Wednesday, July 30, 2008

HANNA SNEAK PEEK: Trick or Treat Mini Set

Happy WEDNESDAY! We have made it through half of the week! WOOHOO! Ooh, and I have so far avoided doing laundry! *giggles*

So I had been seeing these peppermint patty holders around SCS, and so I decided to make one, but I decided to make mine the size for a large peppermint patty (because lets face it, I am addicted to chocolate, top of the list, york patties and junior mints, and THEN PB M&M's). The paper I used measured 4 x 8 inches to start. I made it in the same style as this box. Hope that helps any of you who are going to attempt this.

Anyway, it did not take too much time and came together well. I really like the results and I think I might figure out a way to add a ribbon strap so I can put these on a few of my friends doors as a little surprise treat at Halloween! Anyway, hope you are enjoying all the samples from the new sets that the design team has been creating for you! I will upload a picture of the inside of this a little later today. (It is after midnight right now and the colors would be all funky if I tried right now.

Stamps: Trick or Treat Mini Set by Hanna Stamps Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Halloween Stripes by Sandylion Sticker Designs Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, sansodor, blending stumps, circle punch, scalloped circle punch, large corner rounder, terrifically tacky tape

I made this card as part of the sketch challenge on Splitcoaststampers (SC187). I absolutely LOVE the sketch today! It is so easy to work with. I wanted to make another card using this Trick or Treat Mini set (available Thursday after the release party), so I played around with this scary bat image and made him work! He is colored with spica glitter pen (black on the outline and clear on the inside) which I added after I watercolored him in using going grey ink in layers. He is SO glittery in real life (I wish you could see him!)

Stamps: Hanna Stamps - Trick or Treat Mini, Sentiment "Happy Halloween" by Savvy Stamps Paper: Orchid Opulence, Whisper White, Green Galore, Pumpkin Pie, Halloween Black Dots Flat Paper - by K & Company, LLC Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, going grey (to color the bat)
Accessories: orange gingham, black button, sewing machine, black thread, aquapainter, corner punch, Black Spica Glitter Pen, Clear Spica glitter pen (colored all over the bat)




HANNA SNEAK PEEK: Teacher Hanna

If you are a teacher, or if you are always looking for ways to surprise and delight your childs' teacher, look no further than this adorable new set. So many fun things in it - lots of sentiments and fun items to make your card or project a masterpiece any teacher will love.

I had LOTS of fun playing with it on this card! I made a simple thank you (because I can always find a way to use a thank you card). This one features, the abcs & 123s in the set, as well as the main Hanna image and that tiny apple in the center of the circle is also in the set. How darling eh?

Stamps: SU Think Happy Thoughts, Hanna Stamps - Teacher Paper: Deja Views Sharon Ann Timeless Collection - Plaid, SU Bashful Blue, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Versamark Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, sansodor, blending stumps, Pale blue Prima Flowers, Red Stitched Grosgrain, chocolate brown brads, sewing machine, white thread

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

HANNA SNEAK PEEK: Pirate Hanna


Did you know that Talk Like a Pirate Day is in September? I heard about this hilarious holiday during my first couple years of marriage, my silly DH celebrated it and actually talked like a pirate. It is hilarious! Well guess what? Hanna Stamps has a Pirate set that they are releasing this Thursday night at midnight (technically Friday), which is just in time to make some fun stuff to celebrate the holiday. I made this card as a combination of Dare to Get Dirty Challenges that I am still catching up on. So much fun!!! Let me know what you think! I have even more samples of the new release sets, so check back again soon!

