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

Mouse Wrap!

Digi is from Dustin Pike
Sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps


Challenges:
OTWC #33 - Inspiration colors used from the picture below

Stamp Something - Digi
Crazy 4 Challenges - Christmas
Creative Inspirations - Christmas
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Distress
Top Tip Tuesday - 1 or more buttons
EtsyInspired - Inspired by the colors HERE

No! No! Challenge at Stamping Vacation

Digi is from Stamping Dragon Designs
Sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers which also happens to be our sponsor for this month!!

I adore this gorgeous image! When I saw the November No! No! challenge I knew exactly what I wanted to do. This month for the No! No! Challenge you are NOT allowed to use any traditional Autumn colors. Simple enough right? You can click HERE to go directly to the challenge.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Top Tip Tuesday - Image/Sentiment
CPS - Sketch
Fab N' Funky - Going around in circles
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday - Never used stash (stormy sky distress ink) and a digi
Stamp Something - Digi

Glitterbabe Time!

That is right....time for another Glitterbabe Challenge!!
The challenge for this week is to use the fall colors red, orange and green PLUS add something sparkly!!! :) To go directly to the challenge click HERE.

For my DT card I used a Glitterbabe image that I just LOVE! I think the cornicopia is so beautiful and very decorative this time of year! That image is available in the Glitterbabe's Art Shop.



Here is a close-up of the sparkle I added to my card. I used a Copic spica glitter pen!

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous Glitterbabe herself and she is giving away 2 images of the winner's choice PLUS.........I can't tell you because it is a surprise!! I don't know what it is anyways so you can't even try to bribe me! LOL!
Now go get those fall colors out and get glittery!!!


I am entering my card into the following challenges:
Stamp Something - Sketch
OTWC #32 - Use the colors from this photo as inspiration

For Fun Challenges - Dry Embossing
ABC Challenges - H is for holiday
Delightful Sketches and Challenges - Glitter it up!
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
Top Tip Tuesday - Use an image/sentiment
LOTV - Anything Goes!

My Blog Has Attitude!!!

I signed up to get this from the actual Digi's With Attitude Blog but before I could even post about it my blogging and DT pal Corry over at Free 4 ever nominated me!! Thanks girl...I know for sure we both have all kinds of "ATTITUDE"!! *WINK* LOL! :)

And guess what everyone....this award comes with a $5 gift certificate from Digi's With Attitude Store! All you have to do is follow a few simple steps!

First I must tell you 3 things about myself.
1. I love to cook and try new recipes
2. Being around positive and funny people makes me happy!
3. I gave up caffeinated beverages about 6 years ago

Second I have to give this award to 5 other people (random order).
Annmaree
Merry
Becky
Leigh
Michelle

To redeem your gift certificate click HERE and follow the instructions.

Hugs!
-Stacie

DT Double Play!

This card is for the Glitterbabe AND Stamping Vacation Build A Sketch Challenge today!


Digi Image is from Pattie's Creations
Sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers

I have a bit of double duty but tried to make it easy on myself by combining BOTH of the DT challenges into one card! Yeah, I am just that good! LOL! Kidding of course! Looking at my uploaded card I actually think my image is put on my card a bit lopsided...oops! Hey, we all can't be perfect! :P

Now for the nitty gritty information!
The theme this week at Glitterbabe's is Thanksgiving and you can go directly to the challenge by clicking HERE!

Our sponsor this week is Pattie's Creations! You could win 3 images and the best part is you can pick them out yourself!! WAHOO!! We were kindly given two images to choose from to use for this challenge and I HAD to pick Allie Hiding In Leaves!! So darn cute and makes me smile just looking at it! :)



Now over at Stamping Vacation we have the Build A Sketch Challenge. You can go directly to the challenge HERE! Participation has been way low in this challenge...I think people are intimidated by picking out pieces to make their own sketch but believe me it is sooooooooooo easy and fun!!! More times than not it actually helps me create a card! I would LOVE to see some of you over there...hint, hint! :)

This month we are being sponsored by Mark's Finest Papers! You could win not 1, not 2, not even 3 but 4 of the December Sneak Peek stamp sets AND a $25 gift certificate to their store!! Holy Smokes!! You have all month to enter as many challenges as you can!
Each of the DT members was given a stamp set kindly donated by Mark's Finest Papers to use and the one I received is called
Thankful Mums and Pumpkins. I must say super good quality stamps!! On my card I actually used one of the sentiments from that set!

