Challenges!

This past week I've been working on some challenges over at The ScrapRoom. This first one is for the Sketch Challenge. While on vacation, we visited a vineyard that also had three building loaded with antiques of all kinds. Here is a small sampling of the cameras. Those October Afternoon wild cards came in very handy!

These next two are for The ScrapRoom's Scraplift Challenge. I couldt decide which one to do so not only did I enter once, but couldn't resist and had to lift Melanie twice! The first one will be framed and included on my scrap area wall with the others.

This one is of our Maggie, my mixed breed best friend that we rescued from the humane society eight years ago. She is a very sweet and loving dog, and so full of energy! She is always on the go and her favorite thing to do, besides shed, is chasing after her frisbee.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Godspeed

Change is good!

Or at least that's what I keep telling myself and I'm almost ready to believe it!

I made the decision to let my moderator position at The ScrapRoom go and get some things in my personal life in order. I've also decided that I need to take my creativity to new heights and dig into other areas that I've ignored for way too long. I'll still scrapbook here and there, but I've had this wild urge to finger paint, yes I said finger paint, for quite some time now.

I've been peeking at Donna Downey's work for a few months and just had to give it a shot when I saw her video. Was I glad I did!! I haven't quite decided what, if anything I want to include in the center of this painting, but like scrapbooking, I can always pick it up and finish it another time. :-)

I've been scrapping random photos of our vacation to San Diego. Remember how I said I was making the switch to 8.5 x 11?  I LOVE IT!! Here are a few I've finished to date:

While there I met up with Edie & her family. We have been "cyber friends" ever since I joined TSR and it was so neat to be able to sit and chat in person and share an evening with her and her wonderful family!

I have more, but I'll share them at another time. Thanks for looking. 

Godspeed

POSIES!!

Oh my goodness!! Today was an absolutely beautiful day and I celebrated it with taking Maggie for a nice long walk, and planting a few posies! They just brighten up the patio and make me smile! :-)

Godspeed

Our Leapling!

Happy Birthday Wishes to my son! You make "8" look marvelous! We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, caring son! Love you!!

Godspeed

Happy Valentine's Day!

Godspeed

February's TSR REVEAL!!

WOW!! This kit is loaded with great papers and embellies to showcase your photos!

Ya know ya want one, so don't hesitate and order yours TODAY!! Happy Scrapping!!

Godspeed

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!!

• 
  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

Merry Christmas!!

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!

PHEW!!

Today I have learned that we shouldn't take anything for granted, for one day it may be ripped from our clutches. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to start thinking differently!

Godspeed

Almost ready!!

With the exception of a gift for Butch's mother, we are DONE! I think a nice set of pj's to keep her nice and toasty on these cold winter nights will do just fine. She loves her jammies!! I'm thinking pink will suit her perfectly. Yep, the woman loves her pink too!

The next three days of work are bound to test my patience's with the retail population. I just need to remember what my Grandma George use to say, "You can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar." I sure do miss my Grandma and those fabulous gingerbread cookies she made this time of year. So soft and yummy!! No one has ever come close to hers, must have been the extra special love she mixed in with them. :-)

Godspeed

Better days ahead.....

The past few days have been extremely "trying" to say the least. Between the general hustle and bustle of the Holidays and getting everything ready on time, work has been horrendous for me and things just aren't falling into place for Butch either as he tries to make his way back home. If it was just a matter of miscommunication that's one thing, but blatant disregard for the other person is just plain wrong!

What is wrong with today's world?

Why are people so rude, so mean?

Usually I can hold it together and just get past whatever is thrown my way at work, but lately I just want to give the other person "a word of advice" - yes, that is said as politely as I can at this point! - but that would have me lowered to their level and I just feel I'm a better person than that.

Starting this morning when I woke, I plan on turning this day into a new beginning and make the days ahead as special as I can, working or not, home alone or here with Butch! After all, it is the season of giving of yourself, loving thy neighbor, and passing on goodwill, and that's what I need to focus on from this day forward!

