Merry Christmas!!

This is our Christmas tree. The picture isn't the greatest but it was the best I could get. I had to basically get down on the floor because the tree is so tall and wide....and yes we have a ceiling fan in the way.....drives me bonkers!! But it won't be a problem in our new house...I will make sure of that!! LOL!

The rest of this week is pretty busy for me so I wanted to go ahead and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! If you don't celebrate Christmas than I wish you a wonderful Happy Holiday whatever you may celebrate!! .... AND for those of you that don't celebrate at all then just have a happy day or if your one of those grouchy people I have seen at the store then bah-humbug back at ya!! I mean that as a joke of course!! :)

When I come back I have lots of stuff to share!! Cards, tags, recipes!!! Yes, there is always food in the equation with me! HEHE!

Okay, have fun and be safe everyone!!
-Stacie

Caramel Kiss Cookies!

I had an open bag of Hershey's caramel kisses to use up so I searched online for a quick and easy recipe using items I already had on hand and this is what I found! Click HERE for the recipe. Mine doesn't look exactly like what she has in her picture but they sure taste good and that is all that matters in my book!

Enjoy!

-Stacie

PJ Day and SWAK!

Back to work today but with a two hour delay. We were also supposed to have a Christmas lunch yesterday for the kids at school but because of the snow day we will do that today. The principal is also letting everyone (including the staff) wear pajamas!! Oh I do love this day....I can wear my fat...ahem...I mean YOGA pants and a sweatshirt to work!! WAHOO!!!! Anyone else have a local school where the principal will give you a day here and there to wear clothes like that?? I would love to hear and also what city/state/country!


Now for my card. This NEW image will be available at the end of this year or beginning of next over at Glitterbabe's Art. I love this image....I think it will be perfect for Valentine's Day or anyday you just want that special someone to know you love them! :) I tried a new coloring technique on the lips and it didn't turn out the way I wanted. I used a water pen and my distress inks. The color didn't glide very well on the paper so I had harsh streaks and then I tried to go over it several times to blend so of course my paper was getting wetter and then it started to pile up little balls of paper...sigh. Any suggestions? Does everyone just use watercolor paper for this or another technique??



Challenge:
Card Patterns - Sketch

Snow Day!

This is the pretty scenery I woke up to this morning and the good news is no work because of all the snow! YAY! The bad news is my internet is cutting in and out for some reason lately....I'm guessing the weather OR just a ton more people online because of the holidays!



Snow/snowflakes is also this weeks challenge over at Glitterbabe's! You can go directly to the challenge HERE! One of my bestest pals Annmaree is our GDT this week and she did a fantastic job along with the other Glitterbugs! :)

Our sponsor this week is JLJ Designs and they kindly provided the DT with images to use for this challenge. Thank you! :)

Here is my card using paper from the "Snow Fun Paper Pack" and the "Nutcracker Bear Digi" all from JLJ Designs! For the Glitterbabe challenge you also need to make sure you have some sparkle on your card...mine is hard to see in the picture but I put some Spica Glitter on the bear and I also put glitter dots in the middle of the snowflakes.


This card is also eligible for the following challenges:
Stamp Something - Digi
Digi's With Attitude! Challenge #10 - Anything with a digi
Totally Gorjuss - Snow
Allsorts - Last minute Christmas
Creative Inspirations - Christmas
The Pink Elephant - Winter Wonderland
Cupcake Craft - Non-traditional Christmas
Top Tip Tuesday - Christmas Inspired
For Fun Challenges - Christmas
Fab N' Funky - Quick and easy does it
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Stamping Vacation Name That Card - Snowy Christmas Wishes

Stamping Vacation No No Challenge

This is one of the easiest challenges you will ever find! All you have to do is NOT do something and this time we are asking you to NOT use punches! Click HERE to go directly to the challenge.

Below is my card and it features an image (Tina's 1st Nativity) from our sponsor this month which is Cardmadfairy! You could win a $15 gift cert. to the cardmadfairy store PLUS a $10 gift cert. to Scrap Attack! There are several different challenges all month long over at Stamping Vacation so go on over to the blog HERE and enter as many challenges as you can to be in the chance to win this great monthly prize!! :)



Challenges:
Stamp Something - Digi
ACLP - Sketch
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - X-mas card
iCopic - Dark blue, light blue, white
Digital Tuesday - Baby it's cold outside
Digi's With Attitude! #10 - Anything goes
Allsorts - Last minute x-mas
Creative Inspirations - Anything goes x-mas
Delightful Challenges - Emboss
Penny's Challenges - X-mas

Prairie Fairy Is Back!!

