Just a little Heads Up!

I just thought I had better post quick to let you know that a little birdie has told me of our retiring paper packs come July 31st.  After that date, you will no longer be able to get these papers.  If you are wanting any of them, you had better get a hold of me quick before they are all gone.

Bliss

Sweetheart

Miracle

and Wings
Along with the older Olivia, Hooligans, Mistletoe, and Magnifique.

Just send me a message if you are in need of any of these wonderful papers, I can hook you right up :)

Happy Scrappin'

More Convention Swap cards done

Yup, I am still here.  I have been busy with everyday life and time has just gotten away from me.  I leave for Convention in just a couple of weeks, and I'm not sure where all my time has gone, but I am all of a sudden not ready (Oh, I am ready to go, just don't have everything else ready!) 

I am almost done with all my swap cards, though.  Here is the other card I will be bringing along to swap out with my fellow CTMH Consultants.  You would love to be a fly on the wall when we are all busy swapping  away.  Some girls get totally crazy with it - fun, fun, fun!

It's hard to see in the photo, but the Scalloped circle 'thank you' is popped up.  Enjoy!

Happy Scrappin'

Convention Swap cards

As you may or may not know, I will be heading out for California (Disneyland, to be exact) in a few short weeks for our annual Close To My Heart National Convention.  I can hardly wait!  It is a fun and exciting week filled with lots of learning and 'girl time' with friends (both old and new).

One of the fun parts at Convention is card swapping.  Anyone that wishes to, makes cards to trade with others.  It is so much fun.  I always come home with lots of new ideas.

Here is one of the cards I have made to bring along to swap.  I made about 50 of this style.  I have more in the works, too.  Stay tuned for pictures of those, too.

Happy Scrappin'

Happy Father's Day

I know, a day late and a dollar short...the story of my life it seems :)

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.  Yesterday marked 14 years since the day my Dad passed away.  I think I've shown you this photo before, but it is one of my favorites of my Dad and my son (his favorite little buddy).  They were all spiffed up for my Sister's wedding and had strict orders not to get dirty or get into any trouble!  LOL!  I sure miss both of these guys an awful lot!

Here is a card I made for my Father-in-law.  He is a great guy that I am proud to call "Dad."

Happy Scrappin'

Just ducky...

So, today I went back to work after being on a voluntary layoff for 6 months.  Yep, I sure enjoyed my time off and got a TON of stuff accomplished while I was off!  I know it's time to go back and start making some money now instead of just spending it, but really, this work thing is getting in the way of things :)  It was a difficult transition to make today not having my day to myself, but it did go alright, I guess.

How about some artwork?  Here's a quick little peek at a card I had given to my cousin at her baby shower a week or so ago (I know, I am back to work one day and already I can't keep track of the time!)

Happy Scrappin'

Glazed Lemon Bars

So sorry, I haven't been very good about posting lately (again) but life just tends to get in the way sometimes.  I have been attending an awful lot of softball games lately (and loving it, I might add!)  When you have 3 nieces that are 3 different ages, you end up with a lot of different games.  I am really enjoying the extra time I have now to spend with them.  They really are great kids :)

Last night, on our way home from a game, a big bear ran across the road in front of us.  Then he was kind enough to stand around and let us watch him.  Why, oh why, did I not think to take a picture?  Oh well, maybe next time.

Today, I want to wish my Mother-in-law a very Happy Birthday!  I sure hope you enjoy your special day!

OK, on to the recipe.  I made a pan of these lemon bars a week or so ago (see, I can't even remember just when it was I made them).  I did take pictures of them, though, so I was thinking about all of you :)  These are so good and really pretty easy, too.

Glazed Lemon Bars

Crust:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened

Filling:
4 large eggs at room temperature
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (mine came directly from the bottle :)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup flour
2 cups white sugar

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice (once again, mine was right out of the bottle)

Whisk together flour and powdered sugar, then cut in the butter, mixing until crumbly.  Lightly press into a 9x13 greased pan.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until light golden around the edges.  Remove from oven.

During the last few minutes of baking time, mix the eggs, lemon juice, flour, sugar, and baking powder with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 minutes.  The mixture should be frothy and very, very pale yellow.  Pour the mixture over the warm crust and then return to the over for another 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  When bars are cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth and then gently spread over the bars.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and then cut.

Happy Scrappin

I've been invaded...

OK, anybody recognize this guy?

or how about the 2 dozen of his friends?

I'm sure they showed up in my yard today to wish me a Happy Birthday, but it's amazing I didn't catch them when they showed up.

