Scrappin' Becky B.

Tutorial: Altered Hand Mirror with Recycled T-Shirt Collar Rose and Scrap-It-Girl's "Go Green" Challenge Info

2012-03-05T00:03:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, All! Today I'm going to share with you a tutorial demonstrating how I dressed up a plain old hand mirror that I purchased at Dollar Tree for a buck:

Begin by cutting the collar off of an old t-shirt:

Using coordinating thread and a running stitch, stitch along one edge of the collar. When you reach the end of the collar, gently pull the thread to gather the fabric which will create a rosette. Once you've achieved the flower shape that you like, stitch it together on the bottom to hold it in place. (My flower ended up with two rosette shapes on one flower!)

Set your rosette aside. Trace the shape of the mirror onto the wrong side of a piece of patterned paper and cut out. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the mirror:

Place the piece of decorative paper on the Mod Podged mirror back, lining up the edges of the paper with the edges of the mirror, then add a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the paper and set aside to dry:

Once the mirror is dry, you can decorate your mirror as desired! I used LOTS of "blingy" products from Hobby Lobby to decorate mine...

Here's a close-up view of the recycled t-shirt collar rose with bling centers and felt leaves with bling "veins":

And another look at the entire, finished project:

Since March is a "Go-Green" kinda month, this will be the first of several recycled "Trash to Treasure" projects that I'll be sharing with you! Also, the monthly challenge at Scrap-It-Girl is to create a project using a recycled item! (It can be a card, scrapbook layout, altered item...whatever suits your fancy!) Click HERE to check out the challenge and to see some of the wonderful entries. Here is the prize package being given away by Scrap-It-Girl to this month's winning entry:

This AWESOME prize package contains the following:

A white 8×8 board book, 6×6 white board book, Mini Notebook for altering, CD case, 5×7 Canvas Corp Stretched Canvas, 5×7 black frame, mini tin, 6 pieces of altered art shapes, and Pink Paislee Mistables trim… all of these items are for your future altered art projects!! You can enter this fun challenge up to 3 times. Good Luck and Go Green!! Make sure you add Scrap-It-Girl to your list of challenges this month!!

Wishing you a blessed day!

Quote Sunday

2012-03-04T00:06:00.000-06:00

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven."

~ George Bernard Shaw ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-03-02T00:08:00.000-06:00

Have a fun and safe weekend, friends!

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!

2012-03-01T06:09:00.000-06:00

Good morning, friends!

Just a quick post to announce the winner of my blogaversary candy winner before I head out the door to work....and the winner is......ALICE SNYDER!!

Here's the sweet comment that Alice left for me:

Becky,
I enjoy all of your wonderful craft ideas. I have to that I have made several of the wonderful recipes you share also and my family AND I have enjoyed all of them.. i always give credit where due. When ever I share an idea OR recipe I always tell people I can't take the credit that it is share from becky B. in OK. Thanks!!!
Alice Snyder

Thanks, Alice, for your kind words! Please email your address to me at scrappinbeckyb@cox.net and I will get your goodies in the mail ASAP!

Also, thanks to everyone that played along and for the great comments that you left for me as well! I appreciate you all so much!

Have a blessed day!

Blogaversary Giveaway!

2012-02-29T23:59:00.000-06:00

NOTE: This is a "sticky post" that will remain at the top of my blog through February 29th. Please scroll down to read current posts - thanks!!

WOW! Can you believe that two years ago this month I started the Scrappin' Becky B. blog...time sure flies, doesn't it?? Thanks so much for taking the time to read my musings and for letting me share my thoughts, projects and ideas with you. I look forward to many more years of blogging, crafting, and making lots of new crafty blog buddies along the way!

To celebrate my 2-year "blogaversary" I am giving away a fun little prize package, which is pictured above. The package includes the following goodies:

1 Memory Makers More than a Page book (chocked full of AWESOME paper craft projects!!)
1 yard of printed twill tape that reads "In the garden of life you are the rarest of flowers"
1 Close to My Heart "Always in My Heart" stamp set
1 package Making Memories Watercolor Brite Funky Fibers
1 Close to My Heart Blending Pen
1 package Ranger Pop-It! Shapes
1 package Close to My Heart Connections Club Stickers

Want a chance to win this prize package?? Well entering is SUPER easy...here's all you do:

1.) From Feb. 20th through Feb. 29th, 2012 leave a comment on this post letting me know what you like most about my blog. (Please leave your email address in the comment as well, so that I can notify you if you are the winner!)

2.) If you'd like to double your chances of winning by having your name go into the drawing twice, then leave a second comment letting me know that you've posted my blog giveaway on your blog and linked it back to me. (Please leave your blog address in this comment, so that I can visit your blog too!)

That's it - easy peasy, eh?? The winner's name will be drawn and posted on my blog on March 1st.

Thanks, again, for your encouragement and for being a part of my little blogging world!

Blessings,

Recipe of the Week...Mike's Chicken Fried Duck Breasts

2012-02-27T00:11:00.001-06:00

Mike and Justin love to duck hunt, and one of my FAVORITE meals is Mike's chicken fried duck breasts - YUMMMM! Here's how my sweetie makes this delectible meal:

Ingredients:

6 to 8 duck breasts, pounded out to 1/4" thickness
1 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 cup vegetable oil

Method:
Pour vegetable oil into large cast iron skillet and turn on heat. While oil is getting hot, combine flour and seasonings in a large shallow dish. (We use a glass pie plate). Pour milk into a separate shallow dish. Dip duck breasts into milk, and then into flour mixture, coating each breast really well. Place each piece of meat into hot oil, turning once or twice with tongs during cooking time to ensure that crust cooks to a golden brown and meat juices are no longer pink. Place cooked meat on paper towels to drain. Serve with herb stuffing, rice, or potatoes and veggie of choice. DELICIOUS!!

Have a WONDERFUL week!

Quote Sunday

2012-02-26T00:03:00.000-06:00

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering,

and take without forgetting."

~ Unknown ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-02-25T00:02:00.001-06:00

Mr. Potato Head updates his FaceBook page...

Have a GREAT weekend!

Special Friend Birthday Card

2012-02-24T00:04:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post today...so glad it's Friday!

My sweet friend, Diana P., is celebrating her 45th birthday tomorrow...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANA!!

Using a piece of a doily, and some patterned paper, I created the above card for her. I cut the heart out using my Cricut, and then attached a simple, knotted piece of velvet ribbon to it.

Tag - You're It!!

2012-02-22T19:00:00.001-06:00

My blogging buddy Justine recently tagged me in a fun game of "Tag - You're It!!" This is kind of a long post, so take a minute to pour a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea, grab a comfy seat, and learn some new things about me! First things first, though...

Here Are The Rules:
1. Post these rules 2. You must post 11 random things about yourself 3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post 4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer (this might be hard) 5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.

So, here goes...11 random things about me:

1.) I dream of someday living in the country again...wide open spaces, quiet sunrises and sunsets, starry night skies, watching fireflies blink in a pasture at night, sipping sweet tea while sitting on a porch swing with my sweetie, listening to frogs croaking on a nearby pond...there's NOTHING like the country life!

(Photo found on the internet)

2.) I love being at home, and I am never bored there! I always have at least one project that I am working on to occupy my time.

3.) My parents recently gave me a piano, and I am looking forward to beginning piano lessons in the near future! (Thanks, Mom and Dad!!)

4.) I am not gifted at all when it comes to programming electronics, such as DVD players, VCRs, etc. Actually, I am really lousy at it!!

5.) I used to be an avid cross-stitcher, and even won the blue ribbon several years ago at the county fair on one of my projects!

6.) I LOVE to organize things - really!! - it makes me happy to see things all neat and tidy in bins, baskets and cubbies; labeled and in alphabetical order! Ahhh - such simple joy - ha! ha!

