365 Cards - Day 61 - Leaf it up to me

365 Cards challenge for today is to incorporate a leaf or leaves on your card.

I have to admit that I made this card, and 3 more, this last weekend at a workshop I attended. But, I really have to clean up my craft table. I have a huge table (3x6 ft) and not an inch of space to work. I have just managed to keep pulling things out and not putting anything away. So tonight I am going to start the clean-up.

Anyway, this card does fit the bill for today.

I know it is all Stampin Up stuff. But I don't know the names of any of it. Except Kiwi Kiss is the really cool name of the green paper and ink. Oh, yeah, and Cheep Talk is the name of the stamp set. I ordered the ink, papers and the stamp set. I couldn't help it. Too cute.

365 Catch Up and Mojo Monday

Played catch up tonight. I had 3 cards to make for 365 Cards. And I used the Mojo Monday sketch for one of them.

Day 60 - What? - Use "What?" on your card. This is the one I used the Mojo Monday sketch on.

My oldest dd was coloring some Hello Kitty pages and I saw this one of Kitty gettin' her drink on.

Day 59 - A Certain Sentiment - I Miss You or similar. My wonderful nephew is in boot camp and can only receive mail so I made this for him. I didn't want it too froo-froo.

Day 58 - Something's Fishy - Put a fish on your card. I don't like my coloring, but I won't change it. I'll let one of my girls give it to one of their friends.

Thanks for looking.

Blog Candy over at Opus Gluei

Today is the big reveal over at Opus Gluei.









Rosemary and I have decided to have a MAJOR blog candy give-away.









Here's my Booty. (giggle, giggle - I think this sounds funny, my Booty.)

My picture is awful, but the booty isn't.

Included in this package is:

1 Basic Grey Urban Prairie collection pack
1 cute little Green 2 ½ inch album from Target
1 8 page chipboard album – various shapes
1 Colorbok friends album
1 Sticko Style round accordion album in tin
1 Sticko Style cd type album
1 EK Success wallet album
1 Sticko Style long album
1 set alphabet stamps
1 pair wing stamps
1 Theresa Collins date journal stamp
1 set Brenda Walton journal stamps
1 pkg K&Co Chipboard shapes
1 set male/female chip board shapes
1 pkg Sticko Style alphabet labels (clothing type labels)
1 pkg word confetti
1 spool gold ribbon
1 pkg Dress It Up Flower buttons
1 pkg assorted embellishments
1 set clear shapes (you can barely see them at the bottom of the pic)
1 pkg Adorable Owl 3-d stickers

And I will probably add more. I just ran out of time.

Go over to Opus Gluei and get in on the fun.

Menu Monday

I haven't done one of these in a bit, so I better get back on it.

Sunday - Hot dogs, baked beans, oven fries and salad. I also had some Broccoli salad from the grocery store. I don't make it because no one else here will eat it. The grocery store's is pretty good.

Monday - Homemade shredded beef tacos. I made the beef in the crock pot on Sunday. Megan and I have already shredded it. Now I will just put them together and fry them. Tons of calories, but WAY more fun and better tasting.

Tuesday - Chicken something

Wednesday - Ground beef something

Thursday - Sandwiches. Morgan has a track meet and it has to be a quick meal.

Friday - Pizza and Survivor.

Saturday - Grilled something.

Don't forget to check back for the actual meals we had. They are prone to change. Daily.

365 Cards - Super Sketchy Sunday

365 Cards challenge for today was to use this sketch.













Here's mine. I couldn't play with my papers and toys until tonight. Today was pretty busy. But I got it done. Love me some Friendly Forest. It's just so cute.

I even added a cute Friendly Forest journal tag inside.

I forgot to take a photo. But trust me, it's there.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Days 55 & 56

Played catch up this evening for 365 Cards. I had another project I was working on for the challenge on Opus Gluei. (see my previous post) They are having a big Blog Candy give away. Big reveal on Monday. There are a couple of teasers on the site. Anyway, I finally sat down and made yesterday's card and today's.

Day 55 - Card Recipe

5x5 Card

4x4 Patterned Paper (edge could be altered)

1 Shape

3 jewels

Alphabet stickers

Nothing More.

Here's mine.

Day 56 - See thru Saturday

Make an acrylic card. (clear) I don't have acrylic cards, I had planned on using a photo overlay at first. Then I found this binder divider/pocket thingy that I rescued from my darling daughter's trash can. She throws everything away. I am a packrat. She gets it from her dad. Anyhow, it isn't exactly clear, but mostly clear, so I thought it would work. And I really like how it turned out.

