SCS gallery day

Hi Everyone!

Just quick post today for you. Today is Limited Supplies Challenge over at SCS. The challenge today is to make a CAS card (Clean and Simple). I finished mine and decided to upload it to my SCS gallery, instead of here today. No particular reason, just decided to that's all. You can see it here. Be sure to check out the other gallery submissions for today's challenge as well.
Have a good day, and I'll be back tomorrow for the OCC challenge.

No Challenge...Just Cards.

Hi Everyone!

Be sure to scroll down for this week's Recipe Thursday!

Sorry about being MIA yesterday. It started out with great intentions; but just sort of turned into "one of those days." I am teaching a techniques class this Sunday and we will be focusing on heat embossing. These are the two cards we will be making. For the first card I chose Old Olive, So Saffron, Not Quite Navy and Bashful Blue for my colors and "Priceless" for the stamp set. For this card used the Emboss Resist technique. Once I stamped the image in versamark on glossy paper and then embossed it with clear powder, I brayered a layer of bashful blue. Then, I took my blender pens with a bit of chalk and colored over the certain portions of the flower leaving the outline white. To keep the chalk from smearing, I sprayed the paper very gently with a little mist of hairspray and then let it dry before I added the gold brads in the center. The rest is self -explanatory. The picture is a bit crooked...sorry about that!
The second card illustrates just plain heat embossing. I used Really Rust, Mellow Moss, Border Blue and NQ Navy for this color scheme. "Puns for the Past" is a great set to emboss with and I think it will offer some variety for my class members. I stamped the image with versamark on Vanilla paper and then heat embossed with copper powder. The layout for this card actually comes from an old SCS sketch challenge (128). It was a bit different than the usual layout, so I thought I'd give it a try. I also used "Print Pattern" background stamp and "Mark the Date" as well for the images on the borders of the triangle pieces.
So, that's all for me today.
Have a great day!

Recipe Thursday: Potato, Mushroom and Chicken Hash.

This week's recipe comes from Food and Wine Magazine cookbook that I borrowed from my mom. Very simple and very yummy! I left the egg off for the kids; but put it on mine and the hubby's and it really made the dish "pop." Don't overcook the egg, though. You want it to be runny, because the yolk makes a nice silky sauce for the dish. Honestly, it really makes the dish!!

Ingredients:
2 pounds boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 in pieces
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped (I only used 1/2)
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 pound mushrooms, cut into 1/2 in pieces
3-4 boneless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 in pieces
salt/pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Directions:

Put the potatoes in water and boil until almost tender, about 5 minutes,drain. Don't cook them all the way through or you'll end up with mushy potatoes in the skillet later.

Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat, and sautee the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until mushrooms brown for about 6 minutes. Add the chicken, salt/pepper and thyme. Cook until chicken is cooked through and then remove the mixture from the skillet.

Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 3 tbsp of oil over moderately high heat. Add the drained potatoes and cook for 6 minutes, without turning. Season and stir the potatoes and cook until well browned about 4 more minutes. Stir the chicken and mushroom mixture back into the pan and then add the cream and the parsley. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until entire mixture is heated through.

Place fried egg on top and enjoy!

Another Mojo Monday.

Hi Everyone!

I decided to take another stab at the Mojo Monday sketch from yesterday. If you missed the one I did yesterday, it's directly below today's post. I think this one fits the sketch a bit better. I used Summer Sun, Eggplant, Artichoke and Really Rust for my color palette. I inked the bunny stamp from "Serene Spring" with Artichoke ink and then took a wet Q-tip and took off the color from the bird, the flower, and the bunny and then used other markers to ink those and then I stamped it on to a piece of Whisper White. I used my blender pens and ink to color the image in before attaching it to the Eggplant piece. I added the sentiment from the "Best Yet" piece and attached it to the Really Rust piece. Finally I added the buttons and finished the card.
Quick post for me today. Have a great day and I'll be back tomorrow!

A Mojo Monday Evening.