7.) I am only 5'2" tall...but I have always wished that I could be 5'7" tall! I'd looooove to have long legs! (Note: my hubby is 6'4" and my son is 6'3" - so I look like such a shortie standing next to them unless I wear heels!)

8.) I have a goal to lose 10 lbs. by my birthday in May...which means losing 1 lb. a week for 10 weeks.

9.) I would like to learn to speak Italian, and then travel to Italy someday.

10.) I enjoy reading/studying WWII history. (Yes, I learned to embrace my "inner nerdom" a long, long time ago - LOL!)

11.) If my son ever has a daughter, I would like for him to name her Molly - that way I would have my very own "Unsinkable Molly Brown" - hee! hee! (Justin is NOT keen on this idea at all, so my chances of having my very own "Unsinkable Molly Brown" are slim to none - RATS!)

Margaret (Molly) Brown
(Photo of Mrs."Molly" Brown, survivor of the Titanic, found on the internet.)

Here are the 11 questions that Justine asked me, along with my answers:

If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? Hmmm...that's a tough one...maybe Princess Kate?
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go? England
What was your most memorable birthday? My 40th! My co-workers gave me a surprise party at work, then my sweetie organized a fun dinner with a few friends and family...it was such a fun day!
Do you have any siblings? Yes, one sister - Sarah - who is 3 years younger than me.
What household job is your least favorite? Washing dishes
Chocolate or Vanilla? Definitely CHOCOLATE!!
Give one word that you would use to describe yourself? Supercalafragalisticexpialidocious!
What's your favorite movie of all time? Ferris Bueller's Day Off..."Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Quote from Ferris Bueller
Iphone or Blackberry? Iphone
Did you do anything special for Valentine's day? Enjoyed a nice, quiet evening at home with my sweet hubby.
When did you start your blog? February 2010

Here are the people that I am tagging to play along:

Lisa
Ann
Barb
Tammy
Stacie
Gloria
Kimberly
Pam

And, here are my questions for you...

1.) What is your favorite kind of music?
2.) Are you a dog person or cat person?
3.) City mouse or country mouse at heart?
4.) What is your favorite children's book?
5.) Morning person or night owl?
6.) What is your favorite season?
7.) If you could change professions now, what would you like to do?
8.) What Girl Scout cookie do you love the most?
9.) What is something new that you would like to learn to do?
10.) Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
11.) If you could travel back in time, what era/century/decade would you want to visit?

I look forward to seeing your answers and getting to know you better!

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Quote Sunday

2012-02-19T00:06:00.000-06:00

"Miracles are everywhere,

you'll find them in the tiniest of moments of every ordinary day."

~ Unknown ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-02-18T00:06:00.002-06:00

Frosted Designs Challenge...Brads/Eyelets

2012-02-17T00:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!! Today is my last time to post a Fabulous Friday Challenge as a Design Team Member for Frosted Designs. I have truly enjoyed my time on their Design Team, but have decided not to continue for another term. (I am going to begin piano lessons and watercolor painting classes in the near future; and I would also like to take cake decorating classes while I am on summer break, so I didn't think I wanted to juggle being on 2 design teams as well).

Anyhoo...this week's Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge is to incorporate eyelets and/or brads into a project. As you can see, I incorporated both elements into the layout above of Justin and his beloved beagle, Hunter. (You can click on the layout for a larger view to read the journaling blocks). I did a lacing technique on the middle of the layout using eyelets and torn muslin; and used brads to attach the journaling blocks around the outer edge of the layout.

Click HERE to go to the Frosted Designs blog and to get all of the details for entering a project and winning a prize!

Happy Scrappin'!!

Simple Flower Pot Card Tutorial

2012-02-15T00:52:00.002-06:00

Above is the cute flower pot card that I made for my friend Cristi. Although I added a Valentine's Day sentiment inside, this card could easily be used for a birthday, Mother's Day, etc. Here's how I made it:

Start by adhering a piece of decorative paper to a 4" x 5 1/2" card base. Cut a piece of tan cardstock into a rectangle that measures 2" wide x 3" tall. Trim the 3" sides so that they taper to look like a flower pot:

Sponge brown ink around the edges of the flower pot and fold the top down to create the lip of the flower pot, securing the lip with a piece of adhesive. Attach a scrap piece of ric-rac or ribbon around the flower pot for a little extra decoration:

Attach the flower pot to the card with adhesive. Cut out 2 leaves from felt and attach at an angle from the flower pot using Glue Dots:

Layer 3 fabric and/or paper flowers and attach a decorative brad to the center of the flowers to hold together. Using Glue-Dots, attach the flower to the card above the flower pot:

Stamp a sentiment onto a scrap piece of white cardstock; cut out; and attach to the front of the card with 3-D dots. That's it - easy peasy - your super cute card is now complete! Here's another photo of the finished card:

Have a blessed day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T00:06:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post this morning to wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day! I've been in a card making mood lately, so here are a few of the Valentine cards that I made over the weekend:

This card is actually an anniversary card for my precious sis-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy and Don. (Happy Anniversary - love you guys!!) They were married on Valentine's Day, so the cards that I make for them always have "Valentine's look"...

Here's a card that I made for my best bud, Jamie:

And for my terrific pal, Tracy:

And my dear friend and co-worker, Gina:

Tomorrow I will share the cute card that I made for my sweet friend, Cristi...but for now I'm going to show you the Valentine goodie bags that I made for my student library aides:

Didn't they turn out adorable?? I found the little heart-printed zip-loc bags at the Dollar Tree, along with the white crinkle shred that I tucked inside each one. I then filled them with minature chocolate bars; folded a small paper doily in half; punched two holes in the doily and bag; and tied it all up with a red grosgrain ribbon. I love the way that the doilies dressed up a simple bag, and it was soooo simple to pull together!

Have a wonderful day!! Be sure to take the time to tell/show the special folks in your life how important they are to you and how much you love them!

Blessings,

Recipe of the Week...Just in Time for Valentine's Day...Strawberry Fudge

2012-02-13T00:02:00.002-06:00

I spotted this recipe for Strawberry Fudge on Pinterest and happened to tell one of our student library aides about it, and she said "I'll make some and bring it to school for you tomorrow, Mrs. Brown". Well, she did, and it was really good! (We have AWESOME student aides at our school!!!) This fudge is reeeeally rich and tastes kinda like strawberry milk or the crunch berries in Cap'n Crunch cereal. I recommend cutting it into small pieces,though, since it is so rich. Why not whip some of this fudge for Valentine's Day tomorrow? Click HERE for the recipe.

Have a GREAT day!

Quote Sunday

2012-02-12T00:08:00.000-06:00

"The secret of life is not finding someone to live with...

it's finding someone you can't live without."

~ Unknown ~

Silly Saturday

2012-02-11T00:05:00.001-06:00

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Heartfelt Birthday Card

2012-02-10T00:08:00.001-06:00

Thank goodness it's Friday!!! My friend, Carol G., is celebrating a birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!!! Above is a photo of the card that I made for her...I really love the cheerful look of blue and red together, don't you??

Gotta run for now...have a WONDERFUL day!!!

Scrap-It-Girl Prize Package...

2012-02-08T00:19:00.001-06:00

Check out the AWESOME prize package being offered by Kimberly over at Scrap-It-Girl!! (You can click on the photo for a better view). Here's a list of what's being given away:

Green Webster's Pages Trim
Pink Paislee crystals
2 sets of power puff chalks
3 Jenni Bowlin Bingo Cards
Anna Griffin Trims
Maya Road Pins
3 Flower embellishments
Button Stackers
Floss
5 mini tickets

To be eligible to win, click HERE to link up a "Show Some Love" project before the end of the month!

Happy Scrappin'!!

Must Read! "World War II Remembered"...