Anyway, it's late. I am tired. I think I'll go to bed now. Don't want to be awake for the next challenge to post. (I was the other night. Boy did I pay for it the next day!)

Thanks for looking.

Blog Candy Give away and new Challenge up at Opus Gluei - and Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog

Opus Gluei give away and new challenge.

PLUS new challenge at:

Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog.

You really have to check out the new challenge at the OG. (my nickname for it) AND check out Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog.


May is just around the corner and the challenge is to make something flowery to give to someone on May 1st.





I made these little posey holders to hang on a few of our neighbors doors.

I used my Silhouette cutting machine to design and cut the sides and the flower medallions. Inked the edges, glued everything together, tied ribbon, stamped "Happy May Day" on the medallions, tied the medallions onto the posey holder, cut the silk pansy spray to fit and Viola.

My plan is to sneak them on their doors in the morning.

I won't be telling them that they are from me.

OG is also having a wonderful give away. So far there have been a few sneak peaks. Here and here. Another sneak is going up tomorrow with the big reveal on Monday.

Scrappy Frog is giving prizes too. Go check them out here.

Friday Fillins

I made it with the Friday Fillins on Friday this week. YAY me.

1. Apparently there's some sort of law against women going topless.

2. Today is a beautiful sunny day.

3. 2009 has flown by so far.

4. Wham, bam, thank you mam, that was it.

5. For too long I've been deprived of chocolate.

6. I am not obsessed with redundancy; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Survivor and Pizza, tomorrow my plans include really getting my nails done, sleeping in and biking with my girls and Sunday, I want to spend some time with Morgan - one on one. It's been too long!

365 Cards - Day 54 - Recycle Something

365 Cards challenged us to use something out of the ordinary on our cards. Something that might be tossed out with the trash. I saved a folder from work that was headed to the trash bin and used a manilla envelope that I received in the mail. I stamped with $1 stamps from Michael's. The date journal strip is my own creation. Ribbon is American Crafts. I am not sure I like this card, and I will probably fuss with it a bit more. But I tried. The pockets will hold a bookmard (already there), some pictures, money and maybe a note.

This design is lifted from Amy. You should visit her. She makes some pretty cool things.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 53 - Fruit

Use fruit today for the 365 Cards Challenge.

At first I was in a panic. I don't have fruit paper. I don't have fruit stamps. I can't draw.

BUT, I do have a Quickutz citrus slice die.

I figure this could be used as encouragement for someone having a tough go of it.

Thanks for looking.

Blog candy teaser

OPUS GLUEI blog candy teaser #1 of 3.

The Order of the Opus Gluei is going to reveal a BIG giveaway.
They are shamelessly bribing folks to play with them.

Go check it out.

365 Cards - Day 52 - Tuesday's Trio

Brad - Blossom - Circle

Today @ 365 Cards, we were challenged to use these 3 elements on a card.

I filed the cards I have made so far, and I now have plenty of Birthday cards for a while. I did need some more general cards. So, I made this:

Thanks for looking.

Blog Candy @ Bev's Blog

Blog candy so sweet, you'll gain a few pounds just looking at it.





Go here. To enter in the drawing to be held on April 23rd, which is Bev's Blog-iversary.





You could win this:

Even if you don't win this wonderful stash of goodies, you'll win simply by oogling all of her wonderful creations.

Go over there. And Good Luck.

365 Cards - Day 51 - Photo Inspiration

Today at 365 Cards the inspiration came to us in this picture:

My muse is sadistic. I made the decision earlier today to take today off. I thought I would make my card tomorrow. Tonight was a bit busy, getting back to school after spring break, I had to mail some books, the girls needed new binders, etc. So in order to help take stress off of me, I was going to take the night off. BUT, it happened again, I passed by my craft space on the way to tuck the little darlings into bed, and BAM, that little muse smacked me in the forehead. ;->

So, here is the card.

I used a square card that I bought at Michaels (8 w/envelopes for $1.00), A Heidi Swapp flower, Sizzix die cut frame out of Bazzil Bling, and Forest Friends flower/brad thingie. Just lightly inked the embossing on the card with light blue, red and black ink. Stuck everything on and here you go.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 50 - Sketchy Sunday

I can't believe I have made so many cards. And I even like most of them. LOL.

Today's 365 Card challenge is to use this sketch:

So I did. Here's what I made.

I really love the card challenges. They are small do-able projects that REALLY give me a sense of accomplishment for the day. Plus I get to play with paper and glue and do-dads.

