Snowflake Season Simply Scrappin' Layout Kit

# 126921 $9.95

I have always loved the Simply Scrappin' Layout Kits, since Stampin' Up! first came out with them....I wouldn't be near as far done on my scrapbookin' without them.  When My Digital Studio came out, I thought,....now what do I do....the answer is easy.  I can use my Templates to quickly make pages on MDS, then add embellishments, and what not, with the kits...and I have the perfect hybrid pages.  Way to go SU!!!!

These were all cards I got at Kim's this month when we celebrated b-days!!!!I love b-days!!!!

My 3 piece turquoise and Silver set....they came out really good!!!! 

Tags till Christmas

Wood # 120847 $30.95, Clear # 121169 $22.95

This is one of the most versitile of the Christmas sets...in my opinion.  When my children were small, the weekend after Thanksgiving was when we started working on Christmas.  I would pull all of the Chirstmas related stamps, papers, scissors, punches...etc....  and let them go to making tags for the Christmas presents.  I always wrapped in Red or Green paper with a coordinating ribbon...so the tag was the showpeice of the presentation!!!!  The family all loved it because they got homemade kids artwork!!!!  This set makes making tags so easy...and it's not jsut for tags,.....These pieces are great for cards, scrapbook pages and home decor!!!! 

This came out even better then I expected....I am lovin' this ornament!!!!  I am doing a class on it in November....stay tuned for the details!!!! 


I made these fruit Parfaits a few weeks ago...and now...could eat one every morning!!!!  Has a little bit of everything in it!!!!

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

1/2 c. vanilla yougurt

1/4 cup granola

1/4 c. blueberries

1/4 c. sliced strawberries

1 TBL shredded coconut

I a parfait dish, layer half of each of your incredients, except coconut. Repeat and finish with coconut.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit!!!

Border Banter

Wood #128927 $19.95, Clear # 128930 $14.95

This set is so simple...but I can see me using it so much.  It was designed to be used with the new 7/8" Cotton Ribbon # 127844 $7.95.  We will be using it in our October Techinque Club!!!! 

This was my hostess gift, for Stamper's 10 group, and to all my hostesses for August.  Cute little candy holder...again we were going with the Christmas theme and using fabric. 

This was our Make - n  - Take....cute little gift box, and

This was just a decoration I made to show the use of more of our great fabric!!!! I used quilt batting over a Paper mache' letter W. 

Thought I'd share another one of the Baked Potato recipes I've been doing.  These are just so yummy. 

Twice-Baked Potato with Cheddar and Broccoli

4 baking potatoes

1/2 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

small broccoli florets

Heat oven to 400F, prick your potatoes,and bake for 1 hour.  Reduce temp. to 350F.  Cut a slice from top of potatoes, discard tops, scoop out center into medium bowl, leaving an 1/8" shell.  Beat potatoes with mixer 1 min.  Add milk and cheese, beat until fluffy.  Spoon back into shells, and top with broccoli.  Place in a shallow dish, and bake 20 min. more....Enjoy and Bon Apetit!!!

Chock-Full of Cheer

Wood # 126715 $21.95, Clear # 126717 $16.95, 1 3/4" Circle Punch,# 119850 $16.95, 1/2"Circle Punch # 119869 $5.95

Still going thru everything, and pullin' stuff for Christmas....this is another great set!!!!  Again, my punches are old, and if you order....you will get the new style. Love the Merry Christmas stamp, and the T0/From one....wonderful font!!!! 

This month's Stamper 10 group...we did a little Christmas.  These were the projects we did.....fun Christmas
 Tags!!!

  Then these were  2 examples using the Merry Mini's set....lovin' that set!!!!

I've been super into fruit this summer.....here's a Smoothie I've fallin' in love with...

Orange-Raspberry Smoothies

2 c. milk

2 T. orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 c. raspberries

2 T. Honey

6 ice cubes

Raspberries or banana slices for garnish

In a blender, combine milk, orange juice, rapberries, honey, and ice cubes.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into 4 glasses.  I cut this in half and share with Steven...Enjoy, and Bon Apetit!!!!

Just had to add this last minute, just finished making this for the front door....really sets off the front door!!!!