2012-02-07T00:04:00.001-06:00

Last night while watching the the World News on NBC, the broadcaster did a story about a book scheduled to be released on Feb. 8th called World War II Remembered. It is a book written by several residents of a retirement home, all part of the "Greatest Generation", in which they each tell their stories of WWII. Some from the perspective of being on the battle front, some from the home front, and some from Japanese interment camps. I am a bit of a WWII history buff, so this sounds like a marvelous read and one that I will have to purchase soon! You can click on the photo of the book above to go to the Barnes & Noble link to pre-order a copy, if you'd like.

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Recipe of the Week...Crescent Pepperoni Rollups

2012-02-06T00:36:00.002-06:00

One of my new favorite recipe sites is the Plain Chicken. I discovered the recipe for Crescent Pepperoni Rollups there, and made some last night for Mike and I to snack on while we watched the Super Bowl. They were really yummy, and so easy! Click HERE for the recipe and enjoy!!

Have a blessed week!

Quote Sunday

2012-02-05T00:02:00.000-06:00

"The simplest things are most often the truest."

~ Richard Bach ~

Silly Saturday

2012-02-04T00:04:00.002-06:00

Have a FANTASTIC weekend!

Frosted Designs Challenge...Ribbon or Twine

2012-02-03T00:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday! This week's Fabulous Friday challenge at Frosted Designs is to create a project using twine or ribbon. My layout above incorporates both of these elements! Using jute twine, I formed a lasso and I also did a little decorative stitching in the upper left corner with jute as well. I used a piece of torn denim to create a ribbon that I attached to the top of the journaling tag that's tucked inside the pocket with the tickets and other memorabilia. Here's a close-up view of the stitching and denim ribbon...you can click on either picture for a larger view:

This challenge runs through noon next Thursday, February 9th, (and there's a prize for the winner!!), so why not enter a twine/ribbon project? I'd love to see what you come up with!!

Blessings,

Scrap-It-Girl February Challenge..."Show Some Love"

2012-02-02T01:48:00.003-06:00

This month's Scrap-It-Girl challenge is to create a project using hearts, XOXO, or do a layout about someone or something you love! (See my example above...you can click on my layout for a better view.)

You have from Feburary 1st - 29th to enter, and a prize will be given away! (Details about the prize to come!) So, come on!! Show some love and enter one or more of your fabulous creations!!

Happy Scrappin'!!

Recipe of the Week..."Hot Toddy"

2012-01-31T00:05:00.000-06:00

My sweetie was feeling a little under the weather this past weekend...sore throat, aches, head congestion...so I made a hot toddy for him before bedtime to help soothe his throat. Here's how I made it:

Ingredients:

1 oz. brandy
1 oz. orange juice
1 Tablespoon honey
1 cup boiling water
Cinnamon stick
Whole cloves

Method:
Place the honey, brandy and orange juice in the bottom of a mug. Boil water, cinnamon stick and whole cloves together for about 5 minutes. Pour water mixture into mug, removing the cinnamon stick and cloves. Serve warm.

Have a blessed week!

February Frosted Designs Blog Hop

2012-01-30T00:04:00.000-06:00

Quote Sunday

2012-01-29T00:02:00.000-06:00

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

~ Matthew 5:14-16 ~

NIV

Silly Saturday...

2012-01-28T00:08:00.001-06:00

Chicken Horror Movie:

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Stitched Felt Glasses Case

2012-01-26T00:20:00.000-06:00

Last week I broke a pair of my reading glasses, so I had to purchase a new pair. This got me thinking that I really needed to make a cute case to store my "cheater glasses" in, so Sunday afternoon I whipped one up. The first photo is of the back of the case and the second photo is the front of the case:

Here's how I made it:

Start by cutting a piece of blue felt into 2 pieces - the back piece should measure 3" wide x 9" long and the front piece should measure 3" wide x 6" long. Taper the flap of the case so that it will neatly tuck into the strap. Next cut a piece of pink felt 3" long x 1" wide - this will be the strap to hold the flap down. I "freehand" cut the letter B, the flower and the leaves. Here's a view of all of the cut pieces:

Using 3 strands of embroidery floss, blanket stitch the flower together and then blanket stitch it and the leaves to the back of the case. Not sure how to create a blanket stitch? Here's a diagram to help you:

If you choose to put a monogram or design on the front, you'll want to stitch that on now. After you've attached the decorative elements to the front and back of the case pieces, stitch the case together. Be sure to stitch around the strap too! I added a button to the strap for decoration, but you could embroider something on that area or leave it plain if you like.

That's it - a super easy and cute stitched felt glasses case that can be whipped up in a couple of hours! I hope this tutorial has been helpful...I'd love to see the cases that you come up with so feel free to email photos to me!

Blessings,

Scrapbook Page: The Most Important Thing is Family...

2012-01-25T00:04:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post today to share with you a scrapbook layout that I created using a family photo from our 2005 Colorado vacation. I incorporated some postcard looking paper that I distressed by inking and tearing. I also matted the 8" x 8" photo with mulberry paper that I tore around the edges, which gives the layout an added layer of texture. For a little more texture, I tied yarn fibers to the tags to hold them together.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Have a FANTASTIC day!!

Recipe of the Week...Mexican Lasagna

2012-01-23T00:02:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick and yummy meal that's sure to please! Mexican Lasagna is one of Justin's favorite meals, so I like to make it often for him. I serve it up with a side salad and/or corn on the cob, and add a dollop of lite sour cream to the top of the Mexican Lasagna, along with a few sliced black olives. (Although I was out of black olives when I took this picture!)

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean hamburger meat
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded Monteray Jack cheese
Corn tortillas
Sour cream, (optional)
Sliced black olives, (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:
In a large skillet, brown hamburger meat, salt, pepper and onion until meat is cooked through and onion is transparent. While meat is cooking, combine enchilada sauce and soup in a medium sauce pan and whisk together over low heat until smooth and warmed through. Add cooked, drained hamburger meat/onion to sauce mix. Spread a thin layer of the sauce/meat mixture on the bottom of a buttered 9" x 13" baking dish. Add a layer of corn tortillas. Repeat twice, ending with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Top each serving with sour cream and sliced black olives if desired.

Have a WONDERFUL week!

Quote Sunday

2012-01-22T00:06:00.001-06:00

"Simplicity, clarity, singleness:

these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy".

~ Richard Halloway ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-01-21T00:14:00.000-06:00

Have a SUPER weekend!

Frosted Designs Challenge...Use Acrylic, Vellum or Transparency on Your Project

2012-01-20T00:05:00.001-06:00

This week's Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs is to incorporate acrylic, vellum and/or transparency products into your project. The layout that I created to commemorate our 15th wedding anniversary in 2002 fits the bill for this fun challenge! (It's hard to believe that has been 10 years ago and that we'll celebrate our 25th anniversary this summer...life is SO GOOD!) Anyhoo, here's the layout...you can click on the photos for close-up views:

I took a photo of the beautiful bouquet that sweetie surprised me with, and layered a piece of vellum with a Maya Angelou quote over the top of the photo:

I pressed and dried one of the roses from the bouquet, placed it inside of a clear envelope, and incorporated it into the layout:

Last, but not least, I created the title/header by using metal letters and tags with words describing our wonderful 15 years together:

I hope that you'll take a minute to join in our fun Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs by linking up your project too! There's a prize being given away, so you won't want to miss out!

Wishing you a blessed day!

Pantry Organization Tour

2012-01-18T00:05:00.001-06:00

Recently I spent a little time reorganizing my walk-in pantry. I started pulling everything off of the shelves and washing them down with Lysol kitchen cleaner. Here are a few photos of my pantry and how I keep everything organized and readily accessible:

When you open the door to my pantry, the light automatically comes on - I just LOVE that!! The pantry has deep "L" shaped shelves, so the first photo is of the left side:

And the second photo is of the right side:

I don't alphabetize the canned goods on the shelves in my pantry, instead I organize them by type. For instance, I keep all of the canned veggies together, canned soups together, sauces together, canned fruits together, etc. For me, that makes more sense than alphabetizing things, and in turn makes it easier for my family to locate the items that they need.

