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

Flower Soft Thank You

Challenges:
OTWC #26 - Use the colors as inspiration

Get Sketchy - Sketch
A Spoonfull of Sugar - Spots and Stripes
C.R.A.F.T. - Fancy floral
Crafty Sentiments - Use a border punch (I used Martha Stewart Lattice)
Heart To Heart Card Drive - Thank you
Flower Soft (FSC05) - Use flower soft and flowers!

Glitterbabe New DT Introductions and Challenge #14

WOOT WOOT!! The time has finally arrived and I am "officially" introduced on the Glitterbabe DT...you can check out all the new members HERE!

The challenge over at Glitterbabe this week is wet or dry embossing and don't forget the sparkly stuff!!! To go directly to the challenge post click HERE!

And for this week we are being sponsored by: Ellaphantastic Cards and Crafts


Helen was kind enough to give the DT members a digi to use on our projects this week! And here is my first Glitterbabe DT card! I heat embossed the outside of the main inverted scallop with gold and dry embossed the smaller red inverted scallops with the Cuttlebug Snow Dots folder. Colored the image with my Copics, added some gold glitter to the snowmans buttons and finished off the ground with some Polar White Flowersoft! Isn't he adorable?? I just love that little birdie on his hat!



I have a quick question for you....how many of you would like to know exactly which Copics I use for my cards?? I have left it out so far because it is an extra step I would have to take for my posts but if you really would like to know which ones I use I would be more than happy to share! I just don't want to do the extra work if nobody cares! LOL! So if I have several of you that say, "yes yes yes...please share!" than your wish is my command! :)

Alrighty, now for the challenges!
Lollipop Crafts Glitter (on snowmans buttons)
Creative Inspirations - Christmas in September
The Creative Cottage - Bling (glitter)
Penny's Challenge - Circles
CPS - Sketch
Sew Many - Christmas theme
Totally Gorjuss - Christmas
Crazy 4 Challenges - Bling (glitter)
Charisma Cardz - Christmas

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
-Stacie

Guessing Game Winner!

I really enjoyed reading all the guesses yesterday on my food picture! I couldn't believe I had 18 different people try and guess....I was so pleased to see you wanted to play along! :) I must say it was so much fun I hope to do it again sometime!! The correct answer was PERSIMMON!!! :) A neighbor of my parents has given me about 3 buckets full and I have managed to get about 14 cups of pulp out of it to freeze for recipes later! All squeezed through a mesh bag by hand...yes, it took awhile! :P
So 6 people guessed correctly and I put those names in a hat and as I was mixing them up one flopped out of the hat so just figured that was a good sign that should be my winner and that person is ............................drum roll....................................Lou Lou Shive!!!!

Congrats! Please e-mail me with your mailing address by October 3rd and I will send you a surprise pack of goodies!! Thanks again to everyone for playing my little guessing game!

Hugs!
-Stacie

More New Goodies!!

Just had to share with you some new stuff I received from my Aussie pals!!


The above goodies are from Annmaree at Emu Creations! She sent me a wide assortment of stuff! Some choccies, green apple licorice, choc. cookies that I have searched for in EVERY store around here and we do NOT have...sniffle! These will have to be savoured!! Also, some lovely lace, stamps and stamped images! ALL GORGEOUS!! OH and she knows how much I love to cook so I got an apron and mitt! I also like to get things from where people live so she sent me an Aussie letter opener, keychain and pen!! So pretty! Just LOVE it all!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for my "belated" birthday present!!!


I was lucky enough to win these stickers (plus a few other fun items) from my other Aussie pal Merry from MerryMade Cards and Crafts! She actually went back 6 months on her blog to count up each comment and whoever left the most comments won!! YAY! I couldn't believe how many times in such a short period I left her a comment! :) THANKS AGAIN MERRY!!