This card was made with some old stash (background paper), new supplies (oval and plaid striped paper - which are actually cards that I got in the $ section at Michael's), store bought lace (via a kit) and a homemade embellie (Owl medallion).

I really like the way this turned out.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 49 - Accordian Card

Today at 365 Cards we were to make an accordian card.


It doesn't look nearly as good in the picture as is does in person. I haven't added the sentiment because I don't know if it is going to be a Mother's Day card or a B-day card for my Mom.


She loves bling, so this was made with her in mind.

Thanks for looking.

P.s. I didn't use any scraps on this card. I cut four perfectly large 12x12 inch pieces of paper. Good news is that now I have scraps for future cards. :-)

Friday Fill-Ins - A day late....again

Here's this week's Friday Fill-In.

1. Join me in this good mood.

2. Put a little smirk in your day! It'll make people wonder.

3. Happiness is contagious.

4. Married and confused.

5. I'm waiting for a good night's sleep.

6. Chocolate is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not making dinner, tomorrow my plans include packaging some things up for the mail, a haircut and playing and Sunday, I want to actually cook. It's been a while!

365 Cards - Day 48 - Score Lines

This week has really made me work outside my comfort zone. Who knew that a little score line would make me so jittery. I have pondered these little lines today and have come up with a greater appreciation for the Designers at 365 Cards. I am happy that I have been pushed to try things that I didn't think I would like.

Today we were to create a design using score lines. Being the chicken that I am, I decided to take an existing design and ruin that instead of coming up with my own catastrophe.

I wasn't too successful with the score lines, but I think I covered it up enough to distract you from being too critical. Thanks for looking. (Kind of like a train wreck isn't it?)

Mojo Monday - 82 - Sketch

This week's Mojo Monday challenge was to use this sketch:

And here's my card.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 47 - Pop-Up Card

Today's 365 Card Challenge was to make a pop-up card. I really thought I would put this off until tomorrow. I have been busy making 8x8 Disney layouts for Make A Wish and just didn't want to switch gears. So, I turned the light off and walked away.

Well, it happened again. I was walking by to shut the house down for the night (you know turn off all the lights, tuck the girls in, peek out the front window) when I thought about making a little table top decoration in the form of a pop-up card. Just a little inspiration to make us smile.





Here is my little inspiration. Very basic. Very simple. Very cheering.

Pardon the mess around the mouse. I won't clean up until I am done making pages. Or until the family gets hungry. Geesh. I have to feed them EVERY DAY. My scrap table is full of the normal mess and DH was out of town so I took over the kitchen table. And let the kids eat in the family room. Cuz I'm cool like that.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 46 - Matchbook Card

Today's 365 Card Challenge is to make a Matchbook Card. I haven't been drawn to the Matchbook Scrapbooks, so I wasn't thrilled to see this one today. But, I made one because I am trying to stick with this challenge. I need cards. I like the variety on 365 Cards. I LOVE the cards that are entered. One of the things that I admire about this group is that they leave the "ingredients" wide open. You don't have to use a specific product. Which means that we, the viewers, get to see a WIDE variety of styles. And being exposed to a variety of anything makes one think that one could do those other things. Anyway, I am blabbering.

But, what I am trying to say is that I really like 365 Cards.

Thank you ladies.

And today's challenge is one of those times that pushed me to make something I didn't think I would like. But I did end up liking this and I think I will make more of them.

So on to the eye candy. Here is my entry:

And here is the inside. Nothing fancy. But I like the colors.

I put this together in about 30 minutes. I love it.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 45 - Tri-Fold Card AND Scrappy Frog's Challenge

Inspiration for the colors came from the Slice. Scrappy Frog's Challenge blog is challenging us to use the Slice as inspiration. I immediately saw the green buttons. Loved the light blue and of course couldn't leave out the black power cord.

The 365 Cards challenge today is to create a tri-fold card. I really had fun with this one.

It's a pretty basic design, but I got to play with buttons, brads and bling.

Oh yeah, and a little bit of lace. Green lace. I love green.

And here is the inside.

Paper is October Afternoon, image is clipart (Windows), Bazzill cardstock, font is Another Typewriter, various buttons, brads and gems, unknown lace





Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Day 44 - Money Holder

Today's 365 Card challenge is to create a money holder card.

I used the highest denomination bill in my wallet.

Can't compete with all you rich folks out there. LOL.

Chic Book Chicks - Give away - Vampire Bookd

Amy over at Chic Book Chick is having yet another give-away. This time for this book:

Yup, she found another vampire series. I am thrilled. I love vampire books. Always have. I have recently finished up the Sookie Stackhouse series and was hoping to find another good series.

