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