3.26.2009

you make me happy

Good morning! I made this card for this week's color challenge on SCS. We had to use pretty in pink, baja breeze, and kiwi kiss. I used some sparkly embossing powder for the big butterfly and then punched out some smaller ones with my butterfly punch. I had just enough of this ribbon left to finish this card. Yeah!
Well, we are supposed to be getting a huge snowstorm tonight and tomorrow. It always snows on Spring Break! Gotta love Colorado (and I do...)

3.25.2009

little tulips

I love these cute little tulips. I started with the baja breeze dsp and then colored my images to match with my su markers. I guess I was in the mood for bright and springy, especially since we woke up to lots of snow! It is really pretty, but just not the same as some spring bulbs:)

I'm not sure about the big white bow on this one...it might be a little much. It just needed something in that corner. Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to make some banana bread and my new favorite drink: a vanilla soy steamer. YUM!

3.24.2009

raspberry suite color challenge

Did you see this post? Yep, the amazingly talented Dawn is starting a color challenge. I've been a fan of her blog for a long time now and I was so excited to participate in this challenge. My sister-in-law is expecting a little girl at the end of May (we are about three days apart:) and I thought these colors would be great for a baby card.
I used the super sweet bundle of joy stamp set. I think this is the first time I've used wonderful favorites too. I think I will have to use it some more....there are so many words/family members in it...a fun way to personalize a card. Inside it says "welcome little one." I can't wait to put together a little package and send it to them.
I still have some scraps laying out on my desk and this was such a fun color combo that I might have to make a few more things. Thanks for stopping by!

just because

I spent the last two days with my best friend minnz and let's just say I haven't laughed so hard in a loooong time. We were sewing fanatics (well, trying to be) and I came home with some awesome crib bumpers and two fitted sheets made with lots of love and giggles:) I'm sorry to say we didn't take any pictures. I can't wait to set up the nursery and put them to use...


Here is a funky little card made with lots of scraps and such that I found on my desk. I just love that orange paper. I used some su rub-ons for the sentiment and some fun buttons from my stash.
I have lots of craftiness on my to-do list for today. Ahhh...spring break is here and I don't have to be anywhere but my little home. The fire is going (thanks to Ryan) and the doggies are sleeping on the rug. A little gray and blustery outside...I think I'll make some tea and settle down at my craft desk. Thanks for stopping by.

3.21.2009

sprouts

Ryan and I have been reading about growing your own bean sprouts and we were finally able to get started on it this past week. We started with a jar of mung beans. We soaked them overnight and then rinsed them everyday for three days.




See the little sprouts starting to pop out?




We kept the jar on it's side to better space out the beans.



After about four days we rinsed them again. While they were soaking in the water, most of the hulls came off and they just float to the top of the bowl and you can scoop them out.

Dinner for two...

Last night we had salad for dinner with two kinds of lettuce, tomatoes, avacados, hard boiled egg, and sprouts. Topped off with homemade balsamic vinegrette. The sprouts added such a nice crunchy flavor. Then today we had a little picnic. We brought yummy sandwiches. Bagels toasted with some melted cheese, then tuna fish, avacado slices, and more sprouts. These tasted just like some sandwiches we had at one of our favorite deli's in Florence, CO but we figured both of our sandwiches were made for under $2.00. How's that for a deal? Plus we got to eat them in the warm sunshine, watching the clouds blow over the mountains!
These were so easy to make. They add a nice touch to our meals and are also healthy. Give it a try!

3.20.2009

happy spring!

Nothing like a few ladybugs to skip into spring! I know that here in Colorado the snow is not over yet (at least I hope not:) but the weather has been pretty nice here lately. I paired some more of my new heidi grace paper and stamps on these two cards. I pulled the color combo from the patterned paper..not sure that I would have come up with that one on my own. This one uses some SU rub-ons. I haven't used much of the black ones, so this was a great excuse to get them out.
Thanks for stopping by today. I am so happy to be on spring break and kick my feet up for a few. Of course, the highlight of my break will be two fun-filled days with my bf, minnz. She is going to help me sew some fun decor for the baby's room. So excited!! Happy Friday!

