Fat Tuesday.......plus guessing game!!

That is right...today is Fat Tuesday or as some people call it Shrove's Day! A good excuse to pig out in fat/carb heaven! LOL! Got home and immediately ate two HUGE breadsticks and a big hunk of cheese....followed by what you are about to see! I was going to do some traditional pancakes but thought I would change it up and do a more French style and make crepes! I have made these before but only with plain white flour...this time I tried a healthier whole wheat version. Kind of funny trying to squeeze in a bit of nutrition on a day called Fat Tuesday! LOL! For some reason these were much harder to flip (maybe because of the consistency of the whole wheat and it could be because I was impatient?!) so after throwing away several I picked the best two and I gotta say they tasted better than expected!!!!

Click HERE for the basic batter recipe.
*I did add a tiny bit of sugar and vanilla for the dessert crepe*


This one is filled with some basics....shredded cheese and chopped up ham


A close-up to show you the crepe folded and topped with green onion


This one is filled with peanut butter, hickory nuts, banana and chocolate sauce!

As if this wasn't bad enough I topped my meal off with this wonderful cake!!


*What is cake without ice cream right?*

CANDY ALERT!!!!!
I'm feeling pretty good after indulging so I think I will do a little giveaway! Nothing big just a little something for those of you that read my blog! :)
All you gotta do is guess what type of cake is in the picture above! It looks like a plain yellow cake but don't let that fool you...there is another main ingredient which gives it the delicious flavor! Only one person knows and she better keep her trap shut! LOL! :P
I will pick a winner and share the recipe next Tuesday!

Good Luck!
-Stacie
P.S. Gonna see what else I can scrounge up in the kitchen! Life is too short not to enjoy the things you love and I LOVE food! :)

Challenge Change....and other news!

Hello everyone! First off I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to those that left me well wishes! It helped a ton...I certainly had the flu (not what I call the fake one either!). The real deal takes some time to get over but I am happy to say I feel alot better! I got out of the house for the first time in a week and it felt great! I'm still tired and I still have a few other mild symptoms that are weaning away but all in all I feel alive amongst the living again! :)

Second I would like to tell you that the Build A Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Vacation has been replaced with a new challenge. Sniffle, sniffle....it is kind of sad for me because the Build A Sketch was one of my favs but there just wasn't much participation so I completely understand the change! Sometimes I like to fight change but this time it is probably for the best. Anywho, if you would like to check out the new challenge click HERE! It is sooooooooo super easy!! All you need to do is basically make something and join it up with any challenge you can think of....that is it!!! EASY PEASY!! So go ahead and get creating and hopefully we see a bunch of you over there entering for our monthly prize drawing!!

Oh yeah...speaking of prizes....I am still waiting to hear back from a few people to see if they wanted entered into my candy drawing (the one for Aunt Jeanne). So I hope to be announcing the winner or winners soon! I haven't decided if I am going to do one big draw or divide it into a couple smaller ones....probably depends on shipping costs!! *GULP*

Hope everyone has a splendid day!
-Stacie

Double Scrap Page!

An Award!

I received this award from a lady I just recently met in blogland and her name is Sheree! THANK YOU SO MUCH! You can visit her blog HERE! You gotta check it out....she is super talented!!!

I am going to break the rules a bit and pass this award onto anyone that wants it!

I am also supposed to share 7 things about me so here goes:

1. As soon as I get home from work if I am staying in all night I jump right into my flannel pants and a t-shirt. I love comfy clothes!
2. I am addicted to having a fireplace!
3. I enjoy bike riding although I don't get to do it often.
4. Ever since I watched an episode with Bobby Flay that showed how processed chicken nuggets are made I haven't been able to eat them! I pretty much stay away from anything that says "mechanically separated" on the packaging or that looks like processed meat....ick!
5. Every year in the Spring I go wild mushroom hunting
6. I would love to learn some new languages ... I wish Rosetta Stone wasn't so darn expensive!!!
7. I wish I enjoyed veggies as much as I like dessert!

