CiaB's Crafty Times

A Muse Art Studio

2011-09-04T09:46:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out A Muse Art Studo for all their great Holiday ideas and products. Plan a get-together with friends, and work on Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas cards. I can't believe it's September already - and that means those Holidays are just around the corner. Don't let them sneak up on you this year!

Double Pocket Bag - Christmas Friday

2010-10-01T01:37:00.000-07:00

Give this one a try- check out the Christmas all Year Long Blog.

Inspiration Challenge-Christmas Friday

2010-09-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Here's what I came up with!

Pink Cat Studios

2010-09-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

This week's image is from Pink Cat Studios

Join the fun - you could be a winner.

Check out Christmas Stampin All Year Long

In Style

2010-09-10T01:41:00.000-07:00

This week's image is from In Style- and brads or eyelets! Join the fun at: Stampin' Christmas All Year Long- you can win some free images!

Gift Challenge Friday

2010-09-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge is a Tag Holder.

Join in the fun - you may win! Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

I'm not exactly sure what you're supposed to do with it - but I imagine I'll figure something out!

It's a Soft Pencil Friday!

2010-08-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

This week we're showcasing Soft Pencil Digital Stamps. Check out Stampin' Christmas all year long - join in the fun- you might win!

Christmas Friday!

2010-08-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

This week our image comes from Pink Cat Studios. Check out the work of the other divas - links to the left - and you'll see several Pink Cat Studio digital images at work!

Join in the fun! Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

Christmas Friday - InStyle

2010-08-13T01:51:00.000-07:00

InStyle Digital Stamps is sponsoring this week. Join in the fun and you could win 4 digital images from In Style. See the details at Stampin' Christmas All Year Long!

Gift Box

2010-08-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

This week the project for Stampin' Christmas all year long was to make a gift box. The original plan only called for 1 ribbon, bugt I decided I liked te 2 ribbon approach. The tutorial can be found on the blog- give it a try an post it there - you might be selected as a winner and can be a guest designer for a future challenge!

Another Christmas Friday!

2010-07-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

This week is a sketch challenge- you can see the sketch and the work of the other divas at Stampin' Christmas all year long! If you are so inclined, add your card and you might be selected to be a guest designer!

Magnolia-licious Christmas

2010-07-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

Hi- it's July 25th so it's time for the Magnolia-licious Christmas all year long Blog hop!

From here you'll want to head on over to Peggy and see her card! Enjoy!

Christmas Friday-Sassy Cheryl's - Buttons & Bows

2010-07-23T01:47:00.000-07:00

This week at Christmas Stampin All Year Long Sassy Cheryl's will be sponsoring our challenge. Come play along in our challenge and you'll have a chance to win a $5 Sassy Cheryl's gift certificate. The challenge this week is "Buttons and Bows". Create a card using ribbons and buttons as your embellishment. The challenge will end on Thursday, July 29th and the winner will be announced on July 30th. Good Luck!

InStyle Stamps - sponsored card

2010-07-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Christmas Stampin All Year Long is sponsored by In Style Stamps. Today, In Style Stamps will be releasing their new Holiday images. Stop by In Style Stamps website and check out the newly released Holiday digital images.

Come play along in the CSAYL challenge this week and you will have a chance to win a prize provided by In Style Stamps. A winner will be announced on Thursday, July 22. Good Luck!

This week's challenge is to create a card using glitters or add something sparkly on your card.

Anything you want Christmas card

2010-07-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge was to create any Christmas card we wanted! This is mine! Colored with Copics-

Don't forget to check out the work of the others - their links are on the left.

Gift Set

2010-07-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge is to make a mini gift box and card. The Tutorial can be found on the Stampin' Christmas All Year Long blog, just click on the badge to the left to find it! Don't forget to check out the work of the other Diva's as well!

2 for 1 - Faux Stitching and Magnolia Xmas Blog Hop

2010-06-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

This is a 2 for 1 card - the Stampin' Christmas all year long challenge was to use faux stitching, and since it's the 25th, that means it's a Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog Hop!

You can find the Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog here!

From here, head on over to Monique

Vintage Christmas Card

2010-06-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

This week we were to make a Vintage Christmas card- well, I don't know what makes a card Vintage, so I just went with it ...here's my take:

Don't forget to check out the other cards using the links on the left! Also, if you would like to make a Vintage card, post it on the blog and you might be selected as a guest designer for a future challenge!

Christmas Friday- use no stamps!

2010-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to make a card without using stamps! At first, it sounds difficult, but it only takes a minute to think about die cuts and embossing - but I chose to go a whole different route, and used all embellishments!

Check out the work of the other Divas using the links on the left! If you want to participate, go to Christmas Stampin' all year long and upload your card Maybe you'll be selected as a guest designer for an upcoming challenge!

No Christmas card today

2010-05-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

This week we were supposed to make a card using the Colors suggested by Chocolate & Roses .

Well, that didn't strike any creative chord with me - so I gave up early and didn't try one!

Enjoy the 3 day weekend, I know I will!

Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog Hop

2010-05-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

It's May 25, and that means another round of Magnolia Christmas cards. You may have come here via Leonie

If not, that's ok, just follow using the link below and you'll get all the way around the hop!

This image is quickly becoming one of my favorites- Solid paper is all Bazzil- sorry, I don't know the color names, colored with Copics- Carmine for her dress - Ocean green for the green!

From here, head over to Martina!