3.19.2009

chocolate and peanut butter

You really can't beat that combo! I don't know what these are called, but they are really easy to make and so very yummy. You take two ritz crackers and spread some peanut butter between them to make a sandwich. Then, dip them in some melted chocolate. I just used chocolate chips with a little whipping cream mixed in. And add some sprinkles if you so desire. Then let them cool. That's the hardest part:)

Ryan and I just got back from our evening walk with the dogs. It was so nice to chat about our days and watch the sun set as we headed home. We're loving that the sun is out just a little longer:)


3.17.2009

special thoughts

This weekend I found some heidi grace rub-ons and patterned paper that matched a stamp set I had. I've had a lot of fun putting them all together and making cards! It's pretty easy when everything matches. I think this little bird is my favorite image from this set. We had such a busy weekend and Ryan and I are still finishing up some fun projects. Two more days until spring break! Yeah!

3.15.2009

square pear

I went a little crazy with the clear embossing powder:) I got out a few stamp sets that haven't seen any ink in a while and got to work. I stamped the big circle image in versamark and then embossed it. I wasn't sure what to do after that, until I grabbed my alpine ribbon and chose the rest of my colors from there. It's a little funky, but it was fun to use some oldies! Enjoy your Sunday. I'm looking forward to church and a walk this afternoon. And of course some more baking. I've done a lot this weekend (which I'll share later) including some sticky buns that are rising by the wood stove for breakfast. Yum!

3.13.2009

his holy name

Here are my next two pages for the His Holy Name challenge over at Patter's blog. I really enjoyed studying and searching for these verses. It feels good to be in the Word!

This first one is for the word Righteous. The LORD is righteous in every way. This is such a comfort to me. I kept this layout pretty simple. Can you tell that I haven't cleaned my desk in a long time...yup, I still have this paper sitting around. I love pairing it up with some yummy browns. My second page is for the word Creator. This was one of my favorite words to study. I love reading through Genesis and watching the story of creation unfold. I feel so blessed to live in such a place that allows me to praise God for his creations everyday! I love watching the stars come out (especially since there are NO city lights around here...very dark skies). It is so cool to think that God knows them all by name. He is so awesome!

Thanks for stopping by today. I am enjoying my Friday off. I woke up to a beautiful snowy morning and I'm looking forward to some happy creating today while hanging out with the pups.

3.10.2009

springy stripes

Hello all. It's been awhile since I've done one of Jen's sketch for you to try sketches! This one was really fun. I thought these spring colors would be fun for a mother's day card! The patterned paper is die cuts with a view (it has glitter on the white stripes). And the rest of the cardstock is Stampin' Up! Thanks for stopping by today! It was kinda a rough day at school so I'm happy to be home:) I have some chicken cooking up and I think bbq sandwiches will be just the thing. And of course a side of sweet potato fries!

3.07.2009

time to celebrate ~featured blogger

This week's featured blogger is Tasha (robopup on SCS). She has a lot of fun creations on her blog, so make sure to check it out. The card I cased can be found here. I received the top note die through wish-rak. I used an oldie su set called bodacious bouquet and added the cute little birdies from heidi grace (home sweet home).
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. The sun is shining here....beautiful day! Ryan and I are getting ready to take the dogs for a walk. Toodles!

mocha chip muffins

Some yummy baking on this snowy Saturday morning. These muffins can sure make the house smell wonderful. They have the perfect mix of chocolate and coffee. Mocha Chip Muffins

1 oz. square unsweetened chocolate
1/2 c. margarine
1 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped

In a small saucepan, melt margarine and chocolate together. Cool slightly. Whisk in the milk, then egg and vanilla. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, instant coffee, and salt. Stir in chocolate mixture until just blended. Mix in mini chocolate chips and walnuts. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes. Yield: 1 dozen

This recipe came from The Gooseberry Patch Country Friends Collection: Muffins.

I didn't have any chocolate chips, but I did have some cappacino chips which were just delicious in this muffin. With some fruit, it makes the perfect breakfast. Enjoy!