I store a lot of things in some of my Longaberger baskets...everything from cookie cutters to holiday napkins, to plastic tableware. I also have white plastic baskets where I store plastic bowls and lids for us to put leftovers in for our lunches. I purchased these white baskets at the Dollar Tree for a buck each, and they work great for corraling the bowls and their matching lids:

A friend of my hubby's gave me a bunch of glass canning jars that he found while cleaning out his mom's barn. Some of them are really large - 4 qt. sized - so I purchased white plastic lids for them at Wal-Mart and put them to good use by storing dry goods. They work great for holding various pastas, rice, beans, cornmeal, etc. - and they look cute to boot! I added some fun red ribbon and tags to each jar to dress them up a bit:

I used some of the jars to store a few of my baking goods, such as powdered and brown sugar, marshmallows and red hots candies:

I use one of the short, wide-mouth jars to neatly store my cupcake liners:

To keep my rolls of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, parchment baking paper, zip-loc bags, and such neat and tidy, I store them upright in a large plastic magazine holder that I purchased at Wal-Mart. (I got this BRILLIANT idea from Pinterest!)

My spices are stored on 2 lazy-susan turn tables, and my Kool-Aid, coffee filters, chip clips and seasoning packets are stored in easy to reach baskets. My canisters fit nicely on one of the shelves, which frees up counter space in my kitchen, and I also keep all of my crock pots, mixing bowls, pots/pans, and baking dishes within easy reach on these shelves as well. Drinking straws are stored in a glass jar, next the the basket that keeps our loaf of bread from getting squashed:

My pantry is one of my favorite rooms in our home because it is so neat and organized...it just makes me happy when I walk into it!

Thanks for letting me share these organizing tips with you today...I hope that they help you too!

Blessings,

Scrap-It-Girl CHA Challenge Prize Package Info

2012-01-17T00:22:00.000-06:00

Check out the AWESOME prize package above being given away by Kimberly at Scrap-It-Girl!! All you have to do to have an opportunity to win these goodies is to link up a project that you've created using products starting with C, H, and A.

Examples:

C = cardstock, chipboard, etc.
H = hearts, hemp, etc.
A = alphabets, arrows, etc.

See how easy it is?? You have until January 31st to link up your creations...so get creative with your C, H, A themed project!! There's still plenty of time to get in on the fun!!

Have a SUPER day!

Recipe of the Week...Firehouse Chicken

2012-01-16T00:08:00.000-06:00

Some of my favorite recipes come from cookbooks that I've collected through the years, which have been compiled and sold by churches and schools. (Church ladies and school ladies sure know how to cook!!) Although I normally "tweak" a recipe to suit my taste, I have found that the tried-n-true recipes in these cookbooks are usually no fail and big hits with my family. The recipe that I'm sharing with you this week comes from a cookbook that was compiled by the PTA at the elementary school that my son attended from 1995 to 2001. The name "Firehouse Chicken" is a bit deceiving though, as this dish isn't spicy at all. Instead, it is chocked full of yummy chunks of chicken breast, a thick gravy, and a stuffing topping - a delicious, stick-to-your-ribs kinda meal!

Ingredients:

2 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 soup can of milk
1 box chicken flavored stuffing mix

Method:
Pour 2 Tablespoons of olive oil into a glass baking dish and spread around. Add chicken to dish and rotate chicken to coat with olive oil. Bake chicken at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from oven and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Grease an 8 1/2" x 11" baking dish with butter and set aside. While chicken is cooking, prepare stuffing mix as directed on box, using chicken broth instead of water. (This makes the stuffing extra moist!) In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soup and milk to create a sauce texture. Pour soup mixture into bottom of buttered baking dish. Add cooked chicken breast pieces and spoon cooked stuffing over the top of soup/chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes until hot throughout. Serve with veggie and/or a salad.

Wishing you a WONDERFUL week!

Quote Sunday

2012-01-15T00:05:00.001-06:00

"To pay homage to beauty is to admire nature;

to admire nature is to worship God."

~ Author Unknown ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-01-14T00:03:00.000-06:00

Have a fun and safe weekend!

A Scrapbook Layout, A New Design Team and A Scrap-It-Girl Challenge...

2012-01-11T06:41:00.001-06:00

My blogging pal, Kimberly, over at Scrap-It-Girl now has a BEAUTIFUL new website! She is so talented and I am SUPER excited that she has asked me to be a member of her design team! Each month Kimberly will host a fun challenge and will giveaway some really cool prizes to the winners...so you will definitely want to be a part of the fun!

Here's a line up of the first 3 Scrap-It-Girl challenges for 2012:

1. Jan. 11-Jan. 31: Kimberly will be attending CHA in California later this month, so this month's challenge involves using items that start with the letters C, H, & A. Some examples would be: cardstock, chipboard, canvas, hearts, hardware, hero arts, arrows, abc's, animals...etc., etc.

2. Feb. 1-Feb 29: Show some love!! Use hearts, xo xo, or do a layout about someone or something you love!

3. March 1-March 31: Go Green Month. Use recycled products on your page!

Here's an example of a layout for the first challenge, using items that begin with C, H, A:

I created this layout using a photos of my Grandad Franklin and myself - taken about 50 years apart - at Pike's Peak. I used mini compasses for the "C" requirement, hemp twine for the "H" requirement, and the arrows on the compass background paper represent the requirement for "A".

Here's a close-up view of the journaling, which gives the story of the photos:

Don't forget to link up your C, H, A project at Scrap-It-Girl!! You have until January 31st and I can hardly wait to see your creations!!!

Wishing you a blessed day!

Denim Flower Tutorial

2012-01-09T00:04:00.003-06:00

In previous posts, I've showed you how I recycle old blue jean pockets, etc. to use on scrapbook pages and canvas projects. Today I'm going to show you some flower pins that I created using denim from the leg of an old pair of jeans and some blingy buttons. They make fun and basically free accessories to brighten up a jacket; and they also make a great replacement as a bow on a gift or decoration on a gift bag, which the recipiant always loves! Here's a tutorial for the first flower:

Begin by cutting a wavy circle of denim. The larger your circle is, the larger your flower will be:

Spiral cut your wavy denim circle to look like this:

Beginning with the center of your spiral, curl the spiral around itself to form a flower - hot gluing as you go to hold it all in place - and then fray the edges of your flower to add some "rustic charm". Cut a small circle from a piece of felt and hot glue it to the back of your flower. Hot glue a blingy button to the center of the flower, form leaves from some crinkly green seam ribbon and hot glue to the felt back. Attach a pin to the back of the felt and you're all set! Here's the finished flower attached to my favorite brown corduory jacket:

Here are a couple of more scrap denim flowers that I made:

The one shown above is simple two denim circles that have been layered and stitched together in the center. You'll then cut "petals" around the perimeter of the flower and fray the edges. Hot glue a CTMH paper flower and blingy button to create the center of your flower. Attach a felt circle and pin to the back - SUPER quick and easy!! (This particular flower makes a great decorative element on a card that can be removed and worn by the recipient!)

And, last but not least, here's the final flower:

To create this flower, I simply cut a 10" x 1" (approximately!) piece of frayed, scrap denim. By using a running stitch on one side, I gathered the denim strip into a circle and then stitched the inner edges together so that it would retain its shape. I cut 2 cream felt circles and cut "petals" into the felt pieces; stitching the felt flower to the center of the denim. I added a blingy button and a green crinkly ribbon leaf to the flower; then attached a felt circle and pin to the back - TA-DAH!! Another quick and easy flower pin!

Wishing you a blessed day!

Quote Sunday

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

"Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at at time".