Something New and Exciting!!!

Stef.....the Glitterbabe herself.....has asked me to be a part of her DT (no challenge blog this time) to showcase her fab digi images!!



Click HERE to read the full sparkly report and to meet all the other DT members!

You can also click HERE to go to the Glitterbabe Digi Store!

Tasty Tuesday!

Lately my hubby and I have been making fresh homemade pasta about once a week using the pasta machine he got me for Christmas. I gotta say it is alot of fun and tastes sooooooo much better than store bought but maybe I am biased considering we are the ones making it?!

This is homemade fettucine with olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar and nuts

Recipe:
1 pound of long thin pasta (homemade OR store bought)
4 medium garlic cloves (chopped) diluted with 1 teaspoon of water
1/3 cup EVOO
Salt
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ground black pepper
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (any variety)

In a skillet heat the oil, nuts, diluted garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt on low. Cook slowly until the garlic is golden, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic or your dish will be bitter! Remove from heat.

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cool until al dente. Drain and then add them back into the pot. Toss with oil mixture, cheese and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Important Post....PLEASE READ!!

**This will stay at the top of my blog for the month of February**
CANDY NOW CLOSED!

Thanks for stopping by my blog to read this important post. I am asking for some help to make a wonderful lady smile as she is going through a difficult time right now. That special lady is my hubby's Aunt Jeanne! She just turned 50 in November and right before Christmas she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A couple of days ago she underwent a mastectomy (complete removal of breast). Everything has been going well and she is in good spirits and trying to stay so positive. As soon as she heals she will undergo chemotherapy and we won't know if she also has to do radiation or not until her results come back from the lymph nodes they took out. Jeanne is a remarkably sweet lady....she would do anything for anyone and so would her husband! Two of the nicest people I have ever met and I'm so glad I am a part of their family.
Jeanne absolutely LOVES cards....and she also really enjoys getting postcards from different places. She hasn't traveled very much and always enjoys getting postcards from all of our travels. I thought it would be great if she could get handmade cards, items or postcards from all over the world to help lift her spirits and make her smile! That is where you all come in! :) This is going to be a surprise for her and I will hand deliver everything. I would also like to offer a bit of candy to those that participate in sending something AND for spreading the word! If there is anyone that wishes to donate something to my candy pile that would be wonderful!!! I would like to have everything by the end of February so if you live out of the USA please adjust to allow for posting time! Thank you so much in advance for those that choose to participate!!

Here are the details:
1. Please make a card, handmade item (she loves anything), or send a postcard of your local area. You can mail everything to me. Please e-mail me for my address...it is located in my profile. If you can't find it just leave me a message on my blog saying you would like my address.
2. Make sure you put your e-mail or blog address in the envelope so I can put you in the candy draw!
3. Please spread the word and link to this post (you can use the candy picture)! Leave me a comment with a link to your blog post that you have spread the word and I will enter you in the candy draw.
If you send something AND spread the word that gives you two chances!!
4. Remember I would like to have everything by the end of February and will draw a name the first week of March. I will ship anywhere!
5. If you do NOT want to be in the candy draw and still would like to participate please let me know that too!

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!

EDITED 2-21-11 TO SAY: If you would like to participate in the candy and your afraid your card will not get here in time don't worry....just let me know your sending something and I will go ahead and include you. But to make sure things are fair if you are the winner I will hold the candy until I receive your card. So far I have about 35 people that have said they would send something....my goal is 50 so fingers crossed as I am almost to my goal!! :) I also wanted to let you know that Jeanne is doing well and that her test results came back and her lymph nodes were clear!! That is a blessing!! I have not talked to her about when she will start chemo...I will update when I know more!

