Go Shopping - here's a coupon to help ya!

Here's a coupon for you - go shopping this weekend!!

Drooling over the new Catty!!

Sorry I've been MIA .... but I got my new SU catalog on Thursday and have been drooling over it ever since! It is one of the best ones I've seen in a while. I'll be putting in my big order on Monday so soon, you'll be seeing some new goodies (depending on how long I have to wait for it to ship!!) And, if you 'd like to play with some of my new goodies, I'll be having a Card Buffet on Tuesday, August 19th at my house and you can make some cards, enjoy a little fellowship and some yummy snacks!!

In the meantime, here are a few cards I've made recently.


This one I used the stamp set, Older & Wiser (a hostess set in the Fall-Winter catalog - retired now). The unique fold is called Blintz Base Fold and you can see the directions HERE on Splitcoast. I used Designer Paper that is in the retiring catalog (Baja Breeze). The dots on the turtle have Crystal Effects on them.

The next card I made for my friend, Judy's, anniversary (which was yesterday). I really like how it turned out. I stamped the heart (from SU's Always) on acetate in Versamark and embossed it with White Embossing Powder. The colors are our new IN Colors - Pink Pirouette and Kiwi Kiss (love, love, love them!!) I used my Cuttlebug folder for the heart background. The ribbon is not SU - I bought it at Stamper's Alley - it is pink on one side & green on the other - perfect for this card! The pearls are from the Pretties Kit and the stickpen was given to me by a friend (although the Pretties Kit has them also).

The next card is an Acetate Card and uses another retired stamp (hostess set in the retired catty). I used rub-ons on the front of the acetate card. Then, I stamped the flower (twice) on watercolor paper. I watercolored the flowers and leaves. I

cut just the flower out and adhered it to the backside of the card front. I adhered the other flower with leaves to the inside of the card. Then, I put a piece of Pink Piroutte cardstock on the back of the card. A lot of dimension, but it turned out great.

Stampin' Up Fall-Winter Sampler

Download the Fall-Winter Sampler and start making your list!! These are just a taste of what is in store for you in Stampin' Up's new catalog. You can start ordering these items August 11th. I've got my list started, what about you???

Excitement is Building!

Stampin' Up will be selling the BIG SHOT ( exclusive color & more of course) this year. OH Yes!! and along with the BIG SHOT we will have exclusive dies just for Stampin Up! that work with our Big Shot. Such a wonderful addition to SU! Click HERE for details.

PLUS starting Aug 11th, there will be several brand new stamp sets at 15% off. You can click HERE to see the specials.

PLUS a Starter kit special - purchase the Starter kit and get a FREE stamp set along with all the other fabulous goodies you will receive in the starter kit. So if you want to be a SU demonstrator like me, now is the best time!! This Recruiting special is available from August 11 - October 11.

PLUS Aug 11th is the first day we will be able to order out of the brand new catalog. So mark your calenders & don't forget. All the Excitement starts in just 7 days.

yum - Lemon Slush

Lemon Slushie

Start blending, lemon-lovers!

Ingredients:
2 tsp. Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (2 On The Go packets or 1/2 of a tub)
1 tsp. fat-free powdered non-dairy creamer (like Coffee-mate Original Fat Free)
1 1/2 cups crushed iced or 8 - 10 ice cubes

Directions: Dissolve creamer in 1/4 cup warm water, and mix well. Add 1 1/4 cups cold water and Crystal Light. Mix well. Place mixture in a blender with the ice. Blend at high speed until thoroughly blended. (If using ice cubes, start with half of the ice. Stop blending occasionally to add a cube or two, and then continue blending -- repeat until desired consistency is reached.) Pour into a tall glass, and then spoon and/or sip your way to lemon satisfaction!
( for an even slushier and less liquidy consistency, place in the freezer for about 20 minutes before enjoying!)
MAKES 1 SERVING

Serving Size: 16 oz. (entire recipe) Calories: 30 Fat: 0g Sodium: 140mg Carbs: 2g Fiber: 0g Sugars: 0g Protein: 0g POINTS® value 1*

Make it Faux!

We are starting a new round of Monday Mailers on my Yahoo group and I am in charge this month (scary, huh???). For our theme, I picked "Use a Faux technique". The first card I am sending to Tammy is using Faux Metal. This is a neat technique that I hardly ever use. It's fairly easy. Here are the steps:

1. Ink your stamp with Versamark and set aside. (I used the saying "Thank U" from A True Friend.)

2. Cut a piece of cardstock big enough for the stamp to fit on and ink the whole piece with Versamark.

3. Cover the piece of cardstock with Metallic Embossing Powder (I used Gold)

4. Heat Embossing Powder until it is melted.

5. While the EP is still HOT, add more powder. Do this at least 4 times so you will have a good impression.

6. Heat cardstock again until the embossing powder is hot. Working quickly, press the stamp into the embossed area.

7. Trim as desired - leaving a small border around the image.

For my card I used Only Orange and Tempting Turquoise cardstock with the Baja Breeze DSP. I watercolored the image from Serene Spring (a hostess set in the new catty). I used the Photo Corner Punch on the turquoise & DSP for the corners.