....back to blogger!!! WOOT WOOT!!

To celebrate coming back to blogger she is having some "spread the word" candy! Here is a look at what you could win!



Now that is some yummy looking candy!
Click HERE to find out what you need to do for a chance to win!

Christmas Without Red And Green?!

Digi image is "Country Tree" from Glitterbabe's Art
Sentiment is from Lawn Fawn (Bows and Holly)

Today we have a new challenge over at Glitterbabe's and when I first saw we had to make something Christmas related without red or green I panicked! I mean what is Christmas without those colors right? Well, let me tell you I am so grateful for that challenge because it really opened up my eyes to all the non-traditional beautiful colors that can be used at Christmas time! I chose purple, pink and yellow as my non-traditional colors. What do you think?
Of course when you do this challenge don't forget the sparkly stuff...that is a must!
You can go directly to the challenge by clicking
HERE!

Our sponsor this week is Pizzazz Aplenty and she is offering up a great selection of embellishments! You can see the entire list of what is being offered as a prize over at the Glitterbabe Challenge Blog. Now I gotta brag on this company a bit because the customer service is fantastic!! The owner, Judy, was quick at responding to my e-mails and she even sent loads of freebies! Freebies for ordering over $15, freebies of new stuff she just got in the day I bought by stuff, and even MORE freebies as a Glitterbabe special! WOW WOW WOW!! I was amazed! She was even nice enough to double check to make sure I got everything...so sweet! :) My ordered shipped next day and because of the holiday it didn't arrive for two days but I still couldn't believe it was that fast! Her prices are great and shipping is very minimal and with all the freebies it made up for shipping costs! So yeah, I HIGHLY recommend this store!!! :) All the rhinestones I used on my card are from this store and I used a wonderful product called the gel picker to help grab the small rhinestones and it worked like a charm! Never could I have done that with my fingers so thanks Judy...your a real gem! :)

Now for the challenges:
EBTKS - Texture
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Christmas card
Top Tip Tuesday - Use ribbon
Mojo Monday - Sketch
Delicious Doodles - Use a digi
ABC DT Challenge Blog - No traditional Christmas colors
Whoopsi Daisy - Ribbon/bow
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Holiday greeting
Lollipop Crafts - Winter
Digital Tuesday - Baby It's Cold Outside (plus digi)
Simon Says - Christmas but no red/green
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Christmas
Aud Sentiments - Happy Holidays
Stamping Vacation For Your Amusement - En "joy" your holiday
Stamping Vacation Watch This - It's a wonderful life
Stamping Vacation Occasion Oasis - Christmas morning
Stamping Vacation Special Month - Family holiday

Red Hat Gift!

Here is the gift I was telling you about the other day that goes with my red hat lady card. Isaac's Aunt LOVES coca-cola and vintage stuff so when I saw this red hat vintage coca-cola pocket mirror I just had to get it for her and of course make a cute little holder to go with it. The holder was supposed to be just for presentation but she liked it so much she is using it as the actual holder to keep the mirror in her purse! :)

You can find the tutorial I used HERE!

Challenge:
Paper Sundaes - Gift It

Mushroom Lasagna

Recipe is from the Taste of Home cookbook
Click HERE to view the recipe.

Mine doesn't look as pretty as the cookbook picture but it sure tasted good!
I am not a huge fan of ground beef so I am always looking for more veggie lasagnas and I pretty much toss mushrooms into everything I eat so this fit the bill perfect for my tastes. Both my parents and my hubby said they would be happy if I made it again! :)

Enjoy!

Build A Sketch At Stamping Vacation

Today is the start of another Build A Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Vacation for the month of December. You can go directly to the challenge
HERE! The purpose of this challenge is to give you "pieces" to use like a puzzle and put together your very own sketch!