Christmas Friday - Paper Piecing

2010-05-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

This week's Challenge was Paper Piecing - after looking at ALL of my stamps, I decided I just don't have many stamps that lend themselves to paper piecing, but I did have some 'wood grain' paper and thought I could paper piece the stairs- so that's what I did!

The images are from A Muse - colored with Copics, and paper from 'the stash'!

Check out the work from the others with the links on the left <-, and if you want to submit a card using paper piecing, you could be selected as a guest designer for next week! Submit your card here!

Have fun!

Spring Hat

2010-05-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd give a try at the sketch on Taylored Expressions; and this is my interpretation!

The image is from A Muse, colored with Copics and paper- just what I could get my hands on!

Winning card!

2010-05-17T19:27:00.001-07:00

Without further ado, a very happy congratulations goes out to MARCIA, from CiaB's Crafty Times! Here's Marcia's entry:

Remember this card? I submitted it to Humble Pie last week, and it was the winner- Imagine my surprise, but It's a nice thing!

You can see it here: Humble Pie Winning card

Jessica Watson Sails Around the World

2010-05-15T09:17:00.001-07:00

I don't know if any of you have been following or even heard of Jessica Watson, a 16 year old Australian, who for the last 7 months, has been sailing around the world, non-stop, unassisted. I've been following her adventure for nearly a year as she prepared for the trip, and while she's been at sea, her blog has been one of the first things I have checked every morning.

She was able to write the most interesting and informative blog- especially for someone 16 years old. As I read her blog every day, I often wondered if I could have/would have done what she has done. I'm glad she made it home safely, but I'm definitely going to miss checking in on her every day. There is however, another young lady, 16 year old Abby Sunderland,from Southern California, who is attempting the same thing, though she has had a bit of a disappointment, as she has had to stop in South Africa for some mechanical repairs - her dream of a non-stop trip is no longer, but she is going to continue her trip to complete her dream of a solo circumnavigation. I'm following her blog as well, so I guess her's will now be one of the first I check every day.

I have always been independent, so I think that I could have done, and would I have done it if possible ? Probably. However, the things she did to get ready for the trip, especially securing the sponsors, would probably have made it a no go for me - that's just not something I'm any good at. (Don't ever ask me to be in charge of fund raising for an event, I'd fail miserably)

Ok, so I'm no longer 16 - (and oh so far from it) but is there anything I'd still like to try...(besides doing as much normal travelling as possible)? I think Sailing or Flying lessons could fit into this category...(sumo wrestling, climbing Mt Everest, digging for gold, not so much- LOL)

Anyway, a marvelous achievement for a wonderful young lady!

Christmas Friday

2010-05-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

Ok - so this is my card this week- here's what we were given to work with:

Base: Kraft - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2
Mat: Red- 3 1/4 x 1 3/4
Any patterned paper: - 3 1/4 x 4.5
Ribbon or Fabric: White
Buttons or Brads: Red

I feel like I missed something here, as the card just seems a little boring - but I used what we were supposed to! Me- I always follow the rules pretty much right on - so maybe we were allowed to expand on this someway, but I did exactly as indicated- oh, I did add a little red flower because it really was boring without it!

Recipe Wednesday-Chicken & Mushroom Sauce

2010-05-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is a great dish - and allows for a lot of substitutes and still tastes great! I was specifically looking for a recipe with Chicken and Prosciutto as I had Prosciutto in the refrigerator and wanted to use it up! You can easily leave it out or substitue ham without changing the flavor (just remember to add some salt)

3 Chicken Breasts - skinned, boned and halved
5 T buttler
1/4 C Chopped Onion
1/4 C flour
2 T Dijon Mustard
1 C half and Half (or milk)
1/4 C dry white wine
1 C chicken Broth
3 (4.5 oz) jars sliced mushrooms, drained (I used 1 "blue" pkg fresh mushrooms)
4 oz shredded Swiss Cheese, (I used Jack)
16 oz pkg frozen broccoli (I use 1 can green beans - french style)
6 slices prosciutto or thin sliced cooked ham
Paprika

Pound each chicken breast until about 1/4" thick. Heat oven to 400

In large skillen over medium heat, melt 2 T butter. Cook Chicken in butter until lightly browned on both sides. Remove Chicken

Melt remaining butter, add onion and cook until tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in flour and mustard. Gradually stir in broth, half and half, wine. Cook over low heat until it thickens and boild. Add mushrooms and 1/2 C cheese. Stir until melted.

Arrange Broccoli (or vegetable) in bottom of 9x13 inch pan. Spoon half of sauce over broccoli; alternate ham slices and chicken slightly overlapping. Pour remaining sauce over chicken. Bake 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese and paprika- bake extra 2 minutes

2 in one!

2010-05-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

This card is for two different challenges - it just came together like that. Twisted Sketches provided the sketch - you can see it at TWISTED SKETCHES

This is also for the current challenge on HumblePie Stamps!

Check out these other 2 sites, there's a lot of fun stuff going on!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with my Mom, seems I overcommitted myself for this weekend thinking Mother's Day was NEXT weekend. But I did get a great card and gift off to her and called her this morning. My niece and Niece-in-law were fixing breakfast for everyone, so they'll have a good time! Of course I didn't get a picture of her card, but this is the card I made for my other niece-in-law for her first Mother's Day!