CANDY:



* 10 Magnolia stamped images
* K&Co. Chipboard sheet
* Pack of American Craft rub-ons
* Basic Grey Bling
* Misc. die cuts
* Assorted matching ribbon




Carol from Craftin Granny's Card Shack has graciously donated a rubber stamp called "Willow With Lantern" from Whiff Of Joy!

Theresa from Craft's/Friends/Angels has kindly donated the following items! I will update later with a picture!

100 Flatback Pearls - assorted colors
100 Gems - assorted colors
3 bunches of flowers
Some dimensional Stickers
6m of Ribbon - 3 colors (2m each )

Corry from Free-4-Ever has lovingly donated the goodies you see in the picture below!



Linda from Lindy's Maid Wid Luv has sweetly donated the following stamp set!




Becky from Scrappin' Becky B. has generously donated all the items you see in the picture below!




I will update if anyone else decides to donate! Thank you!

-Stacie

Another Diploma Scrap Page

*You will notice on alot of these scrap pages I will be showing soon that I had to mark out faces because I do not have their permission*

I am feeling pretty sick today....ugh. I knew it was only a matter of time. Working at a school I told my husband my job makes me sick....literally!!

I'm off to TRY and sleep. Hasn't worked so far and it is 3 in the morning.

-Stacie

Diploma Scrap Page

I have several scrap pages to show you over the next few weeks. I finished the scrapbook for my nephew and everyone seemed to really enjoy it! Next I will be working on one for my mom....this time I can use all the girlie stuff I have! YAY! Glitter, flowers, ribbon ... OH MY! LOL~ :)

Anyways, here is the diploma scrap page. Let me know what you think!

Tasty Tuesday!

This is a great appetizer recipe!!

Spinach and Cheese Swirls

Click HERE for the recipe!
*You can use any brand of puff pastry and any cheese variety that you like*



ENJOY!!

-Stacie

Another Scrap Page!

Originally I was not going to use this side of the paper as I think the background is a bit busy for the eye but when I had my pics all arranged this is how it worked out the best. The lighting doesn't help but when I looked at this page in "good lighting" it seemed to focus more on the plain blue letters instead of the background so that does help! What do you think?




This is a close-up to show you the painted crackle effect on the star chipboard pieces. I used picket fence distress crackle paint....really cool stuff! :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Mine is SUPER busy but I will eventually catch up... (I hope)!

Thanks!
-Stacie

Love Nest!

This is a little treat holder I made for my DH! It held an assortment of cookies I made him for V-day! Doesn't it look like alot of fun?

I found the template HERE!

Challenges:
Let's Ink It Up - Valentine's Day
Stamptacular - Lovin' From The Oven
The Pink Elephant - Be My Valentine
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - No card
Southern Girls - Blue and Chocolate
MelJens - Gift Tag (on birdhouse)
Crafty Sentiments - Valentine's Day/Love
Fussy and Fancy - Sweet Treats
Crafty Catz - Valentine's Day/Love
Delicious Doodle - V-day
Totally Gorjuss - Love
Crazy 4 Challenges - Hearts
SSDS - Love Is In The Air!
Cupcake Craft - Hearts

Tasty Tuesday!

Today I have 3 recipes for you!!

The first one is a nut encrusted salmon! So tasty if you like salmon!
You can find the recipe HERE!
The recipe calls for walnuts but I used hickory nuts for that extra flair! :)



The second dish is Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage which has quickly become one of my favs....I have recently made it about 3 times because I love it so much!! Simple to make and very few ingredients which is even better!
Click HERE for the recipe!



Last but not least is one of my fav cookies! They are called Sparkling Sour Cream Sugar Cookies! They do have a strong citrus flavor which I like but figured not everyone does so I should warn you! I first made these back in 2002 and it is one of those "keeper" recipes that I go to again and again!
Click HERE for the recipe!


* I used the cookie cutters I got from Jacque in one of her sweet stuff giveaways! * THANK YOU JACQUE!!!

If you try any of these recipes I would love to hear what you think about them!
Enjoy!
-Stacie

Please Help (mid-way reminder)!! Updated candy!!