Hello! A late evening post for you today. I've been quite busy with various things today; but I did get a chance to do Mojo Monday sketch. (I also did another card; and I will share that with you tomorrow.) I did the card, and then realized it varied a bit from the sketch; but I still figured I go ahead and post it. This was also the first time I tried using flock for the "whipped topping" on the sundae. It was different; and something I'll definitely have to try my hand at again. It's a learning process; but I think I did ok. I used Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Taken with Teal, and Regal Rose for my color palette. I also used the new "Goody Goody Gumdrops" hostess set.
Ok, sorry about the quick post; but it's time to get everyone ready for bed. Thanks for stopping by, I'll be back tomorrow! Make sure and check out everyone else's Mojo Monday entries!

OCC Sketch Challenge.

Good Morning Everyone!

Yes, it's Sunday, and yes I'm posting! I did the OCC sketch challenge yesterday; but didn't get a chance to post it, so I thought I'd go ahead and do it this morning before I get ready for Church.
This card didn't turn out exactly the way I had envisioned; but it's still ok I think.
I started with an Old Olive base. I cut two strips of So Saffron and then embossed the flowers from "Pocket Silhouettes" and added them to the base. Next came the Pumpkin Pie piece in the middle which I stamped with little garden bugs from "Garden Whimsy" I cut two circles out of Real Red and Vanilla. I stamped the butterfly, also from "Garden Whimsy" with Red, orange, turquoise and banana markers. Then I decided I didn't like that very much, so I stamped another one with the rock-n-roll technique using Saffron and Pumpkin Pie ink and added some Turquoise, and Red dots. I cut it out and attached it, so that the butterfly actually looks 3D with the red wings underneath the Saffron wings. Once I scanned the card, it flattened the butterfly, so I decided to take a close up picture of the butterfly, so you could see it.
I added the sentiment to the next circle and then finished with the two pieces of Olive ribbon.
Ok, so I hope you like it! I'm off to get ready for church. Have a great day everyone and I'll be back tomorrow for Mojo Monday!

Friday GH Chatter

Hi Again Everyone!

I'm back again with another edition of GH chatter. I hope that you all enjoy these weekly posts. So, what were my stand out moments this week...

1. I like the chemistry between Maxie and Matt. They were good on DOOL together and I'm glad to see that GH is picking up on that as well.
2. Glad to see that Johnny is trying to make an honest living. Too bad I really don't think it's going to last.
3. I'm confused about the DVD. Is the one in Sonny's study that everyone keeps seeing the one that Claudia is looking for or is that one she's already seen and just misplaced?
4. I thought the scene with Sonny and Johnny was good. I wonder if they are grooming Johnny to be Sonny's next "Jason"
5. Wonder who Winnie is talking to on the phone?
6. Who is Leyla's new love? I hear it's Agent Raynor.
7. Rebecca definitely is different from Emily. Can't wait to see everyone' reaction to her when they finally see her.
8. I don't normally side with Carly; but Robin's little tirade was a bit of the top yesterday,

What did you like or dislike? I would love to know!

So, now what's the buzz for the week?
1. Apparently it will be Carly (of all people) who will come out strong for Robin not to ignore her PPD systems and for Patrick to get her the help she needs.
2. What shocking discovery does Spinelli make?
3. A new character, Ethan,(played by Nathan Parsons, pictured here with Anthony Geary)will have strong ties to the Spencer family, past and present.


4.Claire Coffee "Nadine" has been put on recurring status. Look for her to fade away from the canvas.
5. Look for Liz and Lucky to grow closer together due to hospital tragedy.
6. The "Michael" rumors are still running rampant out there as well. Many say there are too many plot points surrounding him right now for him not to wake up. No official word, however.
7. GH fan fave Vanessa Marcil(ex-Brenda) is scheduled to appear on an upcoming episode of "Without a Trace" in multiple episodes beginning in March.
8. ABC is now airing full episodes of GH online.
9. There's a rumor that Kate is leaving; but will tell Sonny about Dante before she leaves.