~ Leo F. Buscaglia ~

Silly Saturday...

2012-01-07T00:05:00.003-06:00

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Frosted Designs Challenge..."Cardstock Only"

2012-01-06T00:02:00.000-06:00

This week's Fabulous Friday challenge over at Frosted Designs is to create a project using cardstock and no patterned paper. I created the monogrammed cardset above using various colors of cardstock that I random stamped a design on. (I saw a similar design on a website a couple of years ago, but I don't remember the name of the website...sorry!) I attached the stamped cardstock to plain white card bases, along with a knotted piece of black grosgrain ribbon. I then stamped and punched out the letter "B", and used 3-D dots to attach it to the colored cardstock. Easy peasy!

Thanks for looking! I hope that you'll enter a cardstock project in this challenge...I'd love to see your creations!

Blessings,

Recipe of the Week...Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

2012-01-04T19:40:00.002-06:00

I know that I am not alone when I say that I have become a Pinterest junkie! While browsing Pinterest one afternoon, I stumbled across a recipe for Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti so I decided to make it for dinner that evening. We all LOOOOVED it!! You can find the recipe HERE; I just know that you'll want to try it too. (Your family will thank you!)

Photo from the Plain Chicken website.

Have a fantastic day!

And the Winner is.....

2012-01-02T05:55:00.000-06:00

Good morning! Thanks to those who participated in my whimiscal fleece scarf giveaway! The winner's name was drawn this morning and the scarf is going to.....Stacie!! Congrats!! I've got your address, Stacie, so I'll pop your scarf in the mail this week! Enjoy!!

Wishing you all a blessed day!!

Giveaway!! Whimsical Fleece Scarf...

2012-01-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

NOTE: This is a "sticky post" and will remain at the top of my blog through January 1st. Please scroll down to read current posts - thanks!!

Recently I found a tutorial HERE on how to make the super cute felt flowers shown above. (Fair warning...these become addictive to make!) So, in the evenings while watching TV with Mike, I have stitched up A LOT of these cuties and I decided that I needed to come up with something really fun to attach them to.

Hobby Lobby had fleece-by-the-yard marked 30% off, so I thought "why not make some scarves"? I bought a yard of pretty, soft blue fleece and brought it home. Using my rotary cutter and self-healing mat, I cut the yard of fleece into 4 - 9" wide pieces and then cut fringe in each of the ends:

I then proceeded to stitch my felt flowers to the fleece scarf. (Say that 5 times really fast...felt flowers fleece scarf - hee! hee!) To make the fringe have a "curly-q" effect, simply pinch each piece of fringe and pull it to stretch and form the "curls":

Here's a close-up of the curly fringe and flowers:

These are so quick and easy to whip up, and they make great last-minute gifts! (You could add blanket stitching around the outer edges of the scarf, but I decided to just leave mine with a plain edge). I posted this project as part of Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday challenge for this week, which is to create something using cloth/fabric. The challenge ends at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 28th and I hope that you will enter a project in their challenge - I'd love to see your creations!

*******************************************************************

Now for the giveaway part of this post!!! Just for fun, and to thank my wonderful followers and blog friends, I am giving away one of these cute, soft scarves! Here's what you need to do to have your name entered in the drawing:

Between Friday, Dec. 23rd and Sunday, Jan. 1st, become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment to let me know that you are.
Post a link to my blog/this giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment to let me know that you've done so.

That's it!! Just two simple things to have a chance to win this fun scarf!! Giveaway ends at midnight, Jan. 1, 2012. Winner will be posted on my blog Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

*******************************************************************

On a final note, I thought I'd show you something else that I did with one of the felt flowers. I attached a pin to the back of one and pinned it to a hat that is part of the hat/scarf/glove set that I bought for my sister. Here's a picture of how the felt flower dresses up a plain gray fleece hat:

Pretty cute, huh??

Thanks for reading/following my blog!! Wishing you a blessed day!

Quote Sunday

2012-01-01T00:00:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year! I wish you and your families a wonderful year filled with peace, joy, love and prosperity! Thanks for reading my blog, sharing your thoughts and inspiring me...I value your friendships more than you'll ever know and I look forward to another fun year of blogging with you!

Blessings,

Silly Saturday...

2011-12-31T00:09:00.001-06:00

Have a fun and safe New Year's Eve!

Blogaversary Giveaway From Ann's November Rose...

2011-12-30T09:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!! My blog buddy, Ann over at November Rose is celebrating her 2nd blogaversary - congrats to you, Ann!! To celebrate her blog turning "2", she is giving away Fancy Tags from Spellbinders Shapeabilities® and A Typeface stamp set from Close To My Heart®, which are shown in the photo above. Please take a moment and hop over to Ann's blog to check out her FANTASTIC crafty ideas and register for her giveaway! She will select a winner on Monday, January 2nd.

Thanks! Have a SUPER weekend!!!

Recipe of the Week...Beer Cheese Dip

2011-12-29T00:03:00.000-06:00

Awhile back I stumbled across this recipe on the Hidden Valley Ranch recipe page. I recently whipped up a batch to take to a party, and it was a hit, so with New Year's celebrations just a few days away I thought I'd share this quick recipe with you.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 - 8 oz. packages softened cream cheese
1 - 1 oz. packet of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dip Mix
1/2 - 3/4 cup beer
Chopped green onion
Crackers, pretzels or fresh veggies

Method:
Combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, dip mix and chopped green onion in mixing bowl. Gradually blend in beer until mixture reaches desired consistency. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers, pretzels and/or fresh veggies.

Yield: 3 cups dip.

Have a FANTASTIC day!!

A New Family Member...

2011-12-27T18:26:00.001-06:00

I've been AWOL from blogging for the past couple of days because we've added a new member to the Brown family...a 2 1/2 year old, 10 lb. Chihuahua mix that we rescued through PAL. (Pet Adoption League). His name is "Tony Rigatoni", and he is sooooo sweet!! He came to us already house broken and crate trained, and has just wrapped himself around our hearts! Here are a few photos of our precious little Tony:

His favorite toy is a stuffed hedgehog...you should see him wrestle with it...soooo funny!!

Have a blessed day!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:01:00.002-06:00

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.

~ Phillippians 2:9-11 ~

From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, love and joy!

Thanks for being a part of my "little world" this year! God Bless You!

Silly Saturday...

2011-12-24T00:11:00.002-06:00

Another funny clip from one of my favorite Christmas movies...Elf:

Wishing you a WONDERFUL Christmas Eve!!

Recipe of the Week..."Cherry Chocolate Brownies"

2011-12-22T00:09:00.001-06:00

Here's a YUMMY dessert that whips up really fast for those last minute holiday get-togethers...and there's only 5 ingredients!!

Ingredients:

1 can cherry pie filling
3 eggs
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 bag white chocolate chips

Method
Stir together the first 4 ingredients. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle white chocolate chips on top of hot brownies. Using a metal spatula, spread melting chips over brownies to create a marble effect. When completely cooled, cut brownies and place on serving platter. Cover any uneaten brownies to keep from drying out.

Enjoy!!

YIKES! Tooth Extraction Day...

2011-12-21T01:14:00.008-06:00

Okay, I admit it!! I am a total weenie when it comes to having major dental work done, which is why I am sharing this "oh-woe-me-pity-party" post with you today!

You see, a couple of weeks ago I cracked one of my molars in multiple places and the pain was like ice picks jabbing into my jaw, back teeth and right ear for several days because I also had an infection. After calling my dentist's office, who graciously worked me in ASAP, I was referred to an endodontist who ran some tests. He discovered that the tooth was cracked so badly that it couldn't be saved. I was put on a heavy dose of antibiotics for the infection and large doses of ibuprofen. (I am allergic to pain medication with codeine, so I haven't been able to take anything stronger than ibuprofen for the pain). I was then referred to an oral surgeon, who will be pulling the cracked molar this morning. (Today happens to be my first day off of work for Christmas Break, so I'm kinda bummed about having to spend it having a danged tooth pulled...I know, I know...whine, whine, whine...UGH!)