I don't have a picture of these items but I have been so lucky with winning lately! Here is a list of some stuff I have won: Stamp set from Becky B., single Unity Stamp from a blog hop, 10 digis from Sassy Studio Designs, Prima Pearls from Simon Says Stamp, 5 Tiffany Doodle digis, stamp from Sugar Nellie, $10 gift cert. to Digital Delights, 2 stamps from Whimsy, a prize pack from Wild Orchid Crafts, candy from My Inkie Fingers, $25 prize pack from Instyle Stamps AND the cozy christmas stamp set from Lawn Fawn!! Whew! I didn't realize how much until I had typed this...I am very blessed with these prizes and I want to thank each and every one that sponsored these!! LOVE THEM ALL!! Thank you!!

I will be back later with a winner from my guessing game yesterday!
Also, don't forget to see if you were a winner from the Stamping Vacation Homemade With A Hop...there are some prizes that have not been claimed!

Have a good day everyone!
-Stacie

Take a guess!

** Guessing game now closed **



What are these?? Leave me a comment and I might just pick a winner if you get it right!

-Stacie

Homemade With A Hop Winners!!!!!!!!

Time to announce the winners from our hop over the weekend. Everyone was selected randomly and you have until October 3rd to claim your prize! If we do not hear from you by that date we will unfortunately have to pick another winner.

The winners from my blog are...............drum roll.................

Practicing Creativity Design (stamp set of winner's choice) goes to Kay from
http://willtradesleepforstamps.blogspot.com/

First $10 Rubberstamp Ave. gift certificate goes to Lois B from
http://loisb-loislane.blogspot.com/

Second $10 Rubberstamp Ave. gift certificate goes to Becky B from
http://scrappinbeckyb.blogspot.com/

CONGRATS LADIES!!!! Please send me an e-mail (you can find that in my profile) and I will get back with you on how to redeem your prize!!


The winners from all the other blogs are listed below! If you see your name please go to that particular blog to see how to collect your prize!

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR PARTICIPATION!!! We had a great time and I hope you did too!! :)

From Stamping Vacation (Denise):
NEETI of "Potpourri of Art Decor" wins the prize from Ooh-la-la!
JOANNE GILCH of "Cardology Etc" wins the grand prize of a gift certificate to the store of her choice! Joanne visited every blog so she will receive a $50.00 gift certificate!

From Dreaming And Creating (Karen)
Stampsmith Gift Certificates go to:
Ira of Ira's Crea Corner
Kay
Janet of Life Full of Sunflowers
Kym Crafty Cards

From Aspiring to Creativity (Dana)
The Pixie Cottage gift certificate:
Margreet (http://margreets-scrapcards.blogspot.com/)
Lawn Fawn stamp set: B-Jo (http://buzzygreen.blogspot.com/)


From Free-4-Ever (Corry)
Die Cuts from Die Cuts Dreams Store is Ruthie of "Gotta Find a Cool & funky
Name"
Prairie Fairy images is Rhonda of "Rhonda's Creative Spirit"

From Life is Beautiful (Audrey)
Kym´s Craft Cards wins the $50.00 gift certificate from Sunflowers and Dragonflies
Karen B from Memories Unleashed wins the stamp set of her choice from Sparkle and Sprinkle.


From Aspiring to Creativity (Dana)
The Pixie Cottage gift certificate: Margreet (http://margreets-scrapcards.blogspot.com/)
Lawn Fawn stamp set: B-Jo http://buzzygreen.blogspot.com/)

From Merrymade Cards and Crafts (Merry)
$25 Sticker Store gift certificate to Lou Lou Shive of http://louloushive.blogspot.com/
$25 Sticker Store gift certificate to Jennifer of http://insanedaze.blogspot.com/
£10 voucher for Lili of the Valley to Janet of http://lifefullofsunflowers.blogspot.com/

Emu Creations (Annmaree)
4 Meljen Images - Joanne Gilch
http://cardologyetc.blogspot.com/

$10US Certificate to Really Reasonable Ribbon - CrafterGM http://craftergm.blogspot.com/

Coldwaters2 (Lorraine)
Christi of http://christi-hicks.blogspot.com wins digital images from Glitterbabe's Art
JLJ Designs of http://jljdesignscraftingblog.blogspot.com wins a $25.00 gift certificate from Victorine Originals

Edited to add: We were able to get 200 followers over at Stamping Vacation so a random winner was selected for a $25 gift certificate and that winner is Anne!!