Have a great week everyone and make sure to tune in next week as the hospital crisis gets into full swing! Thanks once again to GHOFS for the picture and to the WUBS site as well.

Birthday "Sale-A-Bration"

Good Morning Everyone!

I have another Sale-A-Bration sample to share with you this morning. I have been trying to make samples with my new sets to show and give away at my next workshop. So basically, you'll probably be seeing a lot of these over the next few days. I love this "Congratulations" set. Especially this birthday one, because it's a way of saying Happy Birthday" in a non-traditional and funny way! I started with a Rose Red Base and added a piece of Orchid Opulence, which is not a color that I use very often; but I really liked it with the other colors. I used versamark to stamp the flowers from the "Basic Background" set. Next, I added the Pumpkin Pie strip and the sentiment in black at the bottom. I had wanted to make an accordion flower to go in the center of the card; but I haven't been able to find a good set of instructions for one, so I had to try something a bit different. I decided to use the tulips from "A Flower for All Seasons." I used the tag punch to cut it out and then cut out two more in black for the backing and then added the ribbon. The two Rose Red circles on the bottom are from the retired set "Polka Dots and Petals."
I mounted them on Pumpkin Pie circles and then added the black flower brads.
So, that's all the crafty stuff for me today. Don't forget to check back later for the latest "Friday GH chatter!"

Color Inspiration #39

Hello Everyone!

First, let me apologize for the lack of a recipe this week. Just sorta slipped my mind; but I'll post one next week for sure.
So it's time for another Color Inspiration Challenge from Kristina. This week's colors are Real Red, Black, So Saffron, Green Galore and White.
She actually gave us the option of choosing a different green if we couldn't get the Green Galore to work or if we thought it was too bright. I liked it, however and decided to use it. I also had a chance to ink up my brand-new Sale-a-Bration set "Yummy." The only other stamp set I used was the "Floral" Background Stamp on the So Saffron Piece. I colored the main image with Green, Red and Black markers. Nothing spectacular; but it still came out kinda cute, I think.
Have a great day, everyone and I'll be back tomorrow!

Two Challenges, Two Cards!

Good Morning Everyone!

I have been up since around 5:00 am. DH left very early for work this morning and I had use the little girl's room; and I am the type of person that once my feet hit the ground in the morning, that's it I'm up! So, what to do?? Mmmm... stamp of course!!
I actually have two cards for you. The first one is for yesterday's SCS color challenge of Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose and Kiwi Kiss. I liked this combination, although next time, I think I might try it with Groovy Guava, instead of the Regal Rose. I know that's a retired color; but hey, if you got it, use it; right? I also used my new "Paper Pretties" Stamp of the Month. This time, I stamped it on watercolor paper, and it worked so much better when I colored it in. The card is pretty simple, so I won't bore you with all the details.
The second card, I did this morning is for today's SCS sketch challenge. I used Green Galore, Glorious Green, Tempting Turquoise, and Yo-Yo Yellow. I don't think I've ever made an entire card from one color family before! I stamped the yellow piece with the background stamp from "Fresh Cuts" and adhered that to the Glorious Green. I stamped the petals from "Pick a Petal" in Teal marker and Glorious Green marker and then colored them in with markers. I added the little stars and dots by free hand. The sentiment is from the "Best Yet" hostess set from the old fall winter catalog.
That's it for me today. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Exciting Stampin Up News and Specials for You!

Hi Everyone!

I know I said earlier that I would be back with another card to share with you today; and I actually did make one for today's SCS color challenge using Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose and Kiwi Kiss. I even used my new Paper Pretties Valentine Stamp. However, I used two different colors to color her hair and I didn't realize how noticeable it was until I scanned the card. Trust me...not a pretty sight. So, I'm going to doctor that up a bit and hopefully post it later (or not!)
I do however want to share exciting news with you. Today marks the beginning of another SU catalog sales period! I've only had a chance to view it online; but let me tell you....some of the new sets this season are absolutely spectacular!! I was so excited to see fresh and unique stamp sets such as "Sip by Sip", "Classy and Fabulous", "Friends 24-7" and so many many more.
Seriously, you have to take a look at the new catalog! Click on the picture on the right hand side and you will be led to my website. I want to also tell you about two specials I have for you as well.
1. Any order over $25.00 placed online between now and Feb 1st will receive one free ink pad of their choice (or other merchandise equal or less value). Note: this will be sent separately to you by me. I will contact you by email when I receive confirmation of your order.

