Getting to be the time for a little Christmas Baking!

I found an adapted version of this Martha recipe on a blog the other day and was incredibly intrigued. Chocolate and caramel!? Oh GLORY! I love caramel, enjoy chocolate....how could I go wrong? The adapted recipe went for vegan ingredients, so I found the original, discovered the simplicity and ran with it! Yay for Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars!

So here's an easy little shortbread crust as it cools down:

Then we mix up the sugar & water until it turns amber (I think this is where I didn't cook long enough because mine's not nearly as glossy as Martha's) meanwhile making sure not to allow sugar crystals to form on the side:

Then I poured the sugar/water/cream/butter mixture on top of the chocolate:

Finally after 10 minutes of cooling, I poured the liquid overtop of the shortbread:

And let it cool to this:

And the final touch, some sea salt (or fleur de sel if you're really swanky - or happen to have it on hand, which I didn't):

I can't even begin to describe how much the salt adds to this chocolate & caramel goodness. If you haven't tried it, you really must! It's delicious AND a wonderful holiday treat for anyone who enjoys some Christmas baking.

Again, check HERE for the full recipe!

Can you believe it?

1. It's almost December

2. Christmas is just around the corner

3. It's my last Scrap N Stamp Guest Design team card

4. I'm posting a card!

LOL! Okay - so I'm exaggerating a little...but I'm pretty embarassed after I totally flaked last Friday on Shellie and completely forgot to submit a card. Yes - I think some time off is much needed. Speaking of time off - I'm off today for a bit of a long weekend. Yahoodles! I'm thinking some time with a good book, review some PW cookbook recipes, tv watching and maybe some baking while I wait for the ol' stove repairman.

You should check out the sketch and give it a try for yourself =) Scrap N Stamp

An award for being lazy!?!

Well I'm not even sure why my wonderful friend Maureen nominated me since I've pretty much been in absentia the last week, recharging my batteries on the creative level (or at least that's what I keep hoping - until my PTI order arrives!) but I really do appreciate it!

Here are the rules:

Answer the following questions using single word answers. Then pass the award to 5 other people and let them know.

Your cell phone? replaceable
Your hair? undone
Your mother? shopper
Your father? donor
Your favorite food? lasagna
Your dream last night? unsure
Your favorite drink? cider
Your dream/goal? happiness
What room are you in? office
Your hobby? expensive
Your fear? failure
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Chris
Where were you last night? stable
Something that you aren't? unhappy
Muffins? blueberry
Wish list item? vacation
Where did you grow up? didn't
Last thing you did? emailed
What are you wearing? jeans
Your TV? large
Your Pets? Mystycka
Friends? grateful
Your life? blessed
Your mood? mellow
Missing someone? Grandparents
Vehicle? Mazda
Something you're not wearing? mittens
Your favorite store? Bay
Your favorite color? green
When was the last time you laughed? morning
Last time you cried? week
Your best friend? amazing
One place that you go to over and over? gym
Facebook? games
Favorite place to eat? Ox

The 5 super duper bloggers I would like to pass this award to are:

Amy
Karin
Micki
Andrea 
Pat

And now, time to adjust my strategy in dealing with The Christmas Light Miser (also known as The Lawn Miser, most commonly known as MrP). That guy is so anti-Christmas lights, it's actually comical. When we moved into our house four years ago, I suggested putting up Christmas lights for the holidays. That was about the time I learned that he thinks it's a waste of money to put up lights that only other people will see.

Now don't get me wrong, the practical side of me says "That makes sense" but the kid in me really wants Christmas lights! I'm sure once I saw what the bill was after a month of additional house-bling, I'd be all for turning them off, but the point is...well I have no point. I just like looking at how people decorate the outside of their homes and think I'd like to decorate ours. I say "I" but really, I wouldn't be getting up on a ladder, so maybe I should just stop whining =)

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Remember this sweetie?

Bigsby the cute?
(okay - I added in the cute part, but he's my favorite kind of mouse....artistic!)

Well he's now available on Karen's Doodles, a new website launched today. Karen (Doodle Queen) is amazingly talented and you'll be sure to find lots of wonderful, whimsical doodles as she continues to add to the site.

The super talented Dawn (Doodle Princess) is managing the Doodle Diva website where you can find a ton of inspiration with Karen's adorable works of art.

My Friends...

Well I thought I'd have a project from last night's crafting time with Chelsey, but truthfully, we did more visiting than crafting, which was wonderful. I'm so glad to have such a great friend who lets me vent, listens better than anyone and loves me no matter what. I'm even more blessed that I have a few friends this wonderful...guess I must have done something right =) Honestly, Chels - thank you!

After many weeks of stressing, I've decided to let go of some obligations in hopes of refocusing on my priorities and regaining some enjoyment out of the simple things. The word 'overwhelmed' seems to be in my complaints to MrP a lot lately. I started this blog for a stress release and lately, it's felt more like an obligation than an enjoyment, so I've decided to just post when I feel like it and have something to share and not stress because I don't have a daily post. I don't know how you daily posters do it - maybe you're just better able to keep things in perspective and for that, I give you heaps of credit!

In decluttering 'must do' items from my To Do list, I've also resigned as a Guest Sketch Challenge Designer for Scrap N Stamp, effective December 1st and given my notice to the ladies at Digital-Ink Co. When the joy of crafting has returned, I hope to participate in some challenges, but in a true participant sense (and with a chance, like anyone else, of winning!) I understand if the lack of daily inspiration changes your mind about being a follower, so please don't feel like you have to leave me on your list. I will continue to check out other blogs that inspire me and will post when the mojo blesses me with something worthy =)

Thanks so much for allowing me to vent. I thank you for keeping me inspired with your amazing work!

Viva La Christmas!

Stamps: Verve Ornamental Christmas
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Blue Bajou, Baja Breeze, Christmas DSP
Ink: Blue Bajou
Accessories: Blue Bayou Ribbon, Snow Flurries

The Viva La Verve Sketch last Friday was a fabulous one – and as always, a challenge. I think it was the paper that inspired the rediscovery of these fun felt Snow Flurries, which have been sorely neglected for a year or so, not even used last season that I recall.  I mounted the entire panel on pink pirouette cardstock and pulled it into the main image with the use of some bling.

What do you think? I think I love the Baja & Bajou together….and I adore this darn patterned paper!

Sketch it!

Today’s challenge over at the Digital-Ink Co challenge blog is another awesome sketch! I think sketch challenges are my favorite because they’re such a wonderful starting point for so many great cards.

For my card, I used one of Angela from Sewn Together's awesome Morty images. He’s such an adorable moose and can be found in her December Value Pack, which is a wicked deal at 30% off – just $3.50!

So here’s the sketch:

Now check out the rest of the design team’s awesome creations & then head to the Digital-Ink Co to get started on your own.

Boni
Darlene
Diane
Jackie
Micki
Raquel
Teri
Kim
Linda
and our fabulous guest designers,
Terri
Lisa