If you haven't read the post about Aunt Jeanne please click HERE!

The short version is I'm looking for people to send handmade cards, postcards or anything from your local area to cheer her up as she is dealing with breast cancer. You can read more by clicking on the link above.

There is also candy up for grabs...you do not have to be entered in the candy if you don't want ... just let me know! I have updated with donations I have received! THANK YOU!

The deadline is the end of this month....so far I have about 30 people sending something and my goal is 50. So I am over half way there... WAHOO!! PLEASE help spread the word!!!

Thank you to everyone that has helped me make such a wonderful lady smile!!

Big hugs to you all!
P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!! :)

-Stacie

Enjoy The Journey!

Time for Stamping Vacation's No! No! Challenge!! You can go directly to the challenge by clicking HERE!

Ready for an easy challenge? If you are this one is for you!

All you have to do is NOT do something....

And this month? It's NO FLOWERS! FLOWERS are a NO! NO!! That's it!

Let's see what you come up with!

All entries qualify for the monthly prize which is a $25 gift certificate to the place of winner's choice!! You have until March 12th to complete this challenge!

To get things started here is my DT card!



Hot Air Balloon Digi is from Glitterbabe's Digis
Sentiment is from Practicing Creativity Designs "The Whole Cycle"

Tried a new technique of sponging the sky and I'm loving how it turned out!! To me it just looks so real! Stare at it long enough and you will surely start to daydream! That is what it does to me! LOL! Kind of mesmerizing don't ya think?

Have a great weekend!
-Stacie

Senior Pic Scrap Page

My house has crappy lighting so please excuse the poor quality of my scrap page photos...not having a light box to fit these really drives me nuts!!




** You can't see them very good but in the upper corners of the pic on the right I used my tiny attacher to staple it for a little added texture and interest **




Tried to show a close up of the crackled effect on the chipboard frame and also the word "Senior" in silver. Once again....very POOR lighting!

You can try and click on the pics to enlarge them and hopefully you can see a bit more detail!

Tasty Tuesday!

Today I am going to share not 1 but 2 recipes!! The first one is called Pergogie.....one of my favs!!

Pergogie:
1 pound thinly sliced steak
1/4 cup dark soda pop
1 bunch of green onions chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sugar
sesame seeds (however many you like)

You can marinate the steak with all the ingredients above if you want but most of the time I just throw it all together and put it in a deep skillet with a lid. Cook on medium until it gets bubbly....be careful as it will bubble over!! Once the bubbles get to the top take the lid off and check to see if the meat is done the way you like it and your finished!! So super easy and a really unique taste! Serve over your fav type of rice and add a side of veggies for a complete meal!



This next recipe is a familiar one you have probably seen if you have ever bought Nestle chocolate chips and it is called Razzmatazz Bars! Click HERE for the recipe! Mine do not look as red because I did not have raspberry jelly....I used Mayhaw jelly instead but I think you could use whatever you had on hand because they still came out really tasty...but super rich so a little goes a long way!!



Enjoy! :)

Grad Announcement Scrap Page

Underneath the announcement I stapled the commencement program so he can always go back and remember who spoke at the ceremony.

Lovin' my new Tiny Attacher! :)

Your The "Lava" My Life!

This image is from Glitterbabe's Digis and I thought it would be a great time to do some play on words! Gives me a little chuckle every time I look at it.....super corny sentiment but I thought it was cute! :P It could be used for an anniversary, Valentine's Day or just to let that special someone know that you love them!




Here is a closeup to show you the bling and glossy accents!

Challenges:
Fresh Brewed - Anniversary
Aud Sentiments - Corny V-day sentiment
Cute Card Thursday - Banish The Blues (funny sentiment)
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - Romance
Stampin' For The Weekend - Valentine's Day
Stamp Something - Digi
Crazy 4 Challenges - Valentine's Day
Crafty Calendar - Love
Allsorts - Love
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Red, pink and orange

Rock and Roll Scrap Page

This is another scrap page going into the scrapbook for my nephew. He looks so serious with the guitar but then goofy with the bandana while singing! Teenagers! LOL!