Twisted Sketches-guest team member

2010-05-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

I was excited to be a guest team member for Twisted Sketches. Each week there's a sketch and a twist! You can see this week's sketch at Twisted Sketches. (in case the link doesn't work, you can find them at http://www.twistedsketches.com/) This was my take - and the twist this week is Word - any how any way! I used the "word" - Friend! Almost all of this card came from Teresa Collins Friendship collection. The flowers and the "bling" were in my stash!

Check out the Twisted Sketches blog and see all the other great work!

Christmas Friday Project!

2010-05-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge was to create an accordian purse and matching card. This is my take.

The template for this project can be found here

Check out the work of the Diva's on the left! <-

Christmas Friday

2010-04-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

If it's Friday, it must be Christmas - or something like it!

This week the challenge was to make an Easel card - they're fun!

Images and papers from Amuse - the jacket colored with Copic Carmine!

Check out the work of the other Divas- to the left! <--

Twisted Sketch

2010-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to play along with Twisted Sketches this week- the sketch is below, and the "twist" is button. You can see what I did with that - below the sketch!

sketch:

and here's my take:

Magnolia Christmas Blog Hop

2010-04-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

It's time for the April Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop

I made my first Tent card - it was fun and I'm happy with the outcome!

From here, head over to Monique where the blog hop continues!

Christmas Friday- Sketch

2010-04-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was a sketch challenge- the image is from A Muse - paper- just what I had around ...

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Diva's - on the left! <--

Christmas Friday

2010-04-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use die cut(s). I immediately thought of something on Cricut- and I looked and looked, and tried one, didn't like it, tried a 2nd and didn't like it, so went with the 3rd option. I always enjoy snowflakes, so went with that one. The ribbon in the top left hand corner says Let it Snow!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Diva's - links on the left!

If you want to try one, upload it to the Stamping Christmas All Year Long Blog, and you may be invited to be a guest designer!

Twisted!!

2010-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I came across Twisted Sketches. Each week they provide a sketch and a twist! Last week it was a sketch and "orange" - any way you want to take it! It's a lot of fun to see where the twist can take you! Check it out and see where you go!

This week it's the sketch and "punch", and this is the card I came up with:

The bumble bee, the sentiment and the black edged ribbon are all from A Muse - the rest is from the "stash".

Christmas Friday- Violet and Ivory

2010-04-09T01:39:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use the colors Ivory and Violet - I didn't have anything exactly violet, so I came as close as I could!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Divas - links on the left <--

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm usually of the less is more club, but I added quite a few flowers on thi one, and i like it! Spica Atyou pens were used to color the "stained Glass" portion of the image!

Christmas Friday- Tall Box

2010-04-02T01:39:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week was to crate a cupcake or tall box- I chose the Tall box. It took me a couple of tries to get it all right, but it finally worked out!

Christmas Friday!

2010-03-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hello - its time for Christmas Stampin' All Year long!

This week, the challenge was to dry or heat emboss - my little brain started clicking, and I came up with this card, which covers BOTH categories!

Theres a lot of gold, and that doesn't always photograph well, so this is a white card layeted with gold paper!

Don't forget to check out the work of the others! Links to their blogs are on the left <--

Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog Hop

2010-03-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

It's the 25th- of March, so time for another Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog Hop.

I used a new stamp this week, and it was fun. The striped background paper, I have no idea where that came from, then I used the Cuttlebug and embossed the Holly on the green paper, then stamped and cutout the image and adhered it with pop dots for some dimension. Some red stickles for a pop of color and it's a Christmas card!

The next stop on the Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog Hop is:

Monique

The Magnolia-licious Christmas Blog can be found here!

Pottery Barn Inspiration Christmas Card Challenge

2010-03-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I created for this week's Challenge - it's my 2nd try, the first one didn't follow the rules enough!I didn't leave enough white space......this wasn't an easy challenge for me so I'm just glad I got a card done!

Here is what we were to use for "Inspiration"

There are 3 rules to the challenge:1. use colors from the picture2. leave plenty of white/ivory space3. add a bird to your card

Another Christmas Friday

2010-03-12T01:47:00.000-08:00

Time for another Stampin' Christmas All Year Long production! This week it's a non-traditional shape card - no square, no rectangle - I did a circle last time - so this is totally out of the box for me!

Be sure to check out the work of the other divas on their blogs, listed on the left! <--

and a gift set!

2010-03-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

Another challenge for the Christmas all year long - make a card "purse"and a matching card! Tutorial for this can be found on Split Coast Stampers-

Christmas Friday

2010-02-26T03:37:00.000-08:00

It's Friday so time for another Christmas all Year Long card! This week- the challenge was to use only pink!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other team members, links to their blogs on the left!

Thanks for stopping by!

Magnolia Christmas #2

2010-02-25T03:39:00.000-08:00

It's the 25th, so it's time for another Magnolia challenge Christmas Card.

The image is Magnolia Santa, I have no idea about the paper, and colored with Copics! Santa is one of my favorite images for Christmas cards!

Thanks for stopping by!

Next stop: Monique

Recipe Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Spread!

2010-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

This dish travels well, so if you need to take an appetizer someplace- this one fits the bill!

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 C any flavor buffalo wing sauce
1/2 C blue cheese dressing
1/2 C blue cheese crumbles
2 cans (9.75 oz each) Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast, drained (or 2 cups cooked Chicken)

Mix ingredients in deep baking dish or pie plate

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until hot.

Serve with celery sticks and your favorite crackers.

It's Christmas time again!

2010-02-19T01:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Christmas All Year Long group is up and running again. This year you'll find our cards posted on Friday.