2. Any order placed online from Feb 1st and April 30 will receive a free Idea Book and Catalog!

Happy Hello Mojo

Good Morning Everyone!

I made this card yesterday for Mojo Monday; but did not have a chance to post it. Since it was a holiday and the kids and the hubby were home. It is rare that Jim actually takes a holiday for a holiday, so when he does I try to enjoy every second of it. I also got a chance to go do some shopping to finish spending some gift certificates that I had gotten for Christmas. Shopping is great especially when it's free!
Anyhow, I started with a Purely Pomegranate base and stamped it with my "Fine Lace" Background stamp. This is my favorite background stamp and I use it all the time. I was so sad to see it retire last year. Then I added a strip of Pumpkin Pie that I stamped with the flowers from the "Basic Backgrounds" set. I cut out two circles, one in Chocolate Chip and one in Pumpkin Pie that I stamped with the same the flower stamp. I added a layer of Pretty in Pink, next with a piece of Whisper White. The 3 flowers are from Autumn Leaves "Flowers" by Rhonna Farrer. I stamped them in Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink and Pomegranate ink and then colored them in with markers. I cut them out and glued them one. The "Happy Hello" sentiment is from an old Sale-A-Bration set "Lots of Thought." The frame stamp around it is from a retired set that I don't remember the name of. I added some ribbon and the small cocoa flowers on the white paper and finished the card.I plan to try to do another card and post it today, so be sure to stop by again later. In the meantime, be sure to check out all the other fabulous entries for this week's Mojo Monday. Bye for now!

Our Creative Corner: Emboss Resist

Hi Everyone!

Normally I don't post on the weekend; but I saw this challenge over at Our Creative Corner and decided to do it. My next techniques class is going to focus on embossing and one of the things I want to do is emboss resist, so this challenge helped me to come with an idea for that. I always try to keep the projects I do for my classes very simple. One because of time and second, because many of the people who come have limited stamping experience, and I don't want to overwhelm anyone.
I started with Taken with Teal base and then added the Celery piece. I stamped the small swirl from "Priceless" at the top and bottom and then added the sentiment. I stamped the small flowers in versamark ink on the top and bottom of the Teal piece. I used the emboss resist technique on the flowers on the vertical piece. After I embossed the flowers with Clear powder, I brayered Almost Amethyst ink over it. I sponge some Lavender Lace ink around three of the edges and then added the brads to the middle of the flowers.
Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend.

Friday GH Chatter.

TGIF Everyone!

Time for another weekly edition of GH chatter. You can tell that sweeps are definitely around the corner because things are definitely heating up around Port Charles. There were lots of fantastic moments for me this week and even a couple that made me want to slap a few people. So, without further ado, here we go. As always comments and thoughts are encouraged! (I posted a card today as well. It's in the post directly below this one.)
IMHO:
1. I was thrilled that Carly chose Jax instead of running off to help Jason and Sonny. I think perhaps maybe after all this time, the girl is finally starting to learn.
2. So, Claudia is snooping around in Sonny's bedroom. Wonder if he still has those black satin sheets?
3. Loved the beginning of Thursday's episode. This hospital catastrophe storyline is going to be a great!
4. I am glad Sonny and Luke are getting more screen time together.
5. Could Sonny be any meaner to Spinelli? That whole scene really made my blood boil!
6. I wonder if there will be more to the story of Nadine's boyfriend who died in Iraq.
7.Glad to see Tracy has finally admitted that she can't live without Luke. They are a great couple together and one of my favorites on the show.
8. Couldn't help but laugh during the scene between Jason and Maxie when she came to see him about Spinelli.
9. Did you catch the reference to the "upcoming administration" during Nikolas and Nadine's conversation after their testimony to the Senators. Once again, kudos for keeping it real.
10. For someone who doesn't want anything to do with Sonny, Kate sure is quick to tell Claudia how much Sonny loves her and not Claudia.
Now for the newsflash: Scoops and Rumblings from around the internet that I've read throughout the last week.
1. Robin's PPD storyline is going to last for a while and may result in Emma being placed in danger.
2.Look for Bradford Anderson and Kirsten Storms on an upcoming episode of "The Bachelor" when they show the ladies the fine art of on-screen kissing.
3.The Equinox corporation is linked to the biotoxin that will be released in the hospital.
4. Why does Lulu need surgery?
5. Natalia Livingston's new character Rebecca is expected to be flirty with Matt.
6. Sam hatches a plan to go undercover in the Z family.
7. Robin tangles with Carly.
8. Spinelli's hacking days aren't over yet.
9. See the last of yesterday's episode that was pre-empted for the plane crash story here.
10. Don't forget GH will be pre-empted Tuesday for the inaugauration