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!! Enjoy your prizes!!
Reminder that I still have candy on my blog until October 8th!! Click HERE for details!! I would appreciate any support I can get!! THANK YOU!

-Stacie

17 and 71

The Stamping Vacation Blog Hop has officially come to an end but don't forget to check back on Tues. Sept 28th to see if you won any of the magnificent prizes from our sponsors!! I want to thank each of you that participated in the hop and a special thanks to my other DT members and our leader Denise! All our hard work paid off as I feel this was a very successful hop! You might also be wondering why I have the numbers 17 and 71 in the title. I received 71 sweet comments AND got 17 new followers (interesting flipped number coincidence huh?)!! WOWZA!! I am blown away!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I appreciate all the kind words you had to say! :)

HUGS!
-Stacie

Homemade With A Hop!!!

** Blog hop is now closed **

Welcome to your 2nd stop of 10 on Stamping Vacation's first blog hop:
Homemade with a HOP!
This blog hop starts September 25th at 9 a.m. and ends September 26th at 9 p.m. (US Central time) We're focusing on different homemade embellishments for paper crafting and we have a long list of incredible prizes available to be won on every single blog!
On this blog we have a stamp set (winner's choice) from Practicing Creativity Designs AND 2 separate $10 gift certificates to RubberStamp Ave. up for grabs!! PLUS, one grand prize winner will receive a gift certificate to the place of their choice for $5-$50 depending on how many blogs they've commented on! There are 10 blogs to hop on so you can win up to a $50.00 gift certificate to the place of YOUR choice! So be sure to comment on every blog AND become a follower of Stamping Vacation ! In case you get lost along the way a full list of prizes and blog hop stops can be found HERE.

** I would love it too if you became a follower of my blog but that is optional....only follow if you want to! And if you become a follower or are already one don't forget to check out my New Store Candy HERE!

Now for my project! Today I am going to show you how to make a rosette!

Supplies: Scoring board/tool, strip of paper 1" x 12", 2 circles...I used my nesties... about 1" (one of these will be for the top so you want to make sure it matches your paper), and glue.
** You could also make a smaller rosette using a 3/4" x 10" strip of paper which I have shown on my card below **


Take your strip of paper and score it every 1/4". I used my Martha Stewart Scorboard which I LOVE!


Then do an accordian fold which is just folding back and forth along the score lines which looks like the photo above.


Next you will want to glue your two ends together to make a loop.


Then tip the loop inward so your design that you want to show is facing on the outside like shown in the picture. Put a big dot of fast drying glue on the bottom circle you want to use and adhere together. I usually hold the rosette together and push down until the glue is dry...or you can use something to weigh it down like scissors. If you don't do this the loop will just pop off the circle and roll back up.



The last thing you will need to do is glue the top circle onto your rosette and voila!! A beautiful embellishment to use on your projects!!

Here are two examples of how you can use rosettes on your cards:

This first card is done by the very talented Courtney Baker!! Which is also one of our sponsors for the blog hop! I just love the textures and colors she has chosen...so pretty!! You can check out the stamp sets she used from her store HERE!


The card below is mine using a digi image given to me from another one of our sponsors and that is Prairie Fairy! As soon as I saw this image I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do! I thought about a sunshine rosette shining down on this beautiful image!!



Your next stop on our hop is Merrymade Cards and Crafts where she will be giving away not 1 but 2 gift certificates ($25 each) to the Sticker Store AND a £ 10 gift voucher for Lili Of The Valley.

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win!! If you don't have a blog, be sure to leave your email address so we can reach you. Winners will be announced on September 28th!