Have a pleasant day everyone!

Godspeed

Visit With Santa!

As I recall Ruby has the same expression on her face that her big sister did at 2 years of age sitting on this very Santa's lap! She was actually VERY excited until it was time for the photo and Makayla was in seventh heaven!

Godspeed

Slow down!!

Where is December disappearing to? Oh my! Its already the 11th, I've accomplished loads of stuff already, but I have so much to get done between now and this coming saturday! Yes, saturday is my deadline that I set to have the gifts bought and wrapped, some cookies baked and stored for treats for friends and co-workers while waiting for us to finish the baking a week from today and get things packaged up and ready to share. PLUS!! I have to deliver the gifts for the two children we "adopted " from the Giving Tree at Makayla's school to the office tomorrow by 4pm. EEEEK!! Time is running out and I'm running out of steam. BUT!! I will prevail because a whole bunch of people are expecting me to and I know in my heart of hearts I just can't let them down. :-)

So what am I doing on here? Stalling!! ;-) Outta here!

Godspeed

The ScrapRoom's December Reveal!!

Oh my is it ever YUMMY!!

Now hurry up and go order one before they're all gone!!

Godspeed

Thankful.....

As this Thanksgiving Day 2011 comes to a close, I'd like to reflect on the things that I am most grateful for in my life. With a year of ups and downs that we experienced as a family, our list is long, so I'll just write the condensed version......

I am thankful for:
* My son, our daughter-in-law, and precious grandchildren. We were separated for a spell when they moved to a job in New Mexico and it was THE hardest time I've ever experienced. I am so very thankful that they decided that no matter what it cost, they were going to move back home. From that experience we all learned that nothing is more important than family.

* My daughter for being there and doing her best to help occupy my lonely heart while the kids were away. I love her so much and so proud of her! I know just how lucky I am and would never take her for granted.

* My husband, Butch. It hasn't been easy these past 11 months for us financially and having to admit that this time around we wouldn't be able to make it with the semi, was very hard on him. He has always been a hard worker and to admit defeat was tough. Although we had to take this path, he is much more relaxed and doesn't stress over repair bills that were taking over his life, and that makes for a much happier home life!

All in all, I am very satisfied with my life as it stands now. Although we live paycheck to paycheck, may lose our house at any time, we have our family, health, our hearts are full of love and life, and nothing can replace that in our eyes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Godspeed

Sharing!

Been a CRAZY couple weeks here and although I haven't done much scrapping, I do have a few layouts I'd like to share.

First up is this one of us with Ruby. She is now getting into helping out in the kitchen, so after I baked cupcakes, Butch & Ruby decorated. She was so cute in my apron!

Next up are some layouts of our pumpkin carvings. I love that we make an annual tradition of getting together not only for the Pumpkin Patch outing, but for the actual carving. Its so much FUN and we make such great memories in the meantime. :-)

And once daylight decides to Bless Us with its presence, I'll have a few more to share. ;-)

Godspeed

Another Goal Achieved!!

Yes, another milestone in my battle to shed the pounds and get to a healthier me was achieved! Its been YEARS since I weighed under 200 lbs. and well, I DID IT!! My weigh-in this morning was 198.4 lbs. and I celebrated with making some protein bars! Funny how things go from sugary cupcakes to healthy protein bars in a few short months!! ;-)

And since I'm tired of the constant cold salads on these cold, damp nights, I've discovered some healthy soup recipes and here's the first one I will try.

TORTILLA SOUP
1 lb of cut up skinless chicken breast
14.5 oz. can of reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
16 oz. can of petite chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt - optional
1 teaspoon chili powder

In a large pot, bring chicken, broth, tomatoes, and water to a boil. Reduce heat and cook till chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add salt and chili powder to taste, adding more chili powder if desired.

Divide soup into four bowls and garnish with:
1 jalapeno pepper, cut into rings
12 baked tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded low-fat Monteray Jack cheese
2 green onions thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoon. low-fat sour cream
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Serves 4

soup = 165 calories per serving

garnishes = 95 calories per serving

YUMMY!!