Here is a list of all the pieces you should have at this point if you have been following this challenge. If you are new, these are the pieces you need to cut:

#1 Black 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
#2 Gray 5 1/4 x 4
#3 White 3 1/8 square
#4 Black 2 1/2 circle
#5 Black 2 1/2 x 1 1/2
#6 Gray 5 1/2 x 1 1/4"
#7 White 5 x 2 1/4
#8 White 3 5/8 x 1 3/4
#9 Black 1 7/8" scalloped square
#10 Black 1/2" scalloped strip
#11 Black 3 3/4" Label Panel (I used the Nestability Labels One but you can use anything square that is this approximate measurement)
#12 Gray 3 1/2 x 1 1/4"
#13 White 5 1/4 x 2 1/4
#14 Black 3 x 2 1/4 oval
#15 Gray 4 7/8" x 2 7/8" piece

Today you need to add a new piece!
#16 Black 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 piece

Are you ready??
Okay, for this Build A Sketch challenge please use these pieces:

#1
#2
#4
#8
#13
#16

This challenge is due January 4th. All entries will qualify for the prize drawing each month. Here is my DT card to get you started and the image is from Cardmadfairy which is also our sponsor for the month of December!! Jenni is giving away a $15 gift certificate to her store and there will also be a $10 gift certificate to Scrap Attack! A winner will randomly be chosen Jan.1st 2011! Sounds like a good way to start the year off for one lucky person....but you gotta be in it to win it!!




This card also fits the following challenges:
The Pink Elephant - Red, green and blue
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything goes
EBTKS - Texture (dry embossing, white puff paint, foil and dew drop)
Digi Tuesday - Animal at Christmas (birdie)
ACLP - Anything goes
Delicious Doodles - Digi
Stamp Something - Christmas colors
Stamping Vacation Occasion Oasis - Christmas morning

Red Hat Birthday!

Digi Images - Glitterbabe's Art (Red Hats)

My husbands aunt turned 50 last month (yes, I am WAY behind on showing stuff on my blog!) and she has always wanted to be a "Red Hat Lady" so when I saw these images at Glitterbabe's Art I knew exactly what I wanted to do for this card! The link above takes you directly to the store if you would like to purchase them! The images come two ways....uncolored and colored. I stamped the sentiment made using my JustRite Stamper in versamark and embossed with gold powder.

I also have a little gift I made with this card but I will show that later! :)

Challenges:
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes
ACLP - Anything Goes
Fab N' Funky - Birthday
Delicious Doodles - Use a digi

SHAZAM!!!!!!!

Time for another Glitterbabe Challenge! This week we are being sponsored by Digi's With Attitude!
Some great images that definately have the 'TUDE! They are giving away a $10 gift certificate to the store!!
This week over at Glitterbabe's we want to see you use buttons! Here is my example below!


Digi is from Digi's With Attitude!


This image totally reminds me of Beyonce Knowles in the Austin Powers movie Goldmember! Those movies crack me up!

As you can tell I made her extra sassy by coloring her outfit hot pink...and all that silver is some super shiny glittery goodness! Try to say that 3 times fast! LOL!

Now it is time for you to get your mojo flowing and enter the Glitterbabe Challenge HERE! Don't forget the buttons AND most important the sparkly stuff!!!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:
Digi's With Attitude! Challenges #8 - pink, black and silver
Whoopsi Daisy - Let's get all girlie
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes
EBTKS - Textures
ACLP - Anything Goes

A Blog Award!!

I received this great award from my sweet blogging friend Becky over at Scrappin' Becky B.! Thank you so much....another reason I have to be thankful is great blogging friends like you!! I have met so many wonderful people this past year....thank you all!! :)

Now for the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their award


8 facts about me:
1. I love Zumba
2. I'm scared of wood ticks even though I spend alot of time in the woods!
3. I drive an SUV and I don't think I could ever go back to a smaller car
4. I love falling asleep on the couch next to the fireplace at night
5. I am a substitute teacher although I have a bachelor's degree in a different field .... I do LOVE my job!
6. I gave up caffeinated beverages about 6 years ago
7. I enjoy organic gardening
8. Each day I try to reduce stress and be a better person

8 newly discovered people that I am giving this award to in no particular order!
1. Leigh
2. Corry
3. Cindy-Lynn
4. Michelle
5. Lorraine
6. Olga
7. Crystal
8. Christi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To those that are in the U.S. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and for those that don't celebrate in other parts of the world I just hope you have a Happy Day!!!! :)

Also, wanted to give a special shout out to one of my best pals Annmaree over at Emu Creations....today is her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR FRIEND!!! I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you went over to her blog and wished her a Happy Birthday! *wink*

My last announcement is this Friday Glitterbabe's Art is having a special SALE!!! WOOT WOOT!! We all love sales so be sure to check out the blog for a ONE DAY ONLY SALE THIS FRIDAY!