A special thanks to both sponsors for their contributions!! :)
Now I want everyone to go play and I hope to see many of you participate in these fun challenges!

I am entering this card into a couple of challenges:
Polkadoodle - autumn
Lollipop Crafts - emboss
C.R.A.F.T - dry embossing
Meljen's Designs - use 3 different shapes
Stamping Vacation Start Here Challenge - frame of any shape except round or square

P.S. Anyone ready for snow tomorrow? According to the forecast we might have snow coming...probably just a few flakes but still I am NOT ready for that yet! Give me until Thanksgiving and then I will be ready....mother nature never listens to me though! LOL!

Hugs!
-Stacie

Apple Streudel

One of my favorite desserts is cherry pie...that is until I had my husband's grandma's apple streudel recently! YUM!! I HAD to have the recipe and wouldn't you know....she doesn't have one! GASP!! She just throws a little of this and a little of that together...lol! Okay, that is fine but I need a recipe to try first and then I can alter it my own way....so my MIL was kind enough to help me out and she told me to make 2 double pie crusts (one set for the bottom of pan and one set for the top)and a double batch of pie filling for the center. I used a jelly roll pan and baked for approx. 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Then make up a powder sugar icing and drizzle on top after baking. Let's just say this was a BIG experiment on my part and luckily it turned out delicious! I wasn't expecting much as the crust/filling recipe my MIL gave me didn't exactly fit my pan so I had to improvise!! LOL! I also used mostly red delicious and one granny smith (all I had on hand) plus left the skins on. I know some people don't like the skins but I do and they hold alot of nutrients!

I do not know which book my MIL got the filling recipe from but I do know where to get one from a blogging buddy. Click HERE for Becky's Apple Pie recipe!

Hubby said I could make my variation ANYTIME....I took Becky's idea and froze three more batches for later! Thanks for the tip Becky!!! I had a BUNCH of apples from the local orchard to do something with before they went bad! :P

Hope you give it a try!
-Stacie

Anniversary Card

Time already for another Glitterbabe Challenge! Where does the time go?? Seems as though weeks are just passing me by...anyone else feel that way?

On with my card...I thought this sweet little birdhouse from Glitterbabe's Art was perfect for a special 2 Year Anniversary card to send to my friends! I thought the two hearts would signify 2 years and the 2 of them. Yeah, I know...I put more thought into creating than I should!! LOL! I embossed them with the swiss dots folder and added picket fence distress stickles for some sparkle!



The challenge for this week can be found HERE! Anything goes this week as long as you use a Glitterbabe image AND you MUST MUST MUST have something sparkly on your card!! If you don't have any Glitterbabe images there are some awesome freebies for you to grab HERE!

Also gotta shout out to my friend Dawn....she is a Guest Designer this week for Glitterbabe's and her Halloween card is sooooooooooo cool! You can check out her blog HERE!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:
OTWC #30 - Use the colors in the inspiration photo (I also added a bit of red....hope that is okay!)

Stamp Something - Digi
Totally Gorjuss - Sparkle (picket fence distress stickles on hearts)
Creative Craft - Anniversary
Creative Cottage - Embossing
Fab N' Funky - Clean and Simple
Stamping Vacation State Your State Challenge - I picked the diamond for Arkansas - put a diamond rhinestone on the birdhouse!
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything goes

Streusel Topped PB Chip and Banana Cake

Another FANTASTIC recipe from Becky B. found HERE! I am not a huge fan of peanut butter by itself but mix it with banana and I am in heaven!! This cake was devoured and I'm already planning on making it again! :) I liked mine better heated up as it makes the PB chips nice and gooey! ENJOY!

