galore. The background circles were created by using the circle rub ons (chocolate chip colored). Then I took my white gelly roll pen and added my own dots on the inside and outside of the circles. Next I layered the brown strip together and pierced and faux sewed it. I used the white gelly roll pen here again to make the stitches. The paisley was stamped on whisper white in all of the above mentioned colors to create the "mess" of paisley. I layered it on green galore to make it pop. Then finally, I added the ribbon (from Hobby Lobby) on. It is sheer brown with white polka dots and I thought it matched perfectly. All in all, despite how bright it is, I am satisfied with how this turned out. What do you think?

Monday, January 15, 2007

Inkspired by Keva (brownee)

After Christmas is always a good time to send thank you cards out for all the lovely gifts you got. This particular thank you is for a RAK I got sent to me from Becca Payne (Becca P on splitcoast). I have not had a RAK from the RAK group for a long, long time, and I was so excited to see this one in my mailbox, so I decided to stamp her a thank you/RAK back for her efforts *SMILES*


This card features "thank you" sentiments from a lot of SU sets. The main "Thanks - for making me smile!" is from the new SU set called Small sayings. The flower is from a set called "Polka Dots and Paisley" which was a free gift to all SU demonstrators this Christmas. It may be hard to see, but in the background I stamped the swirls from SU "Fresh Fillers." Then I took my white gelly roll pen and dotted over top of it. The faux stitching was done using a chocolate chip marker (which is sadly dying from overuse) and a paper piercer. The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. Oh, and the flower image has pop dots on the right side to make it more level with the other side. I really hope she likes this card. Special thanks to Keva (Brownee on splitcoast) for the layout idea.

I have also been busy working on some fun baby cards because I have a SIL and a friend who both had babies recently and I wanted to send them congratulations and a little gift. I was so excited that one was a boy and one was a girl because how fun is that???


Both of these cards feature Keva's layout again. I really like it. The background paper is by The Paper Studio (purchased at Hobby Lobby). The bunny is from SU "A New Little Someone." I watercolored using my SU Watercolor wonder crayons and both my aquapainter and blender pen. I filled each of the dots on the background with my white gelly roll pen. I embossed congratulations on the bottom with Winter White embossing powder. Ribbons both came from Hobby Lobby. I am really pleased with the results of these. I really hope the recipients like them as much as I do.

I had a fun mail day on Saturday, I got some samples from Prism papers and I am excited to use them. One of them, the one that looks like lumiere turned into paper, is really really cool. I fully intend to play with those in the next couple days so check back for that.

Also, you might notice that these photos are watermarked. I am learning how to do that slowly and I hope to have a very cool looking watermark soon. Hope you are having a good January and keeping warm.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

REVIEW: John Tucker Must Die

I am a total sucker for cheesy teen movies like these, so this was fun! If you wanna relax and laugh a bit, this is totally the movie for you (if you are into this kind of movie).Totally hilarious movie! Had some awesome lines. I love the idea of it all and Jesse Metcalfe is just adorable. He has these great eyes . . . YUMMY! We watched the rated version, but I bet the unrated one is even funnier. Okay, here are some of the funny lines:

Beth: I was so depressed I couldn't even enjoy the break-up sex.
the girls: [the girls stare at Beth]
Beth: Oh my gosh. I'm such a slut!

***************************************

Kate: DAMMIT!
Carrie: It's not that hard, um... when he speaks to you count to three in your head before you answer him.
Heather: Don't show any interest. Don't even look at him too much.
Carrie: Yeah yeah. You got it?
[long pause]
Carrie: I said you got it?
Kate: I was counting to three!
Beth: Not that slowly! We don't what him to think you're retarded!

****************************************

Carrie: [sees the entire basketball team wearing thongs] Unbelievable.
Beth: [on phone, angrily] I'd hit him with my car if he wouldn't make body casts a fashion statement.

*****************************************

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

What's For Dinner Wednesday - Chicken Noodle Casserole

I am so sorry! I almost forgot you all. Ooops. Anyway, you can have this for dinner tomorrow. It is yummy! Gotta love comfort foods. We had this tonight and even my 2 and 3 year old liked it!!!

Chicken Noodle Casserole


INGREDIENTS:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 ounces egg noodles
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 cup crumbled buttery round crackers
1/2 cup butter

DIRECTIONS:
1. Poach chicken in a large pot of simmering water. Cook until no longer pink in center, about 12 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside. Bring chicken cooking water to a boil and cook pasta in it. Drain. Cut chicken into small pieces, and mix with noodles.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together mushroom soup, chicken soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir together cream soup mixture with the chicken mixture. Place in a 2 quart baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan, and remove from heat. Stir in crumbled crackers. Top casserole with the buttery crackers.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 30 minutes, until heated through and browned on top.