Stamps: Hanna Pirate Paper: Prism Classic Orange, SU Whisper White, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Sponges, sewing machine, white thread, Heidi Swapp edge distressing tool

Monday, July 28, 2008

BLURFING AGAIN

I just wanted a place to link all the cool things I found today that I want to check out again at a later date, but do not want to have sitting in my browsing tabs forever:

Baby Stuff:

Gate -- http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267704
Nursing Wrap -- http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2908502

Burp Cloth Directions:

http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com/2007/03/such-mystery-not.html
http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=BURPCLOTH
http://projectsforyournest.blogspot.com/2008/03/basket-o-burpies.html

Cute Sunday Bags -- http://allenfamilyupdate.blogspot.com/2008/07/and-now-for-something-completely.html

Vinyl Lettering --
http://wallwords4u.blogspot.com/

Hooded Towel Tutorial
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2007/11/29/hooded-towel-tutorial/

Cute Cookie Flower Buckets --
http://adventureswiththeprovosts.blogspot.com/2008/03/day-before-1st-day-of-month.html

Accessory Jars for Girls Gift Idea --
http://creativeholidaygiftideas.blogspot.com/2008/01/baby-shower-accessory-jar-girl.html

Pillowcase Dress --
http://www.graceviolet.com/2008/05/how-to-make-pillowcase-dress.html

More Clippies

I was playing a little more with creating clippies. Seriously, they are so addicting to make because they are so easy, take so little time and have a great result.

Here is a summer stars, strawberries and daisies set of clips. I love them! SO much fun!!!



Here is a link to my previous post with more of my little clippie creations. I think I am off to read a bit or maybe stamp. Hope you are all having a marvelous Monday and will check back later for more Hanna Stamps Sneak Peeks and other fun.

HANNA SNEAK PEEK: Luau Hanna

It's that time again, can you believe it? This month has just flown by, in fact, this summer is just flying by. Not that I mind, once the summer goes away, so does the mega heat here in AZ!

I am absolutely in love with this new mini set by Hanna Stamps! (Not that I am partial to their stamps or anything . . . . hehehe) Hanna makes the perfect hula dancer - don't you think??? Hope you will check back everyday this week to see a new sneak peek of the Hanna Release and Thursday night until midnight there will be a party in the Hanna Stamps Forum on SCS, so pencil that in, hope you can come!

Stamps: Hanna Luau, Studio G Clear Stamps "Aloha" dollar stamp set. Paper: Floral - The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), Prism Baby Blue Dark, SU Pixie Pink Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Sewing machine, white thread, prima flowers, glitter brads by the Paper Studio, SU oval punches

Grosgrain Giveaway

OMGosh, you so need to go check out this weeks outfit on grosgrain. I really NEED to learn how to sew. Such an adorable outfit. Pray that I win this one! I am seriously getting more and more obsessed with this site - I so wish she had a store that I could just buy some of these absolutely charming outfits at. Run, don't walk so you can enter!!!

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2008/07/reverisble-bird-seed-skirt-giveaway.html

Friday, July 25, 2008

Baby NEWS! Ultrasound #2 & Recipes

We went for our ultrasound today. Wait, no that sounds like that was an easy process, let me explain more how my afternoon went . . .

M came home, J, came running in, excited cause daddy was home early, I turned and at that moment, he bounced into me and hit his head on our occasional table by our bed. At first I could not see the wound, but then I found it and it was inside his ear, like against his skull -- hard to explain, but weirdest spot I have ever seen. Seriously, it is impressive that he hurt himself there. It was a good gouge too, lots of bleeding, so we bypassed going out to lunch together and went to the Urgent Care in town. They cleaned it, stopped the bleeding and then used skin glue (the purple goo area) to glue it back together. We got out of there about 8 minutes before my ultrasound. Fortunately it was in the same plaza as the urgent care, so we made it in time . . . I did not get a chance to drink lots of water before though. Oh and none of us had had any lunch at this point -- and my appointment was at 2:50pm. Holy mommy stress attack, Batman!!!