I got home from my niece's softball games last night around 8:30ish (Congratulations on your wins, girls!)  I was outside until almost 9:00 watering flowers and such.  Then I was putzing around in the house and busy.  Around 10:00 or 10:15 I went outside on the deck to refill the hummingbird feeder.  I noticed a shadow out front, then another, and another, etc.  You would think I would have caught the culprit, but NO!  Don't worry, I'll be keeping my ears open as these guys will need to be passed on at a later date :)

Happy Scrappin'

Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, today is, in fact, my birthday.  I have got this song stuck in my head, so I thought I would share and now you will too :)  I love being able to do that!

I am also thinking about the movie Sixteen Candles - although i am just a couple years past 16 :)

Happy Scrappin'

Another productive day

Yesterday was another very productive day around my place.  It was such a nice day and I really felt like going for a motorcycle ride, but instead, I was a good girl and got my back deck all stained.  Here is the 'before' picture.  (Yeah, once again, this was back when we had snow and before I actually owned the house, but still...)

And the 'after' - Another transformation at the new house - putting more of 'my' touch in it.

Then a touching moment when I went out to take a picture of the completed work.  Most of you (if you either know me or have been reading my blog for a while) know that I love dragonflies.  It all started when my daughter drew the one that I have tattooed on my ankle.  Since she's been gone, I have loved them even more and feel like when I see one, it's her way of saying 'hi' to me.  Sometimes when I'm out walking, I will have one follow along with me - sometimes for a mile or more.  I just feel close to her and feel like she's with me when that happens.  Well, imagine my surprise when I went to put a pot of flowers back up on the deck.  There was a dragonfly sitting there (granted, it was not a pretty colorful one, but still).  Not only that, but it sat on my finger, too.  That was just unusual, but once again, I felt like my Rhonda was there with me.  It was not afraid and did not fly away for a long time.  Now this was quite the accomplishment for me, too, because I don't like bugs on my.  It was hard not flicking it off me - they kind of stick to you and it tickled!  The other tough part was having it on my finger and trying to get the camera adjusted so I could take a photo - that's hard to do one-handed.  

All-in-all, it was a great day :)

Happy Scrappin'

 

June Jubilation

Today I have some awesome Stamp of the Month artwork to share with you.

This stamp set, Jubilation, is only available during the month of June, so if you want one (and who wouldn't?) you need to get a hold of me this month to order it.  Or, go directly to my website, do not pass GO, do not collect $200 - well, if you can figure out a way to do that, let me know...

OK, on with the artwork.  Lynn created this awesome layout and cards using the Stamp of the Month.  It is a very versatile set for all your crafting needs - especially card makers!

Happy Scrappin'

Parmesan Ham Bread

Today I have a brand new, easy, yummy recipe for you to try.

Parmesan Ham Bread

1 8 oz. carton whipped cream cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 lb. ham, finely chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 loaf (1 lb.) garlic bread

Mix all ingredients together.  Cut loaf in half lengthwise and spread mixture on toop.  Broil 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.

Now, since I used a frozen loaf of garlic bread, I left out the tsp. of garlic powder (just because I thought it was garlic-y enough) and I also half way pre-baked the loaf of bread prior to putting the mixture on top.  Then I just baked it the rest of the way instead of broiling it (I wanted the mixture melty and warm, not over done).  You are free to do with it what you please, but this worked for me :)

It doesn't get much easier than that, does it?

Happy Scrappin'

June Free-for-All

June is here and with a brand new month, I have a brand new special for you, too!

During our Studio J Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J Jpeg file - no purchase required!  Simply log in to my website, go to the Studio J tab and create a layout.  Then order one Jpeg file of your layout.  It's as easy as that!  Download and save your file so you can post your layout online, email it to family and friends, or print them.

Discover how quick and simple scrapbooking can be with Studio J - and get your FREE Jpeg layout in Free-for-All June!

Now, you might be asking yourself just what you would do with a Jpeg file of your layout!?!  Well, let me tell you...Not only could you share it on social media sites (such as Facebook or a blog) but you can also email it to your family (far away or not so far) as a fun way to share more than one picture at a time (a collage of sorts).  Another fun idea would be to choose a layout that would work for your needs and print copies of that layout for your Christmas cards (either on your own printer or sent it to Walmart, Snapfish, Winkflash, etc.)  How much fun would that be to send as a Christmas card instead of the plain old photo card??  These are just a few ideas, if you've got more, send them my way, I'd love to hear them!

Please be sure to email me if you have any questions what-so-ever!

Happy Scrappin'