Thanks for hopping by and a special thank you to ALL our sponsors for this entire hop!!

Coming Soon!!!

** This is a sticky post and will stay at the top until the hop....please scroll down for current posts!**



Stamping Vacation is having its 1st ever blog hop on Saturday, September 25th at 9am (US Central Time) until Sunday, September 26th at 9pm (US Central Time). Our title for this event will be "Homemade with a HOP" and we will be focusing on all different kinds of handmade embellishments! There will be prizes on each of the 10 blogs PLUS a $5-$50 gift certificate (depending on the number of blogs commented on) to the grand prize winner's place of choice! Right now there is over $300 in prizes!!! Yes, you read that right $300!!! You won't want to miss this BIG EVENT!!!

Blog prizes include:
Practicing Creativity Designs - A stamp set of winner's choice given away on my blog!!

The Sticker Store
Glitterbabe's Art
OOH LA LA CREATIONS
Sunflowers and Dragonflies
Meljen's Designs
Sky Blue Pink
Die Cut Dreams
Prairie Fairy Designs
The Stampsmith
Lawn Fawn
Really Reasonable Ribbon
Victorine Originals
Sparkle N Sprinkle
The Pixie Cottage
Rubberstamp Ave. -

There will be 2 separate winners from my blog getting a $10 gift certificate for this store!!
The Cutting Cafe'
Lili Of The Valley
Little Claire Designs
Stamping Vacation (Denise) - This is the one that you could get a gift certificate of the winner's choice from $5-$50 (depending on how many blogs the winner visited)
**For a more specific list of prizes please go to the Stamping Vacation blog and they are listed at the top**

Denise is also graciously giving away a $25 gift certificate to one of Stamping Vacation's Followers once we reach 200 followers!! Right now we are at 132!! This site is great with lots of challenges (and of course a monthly prize!!!). What are you waiting for??? Don't miss all the fun and excitement....go on over there and become a follower today!! And if you do become a follower please help me win a contest by leaving a comment on any post at Stamping Vacation saying Stacie sent you!!! THANKS!!!

Only one day away!!!!!!!!!!

Are you ready for the biggest blog hop around?? You will see some wonderful inspiration, tutorials AND have a chance to win LOTS AND LOTS of prizes!!! :)
There are over $300 worth of prizes on offer throughout this hop. Which hop am I talking about you might be asking?? The Stamping Vacation: Homemade with a hop!!! Starts tomorrow Sept. 25th at 9am (US central time) and ends Sept. 26th at 9pm. We wanted to give everyone enough time to hop with us from around the world!!

I also have a special treat on my blog....one of our sponsors is Courtney Baker from Practicing Creativity Designs and she has made a card to share with all of you during this hop and let me just say it is sooooooooo pretty!!! Below is a little clue as to what is on her card!! But I can't say anymore....you will just have to come back tomorrow to see for yourself! :)

Sending You Hugs Denise!

Image is from Whiff Of Joy


The Stamping Vacation Design Team decided to get together and make cards for our wonderful team leader Denise! She is truly an amazing woman that deserves a great big hug! Thank you Denise for just being you! :)


Also entering this card into the following challenges:
Glitterbabe - Anything and sparkle
Sew Many - Embossing (used swiss dots folder on the leaves)
Stamptacular Sunday - Use a stamp and grid pattern (hopefully you can tell that paper directly behind the main image is a grid pattern even though I covered most of it up...oops!)
Paper Sundae - Fall colors
Stamping Vacation Embellish It Challenge - Leaf
Stamping Vacation To Who Challenge - Someone who needs a hug
Crafty Creations - Falling leaves

Some Pressies!

I am a little late at sharing this but better late than never right?
These are some pressies I got from family and friends for my birthday.


This is a card I got from my blogging friend Dawn at Dawn's Craft Place
I now consider her the queen of scrap pages....they are gorgeous!!!
Thanks for thinking of me with this super cute card!!! :)



Everything but the Tim Holtz book I got from my family...also got a set of Cuttlebug B replacement pads as I have worn mine out! The book is from my in-laws.
Thank you...I love my new goodies!!