Purple Love!

Time for this months Build A Sketch Challenge over at Stamping Vacation. You can go directly to the challenge by clicking 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 (or you can just cut the pieces needed for this particular challenge):

#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
#15 Gray 4 7/8" x 2 7/8
#16 Black 3 3/4 x 2 1/2

The new piece should be numbered 17 and should be a white 2 1/4 x 7/8 piece of cardstock.
Now, please use the following pieces:

#1
#2
#12
#17

This challenge is due March 4th. All entries will qualify for the prize drawing each month.

Here is my card to help get you started.


Stamps: Hearts are from Martha Stewart and the sentiment is from a Sizzix set.

Challenges:
Totally Gorjuss - As you like it (Love to use stickles ... that is the white in the smaller hearts)
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Punches (corner rounder punch)
Creative Inspirations - Valentine's Day/ Love
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Hearts
Simon Says - Love
Top Tip Tuesday - Girlie
Bee Crafty - Hearts
Fussy and Fancy Friday - Valentine's Day without pink or red
Stamptacular - Whateva

Finally.....a card!!

I know it has been way too long since I posted a card but I'm finally catching up with a few things and getting time to craft again! Also helps that I re-organized my room and can actually find the stuff I have! LOL!


I created this card using a Glitterbabe Art digi image! In case you haven't already heard there is a new store and it looks great!! Click HERE to go to the store!



Challenges:
Crafty Catz - Flower
Delicious Doodles - Spots or Stripes
Totally Gorjuss - As you like it (I love to use bling and I put some around the flower)
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Punches (ric-rac border punch)
Card Pattern - Sketch
Creative Inspirations - Valentine's Day/ Love
Crafty Creations - Red rose poem
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Hearts
Simon Says - Love
Top Tip Tuesday - Girlie
Creative Craft - Hearts and Flowers
RRR - Pink, red and white plus ribbon
Bee Crafty - Hearts

WOYWW!

It has been a LONG time since I participated in What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday over at The Stamping Ground.
I am working on a few projects but really wanted to show you my new storage items I got recently. It is amazing what a few new organizational items can do to a room!

First up is my new Cropper Hopper! I actually got two of them because they were on sale for 30 bucks at JoAnns and I also had a 30 dollar gift card to use so that was a double bonus!! My hubby also got me a new label maker which you can see I started labeling some of the drawers already. Very handy indeed!



Next is my storage unit for Copics, prismas and my other tools for blending, etc. I should probably decorate the sour cream container one of these days! LOL!
Picked this up at Hobby Lobby for 6 dollars using a 40 percent off coupon! Don't you just love a good deal?! :)



My loose ribbon was getting out of control so I got one of these ribbon rings I have been seeing around in blogland....LOVE IT and so pretty!! I have it hanging on a floor lamp next to my cutting station.



Finally this is my dollar store find. Perfect for holding those extra small bits of fiber that won't work in the ribbon ring.



Hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my craft room and hopefully it will inspire someone with some organizational ideas!

If you haven't already seen my very important post about my Aunt Jeanne that was diagnosed with breast cancer please click HERE!

Thank you!
-Stacie

Fixed Ornament

Keep forgetting to show this ornament I fixed. During Christmas at my MIL's one of my nephews (only 2) grabbed one of the glass bulbs and it busted to pieces. Luckily he didn't get cut! The ornament was from 1975 and it was the first of my MIL's collection which she started when she got married. I knew she was heartbroken but didn't want to make anyone feel bad so I took it home thinking I could try and fix it. Thank goodness it had the plastic wrap type image instead of the image actually painted on the glass! I spliced the plastic and then the next trick was finding a new glass ball the exact same size. Easier said than done (although after completing this project I found them at Hobby Lobby...go figure)!! So I thought this was a good opportunity to try something unique and I punched holes in the plastic with my cropadile and then weaved this lacy style ribbon through those holes while the glass ball was in the middle so I could tie it up....best part is I didn't even have to glue anything! :) She was very thankful I was able to save her ornament and loved the new design!