Here's the first challenge this year - 2 layers, 3 buttons and glitz/glitter. These two images are from A Muse!

I saw this paper, and developed the card around the paper -

Don't forget to check out the work of the other divas- links to their blogs are over on the left!

Recipe Wednesday - Stir Fried Pork

2010-02-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love Chinese food - any kind. Perhaps it comes from growing up in a small thow that really was known for it's Chinese Restaurants One in particular was the Pagoda- and it had been around for a long time- Their Chinese food was just wonderful, and even today, I can't find anything like it. Oh yes, there are good Chinese restaurants, but somehow it just doesn't have that Pagoda zing!

It hasn't been unusual for me to eat Chinese food 4-5 times a week. In restaurants, takeout or even made at home. Over the last year or so, I've found I can't really do restaurant Chinese as it raises my blood sugar, too high, too fast and for too long, even if I avoid the obvious like Rice or chow mein or chow fun...so I had about resigned myself to not eating much Chinese-

A couple of weeks ago I was in the check out line at the grocery store, and saw one of those ever present recipe books and it was calling to me. Chinese Favorites, fast, easy fresh. It was only $3.99 so I decided to try it. I've been trying the recipes ever since, and am really enjoying it. I can control the sodium, sugar and anything else that's "bad" for you- and my blood sugar is doing just fine.

This is the recipe I had for dinner on Sunday - and I will make it again!

Stir Fried Pork with Green Beans & Baby Corn
(Serves 4)

3/4 pound Pork tenderloin
1 Tbs Cornstarch, and 1 tsp Cornstarch
2 TBS Soy Sauce
1 Tbs rice wine or dry sherry
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/3 C water, 2 Tbs Water
2 Tbs peanut oil
1 pound green beans cut into 1 1/2 in pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
1 Tbs black bean sauce
1 can (14 oz) baby corn, rinsed and drained

1. Slice pork across grain into thin slices, cut slices into 3/4 inch strips

2. Combine 1 tsp cornstarch, soy cause, rice wine, sugar and sesame oil in medium bowl, mix well. Add pork, toss to coat. Set aside to marinate 20-30 mins. Combine remaining 1 TBS cornstarch and 1/3 C water in small bowl, set aside.

3. Heat 1 TBS peanut oil in wok or large skillet over high heat. Add beans, stir fry about 4 minutes. Add remaining 2 Tbs water, reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer 10-12 minutes or until Crisp-tender. Remove from wok, set aside

4. Heat remaining 1 TBS peanut oil in wok over high heat. Add garlic, giner and pork; stir-fry about 3 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add Black bean sauce, stir fry 1 minute

5. Return green beans to wok. Stir cornstarch mixture; add to wok.Bring to a boil, cook until saue thickens. Stir in baby corn, heat through and serve. Steamed rice is a nice addition.

Rainy Saturday!

2010-02-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's raining all day today! Yay! I know, those of you who get too much of the stuff can't understand- but when you don't get THAT much rain, it's a fun thing! That means I don't have to feel guilty about not going outside, not working in the yard, not reorganizing the patio! I can stay inside and work on cards and scrapbooking! The best way to spend a Saturday for me!

Tomorrow is the Super Bowl, and while I don't have an interest in either team that's in the game, I'll still watch- while I'm working on cards and scrapbook pages!

The next thing you know, it will be Monday morning and I'll be back at work!

til later - Me

Magnolia Christmas All Year Long

2010-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here's my card for the January Magnolia Christmas Card!

You'll find one here on the 25th of every month!

Use this link to go to the next Blog on the "hop"!

Monique

Recipe Wednesday- Sesame Chicken

2010-01-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

I tried this recipe the other night and it really is good - give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

Healthy Sesame Chicken
Recipe Makes 4 servings - 245 Calories each, 39 fat calories, 68 mg cholesterol Sodium 753 mg, Carbs - 21

1/4 C flour
1/4 tsp salt (taste before adding)
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2 inch by 4 in strips
1/4 C reduced sodium soy sauce (I think you can use a little less, add water to make up the difference)
1/4 C sugar (I think you can use a little less-I actually used Truvia sugar sub)
1/2 tsp dark sesame oil
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 C chopped fresh chives (optional)

1. In a gallon size plastic bag, combine flour, salt and Pepper
2. Add chicken, seal bag and shake well to coat
3. Coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and warm over medium heat
4. Add chicken to skillet to skillet and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes (I think more like 7-8 mins -depending on how big your pieces are) until chicken is no longer pink
5. Transfer to a plate
6. Reduce heat to medium
7. Combinesoy sauce and sugar in the skillet
8. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves
9. Add sesame oil and sesame seeds
10. Add chicken and chives, toss in sauce, raise heat and cook until sauce thickens.(just a minute or two) Be sure all chicken is well coated with sauce - Serve and Enjoy!

If today is Sunday- tomorrow must be Monday!

2010-01-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

How did it get to be Sunday night, meaning tomorrow is Monday- already? Where did last week go?

I spent the weekend at a Scrap Retreat - and as always had a very nice time and got quite a number of scrapbook pages completed! NOw just to get them into the book- that almost seems like more of an issue than getting the pages made!

Here's another card I made last weekend- for an upcoming birthday!

Birthday Card

2010-01-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

Seems like I have several Birthdays this month, so I spent some time this weekend getting cards made- so now I have to remember to send them on time! This one was more of a sketch card than an image card! But it was fun to make!