On February 6th I will return to my dentist's office to have a crown/bridge built...oh what fun...NOT!! I keep trying to look at the bright side...

At least I will be on Christmas Break for a couple of weeks so my mouth can heal before I go back to work...even though it is during Christmas when there is TONS of yummy food that I won't be able to really enjoy. (Oh wait! Sorry - I was trying to look at the bright side of this situation - LOL!!)

Maybe I will lose a couple of pounds during this ordeal, since I haven't been able to eat much during the past couple of weeks with a severely cracked molar, and won't be able to eat much once it's pulled...yup, that's right, I'll have a jump on the 'ole annual "weight loss New Year's resolution"!

My sweetie makes the BEST scrambled eggs, and he has been very kind to make them for me often during my cracked molar saga.

Once this is over, I will no longer have an old, ugly metal filling in that molar...it will be replaced with a pretty porcelain bridge/crown. (Hmmm...that's a little vain, isn't it?? Well...I'm grabbing at straws here...trying to be positive about this ordeal!!)

Thanks for listening to me whine! Please keep me in your prayers as I head off to the oral surgeon this morning.

Blessings,

Notecard Treat Boxes

2011-12-20T03:02:00.002-06:00

Here are some quick, fun little treat boxes that I created from notecards to give to some of my co-workers. I filled these cuties with small bottles of yummy scented Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer and various candies. (Since we all work with kids, hand sanitizer is a necessity for our desk drawers!)

Here's how I made them:

I started out with notecards that had a design printed on both the front and back. (Mine came from Hot Off the Press).

Next, I made tiny score marks at the top and bottom centers of the card:

I then scored diagonally from the top and bottom score marks to the center fold of the card. You will now have a diamond shape scored in your card:

Fold along all of the score lines to form the flaps of your treat box:

Using a Crop-a-Dile, punch holes in each of the flaps:

Open your box up and fill with treats:

Fold your box back up, aligning the holes, and run a piece of ribbon through the holes to form a bow to secure the opening:

Attach gift tags to your boxes and TA-DA! Your cute little treat box is complete! Just think how cute these would be for birthday or engagement parties; for Easter or teacher appreciation week?? Michael's usually has lots of pretty notecards and ribbon in their $1.00 bin, so there are lots of designs that could be used!

Wishing you a wonderful day!!

Felt Snowflake Christmas Card

2011-12-19T16:38:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that Christmas is only 5 days away?!? I still have several things left to do before Christmas...I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I feel like I'm running behind!

Anyhoo...just a quick post for today....

Here's an simple/elegant Christmas card that I created using some felt snowflake garland that I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I included red grosgrain ribbon and square bling jewels for a little extra color pop and pizazz.

Thanks for looking! Have a SUPER day!

Quote Sunday

2011-12-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

"God is, and all is well."

~ John Whittier ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-12-17T00:01:00.004-06:00

Have a fun and safe weekend, my friends!!

Scrap-It-Girl Challenge and Prize...

2011-12-14T00:02:00.002-06:00

Kimberly over at Scrap It Girl is hosting a fun and easy challenge! All you have to do is create a project using Melissa Frances products and link up your project on her blog between Dec. 8th - Dec. 29th to be entered to win this sweeeeet prize package:

Blessings,

Recipe of the Week...Grandma Buckallew's Fresh Cranberry Salad

2011-12-13T00:04:00.000-06:00

My Grandma Buckallew, (my dad's mother), was an amazing cook...she raised 3 boys and was married to my grandpa for over 50 years, so she spent a lot of time in the kitchen! She could make scrumptious cobblers and pies, deliciously crunchy sweet pickles and melt-in-your mouth hot rolls; but my favorite dish was her Fresh Cranberry Salad. It just isn't the holidays to me unless I have a pretty glass bowl of this yummy sweet and tart salad to compliment the ham, turkey, pork loin or roast that is served at our table.

My grandmother's original recipe calls for celery, but since Justin and several other family members don't like celery, I leave it out and just double the amount of chopped apples. Here's her wonderful recipe - I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup chopped celery, (I omit and double the apples)
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 small package red Jell-O (I use cherry)

Method:
Cook berries, water and sugar until berries pop. While hot, add Jell-O and marshmallows, stirring until marshmallows have melted. Set aside to cool down. Add remaining ingredients and pour into a decorative bowl. Chill until set. (Note...I also like to add a dollop of Cool-Whip on top of my serving....yummmmm!!)

Have a blessed day!

BRILLIANT IDEA!! Cupcake Christmas Ornament

2011-12-12T00:04:00.004-06:00

WOWZERS!!! Is this a CUTE ornament or what?!?!? My blog buddy, Ann, over at November Rose created this fabulous cupcake ornament and has posted a super easy tutorial on her fantastic blog! Please take a minute to check it out, along with her other amazing creations...she is such an inspiration to me and I know you'll love her too!!

Have a SPECTACULAR day!

Quote Sunday

2011-12-11T00:03:00.002-06:00

"The scenes of childhood are the memories of future years".
~ J.O. Choules ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-12-10T00:16:00.000-06:00

Mike and I have been doing some holiday baking, so when I saw this photo online and it just "cracked" me up - ha! ha! ha! (Sorry for the bad humor...I just couldn't resist!!)

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Frosted Designs Challenge..."Glitter"

2011-12-09T00:02:00.003-06:00

This week's challenge over at Frosted Designs is to create a project using glitter. To be perfectly honest, I am NOT a fan of glitter. As a matter of fact, I really, really dislike using it, and I avoid it because it clings to everything and is so messy. (This goes back to my OCD tendencies of being a bit of a neat freak - ha! ha!)

Anyhoo...after much thought and deliberation as to what I would make to submit for this challenge, I finally decided to make a home-spun looking winter wreath for my front door! I used a basic green wreath and made a bow out of some scrap burlap and buttons that I had on hand. I then added felt snowflakes, a metal "welcome" sign, white berries, and last-but-not-least a felt snowman that has been dusted with "snow glitter". Here's a close-up view of the snowman:

I hope those of you who are not "glitter challenged" will enter your projects in the Frosted Designs challenge this week! You have until noon Thursday, Dec. 15th to link up your creations. I would loooove to see what awesome, crafty projects you come up with!!

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Happy 40th Birthday to my Best Bud, Jamie!!

2011-12-08T00:03:00.000-06:00

My best bud Jamie, (shown on the right in the photo above), is celebrating her 40th birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BESTIE!!!

Jamie is an AMAZING lady and FABULOUS friend! She is an elementary school principal, a great mom to her 4 kiddos, a fantastic advocate for children, super smart and has a heart of gold! On top of all that, she has a terrific sense of humor and makes me laugh so hard at some of the silliest things! (Oh, and she has the tiniest waist, which I am so jealous of - hee! hee!)

Have a happy day!!

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-07T00:07:00.000-06:00

My friend/co-worker, Susan G., commissioned me to make a Christmas wreath for her door. She told me that she wanted something with a Victorian touch, but not "over-the-top", so the photo above is what I came up with for her. Although you can't see it in the photo, the silver snowflakes have bling centers, which matches the bling highlights on the silver monogram hanging in the center of the wreath. I am pleased at how it turned out...elegant, yet not over done. I am taking it to work today to give it to her, so I hope she likes it!

Thanks for looking! Have a blessed day!

Recipe of the Week...Sugared Strawberry Pecan Loaf

2011-12-06T06:39:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderfully moist quick bread to make for breakfast, brunch, or just snacking on any time of day! It's delicious served with coffee, hot cocoa, or cappuccino.