*Sorry for the black box reflection you see in the glass ball...it is from the opening of the light box!*

Tasty Tuesday!

Simple Baked Swai



Went to my local grocery store the other day and there was this fish on sale that I have never seen before called swai. Thought it looked similar to tilapia so thought I would give it a try. I usually pan saute tilapia but thought I would try a simple light breading for the swai and I must say it turned out marvelous! Very light and tasty! Went great with some asparagus and a multigrain roll too!

For the baked swai recipe click HERE!

2 Awards!

Received this "love" award from my pal Corry at Free 4 Ever! Thanks girl....love ya too! MWAH!!! :)

I am supposed to pass this onto 3-5 more people but I feel like breaking the rules so whomever wants to grab this and feel the love go right ahead!



Received this "magical" award from my pal Michelle at I Luv Scrapping! Thank you so much my dear!! BIG HUGS!

I am supposed to pick 5 people and say why I like them and their blogs.
Annmaree - For her funny since of humor, inspiring creations, and being like a sister to me from across the world!
Merry - For always being so sweet, for her awesome work with stickers (she is the queen!), and for being the first to accept/follow me on blogland!
Becky - For being so kind-hearted, sharing a love of cooking, introducing wonderful new creative ideas with all her different projects.
Corry - For being so genuine and honest, for your lovely coloring on all your projects, and for "protecting" me! :P
Jacque - For her positive attitude, stunning creations with lots of detail and her gift of always giving to others.

You ladies are ALL fabulous including Michelle that sent this to me. She is so giving and thoughtful and always has gorgeous scrapbook pages.

Thanks again to Corry and Michelle for the awards!!
You all rock!

Hugs!
-Stacie

Tasty Tuesday and Happy Australian Day!

With the huge time difference I do believe Australians are already celebrating and since I have a few very good pals that live there I thought I would wish all you over in Oz a Happy Australian Day!!

To tie this in even further my recipe this week is one I got from my buddy Annmaree at Emu Creations! She even sent me the wonderful Arnott's Choc Ripple Biscuits clear across the world so I could make this recipe!! I can NOT find these anywhere near where I live and I haven't found a good substitute either.....if anyone knows of one I would love to hear about it!!

So here it is....Arnott's Choc Ripple Cake!!!


** Sorry it was already half eaten before I remembered to take a picture ** It doesn't look as pretty as the recipe on the package but it still tastes great!!!

The company (Arnott's) does have a link to their recipe but for some reason it won't work here in the USA so HERE is the same recipe on a different site I found. ENJOY!!!

Glitterbabe Time!

Today our challenge is anything goes with sparkle! You can go directly to the challenge blog HERE!

Our sponsor this week is Pink Gem Designs and the winner will be able to pick out 4 digis as their prize!!
She has some really cute digis just like the one she graciously gave me to use on my card this week. The digi is called Peekaboo Marvin....how adorable!


You gotta be in it to win it so get in those craft rooms and start creating some magic! :)

Challenges:
Totally Gorjuss - Cuddly
Etsy Inspired: Modern Bird - Inspired by green and red colors in this piece of jewelry HERE!
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Anything Goes
Fab N' Funky - Animal Magic
Paper Sundaes - Fav challenge of last year was #38...something from your stash! I used this paper which was one of the first I ever bought about a year and a half ago when I started paper crafting!
Penny's Challenge - Anything Goes

Tasty Tuesday!

The recipe for this week is Rum Cake!! A big hit around the holidays! You can also adjust this recipe according to how much rum you like....around my house we add a bit more! :P



Click HERE for the recipe!