Just a Sunday!

2010-01-10T17:00:00.001-08:00

It was back to work - all 5 days, this week. It was actually ok - I had a lot to do so the days went by very quickly! I enjoyed having time this weekend to be a little creative!

Here's the first card I made- my uncle's birthday is coming up - so this one is for him. Guy's birthday cards are always challenging!

The image is one I was sent because an order was delayed- but I don't remember where it came from! Copics used to color it - and some chalk for the sky!

Until next time!

Happy New Year - 2010!

2010-01-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

I spent a quiet NY's Eve at home - this picture says it all!

I did manage to ring in the New Year at Midnight! Then up this morning to watch the Rose Parade for a while! I don't have a lot planned for today, just to enjoy the last week day off of work, and the weekend, before heading back to work on Monday. I so enjoy my days off !

Happy 2010!

Project for 2010

2009-12-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

I drove home today through downtown San Jose- now let me tell you, this is no big deal as downtown is only about 1 mile long! San Jose is built around neighborhoods, most people have to go no more than 2 miles in any direction for anything they need - movies, cleaners, grocery stores, shopping malls, etc. So downtown San Jose has almost no retail business, other than a lot of great restaurants- however, there is a lot of old and new architecture here- the main library is downtown and the convention center and the center for performing arts are all there as well - and I realized, that although I have lived here the major portion of my life, I really don't have any photos of the area. Since I plan to retire in the next 2-2 1/2 years, I've decided that this year I will work on taking photos of the places I go, places with interesting architecture, etc., until I have a good photo representation of San Jose. I doubt I'll get it scrapped this year, but I will have the photos, so they can be scrapped any time!

This will allow me to play with my photo skills a bit, and see what kind of interesting photos I can take. Should prove interesting!

Waiting for 2010

2009-12-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over, the decorations have been taken down, the house is back to clean and simple. I love my Christmas decorations and have a lot of fun getting them displayed every year, but by the day after Christmas, I'm ready to put them away, and I usually do! This is something that I've just started in oh say, the last 7-8 years. I used to always leave the tree and all the decorations up until New Year's Day, that's the way we always did it when I was growing up, so I just continued that tradition. But now, it's all cleaned up shortly after Christmas, not only at my house, but in all my family's too. We've all changed that tradition.

Just catching up on odds and ends this week - we have the week off work, and I always look forward to this week- I have to go in for a couple of hours tomorrow to make sure all the loose ends are tied up for year end - but it's quite there, no one else is in, there's no traffic, and I can go in whatever time I want!

That's all the news for today!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was so much fun! Great dinner with family- the 3 year old was so excited she can't stand it- the 2 week old- he's just slept! Another couple of years before he really gets into Christmas.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

It's here! Christmas Eve. Long awaited, and soon over so fast!

Hope Everyone is exactly where they want to be!

It's almost Christmas!

2009-12-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

The bags are packed just waiting to be loaded into the car- the house is - uh - straightened up - the cats are fed and have food and water for the next few days.
I'll work about 1/2 a day tomorrow then head off to the family and celebrate Christmas.

I'm ready!

Recipe Wednesday!

2009-12-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

Since it's so close to Christmas, this definitely needs to be a Christmas recipe ...hmmmm- which one - there are so many favorites at Christmas... Got it - this is a great Christmas morning breakfast!

Eggnog Pancakes

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog (can use light)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large egg, beaten

1.In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to blend ingredients.

2.Preheat griddle to medium-high (I set my electric skillet to 300 degrees F).

3.In a separate bowl, stir together eggnog, oil, and egg. Pour into dry ingredients and whisk just until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be fairly thick.

4.Drop batter by quarter-cupfuls onto oiled skillet. Cook pancakes until bottoms are golden brown and bubbles appear on the surface. (Because the batter is so thick, check the bottoms before bubbles break at the surface so they don't burn.) Turn and cook other side. Keep warm in oven until all the batter is cooked.

5.Serve pancakes warm with butter and syrup or honey. Enjoy!

Serves 4 to 6.

Swedish Saffron Bread

2009-12-18T21:33:00.000-08:00

During the 1990-1991 school year, I had an exchange student from Umea, Sweden. It was a great year and we exchanged a lot of ideas, traditions, etc.

Just before Christmas she made Saffron bread, or as I reacently found out, it's also called lussekatter.

2 years later I flew to Sweden to spend Christmas with her and her family. I got to have this wonderful Saffron Bread again - and that's the last time!

Something came over me today and I decided I wanted to make the Saffron bread, there were many recipes on the internet, but I couldn't decide which one to try, so what else to do but email my student's mother and ask her for the recipe. She sent it right back. It was in Swedish, but I knew it would be. I found a great Swedish to English translater at Google, and after copying the recipe to a word document, I was able to upload that document and it came back instantly, translated into English. The ingredient measurements were still in the metric system, so I found a metric kitchen converter, said a litle prayer, and started in. This came together so easily, and when the first batch came out, I wanted to scream with delight, they looked perfect, but I knew the true test was in the taste..I cold barely wait for them to start to cool down before I had to try one - Yes! That was exactly the taste I remembered! What fun!

Here's a picture of the finished product:

I think I just started a new tradition!

Number of 2009 posts vs 2008 posts

2009-12-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

I just looked at the number of posts I had in 2008 - the real first year of my blog - and I had 120- then I looked at this year, and oops, it's only at 99 - and even if I post every day for the rest of the month (doubt that will happen) I'd only be at about 115/116 - so don't think I'll get as many blog posts this year as I did last.
Somthing to work on for next year!