Godspeed

halfway point!

I did it!! As of today I have lost 25lbs and haven't felt this good about ME for a very long time! This diet experience has taught me that when I put my mind into something, I can accomplish my goals and go beyond. Some people say that I'm bragging, but dammit, I own the bragging rights this time!!

As of today.....

*I have lost 25 lbs. and the bounce in my step has returned!
*I eat only fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Nothing I eat comes prepackaged, freeze dried, or in the mail.
*I have learned to cook foods in a totally different way.
*I'm actually checking out gyms to see which would be a good fit for me and not cost an arm and a leg to join!
*and the most exciting thing about today ....... I went digging deep into my dresser and found three pairs of jeans that I haven't fit into for years and guess what? THEY FIT!! NO muffin top, NO laying on the bed to zip them, and NO marks on my waist because they were so tight and digging in!!

HaPpY DaNcE!!!!!!!

And if you REALLY need a visual, think of my weight loss as 100 STICKS OF BUTTER!!!! EEEWWWWW!! GROSS!!

Godspeed

love sketches!

During our crop last weekend, I presented a sketch challenge for the ladies using a sketch from October Pagemaps. It was nice and simple and a great way to use up those small pieces we all have lying around that need to be used up. Here's the sketch and my sample:

Thanks for looking!

Godspeed

lots of layouts!

This past weekend we had an online crop at The ScrapRoom and I managed to get loads done with all the challenges that our MOD Squad presented! It was such a fun way to spend the evening and chat it up with the ladies. Here are the creations that I was able to get done and put a tiny dent in my pile of photos.

Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

inked

Capturing these photos was a treat for me since Ruby doesn't sit still long enough at her age, but for some reason she was more than happy to oblige this particular day! Decided to use the Bella Blvd. Finally Fall collection because those stripes we just the right touch to highlight her beautiful creation!

And on my last visit to Craft Warehouse in Vancouver, I picked up the Tim Holtz Alterations Sizzix die with a 40% off coupon and made those darling flowers. Sure beats the old manual score and fold method. ;-)

Godspeed

Before I proceed.....

.... with the October kits, I think I'll share my September layouts with the TSR kits. I got so wrapped up in my new healthy eating that I completely forgot! Without further ado.....

That was definitely a FUN kit to work with!! Now I'm ready for the October kits. :-)

Godspeed

October TSR Kits!!

This is a gorgeous selection of papers for those Fall activities! We'll be heading off to the Pumpkin Patch next weekend, so these papers will definitely come in handy. Not to mention the actual pumpkin carving and Halloween at the end of the month!! I have visions of great layouts in my head!!

BELLA BLVD. FINALLY FALL:

1 sheet At The Patch (2-sided)

1 sheet Bliss (2-sided)

1 sheet You're A Hoot (2-sided)

2 sheets Kraft Cardstock

1 sheet Finally Fall Cute Cuts (2-sided)

1/2 sheet Finally Fall Miniature Stickers (varies)

SIMPLE STORIES HAPPY DAYS:

1 sheet Birthday Memories (2-sided)

1 sheet Celebrate (2-sided)

1 sheet Make A Wish (2-sided)

2 sheets Suede Brown Dark Cardstock

(1) 12x12 Happy Day Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers

FANCY PANTS SUMMER'S END:

1 sheet Crisp (2-sided)

1 sheet Abundance (2-sided)

1 sheet Harvest (2-sided)

2 sheets Geyser Cardstock

(1) sheet Summer's End Chipboard Banners (varies)

approx. 1 yard Brown/White Striped Baker's Twine

STUDIO CALICO MEMOIR:

1 sheet Linen (2-sided)

1 sheet Book Jacket (2-sided)

1 sheet Flower Bed (2-sided)

2 sheets White Cardstock

1/3 pkg. Kraft Butterfly Stickers

(10) Memoir Chipboard Buttons

(5) Wood Veneer Houses

You can have one too! Just go to The ScrapRoom and order yours today. This kit is gonna be so much FUN!!

