Same Pattern - Totally Different Looks!

Notice anything similar about these layouts? While the colors are vastly different from each other, the pattern is exactly the same! This pattern is called "Backstage" and it is featured in the new idea book from Close to My Heart called Magic. I recently got this book and I have to say I am very inspired by the cool new patterns in it! It also has a lot of ideas for making your layouts interactive. In the back of the book is a disc that contains all the patterns you need for cutting things like the scallop you see on these layouts or the little attachments you can make & place on your pages (like pull tabs, little booklets, photos that flip, etc.).

November Workshop!!

Here is a picture of the card we'll be making at this Friday's workshop! I really like these little owls and think they look so cute on this card! The textured background is made using a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The little owls are colored in using CTMH markers, which is a fun technique! I just think they might be missing a little something....googlie eyes perhaps?
Who doesn't need a little pack of post-it notes? I use them all the time! This little pack is great for your purse, desk, by the phone, or even to give away!
The third project we'll be working on is to cover a 2011 pocket calendar. Each year I customize my own calendar that I keep in my purse. It's where I record everything throughout the year! As I was needing to make my own for 2011, I thought you might be needing one as well! Since we all have our own personal style, please feel free to bring your own paper, ribbon, & embellishments for this project. Two coordinating papers would work great, but even a single pattern would work. I'll supply the calendar and any needed cardstock. It will be a fun project and is also a great little gift to give away!

I hope to see you this Friday - we'll be having a fun paper crafting night!

Stamp sets used are: Love You Forever; A Little Thanks; Notice the Details; Moments in Time; Checklist (retiring 12/31/10).

November Workshop Projects

Just thought I'd announce what we will be making at my upcoming workshop! We'll be making 3 cute projects:

1) A really cute card using 2 different embossing techniques. Dry embossing and heat embossing.

2) A pocket calendar, customized by you! You pick your paper & stamps and then customize the cover of your calendar. You'll be all set for 2011! Also makes a cute gift to give away.

3) A little post-it note & pencil set perfect for your purse!

I'm finishing up all the details and will post the actual projects as soon as possible. The workshop date is Friday, November 19th starting at 7 pm. Hope you can make it!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

I don't know about you, but I've seriously been missing a good blog hop! With that in mind, take a look at this thoughtful stamp set called "A Little Thanks". It's the Stamp of the Month for November and the stamp set we'll be using at my next workshop on November 19th. It's only available this month. Ask me how you can get it for a discount or even FREE! See what creative things have been made with this stamp set by following the blog hop by clicking HERE

Crock Pot Coq Au Vin

I don't know if this picture turned out as well I hoped, but the recipe did turn out pretty good. Now keep in mind, this is NOT like Julia Child's Coq Au Vin! No big labor of love recipe like that! (By the way, I really do want to try to make her version this winter, just need to set aside a day for it). I used frozen skinless chicken thighs from Costco (didn't brown them) & a Lipton Onion Soup mix - need I say more about being easy? I thought it tasted good & my husband did to, so here's the recipe:

Crock Pot Coq Au Vin
Nonstick cooking spray
3 lbs chicken thighs, skinned
1 envelope beefy onion soup mix
2 cups quartered mushrooms
1 1/2 cups frozen small whole onions
3 medium carrots cut into 3 1/2" sticks
1/2 cup dry red wine (isn't Burgundy what the French use?)
Hot cooked mashed potatoes (optional)

1) Lightly coat an large skillet with cooking spray. Heat the skillet over medium heat & cook the chicken thighs until brown. Drain fat.

2) Place chicken thighs in a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with dry soup mix. Add mushrooms, onions and carrots. Pour wine over mixture in cooker.

3)Cover & cook on low heat setting for 5 to 6 hours; or on high heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes if desired.

Has it really been more than a month?

I can't believe my last post was over a month ago! Bad blogger!!! I could come up with a load of excuses why...mostly illness...both of my kids & myself have been sick for weeks! Then I was in Maui for a week (and the week before that was CRAZY!) SO! Hopefully I can get back on track! I'll be posting something for real in the next day or so, so please forgive me for my neglect!!

Is this a cute card or what?

Well it FINALLY happened! My son is potty trained! I have been changing diapers for almost 5 years! No, my son isn't almost 5, but he came along before Ella was potty trained. I am very proud of my little boy, and so is his Nana. She made the adorable card above and sent it to him. I just think it is sooo cute!! She always makes the cutest & most clever cards & books for my kids. You can tell they are made with a lot of love too! Thank you Nana!! (And thank you Ryan for ending my diaper changing days!)