Cards are in the mail, packages have yet to be wrapped - and I'm still up in the air about doing any more baking - many of the family members can't or don't want to eat sweets, so we've cut way back - and I can't see making stuff just to be making it, though sometimes I do miss the special "christmas" stuff we used to make - but oh those calories! yeesh! We'll see what the weekend brings.

Happy Holidays!

Just a Thursday!

2009-12-10T19:28:00.001-08:00

I got a new camera recently, after seeing the pictures a friend took with hers. I've been working with it, and this is the first picture I printed -I love it. I want to think it's the camera that made it come out so well! This plant was a present from another friend for my birthday-and the cats aren't eating it.

Off to new things!

Weekend

2009-12-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty productive weekend! After realizing I was only home 1 weekend out of 4 in November, I decided it was definitely time to stay home this weekend, and stay home I did, not even venturing out in the car one time. I did walk around the park by my house yesterday, but that was more to try out my new camera than anything else.

I managed to get all my Christmas cards finished - not mailed yet because the post office hasn't delivered the stamps I ordered, but hopefully today. (You see, one of the 3 things I dislike doing more than anything else, is going to the post office)

I also managed to get all the laundry caught up- so now I won't have to do it until after Christmas, I got the craft room straightened up, but it never stays that way long, I finished 2 Christmas presents, and this week I plan to finish the rest.

Christmas shopping was pretty easy this year, most everyone on my list wanted cash or gift cards - so that was easy enough to do - some I even did on line! Now I just have to be creative with the wrapping so they don't guess them quite right off the bat!

This morning we got a great early Christmas present, little Colton Hud arrive at 5:552 am this morning, mother and son are doing well, and Dad is glad this part's over!

Recipe Wednesday- Currie Soup

2009-11-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

1 onion - chopped
2 1/2 Tbs butter

Melt butter, add onion and 2 tsp curry powder

Cook 5 minutes, covered

Add 2 T flour, 4 1/2 cups bouillion Stir well

Add milk or cream to your taste and for consistency you like.

Enjoy!

Who says...?

2009-11-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

California doesn't have a fall season?

Leaves don't change colors in California?

California does have a fall season and trees in California do change colors. I took these pictures in early November.

Christmas Music!

2009-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

I like Christmas music- I really enjoy it - but at the right time! I turned on the car radio on my way home last night, to hear Christmas music. The station I listen to all the time has already started playing Christmas music 24 hours a day- I like Christmas music and look forward to it about this time of year - but I don't know if I can take 37 days of it! If this keeps up, they'll be playing Christmas music 365 days a year! Can you imagine 4th of July BBQ, Fireworks and Christmas music?

2 years ago the station started playing Christmas music 24 hours a day, the day after Thanksgiving. That's perfect for me -

Last year they started playing it the Monday before Thanksgiving, ok, a tad early but ok.

This year, a whole week before Thanksgiving - that's just a liite more than even I, the ultimat Christmas fan, may be able to handle!

I may have to find a new favorite radio station for a few days!

Recipe Wednesday

2009-11-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is - 2 for 1! :)

Beef Stroganoff

2 lbs beef tenderloin, cut into 1/4" strips
1/4 C flour
1 1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/4 C butter
1 clove garlic
1 C chopped onion
1 lb fresh sliced mushrooms
2 T butter 1 T tomato paste
2 T flour 1 C Sour cream
1 can beef consome

Combine 1/4 C flour, salt and pepper; coat meat.
Melt 1/4 C butter in fry pan. Brown meat on both sides. Add garlic, onion and mushrooms; fry til golden. Move meat and vegetables to one side of pan - to other side of pan add 2 T butter and 2 T flour, blend. Add tomato paste and beef broth, mix well with meat and vegetables. Cook until thickened. Add sour cream - heat through, do not boil! Serve over buttered noodles. (Serves 6)

Healthy String (Green) Beans

1 large can green beans, (empty out liuid and rinse with water several times).
1 whole onion, quartered and taken apart
1 pkg sliced smoked turkey ( I skip this and add a few drops of liquid smoke)
4 beef bouillion cubes (or 4 teaspoons powdered beef bouillion)
Place all in cooking pan, cover with water and simmer for several hours!

Enjoy! I promise you will!

Travelin' Weekend

2009-11-16T07:39:00.000-08:00

I took a red-eye flight on Thursday night and spent the weekend with a long time friend and her husband. it was a wonderful weekend, we spent hours and I do mean hours, talking, catching up, comparing and learning!

We've been friends since Jr. High, and have always kept in touch via birthday and Christmas cards, and the odd quick hour when both of us were in our hometown at the same time- but it's been a long time since we had an uninteruptted 48 hours to spend together.

Their home is lovely (no, "N", I still can't figure out why!) they are wonderful hosts, and "B" cooked up some very good dinners! We took a trip to Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite stores and there are none here in California, so that was a wonderful treat! We're both ready to do it again, and we will!

There's a song that sums it all up for me:

Old Friends

Hey, old friend
What d’ya say, old friend?
Are you okay, old friend?
Are we, are we unique?

Time goes by
Everything else keeps changing
You and I, we can continue next week, yeah

Most friends fade
Or they don’t make the grade
New ones are quickly made
And in a pinch, sure, they’ll do

But us, old friend
What’s to discuss, old friend?
Here’s to us, who’s like us?
Damn few!