I have actually already received my Monday Mailer. Beth Fox is mailing to me. She is going to Disney all next week, so she mailed her card early. It is fantastic!! She used the Faux Tooled Leather technique. She said she got it from Paula Zindorf's blog. I'll be using this in the future. Plus, I love the saying "My dear Kind & wonderful Friend"!!

Ooh Laa Laa - Cool down with these drinks!

Here are some delicious sounding drinks to cool you down on these hot summery days - especially for those of us who are watching our girlish figures!!

Tropical Mango-rita Slushie

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 134 calories, 0g fat, 38mg sodium, 9g carbs, 1g fiber, 7g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Diet V8 Splash in Tropical Blend

1/4 cup frozen unsweetened mango chunks
1 shot (1 1/2 oz.) blanco or silver tequila (the clear kind)
1/4 tsp. Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (1/4th of an On The Go packet or 1/16th of a tub)
1 cup crushed ice OR 5 - 8 ice cubes

Directions: Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
MAKES 1 SERVING

Sassy 'n Spiked Pink Lemonade Pitcher

PER SERVING (1 glass, 1/8th of recipe): 110 calories, 0g fat, 67mg sodium, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
6 cups club soda 2 cups Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry Spray
8 shots (12 oz.) 80-proof vodka
2 tsp. Crystal Light Lemonade or Pink Lemonade powdered drink mix (2 On The Go packets or half a tub)
8 no-calorie sweetener packets
4 lemons

Directions: Place all ingredients except the lemons in a pitcher, and stir well. Cut 1 lemon into 8 slices, and set slices aside. Cut the remaining lemons in half, and squeeze the juice into the pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices!

MAKES 8 SERVINGS

Black Cherry Mamba Mojito

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 122 calories, 0g fat, 26mg sodium, 6g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 3.5g sugars, <0.5g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
3/4 cup diet lemon-lime soda
1 shot (1 1/2 oz.) light rum
1/8 tsp. Kool-Aid Black Cherry Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
12 mint leaves
4 dark sweet cherries (fresh and pitted or thawed from frozen)
1/4 lime, cut into slices
1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda!)
5 - 8 ice cubes


Directions: Remove seeds from lime slices. Then muddle (aka pulverize) the mint, lime and cherries in a glass. Add the soda, rum, Kool-Aid, and sweetener. Stir well. Add ice and enjoy!

MAKES 1 SERVING



I got these recipes from this site: http://www.hungry-girl.com/

BIGGGGG NEWS

At Convention 2008 today, Shelli announced the launch of the Sizzix Big Shot for Stampin' Up! (die cutting machine). This exciting new product cuts through multiple layers and materials to create beautiful die cuts for all kinds of projects. SU also introduced a line of Stampin' Up! exclusive dies. The Big Shot machine and dies will enhance the current Stampin' Up! offering by giving you more choices for your art work.

Design your own custom pillow appliqués using the Tulipe Bigz die or make custom fabric flowers to embellish a quilt. From sewing to quilting to home décor, the Big Shot is the perfect tool for many types of crafting. Use Stampin' Up! exclusive dies to create die cuts and stencils with SU's artwork and designs for all your craft needs.

The Big Shot works with ALL competitive dies, and the steel rule dies can cut through an impressive list of over 50 materials, including fabric, foil, and chipboard.

It's important to note that there are different types of dies.

Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies. These steel ruled dies cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper.

Sizzlets dies. These dies are small and detailed, often creating scored or perforated details. These dies cut through thin materials, and multiple sheets are not recommended.

Dr. Phil's Test

Dr. Phil scored 55 on this test when he took it; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.

Answers are for who you are now..... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today . It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 simple questions, so.. grab a pencil and paper,

When do you feel your best? .
a) In the morning
b) during the afternoon &and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk. .
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you..
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, ! Touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with..
a) Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gath ering you.
a) Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted.......
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or pu rple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are..
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant



POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1


Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natura l leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement! You¢re radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful &practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who¢s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you u a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would! Really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything car efully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions &who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. So people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Cards I've made or received

I've got a few cards to share with you today.

The first one is for my oldest step-grandaughter, Torri. She is getting braces soon and having one of her baby teeth pulled. I feel for her. I wore braces too for TOO long!!! But, so did my son and daughter. Guess it's a right of passage nowadays.

The second card is from my Monday Mailer partner. This is the last of the Bold Bright cards. Isn't it "fabulous"???? Love that pink!

The last card is from my Secret Sister. It uses the Pick a Petal stamp (same as I used in the one for Torri). It is very pretty!