Godspeed

Phrase three!!

WOW! it's been a whole phase since I posted and it went by so quickly! Kinda getting use to this "lighter me" and liking how it feels. :-) 

I lost another 6 pounds these past 17 days and celebrated tonight with a glass of red wine with my dinner. I was so excited to see that red wine is "legal" in this phase, so bought us a nice bottle of  14 Hands Merlot from a local vineyard in Paterson, WA, and savored every drop in my glass. A bit tipsy by the end of that 5 oz. glass, whoa!! Guess that's what happens when its been nothing but lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and proteins going into my system for the past 34 days. ;-)

Godspeed

Phase Two!

I made it thru the first phase of the 17 Day Diet, having lost a total of 14 lbs. in 17 days! I'm pretty happy with myself and ready to conquer the next phase starting today. I have some new recipes I get to try and got busy at it today!

I made some delicious power cookies and WOW!! were the ingredients ever costly! How come things that are so good for you cost a fortune?? No wonder the obesity problem in this world, a box of macaroni and cheese is only 50 cents! There's just something wrong about all that.......

I also need to get up and move around more. The weather here has turned to nasty cold and wet, so I bought a ZUMBA! game for the Wii. We have such fun with the Just Dance For Kids so I thought why not, give it a try. Wish me luck!!

Godspeed

New scales!

How many people do you know that get excited about a new bathroom scales? Well, you know at least ONE now!! ME!! It has the capabilities of not only giving you an accurate reading on your weight, but your BMI as well. And I am especially excited to report that on day 13 I have lost a total of 13 pounds!! YAY!!

Now its time to get dressed and enjoy a nice cool walk with Maggie. Hope you have an excellent day. :-)

Godspeed

It's BAAAACK!!

My mojo that is! I've been concentrating so much on my new healthier eating that I haven't thought much about scrapping. I think I pretty much have it under control so onto putting my creativity to good use. :-)

While waiting for my new The ScrapRoom kit, I've been trying to use up some of my older stash. The problem is, there's so much in each one that it never dies!!

This first on "The BIG 30" has a rather cute story. Journaling on the tag tucked into the pocket states "All you wanted for your birthday was that HUGE Costco chocolate cake! I'm not sure what got you all started with the icing on the tooth, but it sure has made for some great comments by all who see it! Happy Birthday! Love you!!"  Yes, we have an odd sense of humor!

This one is from the working vacation I took with Butch last October. It was this truck stop that was under remodeling, not at all attractive on the outside but the inside is loaded with darling antiques & great food!

  

In "ready 2 ride" it was Ruby's first experience with the seat on the back of Greg's bike. I love the expression on her face in the first one - Does Daddy know what he's doing? - but the in the other, she glows with trusting eyes towards him. LOVE it!!

Thanks for stopping by, now I'm off to create more before my mojo goes back into hiding again!

Godspeed

NINE POUNDS!!

You saw that right, I've lost NINE POUNDS IN SEVEN DAYS!! My pants feel better at the waist and not cutting into me when I sit down! No coffee still and only natural sugars, well almost.....

I haven't been 100% faithful to the diet set it place, but I also haven't given up and to me, that's more important than that popsicle I had yesterday or that thin slice of cake the day before, which I didn't finish cause I was starting to feel nasty inside. PROGRESS!! This morning I woke with a headache and all I did was crave a bowl of raisin bran cereal. Weird huh?? Yes I did cave in eventually, but as long as I don't stray too far, stick to the portion size, and get carried away, I should be okay.

I don't expect to see that large a number at the end of week two, but I am doing my best to get that scale under 200!

Godspeed

SUCCESS!!