Thanks B&N for a great weekend!

xoxo

Looking for Recipe Wednesday?

2009-11-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

Me too! LOL - check back next week - it will be a 2 for 1!

:)

Recipe Wednesday- Chicken Stuffing Casserole

2009-11-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

I decided to put a few recipes out here- I love to cook and I have RECIPES! I don't just mean recipes, or Recipes, but RECIPES - not just in a drawer, not just in a cupboard, not just in the kitchen, but all over my house!

I don't know where I got all of these, some from friends, some from family, some from magazines, websites, you name it. Some I don't remember, but when I do, I'll try to give credit where credit is due!

This week - Chicken Stuffing Casserole - easy and delicious! (from a friend in Ohio)

6 bone in chicken breasts (I often use boneless, and reduce cooking time to 1 hour and uncover for 20 minutes)
6 slices Monterey Jack Cheese - (if you can't find slices, just cover each breast with cheese
1 pkg StoveTop stuffing (cooked according to directions
1 can Cream of chicken soup.

Spray 9x3 pan with PAM. Place chicken breasts on bottom of pan
Cover with Jack cheese
Pour cream of chicken soup over all (don't dilute)
Cover with prepared stuffing and cover pan with foil, sealing edges.
Bake at 325 for 2 hours, remove foil for the last 40 mimutes

This also is a great recipe for the crock pot. Put in the same order, cook on Medium for at least 6 hours - I've left it for 8-10 hours and it's just fine!

Enjoy!

Cuppacakeabella Birthday card

2009-11-02T21:27:00.001-08:00

Friend's birthday is coming up - so I cooked this card up this weekend! This is my favorite Birthday Stamp!

Check in tomorrow - I'm starting Recipe Wednesday!

It's that time again!

2009-11-01T09:47:00.001-08:00

Teacher: "Why do we have a Thanksgiving holiday?"
Student: "So we know when to start Christmas shopping!"

World Series

2009-10-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is about baseball- you have to know Baseball is my very favorite sport- to play (in my younger days) or to be a spectator! Given our proximity to San Francisco when growing up (ok it's the same distance to Los Angeles too) we grew up as SF Giants Fans - I think it's in our blood! My great grandmother and great aunt were always Giants fans, and when I was younger, if you went to either of their homes during baseball season, and a game was being played, they were listening to it on their radios. They developed a great knack of being able to participate in the conversation and know what was going on in the game.

My Matenal grandparents were Giants fans, so it follows that my Mom is a Giants fan, and of course my dad was a Giants fan as well. We started going up to San Francisco to Giants games when I was in the 6th grade- before that it was always baseball on the radio and we went several times a year after that until I went away to college. Then I was in San Jose, and that was just a short trip to the ball park, so I continued going to games!

Naturally it followed that when my sister and her husband moved to San Jose early in their married life, they were going to become Giants fans - so much so that when their first son was born, he came home from the hospital in an infants Giants uniform, and while she was in labor with their daughter - (that's when the Giant's Slogan "Humm Baby" was popular) the Doctor told her to just Humm that baby out of there!

We've continued the family tradition of Giants fans, as my 3 year old great niece recently ran the bases at one of the Giants last home games this year!

The only part of the family NOT Giants' fans is my other sister and her family - they live in Santa Maria, which is much closer to Los Angeles - so they have become, can I even say it - (It's a "D" Word) D o d g e r s' fans -oh the teasing that goes on!

So where is this taking us - oh yes, to the World Series - ok, so it's Philadelphia and the New York Yankees - primarily an East Coast World Series so not as interesting to most people on the West Coast- but wait, I lived in NYC for 5 years, and really do love the Yankees too - luckily they are in the American league, so I can root for them AND the Giants, without feeling the least bit guilty. So, I'm rooting for the Yankees, which may signal doom for them since every team I seem to root for has issues! Though they did win several World Series while I was living in NYC - that created a really fun time!

In any Event, Go Yankees!

Last Christmas Card Challenge

2009-10-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is our last Christmas card challenge. I'm sad to see it end. It's been fun and I know I will miss it. Yes, I know I could keep doing it myself, but I know I won't. We've been doing it for 40 weeks, I missed a few, so I probably have 35-37 cards completed. I hope we can do it again next year.

This week's challenge was to create a diorama card. Of course I didn't follow the directions, exactly, I had to put my spin on it - and I think I might have made a better card if I had been a little closer to the directions, but I'm ok with how it turned out.

Hope you've enjoyed the weekly Christmas cards!

Home Towns

2009-10-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

My 40 year class reunion was this past weekend - I debated forever about going - not a lot of my close high school friends were going - it's not near where I live now - it's about a 3 hour drive- and most of my friends moved far away- We were having a bridal shower for my niece that afternoon, in my home town, so I was going to be in town anyway and decided to just leave it to chance. I'd had a few emails from friends asking me to go, and when 5 pm rolled around, I made the decision to go!

I had a very enjoyable evening - I even surprised myself! I reconnected with a number of friends and we spent hours talking and catching up! There was a dance separate from the reunion, and people finally started heading that way about 8:30- 4 of us decided we'd rather talk without the noise from a band, and decided to head over to Superior Dairy. Now, I have to tell you, Superior Dairy is an independent dairy that has been in the town for I swear- about 75-100 years. It's family owned and they make the Best and I mean BEST Ice cream in the world. I just wanted a single scoop of chocolate chip, my all time favorite - here's a single scoop:

I even told the server I only ordered a single scoop, and she said this IS a single scoop! Needless to say, none of us even came close to finishing these.