Thanks once again to the GHOFS blog for the picture.

No More Cheesy Valentines.

Hi Everyone!
Strange title for today's post I know; but I figured it would get everyone's attention. It certainly got mine when I saw it in today's SCS Limited Supplies Challenge. You can click on the link and read about how that title came to be. I saw the challenge this morning and meant to get working on it sooner; but I was actually in the middle of doing a scrapbook layout for Reagan's book and wanted to get that done first.
So, the challenge was to create a Valentine's Day themed card with the following limitations: 1) Had to be traditional Valentine's Day colors: Reds, pinks, whites. 2) Minimum layers and embellishments: simplicity is key. 3) Had to be a "post card" type card with no folds.
I decided to use Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White and Black. I'm sure that black isn't a traditional Valentine's Day color. (I once got black flowers on Valentine's Day...definitely not traditional, but I digress!) Anyhow, I think for this particular card I did today, it helps the red and pink stand out and adds a bit of zip to it.
So, I started with my Riding Hood Red base and layered the black piece and then another piece of Whisper White. Next I stamped the main images from "Simply Said" on to a piece of Whisper White and then attached it to the Pink Pirouette piece. I used my ticket corner punch in the corners and then added the Ruby Red Square eyelets . The black ribbon on the bottom came next, and then the sentiment "Sending you my love" is from my new Paper Pretties Stamp of the Month (which I've not used yet...gasp, I know!!) The tiny hearts are from my "Full Calendar" set and were stamped in Ruby Red and Black ink to finish the card.
Ok, so there it is. I hope you like it. All my General Hospital fans and friends, be sure to come back again a bit later for this week's edition of Friday GH Chatter. Bye for now!

Color Inspiration #38.

Hi Everyone!
Wow, 38 Color Inspirations. I can hardly believe it! This week's colors were fun: Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White. I've been looking back at some of my older stamps over the past few days and trying to make an effort to use them a bit more, including in my card for today. Sometimes when you don't use them for so long, it's like they are new again!
I started with a Pumpkin Pie base and paper pierced around the edges. Then I added a layer of Pretty in Pink.I used "Suitable for Framing" around the edges in Pink Piourette, Ruby Red and Pumpkin. I added the layer of Ruby Red in the middle next. I paper pierced in the corners; but it's a bit hard to see. I colored the "G is for Genuine" from "Around the Block" set with markers and stamped it on Whisper White. The "Friend" tag is from "Terrific Tags" and I used my tag punch to cut it out as well as for the Pretty in Pink piece behind it. I added the brad in the center of the tag and then a small piece of Riding Hood Red ribbon in the corner to finish the card. I hope you like it. Be sure to check out the other entries for this week on Kristina's site. Also, don't forget to scroll down for this week's recipe. Have fantastic day and as always, thanks for visiting with me!

Recipe Thursday: Smoked Sausage with Rice and Vegetables.

Good Morning.