Oh my lucky stars!! I've been faithfully following my new eating plan and WHOA!! lost SIX pounds already!! SIX pounds in THREE days!! I haven't had a drink of coffee since I started and don't feel fatigued at all. And the food I've been preparing is wonderful. Fresh fruits and veggies with lean chicken and a nice assortment of fish, and I'm creating all sorts of different dishes and enjoying each meal.

I know, I know, people say the weight you lose at first is water weight. Well, as long as that water is also removing fat cells from my body then all I can say is YES!! I'm in HAPPYVILLE!!!

Godspeed

A new month, a new way of eating!

Today is the start of what I pray is the path to a healthier me. I am tired of this extra poundage that I carry around and have hopefully found a "diet" I can stick with for the long run and finally shed it. I want to be able to run around with my grandbabies - who are the little loves of my life! - and be around to watch them grow into adults and have babies of their own. In order to do that I must take better care of ME, starting today!! No excuses this time!!

That scale looked mighty ugly this morning - no I'm not telling - weight's been documented, and if all goes well I WILL be minus 2 to 3 lbs. by this time next week!!

Wish me luck! Godspeed

Summer Fun!

Oh, to be young again without a care in the world!


Godspeed

Oh, what a beautiful morning!!

The sun is shining ever so bright thru my window and you can just feel the "happiness" throughout the house!! Love my sunny days and savor every moment of them since I know that the doom and gloom of the PNW winter is just too long sometimes. So again today, I plan on spending as much time in the sunny outdoors and let my troubles fade away. :-)

But first, I want to share with you the layouts I put together this past week. These are of our local county fair. As a family, we hit the gates before they open and shut the place down at night! We have such fun times and share such great memories!! Those paper doll images from October Afternoon were so fitting for these first two layouts!





Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

TSR Sketch Challenge!

Every month on the ScrapRoom Blog, they have a sketch contest which is open to anyone who subscribes to their blog. Enter for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the ScrapRoom Store! Here is my interpretation of that sketch for August:


Still chipping away at the never ending stash I've acquired!

Godspeed

Attacking that stash!

Yep, been using up some older kits to make room for the new ones coming! Using sketches by Allison Davis and it makes it so fast and easy with her measurements and placement instructions!



Went ahead and premade some others for when I get those photos finally printed. :-)

If you haven't checked out her site, you really should. She has some wonderful ideas on handmade embellies that you can make from papers that you already have! Money is tight nowadays and I don't want to give up my favorite pastime - besides my grandbabies that is! - so without cutting corners, I can still come up with some nice looking layouts without alot of fluff!

Have a great scrappy day!

Godspeed

Big Idea Festival at BPC!

Big Picture Classes is at it again! Another freebie for us! Click on the blinkie and register today! Class starts August 15th, hope to see you there!!



Godspeed

Great Scrapping Weekend!

I know I'm a tad bit late, but last saturday, August 6th, we had a member hosted crop at The ScrapRoom and I managed to get some things done. First up, here is the challenge I issued:

OOPS! Challenge

We’ve all had it happen, the perfect photo op where you’re all ready, you only get one chance, and oops! You didn’t check the setting on your camera and the color is HORRIBLE! What to do?? Your chance is now a thing of the past …..

For this challenge, grab those off-color photos and change them to black and white! And while you’re at it, make those photos two different sizes and follow this recipe for that perfect layout!

Your Ingredients:
* at least 3 pattern papers
* a banner
* buttons
* mix up your alphabets
* journal strips

If you want to use several photos, please feel free, but there must be at least two different sizes. If you’re daring and want to expand it into a double page layout, go for it!!


I will say that this is something I don't do enough of, but watch out! I think the black & white look is AWESOME!!

For this next one, we were given a sketch and had to complete it in one hour. I followed the sketch to a tee and was done in 45 minutes! That doesn't happen very often. Makayla is so darn cute in that catcher's gear!!


And for this final challenge, we were to do a simple layout, not alot of fluff or too many papers, just simple and focus on the photos:


It was alot of fun and the games were a hoot, and an all around good way to spend a day of scrapping with your "cyber friends". :-)

Godspeed