The baby was mostly uncooperative, but we did manage to catch a couple good pictures . . . IT's A BOY! That was very clear and obvious! The baby was kicking -- especially when the technician prodded -- it made the little guy upset apparently. LOL! My Dr. wants to do the ultrasound again next month to make sure the baby is growing, etc -- because the ultrasound had a little bit smaller measurement than it should have been -- it was saying I was 18 weeks 5 days - 19 weeks, and I think I am 19 weeks 5 days according to last time, so she wants to check to make sure. Worst case scenario, they change my due date again back to closer to Christmas. Basically though, she said everything looks good, heart rate was 152 (fast). I am excited that I get another chance to see my little guy in a month . . . oh, and I actually lost a pound from my last appt. YAY!

I will post a couple of ultrasound pictures as soon as I can get our scanner to cooperate with me.

For dinner we went to a friends house for a potluck. I made a yummy dessert and a cheeseball appetizer and I thought I would share both those recipes with you. They both come from allrecipes.com

Banana Split Cake IV

INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
* 1/4 cup butter, softened
* 3 cups confectioners' sugar
* 4 bananas
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
* 1 quart strawberries, stemmed and quartered
* 1 1/2 cups sugar free strawberry glaze
* 1 (12 ounce) container lite frozen whipped topping, thawed
* 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and quartered

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Chill to set.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread over the chilled graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced bananas over the cream cheese mixture. Then cover with the drained crushed pineapple. Place strawberries cut side down over the pineapple layer, then coat with the strawberry glaze. Spread the whipped topping over the strawberry layer, decorate with maraschino cherries and sprinkle with chopped nuts. (I omitted the nuts and drizzled caramel and chocolate ice cream syrups on the top)
3. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

********
Lemon Cheese Ball

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1 tablespoon powdered lemonade mix (lemonade koolaid flavoring packets work)
* 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar and lemonade mix using an electric mixer. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
2. When the mixture is completely chilled, shape into a ball and roll in graham cracker crumbs. Serve on a platter with your favorite crackers. (I opted to roll my cheeseball in coarse sugar. I used graham sticks for dipping into it)


Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Dirty Dare '08 - WEDNESDAY CHALLENGES

I made this one for Jenn's challenge -- it was an inspiration challenge ... we were to use this image as inspiration:

My challenge for you is to make something, anything, inspired by this amazing cake. Draw from the colors, the patterns, whatever.

My lime color is not quite the same as the inspiration, but in real life it looks really close. I chose to use the black and white with a POP bright color, rather than the pattern on the cake. I like how this cute little Bella turned out. I think I would like to try this with an electric blue color or a super bright pink. The way the color just pops is amazing. I also discovered I need to stock up on my black and white designer paper stash (shame on me for having such a limited selection).


Stamps: Cupcakeabella Paper: DCWV Tiny Dotted, Basic Black, Whisper White, Prism Iced Kiwi Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Black gel pen (to color details), prismacolor pencils, sansodor, blending stumps, silver and black brads, black and white dotted ribbon


Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Dirty Dare '08 - TUESDAY CHALLENGES

Oh my goodness, I spent the whole morning working on the first of the three challenges -- the one that seemed to be the most challenging to me and I am still not satisfied completely with the results. I need to revisit this simple white card again in the future to see if I can come up with something that just knocks my socks off . . . these three just turned out okay. Maybe I should try one without any cuttlebug embossing? Anyway, here is JulieHRR's challenge:

One of my most favorite cards to make is a clean, simple white one! I encourage you to try letting color, imagery, and just the right amount of embellishment shine on a simple white base!





Here are the details for the three cards! I will be back later with some more challenge cards as I finish them!

Merry Christmas Snowman -- Stamps: Snowman - High Hopes, Sentiment by Amuse Paper: Whisper White, Handsome Hunter Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Sansodor, Blending stumps, diamond stickles, cuttlebug, snowflakes embossing folder

A Treat for You -- Stamps: Stampendous Tiers of Treats, Sentiment by Amuse Paper: Whisper White Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Prismacolor pencils, sansodor, red striped ribbon by Craft Essentials, Swarovski crystal, cuttlebug, swirls folder

Bugs & Kisses -- Stamps: SU Bugs & Kisses Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Real Red Accessories: Red gingham, cuttlebug, swiss dots embossing folder

*****

The second challenge I worked on today was issued by Michelle. Her challenge:

... my challenge is to make a masculine card. Ahhh, I hear the collective groan! That's why they call it a challenge.