This week's recipe is one that is easy to "dress down" for the kids and "dress up" for the adults. When I make this I use a whole package of the Smoked Sausage. I cook half of it for the kids and they eat that with plain white rice. I use the other half of the sausage for me and my husband with the veggies, and the gravy.

Ingredients:
1 package Smoked Sausage sliced and quartered
1/2 onion chopped (doesn't have to be super fine)
1/2 Green and 1/2 Red bell pepper. (Again, a little chunky is good)
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1-1/4 cups of Chicken Stock
Rice (whatever kind you want, cooked according to directions)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 200
Sautee smoked sausage in a little bit of oil over medium-low to medium heat (--remove 1/2 if doing for kids. If not, then only start with 1/2 of the sausage.)
Add the chopped onion, and bell peppers and sautee until sausage is brown.
Remove mixture to an oven safe dish and cover. Place in oven just to keep warm.
Add 2 Tbsps of butter to pan and melt. Add the flour and stir together until smooth. Whisk in the chicken stock, making sure to whisk continuously, so you don't get lumps. You may need to add more or less stock.
Cook the gravy until it bubbles and thickens and then lower the heat to simmer
Take the sausage mixture out of the oven and stir it into the gravy.
Add some fresh parsley at the end if you have any and adjust your seasonings to taste.
Serve the sausage/veggie mixture over white rice.
Enjoy!


Add th

Thank you card

Good Morning!

I chose to do SCS sketch challenge this morning. I thought it was an interesting layout and one that I had not done before. I started with a Ruby Red base and added the Old Olive Panels with the patterned paper. I stamped the main images from "Best Blossoms" in Ruby Red and Old Olive onto Vanilla card stock and then attached that to a piece of Bazzill textured card stock. I used the stamp off technique for the Ruby Red flowers in the corners which are also from the "Best Blossoms" set. Those flowers look a bit more pinkish in the picture than they do in the picture. Finally I added the Old Olive photo corners and the yellow green eyelets to complete the card. Be sure to visit the SCS gallery to see all the wonderful creations people posted for this sketch. Have a great day everyone and thanks for visting with me!

A Simple Card for SCS Color Challenge.

Good Morning!

I got a chance to do the SCS color challenge this morning and I wanted to get it posted this morning, before the day got away from me again. This week's colors are Kraft (or Creamy Caramel), Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze or Sage Shadow. I chose the Creamy Caramel and Sage Shadow for two of my colors with the NQ Navy. I also chose a former SCS sketch to use as well. The card was very simple to put together and is pretty well self-explanatory. I used "Loads of Love" for the main images, stamped on watercolored paper and then colored in with markers, inks, pencils and my aqua painters. I accidentally dropped some water on the truck after it was done, so that's why it bled a bit around the puppy dogs. So, short post for today. Check out the SCS gallery to see what others have done for this color challenge. Have a great day!

A little Mojo on a Monday Afternoon.

Good Afternoon Everyone!

It's been a busy day, so I apologize for not posting early. It's still a busy day, because now it's time to start dinner and unload the dishwasher etc. Still, I wanted to get my card for Mojo Monday posted. I chose Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss and Apricot Appeal for my color combination. I used the retired "Daisy" Wheel on the Apricot pieces at the top and the bottom. I used "Itty Bitty Backgrounds" for the background on the Cameo Coral piece in the middle. The image in the center is from a retired set that I don't remember the name of...sorry! I used my versamarker, chalks and blender pens to color in the image. The bottom center image is a butterfly from the hostess set "Bitty Basics." Two prima flowers on either side of that completed the card.
Gotta run. Have a great night everyone!

Friday GH Chatter

Good Afternoon Everyone!

It's time once again for our weekly edition of GH chatter. Lots going on this week in Port Charles, so let's get started. We will begin, as always, with the IMHO section (In my Humble Opinion.) These are things that I liked, disliked, may have found curious, fantastic or even disturbing. Remember, that I welcome your comments and thoughts on what I post here. Instead of a picture this week, I'm uploading a video promo for the big hospital crisis. Enjoy and don't forget to watch GH!