-Stacie

Frame It!

This week over at Glitterbabe's Challenge we want to see you "FRAME IT" and "SPARKLE IT". Here is the card I did and of course I included LOTS of glitter on that pumpkin!! :)



The images on the DT cards were kindly given to us by this weeks sponsor... JLJ Designs! This week you could win three of her digis and a paper pack! I really hope to see some of you playing in our challenges....so fun and so easy!! Plus you could win great prizes!!

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Stampin' For The Weekend - Halloween/Fall
EBTKS - Sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges - Fall/Autumn
Southern Girls - Glitter It Up!
MelJen's Designs - Anything Goes!
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes!

House Picture

It has been a long time since I showed you all a picture of the new house we are building. We started on this project last summer and this is where we are at now. SOOOOOOOOOO time consuming when you are doing ALL the work yourself! We started putting stone on the outside last week. Once we get a good chunk of that done I will post another picture!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! The weather here was GORGEOUS....we worked on the house most of it but we did take some time out to spend with relatives that have flown in from Washington State! They are staying til Wednesday morning so if I haven't been around much lately it is because I am CRAZY busy!! So many other things going on too but you get the point....never enough time to get everything done!

-Stacie

Showcasing Kay!!

Last month Stamping Vacation did a HUGE blog hop and Kay won a stamp set from Practicing Creativity on my blog. Well, she was kind enough to e-mail me that she had used my tutorial for rosettes which you can find HERE!

This was her first time making a rosette and I was STUNNED at how awesome her project looked!!


(Picture is from her blog)

Click HERE to see the full project...you will be blown away!!

Thanks Kay for allowing me to show off your work!!!

Hugs!
-Stacie

Glitterbabe Challenge

Image is from Glitterbabe

I just LOVE this image....isn't it hilarious? Colored with my Copics and did a little faux stitching to make it stand out more. Then popped it on a nestie die cut to act as a frame for the image. I just love the colors in this paper and as a final touch I put a glitter dot in each corner. I really wanted this funny image to stand out so I kept the embellishments simple. Hope you like it!

To join in the challenge for this week click HERE! The theme is Halloween! Don't forget to use something sparkly!! You don't have to use a Glitterbabe image to enter but we would LOVE it if you did and Stef has some great freebies located HERE!
You can also purchase images HERE! Her prices are sooooooo reasonable you could get several and still not break the bank! Have fun and hope to see you over there!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
CPS - Sketch (flipped)
Paper Sundaes - Change of season
TMITA - Frame it out
Digital Tuesday - Digi and sewing
ACLP - blue, brown, rust, gold
Fab N' Funky - Yummy (kind of a funny take on the challenge this week!)
Penny's - So long as it flies (I had a dumb moment and actually had to look up online to see if a turkey could fly and in fact "wild" turkeys can fly!) LOL!
Stamping Vacation Animal Applause - animal you would NOT want running through your house!
Stamping Vacation Lots of Paper - More than one type of leaf

New Store Candy Winner!!!!

Alrighty....time to announce the winner of my new store candy! I put the names of those that followed the rules into a hat and had my hubby draw a name and that person is................................DRUMROLL PLEASE.......................


.................................Christi Hicks at Christi's Creations !!! Congrats!!
Please e-mail me with your mailing address by Sunday October 17th. If for some reason I do not hear back from the winner by Monday morning I will do a re-draw.

Thanks so much to everyone that entered my candy and promoted my store....I have already been selling my embossing bags! WOOT WOOT!! :)

Hugs!
-Stacie

No! No! Challenge For October!

Stamp is Sarah Kay (courtesy of my pal Annmaree! ... thanks girl!)

Such an easy peasy challenge over at Stamping Vacation! All you have to do is use an image that does NOT start with an "S"! Click HERE to go directly to the challenge post...hope to see you join us!! The more challenges you enter the entire month the better your chances are of winning the monthly prize. This month we are being sponsored by Stamping Dragon Designs and they are giving away 4 free digis (fantastic images...you can see one of their images I have used HERE!!!) AND Stamping Vacation is also going to throw in a $15 gift certificate to Papertrey Ink!! Such an amazing prize package!!