I have never been superb at creating masculine looking cards, but I came up with this Thanksgiving Riley one, using a sentiment by Inky Antics that I purchased at my LSS this past weekend. I thought it worked. I also used some of my prima leaves, which have been sitting on my shelf ever since I saw them and thought they were neat and new and different, but had been waiting to be used. I think I swayed to the complete opposite end of the spectrum with this card than the white ones above, leaving almost no white space . . . oops. Hopefully the gingham is masculine enough! One more challenge to complete today, hopefully I can do it tonight sometime after dinner! Happy stamping!!!

Stamps: Thanksgiving Riley, Sentiment by Inky Antics Paper: Really Rust, More Mustard, Whisper White, Crate Paper Crush Collection - Longboard Ink: Creamy Caramel, Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: brown gingham, Prima leaves, SU circle punches, Sewing machine, brown thread, prismacolor pencils, sansodor, blending stumps, brads, glue dots, sponges.



******
I managed to get the third and final challenge of the day done before dinner, but I don't have a lot of time to write about it. The challenge:

My favorite way to make a card look WOW is to use some type of water coloring technique. Your challenge is to join me and some friends! Use any medium of water coloring: Re-Inkers, Watercolor pencils, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Markers blended on watercolor paper…whatever is your preference and create something beautiful, or, try a watercolor medium you haven’t used before! Let’s make some WOW today!

I tried to keep it simple! It was my first time watercoloring in this image and I did not want to mess it up. I think Tom Turkey is looking great though!!! I was going to place the image inside the stitching, but when I put it down, it was off to the side like this and I decided it added something and I should do it like that. Love how inspiration has to hit your on the head like that sometimes! I was trying to figure out a way to add some more embellishment, but I really don't have any idea (if you do, please leave me a comment and let me know). Tom was colored using layers and layers of color, starting with the lightest color in each area. I love watercoloring embossed images, it makes it so easy to stay in the lines!!!

Stamps: High Hopes Tom Turkey, High Hopes Bold Gobble Gobble Bdr. Paper: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Whisper White Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Real Red, Really Rust, Versamark, Chocolate Chip Accessories: Judikins Rustique Patina Bronze Embossing Powder, Aquapainter, Sewing machine, brown thread, stitched thin ribbon


Monday, July 21, 2008

Dirty Dare '08 - MONDAY CHALLENGES

I decided to take some time to participate this year in the Dare to Get Dirty SCS celebration. After all, I am a wannabe, aspiring dirty girl . . . I can use all the practice I can get right?? I made this card for Jody's challenge:

It's time to think like a ribbon addict! Your task is to create a card using ribbon as your inspiration and starting point. Dig through your stash and choose some ribbon you love. Then choose everything else for your card with the ribbon in mind. Let it set your color combo, style and maybe even your stamp set. The ribbon is in charge here... because it's all about the ribbon!

This card kind of just came together for me. I found this ribbon when I was shopping on the weekend, and when I was looking through my stamp drawer for the perfect stamp that would match a friend theme, I came across some pre-stamped images I had, including these huggybellas. I also picked up the brown felt Heidi Swapp flowers on the weekend -- just because I knew I would use them for something! They were just the perfect little accent. Hope you like how it turned out. I am off to play another Dirty Dare challenge . . .

Stamps: Huggybellas Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Prism Frosted Teal Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, tempting turquoise, close to cocoa Accessories: Heidi Swapp Chocolate Brown Felt Flowers, White button, Cuttlebug Machine and Paisley folder, White inkssentials gel pen, American Crafts Teal Friends Ribbon, Sewing Machine, White thread, glue dots, aquapainter, prismacolor pencils, sansodor

******
I actually found the time today to complete the other challenge of the day issued by Laurie:

So, my challenge to you is to dig that vellum out....and USE it! How you use it is up to you, as long as there is vellum somewhere on your creation!