IMHO:
1. Spinelli: adore him, always have, always will. Winnifred: not so much!
2. Really liked the scene with Robin and Sonny and Emma. Glad that GH has kept that friendship real and pure throughout the years.
3. I like the reality of the PPD storyline they are beginning with Robin.
4. Thought the conversation with Sonny and Patrick about Michael was heart-wrenching and honest.
5. Kudos to the show for having Lucky and Liz talk about taxes. Way to keep it real!
6. Interesting dilemma Jason will face. Who will he choose to save, Spinelli or Sonny?
7. Jax and Olivia flirting is ok; but I wouldn't trade Jax and Carly for Jax and Olivia
8. Glad to see Luke sticking around had actually sort of acting like a Dad. How about a couple of scenes with Luke and Cameron and Jake? After all, as far as he knows, Jake is his grandson.
9. Now that Diane has resigned as Sonny's attorney, I wonder who his new one will be. I think it should be a man this time, change it up a bit.


Newsflash: Scoops and Buzz I've heard this week from various places around the internet, magazines and tv.

1. Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda) has publicly expressed interest and says she's in talks with GH to try to work out a way to come back to the show. Even if only for a limited run.
2. Natalia Livingston (ex-Emily) will be playing a new character "Rebecca"; but her uncanny resemblence to Emily will not be lost on Nikolas.
3. Big...huge hospital crisis begins Jan 15 and will continue through February sweeps.
4. Lot of talk about Michael lately. Could that mean something? Insider scoops are saying possibly...maybe during the spring.
5. Expect a casting announcement for Dante by the end of the month.
6. Kate finds out about Claudia's involvement in Michael's shooting. How will she handle it?
7. Sonny and Luke team up to help Johnny.

Back to Stamping!

Good Morning!
Well, as you can see I've returned to stamping. Yes, I will still be scrapbooking; but I think that for blogging purposes the stamping is better. I sat for the better part of two hours yesterday staring at pictures just trying to figure out the paper that I wanted to use. Don't you wish that everybody would just coordinate all the time, so that you didn't have that problem? I decided to forget that layout and put another one together. I got the paper and pictures and even a title put on; but then realized I had no embellishments whatsoever to put on it. That in itslf was baffling, since I've an entire folder filled with things. You would have thought I would have found something in there.
Finally, I decided, forget it...I'm going back to stamping. Scrapbooking will just have to be a work in progress for me. I decided to combine Kristina's Color Inspiration with this week's Mojo Monday (which by the way has a new blog of it's very own. Check out the new link) It was a bit hard to get the juices flowing, but I think I did ok. I started with a white base. I probably should have made the card a bit smaller; but these were already prefolded, so I just grabbed one. I added a layer of Chocolate Chip, followed by a piece of Baja Breeze that I stamped with my "Floral" background stamp. I layered Pumpkin Pie and Olive across the bottom and added the eyelets on each side. The Mojo Monday sketch has an oval in it; but I have no way to make an oval, so I decided to use my scallop circle. I stamped the "Happy Birthday" in Pumpkin Pie ink and then added the martini glass stamp from "Cheers to You". I cut a half circle with my circle punch and then added the orange ribbon. I decided that the white just looked a bit bright, so I decided to use my spritzer with markers. A couple of spots got a bit darker than I would have liked; but by that time it was too late to worry about it.
Anyhow, I hope you like it. That's all for me right now. Be sure to come back later for this week's edition of GH Chatter!!

Recipe Thursday: Buffalo Baked Chicken and Mac n' Cheese

***Update*** The "Italian Cheese" listed in the Mac n Cheese recipe refers to the package of shredded Italian cheese you can get in most grocery stores. It's with all the other packaged shredded cheeses and is a combination of Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Fontina and Asiago cheeses. Hope that helps.

Good Morning Everyone!

It's time once again for Recipe Thursday. This week's recipe is what we had for dinner last night and since it met with great reviews here in my house, I thought I would share it with you. It is, of course, a Rachael Ray recipe. What can I say...I like the woman's recipes!