Merry from Merrymade Cards and Crafts had to know my fav color was blue! :) She sent me some lovely crafting supplies and a few homemade items! And one of my fav items is that notepad of Aussie money!! It is so cool....too bad it isn't REAL money! LOL! Isn't that Tilda card so pretty too? I think it is darling! Thanks so much dear friend!! :)

Also, don't forget the blog hop this weekend at Stamping Vacation. We have LOTS AND LOTS of prizes!!! On my blog alone I am giving away a stamp set (winner's choice) from
Practicing Creativity Designs and 2 - $10 gift certificates for Rubberstamp Ave.!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THESE WONDERFUL SPONSORS!!!

You gotta be in it to win it!! :)
-Stacie

I am a Glitterbug!!!

I am now allowed to blurt out that I got accepted to the Glitterbabe DT!!!

Stef isn't going to officially introduce the new members until Sept. 30th but until then you really should go check out her blog...super fun challenges (you could win prizes!!!) and some great images at a ridiculously LOW LOW LOW price!! And did I mention freebies?? Oh yes, she even has freebies!!!

Now get out your glitter/sparkly stuff and have some fun!!!

-Stacie

Birthday Wishes!

Digi is from Sassy Studio Designs

My hubby's birthday is this Friday and I thought I would make him a different card than usual. I typically go with something cute or manish (is that a word?? LOL!)....this time I chose something sexy!! Even with all the flowers I think he will like the card...afterall, it has a half naked woman on it so he shouldn't complain!! LMAO!!

Challenges:
Friday Sketchers - Sketch (flipped)
Totally Gorjuss - Flowers
Crazy 4 Challenges - Black, Kraft and Red
ABC Challenge - D is for distressing
Sir Stampalot - Distress

One year birthday for The Stampspot!

The Stampspot is having prizes all week to celebrate their 1st birthday!! Go check it out!

USA Thanks!

Digi is from Sassy Studio Designs

Challenges:
Stamp Something - Spots and stripes
Get Sketchy - Sketch
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Thank you
Fab N' Funky - What'eva
Top Tip Tuesday - My tip is that if a sketch isn't working for you try rotating it like I did with this card!
Below is the original sketch from Get Sketchy....I just flipped it sideways and it worked perfect!!!

Sassy Studio 9-11 Challenge #1 - Red, White and Blue
Sassy Studio 9-11 Challenge #2 - Thank you
Sassy Studio 9-11 Challenge #3 - Use ribbon ( I used ric-rac)
Sassy Studio 9-11 Challenge #4 - Use stars
Stamping Vacation's State Your State Challenge - Freedom and unity
Stamping Vacation's Inspiration Station Challenge - Apple pie and the USA go hand in hand! Anyone else thinking of the movie "American Pie" right now?? LOL! Okay, that was bad! :P
Stamping Vacation's No! No! Challenge - NO sparkle

Thanks for stopping by to visit....I have lots of stuff going on behind the scenes that will be revealed soon!! So stay tuned because there might even be candy!!

Stamping Vacation's No! No! Challenge

Stamp is LOTV

This is one of the easiest challenges you could enter....unless you LOVE glittery, sparkly stuff like I do!!! LOL! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I just kept thinking of a boy/man card and I automatically stayed away from the glitter! So go ahead and put the sparkly stuff away and give it a try! Enter your creation HERE for a chance to win the monthly prize of a $25 gift certificate to Flourishes!


I am also entering this card into the following challenge:
LOTV - One for the boys

Here Comes Baby!!

Stamps from TPC Studio

This is for one of my friends that is having a baby shower tomorrow. She doesn't know if she is having a boy or girl so I just mixed up colors for both!