Ingredients:

1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup lite sour cream
1 cup diced strawberries
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl with an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla to creamed butter and sugar mixture. In separate bowl combine dry ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed ingredients until thoroughly blended. Add sour cream. Fold in strawberries and pecans and pour mixture into a buttered 9" x 5" loaf pan. Sprinkle additional sugar on top of batter. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until top is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean when inserted into loaf. Cool in pan for 30 minutes and then transfer loaf from pan to a towel covered cooling rack. Can be served warm with butter...DELICIOUS!

Have a wonderful day!

Mike's Buck

2011-12-05T06:57:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post before I head out the door for work....wanted to share some pics of the big buck that Mike harvested last night. WOOT!! WOOT!!

Lastly, here's one of Mike and his best huntin' buddy, Justin:

Thanks for lettin' me brag on my sweetie!

Have a FANTASTIC day!

Quote Sunday

2011-12-04T00:16:00.001-06:00

"The purpose of life is to discover your gift...

the meaning of life is to give it away".

~ David Viscott ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-12-03T00:04:00.002-06:00

I just love the movie "Elf" - soooo funny!! Let the Christmas Season begin!!!

Scrapbook Page: GO POKES!!!

2011-12-02T00:03:00.001-06:00

Mike, Justin and I are BIG fans of Oklahoma State University - GO POKES!!! When we can, we like to attend football games at the Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, OK to cheer our Cowboys on! Tomorrow is the long-awaited bedlam game between OU and OSU, and we will be wearing orange, watching the game and hopefully celebrating a Cowboy victory with our friends, Dave & Robbi!

In honor of the big bedlam game tomorrow, I thought I'd post an OSU scrapbook page that I did a few years ago. I created a pocket to tuck some of our tickets into, and then I did a little journaling on the outside of the pocket. (You can click on the layout for a better view).

Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend and GO POKES!!!!

Make a Wish Birthday Card

2011-11-30T00:13:00.002-06:00

My friend Cynde recently celebrated a birthday, so I made this cute little card for her. I created a flower from eyelet lace that I gathered into a circle; and then I attached an orange button and a lavender bling flower to the center. I love the cheerfulness of the orange mini-dot paper combined with the cute lavender gingham ribbon!

Thanks for looking! Have a SUPER day!

Great Reads! "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay"

2011-11-29T00:02:00.000-06:00

While I was on Thanksgiving break last week, I was able to enjoy some time curled up in a quilt in front of our fireplace reading! (For a bookworm such as myself - that is HEAVEN!!) I was able to finish the final 2 books in the "Hunger Games" trilogy:

and

The page turning story of Katniss, Peeta, Gale and Haymitch rebelling against the vicious and warped leaders of the Capitol continues in these final two books. This is a FANTASTIC trilogy and would make a terrific Christmas gift for your favorite reader! (Just beware that these books are addictive and tough to put down once you've started reading them!)

Have a blessed day!

Recipes of the Week...(A 2-fer!!)...Carolyn's Crock-Pot Stuffing and John's Creamy Crock-Pot Corn

2011-11-28T00:06:00.006-06:00

I am a HUGE fan of crock-pots, (I own 4 and lovingly call them my "fleet" - ha! ha!), so this week I'm going to share two fabulous crock-pot recipes with you! The first recipe was given to me by my good friend, Carolyn H., and makes the most delicious and moist stuffing you'll ever eat! The second recipe came from my brother-in-law, John, and is a family favorite! These are terrific to make on a busy holiday such as Thanksgiving, because you simply toss all of the ingredients into a crock-pot to cook while you go about preparing the rest of the meal...easy peasy!!

Carolyn's Crock-Pot Stuffing

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups cornbread crumbs
1 (16 oz.) pkg. herb stuffing mix
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
4 large eggs
1 Tablespoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons butter, cut up

Method:
Stir together cornbread crumbs, stuffing mix and next 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour cornbread mixture into a lightly greased 5 - 6 quart crock-pot. Dot with butter. Cook, covered, on low for 4 hours or until cooked through and set. Refrigerate any leftovers.

John's Creamy Crock-Pot Corn

Ingredients:

2 bags frozen corn
1 - 8 oz. brick light cream cheese, cut up
3 Tablespoons butter, cut up
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Method:
Place all ingredients into lightly greased crock-pot. Cook in covered crock-pot on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to combine cream cheese and butter with corn. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Have a WONDERFUL week!

Quote Sunday

2011-11-27T00:11:00.001-06:00

"The truest measure of our thanksgiving

is how we use the blessings for which we give thanks".

~ Unknown ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-11-26T00:01:00.001-06:00

Have a GREAT weekend!

Frosted Designs Challenge...Using Metal on a Project

2011-11-25T00:02:00.002-06:00

This week the challenge at Frosted Designs is to create a project using metal elements. In the layout above, you can see that I used several metal pieces, but the part that I want to highlight is the journaling:

This was a fun way to use up several of the metal word embellishments that I had collected over time. (It was kinda tough to get really good photos of this layout, but you can click on the photos for close-up views, if you'd like). I would love to see any projects that you've created using metal embellishments, so please consider entering your artwork in this week's Frosted Designs challenge...there's a prize being given away, too!!

Thanks for looking! Happy scrappin'!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T00:08:00.001-06:00

Thank you for reading my blog and for sharing your thoughts, ideas and encouragement with me this year!Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!!

Blessings,

Shopping Fun!

2011-11-23T11:13:00.000-06:00

The Affair of the Heart Craft Show was in Tulsa last weekend, so my best bud Jamie and I spent a fun day shopping! Here are a few of the cute things that I purchased:

A bushel basket with an adorable snowman painted on it...which was a STEAL at only $12.95!! I'm going to tuck some wrapped Christmas presents into it as part of my Christmas decorating.

Here is the decorated antique sled that I purchased...I have decided to use it in lieu of a Christmas tree this year! I'm going place a Christmas quilt at it's base, (kinda like a tree skirt), and attach some clear lights to the garland and wooden star. The snowman bushel basket, full of wrapped gifts, will sit next to it along with some of my stuffed snowman decorations. I thought this would be a fun and unique alternative to a tree this year!

One of the vendors had a booth where they created custom framed monograms on glass and I instantly fell in love with them, so I just had to have one for our home:

I did a little Christmas shopping too! I purchased these adorable travel art boxes for my great nephew and great niece, (Ian & Kayle Ann), for Christmas. One side is a chalk board, the back is a dry erase board, and the inside holds chalk, markers, stickers, snacks, crayons, coloring books, etc. Pretty cool, eh?? I thought these would be great to take to church to quietly entertain them during the sermons.

Here's a closed view:

Here's an open view:

Lastly, I bought this Broken Arrow Tigers necklace to wear to work each Friday for "Spirit Jeans Day"...GO TIGERS!!

Thanks for letting me share my great craft show finds with you!! Jamie and I are looking forward to going to the next show in July 2012!!

Have a blessed day,

Give Thanks Card

2011-11-22T06:51:00.000-06:00

Whew! I have been SUPER busy lately! I'm really looking forward to being off work for Thanksgiving break, (which starts tomorrow - WOOHOO!!), so that I can catch up on some things!

Anyhoo...just a quick post before I head out the door to work! Above is photo of a Thanksgiving card that I made; I just love that blingy little pumpkin!

Thanks for looking! Have a SPECTACULAR day!!

Quote Sunday

2011-11-20T00:05:00.002-06:00

"Cherish all your happy moments...

they make a fine cushion for old age".

~Ramona Mullins~

Silly Saturday...

2011-11-19T00:06:00.002-06:00

In preparation of Thanksgiving this Thursday, I thought you would get a giggle out of this photo like I did!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Great Read! "The Hunger Games"...

2011-11-17T00:04:00.008-06:00

Here's the latest book that I've been reading....The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's the first of three books in this series, and WOW!, is it fantastic! The movie will open in theaters on March 23, 2012, and you can be sure that I'll be there to see it!