Hugs to all!
-Stacie

Library Layout

Another page to go in my nephew's graduation album. During his senior year he went to the elementary school to help out in the library. Then the main librarian started letting him teach two Kindergarten classes one day a week. He loved it and I do believe he is going to try and get a teaching degree. Poor kid doesn't know what he is getting himself into yet! LOL! Just kidding....sort of! :P






I only have permission from my nephew to show these pics sooooooo I had to put a piece of paper over the kids. Really takes away from the page I think but you atleast get the idea! The journal is a library pocket card which I found a template online for free....so cool!

Challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges - circles
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - anything goes
Top Tip Tuesday - more than 1 layer
Delicious Doodles - anything goes

Here Comes Baby!

I made this card for a friend I have had since 2nd grade. Her baby shower was over the weekend and she does not know the gender of the baby so I just used all sorts of colors!!



Image and sentiment are from TPC Studio (Baby Set)

Challenges:
Delicious Doodles - Anything goes
Crazy 4 Challenges - Circle
Card Patterns - Sketch
Charisma Cardz - Babies
Get Sketchy - Inspiration from around the house (picture below)

Hot Ham and Cheese Slice

Does this make you hungry? If so please enjoy this recipe from my new Taste of Home 2011 cookbook! I must say it was a nice refreshing change from the normal plain grilled ham and cheese!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped (I used green because they are cheaper)
2 green onions, chopped
2 T butter
1 package (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1/2 pound sliced swiss cheese

In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms, pepper and onions in butter until tender. Sed aside. Unfold pastry. Layer ham, cheese and mushroom mixture off center on each sheet of pastry. Fold pastry over filling and pinch seams to seal. Place in a greased 15 inch x 10 inch x 1 inch baking pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 8 servings.

ENJOY!!

* If you try this I would love to know what you think! *

-Stacie

Celebrate Birdie!

Digi image is from Doodle Pantry

Challenges:
CPS - sketch
Paper Sundae - Pick your toppings (ribbon, emboss and tag punch)
Digital Tuesday - Anything with wings and digi
Fab N Funky - Forget Me Not (digi and black flowersoft I have had for months and never used...thank goodness for this challenge as I need an excuse to use some neglected items!)
Crafty Sentiments - red/black
Stamping Vacation Inspiration Tag - I used Denise's card for my inspiration (animal image and a tag) Here is a description copied from the Stamping Vacation blog:


Just check out my card and pick 2 or 3 elements that you would like to duplicate on a card you will make. Make your card and post it to your own blog along with this message that you are reading right now.

Now go to Stamping Vacation and post a link to your card on this post. (This step will enter you in the drawing) Next from your blog your readers will pick 2 or 3 elements from YOUR card and make their own and post it to their blog and then go to Stamping Vacation and post a link there as well. At this point, be sure to give the designer of the card you are using for inspiration their credit too! And this message will just keep moving forward...TAGging blog readers all over! Wonder how far it will travel?

On December 5th a name will be randomly drawn from all the links for Inspiration Tag at Stamping Vacation and the winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the store of their choice!

Need some ideas on elements you could use?
stitching, animal image, sketch, ribbon, flowersoft, tag, dry embossing, etc.

HAVE FUN!!

-Stacie

Tweet Street!

Another week has gone by and it is time to play over at the Glitterbabe's Challenge Blog! This week we are being sponsored by Nana Vic's Digitals and you could win a $10 gift voucher!!
Our challenge for you this week is to make an easel card and include some sparkle!
You can go directly to the challenge HERE!

This is my card using Tweet Street which was kindly given to the DT by Vickie!
THANK YOU!!!




Sentiment and leaves are from Mark's Finest Papers

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Stamp Something - Digi
Whoopsi Daisy - Easel card
Simon Says - Sparkle (the orange border around the main image is all glitter!!)
For Fun Challenges - Thankful (I am thankful to have a house...actually 2 but they are a bit bigger than a bird house! LOL!)
Digital Tuesday - Anything with wings and digi (birds)
Crafty Creations - Beautiful Insides
Stamping Vacation Pick 3 - Anything that has feathers (bird), green paper, and an image that starts with a T (Tweet Street).

School Days

Sure is hard not to put all kinds of girlie embellishments on here! I don't think my nephew would be too happy with that! LOL!

Challenges:
EBTKS - Sketch (I did a unique take on this and kind of pushed the sentiment to the top so all the photos could be together instead of breaking them apart). Hope that is okay?!

Thanks for stopping by and a special welcome to my 2 new followers that just joined today! I'm so glad to have you here!

HUGS!
-Stacie