This one ended up taking me a long time to get the basic layout figured out, but once I knew exactly what I wanted to do, it all came together nicely. I had a small incident where I stamped on the vellum with my black ink, heat set it and then somehow managed to smudge it, so I tried again and on the second attempt, I decided to stamp on the card stock that shows under the vellum, so that I would not have that issue again. It worked out perfectly!!! I *may* have a sewing on cards addiction, but you already knew that right? Now to go shower, seriously, stamping in your jammies all day is fun, but 4:51 pm before you get your shower in is a little yucky-la la! Have a great evening, see you tomorrow (I hope).

Stamps: Sophie, Sincere Salutations (SU!) Paper: Posies Glitter Print (DCWV), Orchid Opulence, Barely Banana, Whisper White, Vellum CS Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Orchid Opulence
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots folder, sewing machine, white thread, white wide organdy, glitter brads by Spare Parts (The Paper Studio), Prismacolor Pencils, Sansodor, Blending stumps

Feeling a bit like Martha . . .

A CRAYON COZY

I have been feeling like doing some random craft stuff since I went blurfing the other day. I finished my first "crayon cozy" Friday night (in black and white). It turned out pretty decently considering I had never done it before. One day I will be able to sew straight.

I got the idea on this Etsy store and I found some instructions which I used some pieces of here. I will totally be making these to send out or give out to family and friends with kids our age! They are perfect to tote in a bag and they look cute!!! On Saturday I went shopping with the kids and we chose fabric to make some more of these. I am excited to see how they all turn out! Oooh, and crayons are on sale (back to school sale) for like 22 cents for a box of 24 right now at Target -- so it is the perfect time to make one of these. Super duper cheap and cute!!!

HAIR CLIPS FOR ALL SEASONS

My second crafty thing that I worked on is some girls hair clips. I saw these on an Etsy store also, and knew I could make them. I went to my local Sally Beauty, and they had the clips and it was just a matter of hitting my ribbon stash to decide on colors, etc. So girly and cute!!! I plan to make some of these for family and friends as well. I am in the crafty groove, no point in stopping now! I already have some others started, but I wanted to get this post posted, so I will show you those in a later post. You would be surprised by how easy these are to do. Saves paying lots of money for the ones at "Claires" or something. Below are Christmas, Easter and Halloween.



SOME OTHER STUFF I WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON SOON:

http://littlesomething.myshopify.com/collections/appliqued-barrettes
http://www.breastfeeding123.com/free-pattern-to-sew-your-own-nursing-cover/
http://www.breastfeeding123.com/how-to-sew-your-own-baby-bibs/

Sunday, July 20, 2008

She's Doing It Again

Okay, I admit, I am a bit obsessed with Grosgrain, but how could I not be? And guess what? This week is no exception, they are giving away another GORGEOUS outfit. This one is just SO cute! I want one in my size for when this pregnancy is done, that is. Anyway, stop by and check it out!!!

I have been playing and being crafty for the past couple days -- I will post pictures as soon as I can find my camera, which will mean cleaning off my desk, so it could be tomorrow . . . I have not been feeling great this afternoon and I need to go rest!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Color Challenge 175/Mojo46

I made this card to accompany my check to Jody (if Jody is reading this, I apologize that you saw it before you got it) for sticky stuff purchases I made. If you have not gotten in on one of these, you need to! Head on over to Confessions of a Ribbon Addict and get yourself some sticky stuff for cheap. She always has some sort of share going on.

Todays card was a combination of the Mojo Monday sketch posted on Poetic Artistry and the color challenge posted on Splitcoaststampers.

