A new year, a new size!

Not only is my dress size shrinking, but also wanted to change the size of my layouts for photos I take starting in 2012. It however, is not as easy as I thought it would be for either feat! Wanted to reduce the "bulk" of the 12 x 12 three-ring binders and they will also fit better on my shelves.

Here is my first try using a sketch by Allison Davis:

What do ya think? It was a bit of a challenge using smaller photos, but definitely something I will have fun with!

Godspeed

A first for me!!

I'm placing a video on my blog! Playing with my new program today and thought I'd use a slideshow to share my recipe for my A to Z Challenge at The ScrapRoom. Hopefully it'll cooporate!

Apple Crisp

** I have made my recipe to accompany my 17 Day Diet program, but included the normal ingredients in parenthesis 

For filling mix together:

   3 apples peeled and thinly sliced

   1 tsp. cinnamon

   3 packets truvia (2 tbsp. sugar)

For topping mix together:

   2 tbsp whole wheat flour  (white flour)

   1 cup oatmeal (place thru food processor if you wish to have smaller oats as I did, but not necessary)

   1 tsp. vanilla

   3/4 tsp. cinnamon

   1/4 cup agave nectar (1/2 cup brown sugar)

   2 tbsp. Smart Balance (margarine or butter)

If you made your topping with the agave, it will be stickier, but comes out perfectly fine. Spread topping over apples and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until apples are tender.

If you desire, real whip topping or fat free yogurt is delicious! And the best part, only 150 calories per serving, no fats, no sugars, and no cholesterol! ENJOY!!

Godspeed

Scrappy time!

This past week I've been on a creative roll with the help of the MOD Squad over at The ScrapRoom, Terry & Theresa, and Willow Traders Unfinished Business Challenge. Love sketches by Allison Davis, Got Sketch?, and TSR's Design Team which helped jumpstart my layouts! Between the two message boards, they are coming up with some awesome challenges to get me motivated. Besides, this weather is miserable and scrapping takes "the blues" away!

The first set is just using up a bunch of kit papers and getting those Pumpkin Patch photos scrapped, better late than never, right. ;-)

These next two were sketch challenges from TSR. The "stars" of the layouts are, of course, my two darling grand babies! Can't play favorites, right?! ;-)

And if your ever in the mood to scrap, but not much time, you may want to check out the Freaky Fast Formulas at TSR. And while you're at it, enter to win for a $10 gift certificate to the TSR Store!

And now I'm outta here to finish up the layout laying here in front of me. Have a great day and thanks for looking!

Godspeed

Hello Wednesday!

Woke this morning to some beautiful sunny weather and, although is quite chilly, its a wonderful day in Our Crazy Little World. Nothing special happening today, just the sunshine makes me smile and makes others wonder what I'm up to! It's just a great day to BE ALIVE!

Godspeed

It's SOUP!!

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  Had the urge to try something new for dinner and this recipe hits the spot! I have replaced some ingredients to make it a healthier meal without compromising on taste!
• 
  
• Hearty Eggplant Soup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 pound eggplant, diced
• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons sliced celery
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (14 ounce) can fat free, low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 packet truvia
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry macaroni (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion, turkey, and garlic until turkey is evenly brown. Drain grease, and mix in eggplant, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Pour in broth. Mix in truvia, and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through.
2. If you chose to use macaroni, mix into the soup, and continue cooking 12 minutes, or until macaroni is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese to serve.

Serves 4 and freezes well! If you try this, let me know what you think, thanks!

Godspeed

FREEBIES!!

I love a good freebie and found plenty today on the www.amazon.com for the Kindle. Hundreds of books, magazines, and games to keep you amused for a very long time. I have a Kindle app. on my phone and it sure comes in handy during lunch at work when I just want to veg out and get away from everyone to just kickback and relax for 30 minutes.

Another site was Crafty Gemini. It is loaded with wonderful tutorials ranging from sewing to cooking and lots of stuff in between complete with YouTube videos! AWESOME!! I have got to start using her "french seam" she shows! No unfinished edges!! Again, AWESOME!! especially for the little ones' clothes. :-)

Godspeed

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I can't believe its already time to start writing a new date on checks, can you? Where did it go? We just hope and pray that 2012 will be a much better year for our little family and the world in general. Things have looked so gloomy in this fragile economy and its time for things to turn around. Here's to better days ahead! *clink*

Godspeed