Buffalo Baked Chicken

Ingredients:
6 Tbsps Butter
1/2 cup hot sauce (more if you like it hotter!)
5-8 pieces of Bone-in, skin on chicken of your choice. (The original recipe calls for Breasts and drumsticks; but I used thighs and wings because that's what I had in the freezer)
1-2 cups of breadcrumbs. Italian style or plain seasoned with Italian seasoning.

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and add the hot sauce, stir to combine
Season the chicken pieces with salt/pepper and place in a bowl.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and turn to cover. Let sit for 10-15 minutes
Press the sauce covered chicken into the bread crumbs and turn to coat.
Place the pieces on a non-stick baking sheet or grease another pan (I used my Pampered Chef large bar pan)
Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes until chicken is done.

Mac n' Cheese

Ingredients:

3/4lb small shell pasta
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded Sharp Cheese
1/2 cup shredded Italian Cheese
1 cup bread crumbs and some olive oil

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions to a little less than done. It will continue to cook in the oven for a few minutes.
Melt the butter in a sauce pan and whisk in the flour. Cook for about minute.
Add the milk and bring to a boil, let thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cheese (more or less to your taste)
Add the cooked pasta
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle the top with additional cheese.
In a bowl combine the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Top the mac n cheese with the bread crumb mixture.
Put in oven with the chicken for the last 10 -12 minutes that it is cooking.
Should be bubbly and delicious!

Is that Tyler or Elvis?

Good Morning Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the layout I posted yesterday. I am back again today with another one to share with you. These pictures were taken during a bowling excursion on our recent vacation. We pretty much took over the bowling alley with 2 couples, 9 kids and 1 Grandma. I took other pictures as well and will be making a separate layout with them. These particular pictures, I thought however, deserved a special page of there own. I'm not sure exactly what prompted the "Elvis" type bowling bow/stance that Tyler his doing; but I sure am glad that his oldest sister, Katie captured it on film! I'm sure that one day he'll be quite upset at how much we laugh at these pictures. I can hear him now, "Do you have to show those pictures to everyone, mom?!"
I chose Tempting TQ for my background. The accent pieces are Green Galore, Real Red and a piece of Basic Grey patterned paper. The page is a bit barren of embellishments, simply because I don't have any bowling embellishments. I will have to pick some up and then add them later.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do. Have a great day and as always, thanks for visiting with me.

Reading is Fun!

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, here it is as promised, a layout to share with all of you. This is one that I did for Reagan's book. I really wanted her to be involved in the development of her book, so we decided that I would do the pictures, paper and titles; and then she will do the embellishing. I wish that I could scan it because I think it would come out as a better image; but since it is a 12x12 page, it's too big to fit on the scanner. It's hard though to get the images together in one shot, though. I thought about doing each page separately, but decided that doing that would break up the "Reading is Fun" title and not show the continuity of the page. I apologize therefore for the not so clear picture. I got the layout idea for this page from one of my Becky Higgins' "Sketches" Magazine. I have two volumes of these and I love them!!
I made the "Reading" and Fun" portions of the title with foam stamps and paint. I used my Quikutz for the "is". (Yes, I am still using the old squeeze tool! Kinda like the old VCR...!!)
I think Reagan did a good job embellishing the page and she had lots of fun doing it. I am going to try and do another layout today and share it with you tomorrow. Until then, have a great day and thanks for visiting with me.

Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone!

Well, as you can see I have returned from my vacation and am back on the system. I hope you all had a fabulous holiday with your families and friends. Ours was great; but it's always good to be home again. As I said before I left, I will be working on layouts this month. I was actually able to do a bit of work as it related to sorting pictures over the break, so I'm hoping to get at least one layout done today and posted tomorrow for you to see. I will also be posting a recipe this week and will do GH chatter on Friday. Therefore, just a quick post today that I am back and ready to go! Hopefully you all have not forgotten about me and will be back to visit with me!
Have a great day!