I added photo corners in each corner to add a little more of the almost amethyst into the design. The colors are a little light in this photo, but it is wild wasabi, so saffron and almost amethyst. I also accidentally changed the sketch a little bit because I did the bottom strip across the whole card, rather than just in a rectangle at the bottom (I noticed after I had sewn it down of course), so hopefully you can all just let that slide and forgive me on that one. Sophie's face is popped up as well as the flower is popped up one level higher than that -- paper tole style. Sentiment is by Hanna Stamps - Things Hanna Would Say. Thanks for visiting! Hope to see you back really soon -- I plan to do a blog candy giveaway for my 500th post and would love to have you participate in that!!!

Stamps: Hanna Stamps - Beach Sophie, Hanna Stamps - Things Hanna Would Say Paper: Almost Amethyst, Wild Wasabi, The Paper Company - Saffron colored stripes, Whisper White Ink: So Saffron, Onyx Black Versafine, Wild Wasabi, Almost Amethyst Accessories: Wild Wasabi Striped Ribbon, Marvy Punches, Circle Cutter by Making Memories, Corner punch, so saffron brads (SU!), sponge, glue dots, sewing machine, white thread.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Are You a Blurfer?

Today I have been feeling kind of blah . . . a little nauseated. Anyway, I have been blurfing (blog surfing for those of you who did not know what that meant) and came across so much fun stuff and some cool sites I decided to share with you. It all started when I googled "Playroom Decor Ideas" and went to this one site, Tip Junkie. I know I will be going back to that one again and again. SO many fun ideas.

That site lead me to this other blog, Jackaroos Boutique with the most beautiful childrens dresses and bibs and burp cloths I have ever seen! I can't wait to find out if I am having a boy or girl now because I totally want to order!!! I love that you can get them personalized too!

Tip Junkie also lead me to this site -- Grosgrain. I absolutely cannot believe it but she is giving away one of these gorgeous outfits she made -- apparently she does it all the time! If you have a little girl in the 2T-4T range -- go check this out Pinata Pinafore GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! . . . I SO need to win one!! I am in love with the dress she made for the ice cream social! So stunningly gorgeous -- scroll down to see that one too, you just can't miss it!!!

Here's another cool site, 30 Handmade Days -- I am SO going to make the crayon roll up packs from Day 1, and some of the hair barrettes and oooh, that felt food on Day 6 rocks. Needless to say, that one has inspired me to play a bit. Do you ever feel like there are so many crafts, so little time?

Oh and here's another site with directions to make I Spy bags, According to Kelly . . . I have been wanting to make these for the kids FOREVER and now I have instructions and I think I am going to do it -- add it to the crafts I plan to finish this summer pile!

Here's a cool site for you scrappers out there -- or if you like to decorate your home with family pictures - Scrapbook Pictures - at this site you can print unique sizes of your pictures for a fairly inexpensive cost -- check it out!!!

And lest you all think I am slacking off -- I found this blog post 31 Days To Clean, which I totally plan on implementing so I can have a super clean house! I find that often I have a clean upstairs, OR a clean downstairs, rarely both, so I am excited to get busy and have a clean house in only a months time!

And once I do . . . I can use this site, Tastefully Entertaining, to provide inspiration for having guests over to celebrate in my new clean house! Seriously love all the colors on this site, I know it will come in handy for ideas while stamping too!!!

Well I hope you enjoyed a little time wasting and blurfing with me. I am excited to get busy on some project ideas I saw . . . check back again soon . . . oh and if you were wondering if I found any playroom ideas . . . I saw some, but I will for sure have to go back to that another day. Ooops!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Couple of Yummy Summery Salad Recipes

I decided that I craved potato salad when I came home from church today (I have craved potatoes like crazy this pregnancy for some reason). Anyway, I went online to allrecipes and came across this recipe, which I only altered slightly. It is AWESOME if you are a fan of dill -- totally delish!