One way or another, I will read this series. Hopefully my first book will be in the mail from Amy.

Head over there and throw your name in the hat. You never know....

Friday Fill-Ins on a Monday!! Crazy, I know.

Friday Fill-In time again: I am late with it, but at least I finally did remember.

1. Anonymous...needs to grow some and show their identity.

2. My youngest DD is a hoot.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, I'll hug you like a greased pig.

4. Shaving my legs again is what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when Friday Fill-ins are here.

6. Good chocolate and grass MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not cooking, tomorrow my plans include Stampin' Up event, grocery shopping and paper play and Sunday, I want to relax and eat lots at dinner! Hope you had a Happy Easter to those that celebrate it!

365 Cards - Day 43 - Gift Card Holder - Scor-it Week Kick-Off

Todays card is a gift holder. AND 365 Cards is kicking off Scor-it week.

"Each day one of the DT members will present her take on the daily challenge, along with a tutorial on her blog. Scor-it Week runs from today, until Saturday, April 18th at 11:59 PM EST. You have until then to link up your cards from any of the challenges for the week. Each challenge you complete earns you one entry in the random drawing for a Scor-it Mini!" - quote from 365 Cards.

Here's my gift card holder. I used this stamp recently and she was still out, so here she is again. This time I put Diamond Glaze on her for an epoxy look. A bit of extra sparkle for her.

And here is the inside. I simply cut a 12x12 inch piece of kraft cardstock to 5 1/2 x 10 1/2. Folded the card at the 4 1/4 mark and the 8 1/2 mark. Used a circle punch for the slot and put adhesive down the very side edges of the two inch area.

Thanks for looking. I am really enjoying this challenge. I am getting a bunch of cards made. Something I have wanted to do for a while, but always got stumped for different ideas. Thank you 365 Design Team.

365 Cards - Day 42/41/40 - Caught up now

The 365 Cards challenge for today, Day 42, was to stamp your own background. I made these two because I really liked the background stamp I used.

Day 41 - Get Well card. I'm hoping this won't make the recipient more sick.

Day 40 - Sun, Surf, Sand inspiration.

Thanks for looking.

Opus Gluei - Comfort Me - Sopa

The challenge this week on The Order of the OPUS GLUEI is "Comfort Me". Use your comfort food for inspiration.



My comfort food is really more of a category. In college I would sleep in on Saturdays and when I would wake up, I would watch Julia Child create some of the tastiest looking dishes. I would watch her from my bed until I finally had to get something to eat. Nothing as wonderful as I had just witnessed, but food. I still watch cooking shows on occasion. I can relate most to Rachel Ray. I don't have any formal training. But I love food and I love to cook. I have also "surfed" many a blog and seen many wonderful "Tutorials" on how to make certain dishes. So I decided to share one of my favorite dishes with you.


Here is my attempt to join the ranks of the cooking instructors:

Sopa

My Nana would make this dish every time I went to her house.

"Are you hungry?" was the first question out of her mouth.

WITH OUT FAIL.

She wanted to feed everyone that wandered through her door.

And she did!

Eating this makes me feel loved and warm all over.

Just like Nana did.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 T vegetable oil
1 lb. small pasta shape - I used orzo this day - uncooked
1/2 cup chopped onion - I normally use yellow, but had red in the fridge, so I used that
4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
1 t oregano

6 chicken or beef bullion cubes - depends on what you are making with this dish
8 oz tomato sauce

6 cups water

Directions:

Pour vegetable oil in pan over medium heat. Let oil heat up.

Add uncooked pasta and stir to coat with the oil.

Stir about ever few minutes, add onion after about 3 minutes.

Stir. Let cook for about 5 minutes. Stirring about every 2-3 minutes so as not to burn anything.

Add oregano and bullion cubes. Continue to stir until pasta is a golden brown. Some will not be browned. This is okay. (Kind of like when you make Rice-a-Roni)

Add garlic and let cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add tomato sauce. Stir.

Add water. Mix together.

Bring to a boil. Then lower heat and let simmer.

Sopa will be ready in about 15 minutes until pasta is tender. Sopa will be kinda of soupy. The pasta will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits.

Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I also serve with tortilla. Or quesadillas.

Leftovers are usually not available. But, if they are, this can be reheated in the microwave.

It won't be as wet, but it will still be tasty. I have to admit, I prefer this fresh cooked.

If you try this, let me know how it turned out for you.