The story is based on the lives of people in a "future" North America, where after a great war the nation is divided into 12 districts. The capitol city of Panem maintains control of it's people through an annual televised survival competition between 24 young people, 1 boy and 1 girl, from each from the 12 districts. The heroine of this book, 16 year old Katniss, steps up to take the place of her 12 year old sister to spare her from the brutal competition when her name is drawn in the lottery . There can only be one winner and there is only one rule - stay alive. With lots of twists and turns in the story, your heart goes out to Katniss and the difficult tasks that she has to overcome. This book is a real page-turner and will keep in suspense until the very end!

Happy reading!

Scrapbook Page: Nostalgic

2011-11-16T00:11:00.000-06:00

Here's a scrapbook page that I made which highlights the senior pictures of my grandmother (1941), my mother (1964), and me (1984). You can click on the layout for a close-up view, but here's what my journaling says:

"Three generations of of women, each separated by 20 plus years, yet tied together through blood and the deep roots of our family tree. Each with familiar features: brown eyes and big smiles. Each creative and artistic in her own right. Each loving books and reading. Each having a deep faith and trust in God. Each looking to the future; to the generations that follows us; that our legacy may live on."

Thanks for looking! Wishing you a blessed day!

Recipe of the Week..."Country Girl Quiche"

2011-11-14T00:02:00.001-06:00

This hearty quiche makes a wonderful breakfast or dinner meal and it's a great way to use ingredients that you'll usually have on hand! I like to serve fresh fruit on the side...SO YUMMY!

Ingredients:

10 slices deli ham, chopped
2 oz. canned sliced mushrooms, drained
4 eggs
1 cup shredded Colby/Monterey Jack cheese
1/8 cup half-n-half
1/8 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. dried, minced onion
1/4 tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 - 9" unbaked pie crust

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pie crust into 9" pie plate and crimp edges. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together everything but the ham and cheese. Stir chopped ham and shredded cheese into mixture. Pour into pie crust and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The quiche should be golden brown on top and firm in the center. Serve warm and enjoy!

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Quote Sunday

2011-11-13T00:06:00.000-06:00

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to the commitment to excellence,

regardless of their chosen field of endeavor".

~ Vince Lomardi ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-11-12T00:05:00.000-06:00

How fun is this?!?!? I saw this cool photo on the internet and just had to share it with you...nature sure works in funny ways, doesn't it?

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Frosted Designs Challenge..."Embossing"

2011-11-11T00:02:00.001-06:00

This week over at Frosted Designs, the challenge is to create a project using dry or heat embossing. I created this card, using paper that had a dry embossed pattern on it, and I love how it turned out!

Please hop on over to Frosted Designs and link up an embossed project of your own! Entries will be accepted through noon on Thursday, November 17th, and a prize is being offered!

Thanks for looking! Have a TERRIFIC day!

Remember our Veterans...

2011-11-10T00:08:00.002-06:00

Just a friendly reminder...tomorrow is 11-11-11 and Veteran's Day! Please take a moment to say a prayer for the safety of our men and women serving in the armed forces. I will be proudly flying an American flag from my front porch, so if you own one please join me in saluting our service men and women. Also, if you happen to be eating out today, why not buy a piece of pie for a veteran or pick up the tab for him or her as a random act of kindness?

I am so very grateful for the freedoms that we are blessed with in America; many of which we take for granted and don't even give thought to on a day-to-day basis. Where else in the world can citizens have freedom of speech, religion, enterprise, etc.?? We are INCREDIBLY fortunate to be Americans!

I was very, very lucky to grow up living next door to my grandfather, who was a retired Master Sargeant in the USAF. He proudly served his country for 22 years and fought during WWII to help free the world of tyranny. (He served in the US Army during the war, and the after the war re-enlisted in the Air Force). Here is a photograph of him in Italy during WWII:

One of the cool things about my granddad is that in his front yard stood a large flag pole; and every morning he would raise an American flag and then lower and fold it every evening at dusk. I remember this so clearly, and it left a definite impression on me of American loyalty. Today I proudly display the last flag that he used for this daily ritual. It is neatly folded in a triangle and sits in a special iron easel in our family den...everytime I see it I smile and think of him.

Wishing you a day filled with many blessings! God bless America!!

Scrapbook Page with a Creative Twist on Blocks

2011-11-08T00:09:00.002-06:00

Above is a photo of a scrapbook page that I made quite awhile back, but it's still one of my favorites. I love how the simple design and color scheme really make the picture the main focal point of the layout. Here's how I created this layout:

Begin by cutting an 8 1/2" x 11" photograph down to measure 8" x 8". Mat the photograph on a piece of 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" cream colored cardstock and distress the edges with ink. Wrap a brown grosgrain ribbon around one of the upper and lower corners and adhere the ribbon to the back of the cardstock with Glue Dots.

Cut five pieces of patterned paper into 5" x 5" blocks and distress the edges with chocolate ink. Adhere the patterned paper to the scrapbook page, as shown in the photo above.

Cut two pieces of cardstock, one in brown and one in navy, to measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" and attach a brad to each corner. Turn the cardstock at angles, as shown above, and adhere to the scrapbook page. Attach the matted photograph in the center of the blocked page, add some journaling and your layout is complete!

Thanks for looking! Have a blessed day!

Excellent Reads!

2011-11-07T00:03:00.002-06:00

Last week was really, really busy for me, so I didn't get much done in the way of craft projects. I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks so that I can enjoy some quiet time at home crafting, cooking and reading.

Speaking of reading, I have currently been reading "The Youngest Templar" trilogy by Michael P. Spradlin, which are EXCELLENT young adult novels! (I read A LOT of young adult novels, because I work in a high school library and I like to recommend good books to our students so that they will become book lovers as well.)

I am almost finished with the third book, and WOW!, these novels are hard to put down! The storyline is based on an orphan named Tristan who has been raised by monks since infancy and is recruited into the Templar Knights to be a squire. He travels to the middle east with his knight, Sir Thomas, and the other Templar Knights to accompany them into battle during the Crusades. Tristan makes some interesting friends along the way and a wonderful story of suspense and historical mystery unfolds.

I highly recommend these books...for adults and young adults too! They are EXCELLENT reads!

Have a blessed day!

Quote Sunday

2011-11-06T00:06:00.001-05:00

"There are two ways of spreading light:
To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it".

~ Edith Wharton ~

Silly Saturday...

2011-11-05T00:06:00.001-05:00

I am a very "high energy" kinda gal, so when I saw this squirrel photo I just KNEW that I had to share it with you as today's Silly Saturday post! (By the way...I am not a coffee drinker...and for that I know my family, friends and co-workers are very, very thankful - HA! HA!)

Have a very fun and safe weekend!!

Recipe of the Week...Cranapple Streusel Topped Pie

2011-11-01T00:03:00.003-05:00

This delicious fall pie has a wonderful sweet and tart flavor that is perfectly enhanced by the streusel topping. A dollop of vanilla ice cream can be added when serving, if desired. Soooo good!

Ingredients:

3 large apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
2 cups fresh cranberries (washed and drained)
1/8 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup corn starch
1 unbaked 9" pastry for pie

Line 9" pie place with pastry and flute edges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour into pie plate and top with streusel:

Streusel Ingredients:

1 stick margarine
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cut margarine into dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture, and then spoon mixture onto the top of the pie filling.

Bake pie for 10 minutes in a 450 degree oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake approximately 50 minutes longer. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Have a blessed day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T00:03:00.006-05:00

Have a fun Halloween and be safe trick-or-treating with your kiddos tonight!

Quote Sunday

2011-10-30T00:11:00.000-05:00

"I do not ask for mighty words to leave the crowd impressed.

Just grant my life may ring so true my neighbor shall be blessed".

~ Unknown ~