I don't have one but . . .

I came across this article today and thought it might be of interest to some of you, so I thought I would post it here:
Tell me what you think about this? Do you think Provo Craft was in the wrong? Do you think they should have done this? I wanna hear all the goods and bads.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

REVIEW: Eragon * * */5 Stars

Okay, I will preface this by saying I have not yet read the book. M had read the book and really wanted to see this movie, so we went to see it on our anniversary. I was not super excited to say the least . . . but we'll consider it an anniversary gift to him *wink* Anyway, all in all I thought it was a good movie. The acting was not terrible. I found the dragon to be very likable and thought Eragon was well played. There were a few cheesy parts, but for the most part it was really well done. M thought that they had changed the story in too many places and that bugged him. I like how they lead in to the next movie too . . . and when it ended I actually felt like I wanted to see more of it, so I guess that is a good thing. Such an interesting storyline. If you have read the book and are into this kind of movie, you'll probably like it *smiles*

Friday, January 05, 2007

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

Today is DH and my 5th anniversary. I have no idea what to get him. All I know is that we are going out to dinner and a movie - kid free. So far, I have a card for him, but that is it . . . *stressing*

I went shopping but came back with nothing that would work as an anniversary gift. I hate buying gifts for people, I am terrible at it. Anyway, I will be back to regular stamping etc. tomorrow, today I am taking the day off because I plan to make myself all pretty (shave legs, etc) and be out most of the evening.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Grey's Anatomy/Stuck on Valentines

I love Grey's. I am seriously passionate about this show. Sure I watch other shows (The Nine, Desperate Housewives - okay, only shows on ABC apparently) but Grey's is my thing. So imagine my RAGE this morning when I looked to see if tonight was a new episode with high hopes that it would be, to see that it is not! *pouts* I guess I have to wait a whole week . . .

Why oh why must they torture me like this????

So, instead of Grey's, I am going to work on my Valentines for the swap I joined. All the people in my group are amazing stampers and I really want my work to not be substandard, so I have to try really really hard on these. I am trying out a bunch of designs and will see which one I like best and then mass produce it.

This card is one that I made today. I used the new "free" set from SU! on it. I had to try it out. I found this great paper at HL and thought it would work fun with the paisley stamp in black, and I think it did. I had a little trouble determining a layout that would work . . . but all in all I think this one does fine. It is also the sketch challenge from yesterday!


Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Valentines Day is coming up fast . . .

The reason I know this to be true is because the stores already have all their valentine stuff out. It is curious how we just go from holiday to holiday in our culture. Anyway, my anniversary is on the 5th and I am not sure if I will use this card for that (because DH already saw it) or for Valentines Day next month, but I really like how it turned out. The lips stamp is from Stampabilities (got it at Hobby Lobby) and I used the rock and roll technique to get the edges deep chocolate brown color. Then I overstamped french script from SU. The rest is just sponged and stamped as you see it -- no magic there, but the overall card turned out pleasing. I get excited when Valentines day is coming because my birthday is the 9th and my daughter and hubby also have their birthdays that month, so it is a fun celebratory month for us *smiles*

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

A little Bit of News . . .

I don't know if I told you all before, but I have recently been asked to design some artwork/be a design team member for a company called Skipping Stones Design. They have some wonderful products. I am really enjoying playing with the acrylic stamps that I have received and making creations. They also have a cool product called the S*Purse, which is a new storage solution idea. I think they are worth checking out. Just tell them Amanda sent you *wink*

I have to stamp some thank you cards today -- I owe a few of those to some kind people! If you are wondering where those things I stamped yesterday are . . . well, you are not alone. They will get posted soon . . . I stamped a lot of things for Skipping Stones yesterday, but those are top secret . . . and right now I am drowning in laundry (aka, I need to fold it -- you all remember that post with the big pile right???) So, I may get to post some pictures tonight . . . we will see.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Start the Year Out Right

So this morning I woke up bright and early and looked online and found out that there was good stuff on sale at Hobby Lobby this week. SO, I got both of the babies diapers changed and then told M I was going to go to Hobby Lobby and off I went. I had a blast. I got all sorts of goodies, a new large acrylic block for some stamps that I have had forever waiting to mount from starvingartistamps, some ribbon cards for all the new ribbon I have, and even some fun paper! What a perfect way to start off 2007. I am so behind on stamping that today I plan to spend most of the day working on some projects, so check back later to see what I have created. *smiles*