I'm actually looking forward to the 50th! Holy cow - did I really say 50 years since graduation - good grief - that will seem like a lifetime- oh, it is!

Christmas Tag

2009-10-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to create a Tag instead of a card. Here's mine!

Don't forget to check the work from the links on the left! --

Sketch Challenge

2009-10-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't supposed to go up until tomorow - but our Annual Sales Conference starts tonight, and I will only have sporadic time/connection until Thursday! So this is a little early!

These are all A Muse stamps, and you may not be able to see it, but I used Versamark and stamped a snowflake as a background on the red - it looks good in person!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Diva's- Links on the left <--

Color Challenge

2009-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use several different colors- I just don't have all those colors, so I chose a couple to work with - something similar to Midnight Navy Razzleberry that are from stampin up. I don't have any stampin up colors, so I came up with this...

Don't foreget to check out the cards from the other Diva's on the links at the left<-

Christmas Scene

2009-09-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to create a scene - All the stamps I used are from A Muse

Non-traditional Christmas colors

2009-09-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

This week, the challenge was not to use red, green or blue on the cards. I came upwith this one! Don't forget to check out the other cards from the links on the left~ <--

Sketch Challenge

2009-09-14T08:23:00.001-07:00

This week's Christmas card was a sketch challenge. I love this new stamp I got - wanted it, didn't need it, bought it anyway! This was a fun challenge!

Don't forget to check the other cards from the links on the left <--

Paper Piecing Christmas Card

2009-09-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge was to use paper piecing on the card. After looking at all the stamps I have, I realized I didn't have many that would lend themselvs to paper piecing! I finally found this one, and ended up "piecing" twice! The chair is pieced and so are the white cat and the pilow!

Don't forget to check the other Diva creations! <--

Traditional Christmas colors

2009-08-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use traditional Christmas Colors (Red & Green) and a splash of silver or gold. The wreath is in gold embossing powder - the image is new from A Muse stamps

Don't forget to check out the cards made by the rest of the team <--

Anything but Standard

2009-08-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

The challenge this week was to make a card that was anything but the standard A2 (4 1/4 by 5 1/2. I thought a circle would be fun, and came up with this one!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Divas- links on the left! <--

Sketch Challenge

2009-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this sketch challenge - and the card came together pretty easily. Don't forget to check out the cards made by the other marvelous Diva's, Links on the left <--

Spotllight

2009-08-12T20:26:00.001-07:00

The challenge for this week's Christmas card was to use the Spotlight technique - it's not one of my favorites, but I gavew it the old college try.

Embossed card and Designer Paper

2009-08-02T13:41:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge was to emboss a plain paper for the top and use a designer paper for the bottom half of the card. This is my take!

Don't forget to check the other Design Divas- listed on the left! <---

Christmas Card Sketch challenge

2009-07-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was a sketch Challenge from Maria. I put the cricut to good use in cutting the circle and the ovals! Easy peasy!

Fun card to make! Check out the cards from the other divas on the left <--

Inside and outside

2009-07-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge for the Christmas card was to decorate not only the outside of the card, but the inside as well. There are some very clever cards in this week's group - so be sure to check them out using the links on the left! <--- I chose to go with another no stamp card! I think it may have taken longer than stamping and coloring a card, but I'm happy with the outcome!

Front

Inside

No Stamping Christmas card!

2009-07-04T16:37:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge was to use NO Stamps on the card! This turned out to be a very easy challenge for me, so much so that I made 2 cards! With the help of Cricut, some circle punches and a cuttlebug folder, I was able to complete these in no time!

Don't forget to check out the work of the other Diva's on the Left <--

Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T18:09:00.001-07:00

I've always enjoyed the 4th of July - as much for the meaning behind it as the fun, family, and food that also goes with it. It took me many, many years to be able to actually be in the vicinity of fireworks, the noise bothered me for a long time- even as a child I would put my hands over my ears whenever we stopped at railroad tracks to let a train go by - I just was not a fan of really loud noises. I have finally learned to be able to tolerate them, knowing they won't last all that long! But I love looking at them and am always in awe!

Have a safe and Happy!

It's a White Christmas - card!

2009-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was a mostly white Christmas card. I managed pretty well - I stamped an A Muse Christmas Image with Brilliance Ice Blue ink- added some liquid embroidery for a snow effect, added a few Snowflake brads, and backed the image with some silver paper - keeping it all in the family! This was a fun challenge!

Don't forget to check the other Divas on the left <----

Christmas Card Day

2009-06-21T20:07:00.001-07:00

This week was a free challenge for the Christmas card- and the sketch was optional. I chose to follow the sketch and came up with this card!

Don't forget to check the other Diva's on the left! <-----

Partridge in a pear tree - with eyelets!

2009-06-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big eyelet user, but there are 2 on this one to meet the Challenge! and it's a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Buttons and Ribbons-minus the buttons!

2009-06-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

We're supposed to use Buttons and Ribbons for this week's challenge - however I don't have buttons because I don't DO buttons - but I did manage to get some ribbon on this card!

Christmas card with Numbers

2009-05-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to use a number on the card - There's mine - 12 days of Christms. I'm not the most creattive, so a challenge like this is really a challenge !

Check out the other cards made by the Diva's listed on the left!