Challenges:
Practicing Creativity - Paulina's Sketch
Allsorts - New beginnings
Fab N' Funky - What'eva!
Stamping Vacation Occasion Oasis Challenge - Congratulations!
Stamping Vacation Time Machine Challenge - 1981 (how does that fit this challenge you might ask....well I'll tell you what happened during that year...I WAS BORN!!) HEHE! :)
Stamping Vacation Clear As Mud Challenge - Kitten (Kittens are baby versions of a cat so I interpret the baby theme!)

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Stacie

Blog Award!

The wonderful Annmaree at Emu Creations has sent me this award!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MY DEAR FRIEND!!

The rules are simple:

1.Thank the person who gave it to you.
CHECK!

2.Put the award on your blog.
DOUBLE CHECK!

3.Tell everyone three things that you love.
Hobbies (crafting, photography, etc.), Family, Travel

4.A picture you love. (Actually two from one of my best days ever!!)
I love these pictures because they scream "happiness" to me!!


I have this one framed in my bedroom...I just love looking at it! :)



One of the rare pics of my mom and dad dancing together and all fancied up in their pretty outfits!!


5.Pass the award on to five blogs you love.
**I am sending this to five peeps that I don't think already have this award!**

My Inkie Fingers
Netter's Notables
Scrappin' Becky B
Sealed With A Stamp
Craft Royalty Creations

Cinderella's Friendship ** 3rd post today**

Digi is from Sassy Studio Designs

This image reminded me of the scene where Cinderella was feeding the chickens! I added lots of detail and dimension to this card...the only thing you might have to look closely at is the glitter dots on the left side of the white oval. What do you think....does it look like a working Cinderella taking a break to make some friends??

Challenges:
Dare To Be Sassy Thursday - Their digi inspired by a fairytale
Totally Gorjuss - Sketch
Crazy 4 Challenges - Book related (Cinderella)
Oh Alice - Sparkle
Whoopsi Daisy - Pile on flowers
Cupcake Craft - Books and stories (Cinderella)
Fab N' Funky - What'Eva!
Stamping Vacation Home Sweet Home Challenge - Rustic Style (colors are rustic and I thought the chicken, flowers and grass were outdoorsy)
Stamping Vacation Animal Applause - Animal with a beak (chicken)
Stamping Vacation Fountain of Youth - Leaves
Southern Girls - Anything Goes
Stamping Vacation Special Month Challenge - Chickens!

Hope you enjoyed this card! :)
-Stacie

Exciting Blog Hop!!!

Okay ladies and gentlemen mark your calendars because starting 9am (US central time) on September 25th and ending 9pm September 26th the Stamping Vacation DT is going to have an AMAZING blog hop titled "Homemade With A Hop"! Each of us on the team will be featuring a homemade embellishment and to make the hop even sweeter we have been contacting sponsors which means there will be prizes!!! WOOT WOOT!! So far the total value of prizes equals about $250!!! WOW!! This is going to be BIG BIG BIG and you won't want to miss it!!
** A list of sponsors can be found at Stamping Vacation**
A little hint about the prize on my blog.....this store offers stamps and ribbon!
If you go check out the Stamping Vacation blog think about joining as a new follower so you don't miss out on all the excitement and if you do make sure to leave a comment over there telling Denise I sent you which will give me a chance to win a competition we are having amongst the DT right now!!
I will be giving reminders along the way and I hope to see you there!
-Stacie

Mushroom House

Image is from Tiffany Doodles

I like this card except I sort of mucked up the sentiment but I guess I can redo it at a later date. Thanks for stopping by and having a look at my work....I really do appreciate all comments!

Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - Material Girl (ribbon)
Mojo Monday - Sketch
Merry's Challenge - Color something and use a sticker
Etsy Inspired - Inspired by the mushroom and blue-green color HERE!
Charisma Cardz - Song Inspired (Michael Buble - Home)
Stamping Vacation Home Sweet Home Challenge - Rustic Style
Stamping Vacation Animal Applause - Animal with a beak (bird sticker)
Stamping Vacation Special Month Challenge - Mushrooms!