Challenges:
Polka Doodle - Make your own embellie (I made my own pearls using viva decor products)
Digi's With Attitude! Challenge #1 - Use metal (metal brads in the middle of flowers)
Stamp Something - Punches (leaf punch)
Let's Ink It Up - Halloween Colors
Friday Sketchers - Sketch
Stamping Vacation Special Month Challenge - Adopt a shelter dog

Back up and running....AGAIN!!

Someone knock on wood for me!! LOL!

A million updates and a few reboots of the computer and I "THINK" I am back in business!! I am frantically trying to catch up...I missed ALOT! So please bear with me if I'm late in posting or responding to e-mails!

Be back soon with my DT card for Stamping Vacation AND I will try to pick a winner for my candy today or tomorrow.

Thanks!
-Stacie

Spoke too soon.....

Well, the gremlins are still here attacking my computer! I can't open any other blogs....all I get is a black screen!!! SOOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!

I hope to be able to post a DT card here for the Build A Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Vacation tomorrow but if it is late you will know why!! I also can't click on anything in my blogroll without turning my entire computer to a black screen and locking things up so I do apologize if I am not able to leave you comments....I will be back as soon as I can vanquish these demons....I think I have watched too much of the show "Charmed!" LOL!

-Stacie

Back to normal!

Looks like my blog is back to normal....those gremlins sure are little stinkpots when they come to visit! I'm glad it isn't just me having these troubles too!

Thank you to those that responded for reassuring me things would work themselves out!

-Stacie

My New Store Plus CANDY!!!!

** CANDY IS CLOSED **


I am excited to introduce to you my new store called Startistic Designs and I will be selling handmade items and a few crafty supplies. I will be adding items as they become available and if you would like to place a custom order you can also do that via e-mail.

In celebration of opening up my new store I would like to offer you some candy!! YAY! FREE STUFF!! LOL! :)

Included:
16 6x6 designed papers
4 6x6 coredinations starry night papers
2 rubber stamps (1 beach scene and 1 mountain scene)
Glittery Star stickers
Studio G stamp set
Sizzix star brass embossing folder (yes, this works in the Cuttlebug!!) WOOT WOOT!!
Assorted stamped images
Pack of 128 Alphabet rub-ons
** I might throw in some extra goodies depending on how many people enter this candy! The more people that enter the bigger the prize! **

Rules to enter:
1. Must follow this blog...please only follow if you like what you see and NOT just for the candy! Thank you! :)
2. Post about my new store and giveaway (you can use both pics above)...you MUST link to this post AND to my store!
(leave me a link with your name for 1 entry)
3. If you become a follower of Stamping Vacation and mention my name (Stacie) in a comment over there you will get a 2nd entry. If you have already done this in the past for me you still qualify for a 2nd entry! (Please leave a 2nd link with your name and SV behind it so I know you have done this.)

I will ship anywhere!
Candy will close on October 8th at noon EST.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!



Thank you so much for your support!! I really appreciate it!
-Stacie

Blogger Troubles!!

So I get up this morning and my blogroll is completely GONE!!! I have never had this happen before. I have tried restarting/refreshing and nothing is working. Any ideas on a fix?? What a grumpy way to start my morning.....harumph!

Oh and today is the last day to enter my new store candy!! Not many people have entered so your chances of winning are REALLY good!!!
* Please double check that you have followed the rules....I have clicked on a few random names and they are not eligible ... sorry but I must be fair! *

-Stacie

Time for another Glitterbabe Challenge!!

Today we are being sponsored by Deedee's Digis and I must say she has some super adorable images and you really should go check them out!!



The challenge we are giving you this week over at Glitterbabe's is Anything Goes! And don't forget we want to see some sparkle on your creation!!!

Here is my card and the digi was kindly given to the DT from Deedee's Images!