INGREDIENTS

* 10 red potatoes, cut into chunks
* 3/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon seedy mustard
* 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
* 1 teaspoon celery salt (I left this out)
* salt and pepper to taste
*2 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Place potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, gently toss potatoes, onions, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

***
I also had a lot of leftover fruit in my fridge, so I decided to toss it altogether and make a fruit salad to go with dinner too. It turned out yummy! Even E, who is usually not a fruit eater or a salad eater, ate both the fruit salad and the potato one.

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks - drained, reserve 1/4 cup juice
* 1 can of mandarin oranges - drained
* 1 cup cantaloupe (diced)
* 1 cup seedless grapes (halved)
* 1 cup quartered strawberries
* 2 bananas, sliced
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon honey

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, toss fruit. In a small cup or bowl, combine lime juice, honey, 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. Stir well and toss with fruit. ENJOY!!!

Serve salads with your favorite BBQ meat for a perfect summer meal! Hope you are having a great summer and will check back again soon!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Birthday Party Pics



So we planned a FUN birthday party for J, and no one showed up. So SAD! We had invited only three boys from J's sunday school class, so I was not expecting a huge party, but at least that one would show up. People are so bad at RSVP'ing these days. We had a 4th birthday party for E and no one RSVP'd and I was nervous no one would show and we ended up with 8 kids there. Darn summer birthdays are so hard, with everyone traveling and all. So, lesson learned here, ALWAYS RSVP to parties so that someone else does not have to feel worried or frustrated like I did.

Anyway, M called one of his friends that has a son who is a year younger than our son, and invited him to come over to celebrate with us. They had a daughter who just happened to be at another party and it worked out perfectly for them to come play with us for awhile. They were super awesome and brought J a whoopee cushion (hello, perfect gift for a 4 year old boy) and played. It was fun! J was so excited to have a friend come over -- I was so thankful that there was someone that could come because I know he would have been sad. J seemed to have a great time. YAY! We made banana pops, and had tacos to eat, colored giant coloring book pages of Diego, played pin the rescue badge on Diego, duck duck goose, play doh animals, and played Mario Kart on Wii together. It was awesome to get to know another family in our church better.

For those of you who were around last year at this time, you got to see the Lightning McQueen cake I made, well this year, I made my second cake like that -- but this one was WAY harder and more detailed.

J wanted a Diego cake and party, so that is what he got!! I think I spent a total of 4 hours, baking the cake, mixing all the icings and decorating the cake. The hardest parts were the shoes and the vest, where there were lots of details and it was super hard to see any markings on the cake.

J's reaction . . . "WOW" said in almost a whisper, when I showed him in the morning! It sure made it feel all worthwhile to have impressed him! I forgot one black dot on one of his shoes, but not bad considering how tired I was (I think I finished this at 2 am). Our party guests said they thought we had bought it -- which made me feel really good. My wrists were sore from squeezing all those stars and doing all that piping! I never realized cake decorating could be such a workout! Here are a couple more pictures of J while we sang the happy birthday song and he blew out his candles (so funny, he made a wish and blew out one, and then made another wish and blew out the rest . . . I guess he just needed a couple wishes this year.) Hope you have a Happy Saturday!




Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Another Yummy Recipe - Hash Brown Quiche

Mmmm, just finished eating this for dinner tonight. I served it with toast and grapes as sides. It really would be great for breakfast. I made two changes which makes it use more eggs and less milk, because DH and I don't prefer milky eggs, and used turkey bacon instead of ham. I also made it in an 8x8 pan, not a pie plate, and absorbed some of the greasiness off the top while it was cooling -- it made it just perfect. Enjoy!

Hash Brown Quiche
(By Jan Peters, courtesy of Taste of Home Magazine adapted by Amanda Sewell)

Ingredients:

3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced green pepper
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:

Press hash browns between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Press into the bottom and sides of ungreased pan. Drizzle with butter and bake at 425F for 25 minutes.

Combine turkey bacon, cheese and green pepper; spoon over crust. In a small bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over all. Reduce oven heat to 350F. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings.