Friday, July 31, 2009

Loads of Love to New Neighbors

I’ve been a bad blogger this week!  Sorry.  Thursday I went to Charlotte and did some volunteer work at the Red Cross office.  I took my mom and dropped her off at a friend’s house.  That was nice for her since she doesn’t drive so she doesn’t get many chances to see some of her old Charlotte friends.   I ended up finishing my work about 1 pm so I went to Park Road Shopping Center and had lunch and walked around the shopping center.  I can remember when that shopping center was the main shopping place in that area of town and I spent many a day wandering into the shops back in the 60’s! 

Today I went to Charlotte …. again!!  Can’t believe how many trips to Charlotte I’ve made in the last 2 weeks!  Sonny had a doctor’s appointment this a.m. in Charlotte for a second opinion on his hip replacement.  After sitting in the waiting room for an hour, we walked out!  I get so irritated when they over-book patients.  I guess they don’t think our time is as important as theirs!  Heaven only knows what is going to happen down the road if this new health plan gets pushed through Congress.  Anyway, I guess Sonny won’t be getting a second opinion.  He is thinking about getting his hip replacement the first of 2010.

Some new neighbors moved in this week just one house over from us.  (There are only 3 houses on our cul-de-sac.)  The family is actually just moving from another house in the neighborhood.  I made a casserole and some chocolate chip cookies for them tonight and took it over with this card:

I took the picture before I colored in their hair & skin and it’s too late to take another picture – I’ve already given her the card!!101_3192

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Background Technique

I played around today with making a background for this card:

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Isn’t it cool?  Here’s what I did:

I used Craft Inks and “smooshed” them onto Mellow Moss cardstock.  I started with White and smooshed it around in 2-3 places; then I used Mellow Moss and Perfect Plum and “smooshed” them in several locations.  Then, I used different colors of Pearl Ex and dusted them over the inks.  After that, I sprayed the whole thing with a clear sealer.  Next, I stamped the pine cone branches in Brown Craft Ink and embossed them with Hologram Embossing Powder.  I edged the card with a brown Copic.

For the focal point, I stamped the wheat on Elegant Eggplant in Versamark and embossed it with Copper Embossing Powder.  Then I stamped the pheasant in brown craft ink on Really Rust cardstock, embossed it clear, cut it out and popped it up.  I tore the edges of the Eggplant piece and edged the edges with Gold Encore Ink and dusted it with Pearl Ex.   I layered the whole card on Elegant Eggplant. 

What do you think?

Here’s another background I did.  I just haven’t made a card out of it yet:

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Monday, July 27, 2009

A Friendly Challenge

Saturday after my Shape class at Stamper’s Alley, I saw a really cute tri-fold card that was on display.  Debbie, Judy and I examined the card to figure out how to make it.  I told Debbie I’d put one on my blog and for her to post one on her blog.  I tease Debbie because she is not great about keeping up her blog.  (It may have something to do with the fact that she works full time but I don’t know!!)  Anyway, lo and behold, Sunday night, Debbie had made the card and posted it on her blog HERE.  Isn’t it great?

Well, I actually made my card on Sunday after we got back from the Lake as my Monday Mailer.  I wanted to wait until I got it in the mail to Ellie before posting it though.  So, even though Ellie won’t receive it for a day or two, I’m going to share it with my faithful blog followers!

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Here is the card open:101_3165

Card Recipe

  • Stamp:  SU Wings of Friendship (Hostess)
  • Paper:  Regal Rose; So Saffron; White, Tea Party DSP
  • Accessories:  Circle Maker; Dazzling Diamonds; Celery Ribbon; ScorPal; Hole Punch; Rhinestone Brad
  • Ink:  Regal Rose, Certainly Celery (SU) 

Deal of the Week


This is the FINAL deal of the week!
It's the Heart to Heart punch! Just $10.99 instead of $15.95 just through Friday, July 31st. .


Contact me by or before Friday, July 31st to place an order for this punch. If I can combine orders, you only need to pay 10% shipping instead of $6.95 for a single order.

Mom’s Birthday

We went to Mom’s last night for her birthday (#81) and had a great time just all being together.  The only sibling missing was our brother who was working and unable to come.  One grandson was there – Harrison.  I wish my two could have been there.  But, Ashley was on her way to Africa at the time!!  She has been trying to plan this research trip to Kenya for 3 years and it is finally happening.   She will spend the weekend in Nairobi but most of her time will be spent in Kisumu (on the shore of Lake Victoria and where Obama’s father was born.)  Please say a prayer for her safety. 

Jeffrey called his grandmother today to wish her a happy birthday and reported that Jayce was doing great.  He took Jayce to a pool last weekend and was getting Jayce to jump off the side so Jeff could catch him.  He said Jayce told him he wanted to go under the water!!  So, thankfully, there is no ill effects of his accident last week.  God is good!

Sonny & Greg cooked ribs out back on Mom’s grill and we girls sat on the front porch and visited acted silly!!  Here are a few of the pictures from our gathering:

I think Sonny was actually supervising!!

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Me & Mom - 101_3153 Marianne & Mom on her lap!101_3156

Mom with Angela - 101_3159

Marianne got the worst of this one – I was sitting on her lap, Mom sitting on my lap & Angela sitting on Mom’s lap!!  That’s how many pounds on Marianne?   We won’t even go there!!101_3162

Mom has those red flowers in her hair because I made them for her for her birthday and I stuck both in her hair!  She has been asking me to make something for her to wear to her Red Hat get-togethers for the summer instead of having to wear her hat.  I found some of red  flowers and glued them to a barrette!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Mom!

Saturday is my Mom’s 81st birthday!  Today my two sisters and myself took her downtown Charlotte.  It was a wonderful day and I think she really enjoyed herself.  I know we wore her out …. she was snoring on the way back home!!  We started out at the Levine Museum of the New South looking at the exhibits of Charlotte and the South the way it used to be back when farming and cotton were the main way to make a living.  After the museum, we walked over to Mert’s Heart and Soul Restaurant!  Yum, Yum!!  We had a great lunch!!  The people at Mert’s really know how to cook the southern way!  I had a vegetable plate  - green beans, mac & cheese, squash, okra & tomatoes and some of the best cornbread you’ve ever eaten!!  We sure wanted dessert, but unfortunately, there was no room in our stomachs. 

After lunch, we had to walk all that food off so we headed to Tryon Street and wandered up and down trying to remember where all the department stores used to be located.  When I was a young girl, I used to take the bus downtown on Saturdays and visit my grandmother and great aunt where they worked (Montaldo’s) and visit my grandfather at the men’s clothing store he worked at.  Then I would go to Woolworth’s to spend the money my grandfather had given me and perhaps to the movies.  It was a fun day.  Well, now Montaldo’s is the Mint Museum of Craft & Design and the men’s store my grandfather worked in is Hooters!!  It makes me sad that the city leaders thought it best to implode most of the old buildings downtown to put in new ones.  (The Mint Museum is still in the Montaldo’s building which is gorgeous.)  

It was a fun day and it was nice to be with my sisters and my mom.  Tomorrow we are going to cook ribs on the grill at Mom’s house and celebrate her birthday.

Here is the card I will be giving her tomorrow:

I used the SU Hostess set Wings of Friendship.

Mom's Birthday CArd

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Card Shares

I haven’t shared many cards with you lately and for that, I am sorry.  So I will try to make up for that now!

This card I did for the Stamping 411 challenge last weekend and sent to my daughter.  She and I seem to share that shopping gene!  Her weakness is shoes … mine is probably purses & stamps!  So this card hits them all!

I used a clear stamp set from Stampendous.  The cardstock is Stampin’ Up.

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This is the inside of the card!  It sure looks green but believe me, it was yellow!!

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These are the Monday Mailers I have received so far from Jennifer.

This one uses the Top Note Die and it is crimped!  Isn’t the flower lovely?

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I’m not sure what this card is called – but it swings open where the brad is on the side to reveal the message inside.

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Pears -

Pears are one of the most powerfully cleansing foods around. They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that keeps the digestive tract healthy.

Did you know that pears are both a laxative and a diuretic and help keeps your colon in good health? Pears also have a high iodine content, which can aid thyroid function.

Having a "pear-only day" - when you just eat pears and drink eight large glasses of water - is an excellent way to detox and helps control cravings.

Pears are available all year round. The harder varieties are great with savory foods and the sweeter, juicier ones are perfect for juicing and desserts.

Nutrients: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate; calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc; pectin

Resource: ~~The Top 100 Diet Secrets by Anna Selby

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Life is Precious

A few days ago, I posted about being thankful for life because it is so precious. Some of you knew the story that transpired last week but others didn't. I didn't want to post anything about the accident until my daughter-in-law did. The story in a nutshell is that last Thursday afternoon, my precious almost 3-year old grandson almost drowned. I suggested to my daughter in law that she should write about her experience. She is a very good mom and if this could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. I was glad to see that she took my advice and wrote a wonderful article about the accident. Please take the time to read her blog HERE and do your part to help keep children safe in the water. And give your child a special hug and let him/her know you love them.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Happy Anniversary

My sister’s anniversary was Saturday …. 28 years!  Where does the time go?  I remember when she got married in 1981.  Both my children and myself were in the wedding.  My son was the ring bearer (at 2 1/2 yrs. old).  He was just so cute in his little white outfit.  He could only stand still at the front of the church for so long before he started tossing the ring pillow up in the air!!  Luckily, my husband was nearby to rescue him.  My baby sister looked beautiful on her special day.  I remember a day or so before she got married I told her she was too young to be getting married!  She was just 21 at the time.  So many memories! 

This is the card I sent to her on Saturday.  I stamped the Lace Background (retired) on the Gable Green card.  I stamped the flowers from Pocket Silhouettes in White Craft Ink onto Vellum and backed it with a piece of Lovely Lilac.  The butterfly is done on vellum (Flight of the Butterfly).  It is a Two-Step Stamp which means I stamped the first stamp – the butterfly outline – in White Craft Ink and embossed it.  Then I stamped the “filler” butterfly in Lilac.  I just love two-step stamping!  The “congratulations” is from a retired set from Saleabration.

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Deal of the Week #4


Deal of the Week #4: Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

Stampin' Up!'s Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware adds class to any project. Get it for just $18.99 (over 30% off the regular price of $29.95)—only July 20-26!

Throughout July, be sure to check here every Monday for the week's new deal.


Sunday, July 19, 2009

Thankful

This weekend started out pretty good.  Friday we went to Concord Mills and did some shopping for Jayce (grandson) who will be 3 in August!  He likes Thomas the Train so that is always fun for Sonny to pick them out.  Since we don’t get to see him much, we just have to imagine him playing with the trains.  After we returned home, things started going bad.  We received some disturbing news but weren’t so sure what it was all about.  Without going into a lot of details, it was a pretty big scare that turned out ok.  Everyone is fine but it sure makes you thankful for what you have.  And, it makes you realize that life can be taken away in a split second so you should be live each moment to the fullest!

I'm thankful for the mornings
and the bird song at first light.
I'm thankful for the heavens
with all its beauty in the night.
I'm thankful for my friends
who show me that they care.
I'm thankful for my family
for which I'm well aware.
I'm thankful for my faith
in a great God up above.
I'm thankful for my husband
who showers me with love.
I'm thankful for my children
as they have made me proud.
I'm thankful to those I've known
who stand out in a crowd.
Yes my life may be simple
and my means just as few.
But all this would mean nothing
if I never had friends like you.

sunrise

Teaser

Now – as you know being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I get to see all the new stuff early – and I can't wait to share with you all the absolutely exciting new items coming to you this fall. I will however, will tease you a bit:

Stampin' Up! has a new line of jewelry. Jewelry, you ask? Well this is high quality jewelry that you can add your own artwork to. I can't wait to get my PAWS on these.

Speaking of PAWS… Stampin' Up! has teamed up with Build-A-Bear Workshop! Wait until you see this cute stuff! So many different things – not just stamps….. Stay tuned online for more information

Speaking of being online…Stampin' Up! is also going digital!! I am so excited about this one – this won't be available right away in September, but will be available this coming fall. There are endless possibilities with the Stampin' Up! Digital Studio!

Have I tickled your creativity bone?? I hope so! Now I bet you are thinking …."I need to host a workshop" and you do because you'll want to be one of the first to get your inky fingers on these great new products.

Contact me and I can help you out!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

More Monday Mailers

I went to see the new Harry Potter movie yesterday.  It was very good.  One more to go …. I think I’ll miss them when they are over.  I started out reading the books but only got through the first one.  I enjoy the movies better – just not my kind of read.  It’s been fun watching Harry and his buddies grow up.  Now I just hope he can lose his Harry Potter persona and find other acting jobs!

Here’s the rest of the Monday Mailers that Karen sent me.

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Card Shares

My June Monday Mailer partner got ubba-busy in June and wasn’t able to send me a card each week.  But, she made up for it at the end of the month and sent me 5 all together!  So, thought I’d share a couple with you today.

This one uses the cute Zoofari.  I don’t have this set, but Ashley does and I have borrowed it from her on occasion.

101_3072 This card uses Just Jawing.  Since I don’t have young kids/teens, this set has just never done anything for me … cute card but just not my style.  But, it’ll make a great card to send to one of the granddaughters!!  They’ll think I’m cool!

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

5 Tomato Salad

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  • 2  tablespoons olive oil or salad oil
  • 2  tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1  tablespoon thinly sliced green onion or snipped fresh chives
  • 2  teaspoons snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil crushed
  • 1  teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2  teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/4  teaspoon salt
  • 3  roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 2  medium red tomatoes, sliced
  • 1  medium yellow tomato, sliced
  • 1/2  cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2  cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
  •   Spinach leaves
  • 1/4  cup crumbled feta, Gorgonzola, or blue cheese (1 ounce) (optional)
  •   Freshly ground black pepper

For dressing, in a screw-top jar, combine the olive or salad oil, vinegar, green onion or chives, basil, sugar, mustard, and salt. Cover and shake well. Chill, if desired.

To serve, arrange tomatoes on a spinach-lined platter. Shake dressing well; drizzle atop tomatoes. If desired, sprinkle

From Better Homes & Gardens

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Monday Mailer

Time for another Monday Mailer. I had fun making this one and it went in the mail this morning! I used the new Circle Circus stamp set along with the little whale from Pun Fun. The color combo is Bashful Blue with the new Crushed Curry. I put Crystal Effects on some of the "bubbles" and sprinkled Chunky Glitter on them. The whale is paper pieced from Bashful Blue Patterns DSP.

Monday, July 13, 2009

SU Deal of the Week #3


Fire Square Rhinestone Brads #109112 regularly $10.95 on sale through 9:50am July 20th, 2009 for $6.99 per package!!! These are a great addition to any greeting card, scrapbook page or gift.

Contact me to place an order!

Sharon

SU Product Guide

I don't know if you are aware that Stampin' Up has a Product Price Guide where you can find products in a specific price range for easy shopping. It's the perfect place to go to when you are shopping for a gift for a special occasion. It's broken down into products under:



  • $10.00

  • $25.00

  • $50.00

  • $100.00

What's even better is that within each price range, it's broken down further into categories such as:

  • Stamps
  • Vinyl art
  • Paper Products
  • Ink-cetera
  • Accessories
  • Tools
  • Storage

Check it out HERE.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Frozen Snickers Bar

I wanted to share this low-cal frozen dessert .... perfect for these hot summer days. I wish I could make this for my son. It was a family joke - we used to call him Snicker Boy! When I was pregnant, I craved snickers!! He liked snickers but his favorite candy bar was Butterfingers.

Frozen Snicker Bar

8 x 8 pan
1 lg. Fat Free light cool whip
1 - 8 oz. Fat Free vanilla Yogurt
1 Jello sugar Free Choc. pudding (dry)
1/3 cup reduced fat crunchy Peanut butter
1/3 cup grape nut cereal

Mix all ingredients together and freeze

Cut into 16 bars = 1 pt. or 8 bars - 2 pts.

Yum!!!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Busy Day & a Monday Mailer for you

After being a “vegetable” all week (veggin’ ya know??), I made a full day of it today!  Started out this a.m. playing mahjong …. and actually won a couple of dollars!!  After leaving my friends house, I headed into Mooresville to meet my sister and my mom to go to a movie.  We went to see My Sister’s Keeper – a real tear jerker.  I actually preferred to book to the movie, but the movie was still good.  The two little girls deserve an Academy for their acting.  Marianne had not read the book and I heard her over there just sobbing.  If you get a chance, go see it!  After the movie, we did a little shopping …. high dollar stuff!  We went to the Dollar Store!!  Then we headed on over to Donato’s Pizza for dinner.  If you have a Donato’s in your area, their pizza is really good.  I love their thin crust. 

So, here’s the card I got this week from my Monday Mailer partner.  She, like me, hadn’t gotten her new Stampin’ Up goodies so had to make do with what she had.  It’s still a cute (and very bright) card – don’t you agree?  She used the new Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp.  The cupcake and flower are die cuts. 

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Thursday, July 9, 2009

Monday Mailer

I’ve been waiting all week to share the Monday Mailer I sent to my partner this week.  I wanted to let her receive it first. 

Anyhoo … you know, I love Michelle Zindorf’s work and try every so often to duplicate her cards.  This is the one I did this week:

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The colors I used were:  Bashful Blue & Bermuda Bay for the mountains; Old Olive & Crushed Curry for the ground and the little tree.  I stamped the flowers with black ink and used my white gel pen to highlight them.  The cardstock is Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry.  I’m pretty proud of this card!!

Stampingly, Sharon

In Color Combos

I’m starting to play around with the new in colors and find, like many others, I need to tone them down a bit!!  If you’re wondering what other Stampin’ Up colors will match with the new colors, here’s a helpful chart for you.

in color combo 1 

So, what do you think?  Need your shades?? 

To make your own “go together” colors, visit this site and pick your SU color combos.   It’s fun!  I’ve also added this site to my sidebar so you can check it any time you want!

Now, go CREATE!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Stamp Classes

I’ll be doing a few classes at Stampers Alley in July and August.  We’ll be making various shaped cards.  I’ve been having fun creating different cards for this.  Here are the ones I will be doing July 25.  If you’re in the area, come join us!!

This is a mini backpack!  It opens up and you can put some small items inside.

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This is a refreshing glass of lemonade!

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This teacup actually has a teabag inside!

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This goes on your water bottle to hold your drink mix!

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Water Aerobics

I've been trying to get my exercise in. Sometimes when it's so hot outside, it's really hard. Who am I kidding? It's always hard for me to want to exercise??? The past couple of weeks, at least once a week, instead of going to the "Y", I've been going up to our neighborhood pool and trying to exercise in the water instead. At least by walking in the pool, you stay cool!
Water aerobics is refreshing, easy on the joints and fun! For people with arthritis or other medical issues, exercising in water is a great way to exercise your body with little impact on your joints but still works your heart and major muscle groups. This is also a great way to exercise if you are dealing with low back pain or a pregnancy. Water buoyancy helps give you the support that reduces the stress of carrying your weight. Another benefit of water aerobics is that you will be less likely to get injured, or to be achy and sore the next day after exercising. That is certainly on the plus side. Water aerobics focuses on your cardiovascular fitness but most of the exercise routines can help you improve your balance, strength and flexibility. For those of you who have arthritis, exercising in water is a gentle way to move your joints and muscles. The warm water can help to decrease your stiffness and pain. If you are suffering from osteoporosis, water aerobics can also help build muscle mass and improve your balance and coordination, which can, in turn, help reduce the risk of falls. It’s amazing what you can do in water but can’t even attempt on land. The classes in water aerobics that I take sometimes at the "Y" supply floating devices so that you can concentrate on the exercise instead of staying afloat.
Secondly, what is water aerobics? How many of you have done an exercise video, perhaps Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons or Kathy Smith? Simply said, water aerobics is like doing an exercise video, but in the water. During your water aerobic class your instructor will usually combine several techniques from land aerobics such as walking/running backward and forward, cross-country skiing, jumping jacks, while including arm movements in the routine.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, gives this definition of water aerobics: “Water aerobics or ‘waterobics’ is the performance of aerobic exercise in shallow water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit or ‘aqua aerobics’, and is a type of resistance training.”
Check out how many more calories you burn by walking or jogging in water. Amazing, isn’t it? These numbers are for a 30-minute workout. Most water aerobic classes are 45 to 60 minutes.

Land walking: 135 calories
Deep-water walking; 264 calories
Jogging on land: 240 calories
Deep-water jogging: 340 calories
The Mayo Clinic states that if you do one hour of water aerobics you will burn the following calories, based on your weight.

160 pounds ~ 292 calories
200 pounds ~ 364 calories
240 pounds ~ 436 calories
What are some of the health benefits from exercising in water? You will get aerobic benefits from water aerobics. You can burn 400 or more calories in a one-hour class. If you work out three times a week, you will achieve maximum fitness gains, which are listed below.
  • Strength and toning. Moving in water requires 12 to 14 times more muscle resistance than land exercise.
  • Flexibility and range of motion. It's easier to move your joints in water.
  • Cardiovascular. Aerobic activity stimulates HDL (good cholesterol), while deep breathing increases the oxygen your body absorbs.
  • Circulation. Warm water helps to increase blood flow.
  • Weight loss. You'll burn more calories in water due to resistance. Walking for a half hour burns 135 calories on land or 264 calories through deep water.
  • Endurance. You can exercise longer in water without getting overheated or tired. On top of the fitness gains look at the health benefits – better circulation, good cholesterol and weight loss (Woo! Hoo!).

Monday, July 6, 2009

Fajitas

I made fajitas yesterday and they were so yummy AND so easy! I just have to share with you.

1 1/2-2 lb beef flank steak, cut into thin strips *
1 can (10 oz) Rotel
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & chopped
1 T minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1 each medium sweet red pepper & green pepper, julienned
8-10 flour tortillas
Sour cream, salsa, shredded cheddar, optional
  1. Place beef in slow cooker. In a bowl, combine everything else except the last 3 ingredients. Pour over beef. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours. Stir in red & green peppers**. Cook 1 hour longer or until beef & peppers are tender. Thicken juices if desired.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, place about 1/2 cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla; fold sides over filling. Serve with sour cream, cheese & salsa!

* I used a skirt steak & didn't cut it - just put the whole thing in the crock pot frozen & shredded it after cooking.

** Sonny doesn't like cooked green peppers (and I didn't have red peppers) so I threw them in at the end - while I was setting the table & fixing the drinks just to warm them up.

I didn't have fresh garlic - just used the minced in the bottle that I keep on hand.

Also didn't have fresh cilantro or parsley - used dried parsley.

It was really good & soooo easy!! Put it in the crock pot about 11; played all day and it was all ready when we were hungry around 7 pm!!

Doctor Bag

Don't miss your chance to get this incredible Big Shot Doctor's Bag this week at 30% off the regular price. This bag is awesome - don't you just love it?

Regular Price: $69.95
Special Price: $49.99


Item #113474


Your Savings: $19.96!


This offer is only good for ONE WEEK: starting today through Monday, July 13th, 9:50am!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

NMBS Blog CASE

I’m a member of the NMBS (No More Bad Swaps) group.  Periodically, they have a featured “nimbee” and ask that you CASE one of their cards.  So, that’s just what I did today!  You can check out her blog HERE.  Here is Adela Rossol’s card:

P1160308

Here is the card I made:

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I used the stamp set, Echoes of Kindness, a retired hostess set, and Flight of the Butterfly.  The sentiment, cherish, comes from the Baroque Motifs set.  I colored the flowers using my Blender Pen and Rose Red ink and the leaves are done with Old Olive marker.  The base card is Bordering Blue and the flower image is matted with Rose Red and Old Olive.    The DSP is non Stampin’ Up.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

411 Challenge

I made my card for the 411 Challenge last night. It’s also going to be a birthday card for a friend who lives in England.

Here is the challenge sketch:

411 challenge

Here is my card:

The stamp sets are from Great Impressions but all other items are from Stampin’ Up. The paper is: Certainly Celery, YoYo Yellow and the new In Color, Bermuda Bay. I colored the cars with my Copics and used Glossy Accents on the windshields.

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Happy Birthday Tom!

Red, White & Blueberry Smoothie

Here’s a yummy and patriotic treat!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 dash of lemon juice
Sugar, to taste
A few small, fresh strawberries, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired thickness.
  2. Wash fresh strawberries and slit at the bottom to use as garnish for individual glasses.

(from Home Made Simple)

The Star Spangled Banner

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The Defense of Fort McHenry by Francis Scott Key

20 September 1814

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Top 5!!

I'm excited! I made a card last week for the challenge at THIS site and it was was chosen as one of their TOP 5!! Yay!!

Now on to do this week's challenge!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Make some Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS
1 box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix
1/4 cup oil (follow package instructions)
1 cup water (follow package instructions)
3 eggs (follow package instructions)
1 package flat-bottomed ice cream cones
Optional Toppings: chocolate cookie crumbles, sprinkles, chocolate chips
Consider Substituting: 1/3 cup room temperature brewed coffee for a robust, gourmet flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, milk, coffee, butter and vanilla extract. With an electric mixer, blend the ingredients on low speed just until incorporated.
  3. Once mixed, beat the mixture on high speed for 2 minutes. Add the eggs, then beat on high speed for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Transfer the batter into a container with a pour spout (a liquid measuring cup, for example), then carefully pour the batter into each ice cream cone, filling each 2/3 of the way full.
  5. Place the cones on a cookie sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Frost with Creamy Marshmallow Frosting (see recipe below) and decorate with your choice of toppings.

Creamy Marshmallow Frosting

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites
2 cups (one 7-ounce jar) marshmallow cream topping

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Boil 6-8 ounces of water in a medium-size saucepan. In a small heat-proof mixing bowl, combine the sugar, egg whites and water, then place the bowl on top of the saucepan to create a double boiler.
  2. Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture until soft peaks form. Add the marshmallow cream and continue beating into stiff peaks. Remove from heat.
  3. Blend in the vanilla extract on low speed. Use a spoon to frost your Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Shopping Organizer

When I visited Enchanted Cottage in May, I saw the cutest little organizer that they had on display.  It was made out of a small tin container.  Here is a picture of it:

inside of tin (Enchanted Cottage)

So, I bought a couple of the tins and decided to try to make one myself.  I finally finished both of them and have mailed them to my niece and my nephew’s girlfriend to thank them for their hospitality while I was in Austin last month.  I hope they can use them.  I thought they turned out real cute.  I may have to find a tin and make one for myself!!

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Deal of the Week

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one discounted product as a "Deal of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required. This week's deal is 30% off the Scallop Edge Punch ($10.99 sale price!) So, if you've been waiting to purchase this punch, now is the time!
Check out a sample using the punch HERE!


Today's the Day!

You can order from the new Stampin' Up catalog today! Get your new goodies NOW!!

in colors