** Yes, I know the ribbon doesn't look like it matches but I promise you it does! Drives me nuts when lighting doesn't work out well for photos but I tried! **
Hope you still enjoy looking at my card! :)

Challenges:
For Fun Challenges - Something never used before (Halloween style button)
Simon Says - Halloween
Fab N' Funky - Use a digi
Sir Stampalot - Autumn, button (scarecrow with pumpkin is a button) and bow!
Crazy 4 Challenges - orange, black, kraft, yellow, green
Top Tip Tuesday - To brighten up a plain black and white sentiment try adding a unique shape and outline with some colored glitter!

1 Happy Anniversary!

Digi is from Squiggle Stamps

Challenges:
Stampin' For The Weekend - Autumn Inspiration
Stamp Something - Celebrate
Squiggle Stamps - Use one of their images and an autumn theme
Kaboodle Doodles - Fall colors
Mojo Monday - Sketch (flipped)
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Numbers (I used the number 1)
Stamping Vacation Special Month - Sewing (I used faux stitching)
Stamping Vacation Embellish It - Use a leaf
Stamping Vacation Lots of Paper - More than one type of leaf
Mad For Markers - Color a digi with Copics

Happy Birthday Horse

Time for another Build A Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Vacation!

The image I used is from our wonderful sponsor this month and that is
Stamping Dragon Designs! You could win 4 free digi images from them and a $15 gift certificate to PTI from Stamping Vacation...all you need to do is participate in as many challenges as you can all month long at Stamping Vacation and we will randomly choose one winner for the prize!!!

In this challenge you will be given certain " puzzle pieces" to use to create your own sketch. I don't know about you but this ALWAYS helps me complete a card!! And being able to create my own sketch is really fun!

Here is a list of all the "pieces" you should have so far...if your just getting started go ahead and cut these up and put in a box for safe keeping:

#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
#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

This list can also be found on the challenge post HERE.

This month we are going to add another piece:
#15 Gray 4 7/8 x 2 7/8 piece

For this months challenge you are to use pieces #1, #2, #11, #12 and #15 to build your sketch... you have until November 4th to submit your creation!


I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Crafty Calendar - Birthday
Stamp Something - Celebration
Paper Sundaes - Something from your stash
Stamping Vacation Animal Applause - Animal you would NOT want running in your house!
Mad For Markers - Color digi with Copics

More new recipes!!

Wanted to share two new recipes I tried out on my family a few nights ago....everyone really liked them. Even my hubby who doesn't care for stuffing liked this recipe!! :)


The above recipe is called "Peach-Glazed Pork Roast with Corn Bread Stuffing" and it is from my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

Ingredients:
Non-stick spray
1 single boneless pork top loin (about 2 - 2.5 pounds)
salt
ground black pepper
1 T. cooking oil
4 C. corn bread stuffing mix
3/4 C. reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 C. mixed dried fruit bits
1/4 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. peach spreadable fruit
1 t. finely shredded lemon peel (I used dried grated orange peel)
1/4 t. ground cinnamon

1. Lightly coat a 4 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Trim fat from meat. If necessary cut meat to fit in slow cooker. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. In a large skillet brown meat on all sides in hot oil. Drain off fat and set aside.

2. In a large bowl toss together stuffing mix, broth, dried fruit, and onion. Place stuffing mixture in slow cooker. Add meat. In a small bowl stir together the peach spreadable fruit, lemon or orange peel, and cinnamon. Spread over meat in cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low heat for about 5-6 hours OR on high heat for about 2.5 - 3 hours.

4. Remove meat from cooker and slice. Stir stuffing and serve!

Serves 8




And this yummy dessert is called "Cherry Almond Bars" and I got the recipe from my blogging pal Becky. Click HERE for the recipe!!
The only thing I messed up was I forgot to save some of the batter for the top ... oops!! But it still came out fine! :) I would also lessen the amount of almond extract because it is pretty strong but that is just my personal taste....my husband thought they were the best thing since sliced bread!! LOL! :)

ENJOY!! And if you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me!
-Stacie