Scentsational Season

Wood #121026 $18.95, Clear #121190 $14.95

Our sweet UPS gal brought this yesterday...now I have to figure out what to make with it!!!!  I love all the images!!!! 

2013 Everyday Happenings Designer Calendar # 126913 $6.95, Desktop Display Calendar Case # 127033 $1.95

                  

  Everyday Happenings Bundle # 129936 $ 7.95 Includes Calendar and Case

I just bought a bunch of these for quick Christmas gifts.  I plan on making my own next year re-using the case.  These are so cute, and there is some great printed paper on the reverse side. 

It was Steven and my 39th Wedding Anniversary today..... Where has the time gone to????  We went out to Outback for dinner...Yummy, but I feel like I'm gonna burst!!!! 

Been doing lots of baked potatoes and fixin's for dinner...with yummy fresh vegis or salad out of the garden. 

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Bacon

4 baking potaotes

1/2 cup milk

4 oz.  Cream Cheese

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled 

Heat oven to 400F.  Prick potatoes in several places with fork.  Bake 1 hour.  Reduce oven to 350F.  Cut thin slice from top of each potato.  Discard tops, scoop out center into medium bowl, leaving 1/8 thick shells.  Beat potato with mixer 1 min. Add milk and cream cheese, beat until fluffy.  Spoon back into shells, top with bacon.  Place in shallow dish.  Bake 20 min.   Enjoy, and Bon Apetit!

One hint...I thought I would help not heat the house up with the oven and do only 2 potatoes in the microwave....They don't mash up as fluffy, so now I'm back to the oven, I just make all 4 and we have the others another night.  Very yummy, more to come!!!

 

Delightful Decorations

Wood # 116517 $21.95, Clear #127787$16.95 Ornament Punch #119847 $16.95, 3/4" Circle Punch # 119873 $12.95

Time to get out my Christmas Stamps, and think about gifts, and cards, and classes, and decorations, and projects, Oh My!!!!  I fell in love with this set when they came out with it and the matching punch....Still have it in wood, and the old style punch....If you order it today, you will get the new style punch. Since I'm lovin' the Bundles so much, lets do one ...today only, for this set.  Wood mount, with both punches will be $46.67, and Clear mount with both punches will be $42.17.  Since this is my own Special, if you order online, you will have to pay full price, and I will contact you with the discount...or you can call or e-mail me and I can order it for you.  Reference  Delightful Decorations Bundle for 8/24/12!  I love saving $$$!!!

Wednesday night we celebrated Rocky Mountain Inkslingers 12 anniversary, with our annual dinner....went to Olive Garden, and had quite a crowd....lots of fun.  We celebrated Birthdays, and since it was mine this month...here are some of the cards I got!!!  I love birthdays that go on, and on, and on!!!! 

We had a party that we went to last weekend, and we all brought appetizers to share.  This is what I made...they were all gone...so they must have liked them!!!  I thought they were yummy!!!! 

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Puffs

12 oz.  cream cheese(from 2 8 oz packages)

2 T. hot sauce

1/3 c. crumbled Blue Cheese

1/4 c. finely chopped celery

1 c. finely chopped cooked chicken breast

2 (8 oz. cans)  crescent dinner rolls

1/3 cup butter melted

1 c. bread crumbs

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.  In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and pepper sauce. Stir in blue cheese and celery.  Stir in chicken until well blended.  Shape mixture by tablespoonfulls, into 32 1 1/2" balls, place on cookie sheet.  Refrigerate for 20 min.  Meanwhile, heat oven to 350F.  Remove rolls from package, but do not unroll.  Using a serrated knife, cut each into 16 rounds.  Press each round to 3".  Place shilled chicken on center of each dough round, shape dough around ball to cover.  In a shallow dish, place melted butter.  In another shallow dish, place bread crumbs.  Dip dough balls into butter, then roll in bread crumbs.  Place 2 inches apart on large ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 17-22 min.  or until golden brown.  Cool 5 min, and serve warm.  Enjoy, and Bon Apetit!

 Just had to share....Rusty, loves to look in the windows at what we are doing...I go up to let him in and he usually runs off!!!  My moose of a dog!!!!

Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack

Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack  #126904 $6.95

I love this paper stack of designer paper.  It consists of 48 sheets of 4 1/2" X 6 1/2"  paper, 4 each of 12 designs.  Great size for cards....and I love ALL the designs!!!! Wonderful Holiday designs!!!! 

Today it's kinda gray and cool....and lately, I've been consumed with getting classes and clubs put together...so thought I would take some time off and play a little on a non project.  I fell in love with this card in the Holiday Catalog....so had to "case" it....It came out very nice, if I do say so myself!!!!  I embossed the Raven and Gate....I haven't embossed in eons!!!!  They really "popped" out!!! 

I'm starting to search out recipes that use Zucchini...that time of year....Steven really liked this one!!!

Confetti Beef Skillet

1/2 lb. ground beef

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 env. dry Italian salad dressing

1 medium zucchini, shinly sliced

1 (14 1/2 oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (10oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed

1 c. water

1 1/4 c. instant brown rice, uncooked

1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet, brown meat on medium-high heat, drain.  Add onions, cook and stir until tender.  Stir in dressing mix.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Add zucchini, tomatoes and corn, mix lightly.  Cover, simmer 5 min.  Stir in water.  Bring to a boil on med-high.  Stir in rice, cover.  Reduce heat to med-low, cook 5 min.  Remove from heat, stir, cover and let stand 5 min.  Fluff with fork.  Sprinkle with cheese, cover.  let stand 5 more min., until cheese is melted.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit!!!

Stampin' Up! Stampin' Pierce Mat

Stampin' Pierce Mat # 126199 $4.95

You are going to want to get 2 of these.  It was designed to protect your work surface as you paper-pierce, with the Paper-Piercing Tool and the Essentials Paper Piercing Packs.  But it is also great to use under your stamping projects, for even pressure and ink coverage.  SO.....at $4.95, I say get 2!!!!

Saturday, while we were doing our book binding class...we also celebrated a bunch of August Birthdays...mine being one of them....look at all the fun things I got!!!!  I just love Birthdays!!!!

     Not much stampin' going on tonight,.....I did get this necklace finished....I do believe it is my favorite one yet....check it out on my Etsy Shop.

 I've had a few requests for the recipe for the Sandwich rings that I made for the baby shower.  Here goes....

Chicken Caesar Sandwich Ring

2 cans(11 oz.) refrigerated French loaf

1 egg, beaten

1 lb cooked Chicken (from deli), sliced thin

4 T. Caesar dressing

1/4 c. shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (1 oz)

2 c. torn romaine lettuce

1 large tomato, sliced

Heat oven to 375F.  Grease or spray large cookie sheet.  Remove dough from both cans.  Place dough seam side down, and join ends to form a large ring.  press ends together to seal.  Brush dough with beaten egg.  With kitchen scissors, cut surface of dough every 2 inches to form Vs.  Bake 20-25 min until golden brown.  Cool 15 min.  With a serrated knife, cut bread in half horizontally.  Top bottom half of ring with chicken, drizzle the half the dressing.  Sprinkle with Parmasan cheese.  Top with lettuce, tomato and remaining dressing.  Cover with top half of ring, and cut into slices.  Can use Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Mayo, to make a ham ring.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit!

Stampin' Up! Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps

Holiday #1251582 $16.95

Now that it's starting to cool down...my thoughts turn to baking!!!  Can't wait to use these Cookie Stamps for my next event!!!  They come with a really good Sugar Cookie recipe...but I'm looking for a Pumpkin Sugar Cookie dough...to make the Jack-o-Lantern one!!!  This is the Holiday collection. Here's the ones I made for my Open House.  I stamped on Fondont for this one...but you can stamp right into the cookie dough too! 

Saturday, a group of us went to Kim's house and she showed us all how to make these bound books.  I've made smaller bound books, with a similar binding, years ago...and was so pleased with how this one came out.....I used some discontinued Stampin' Up! Fabric...and the edge and corners are a velveteen.  Very elegant looking.  I am gonna have to make more of these...Thanks for teaching us this Kim!!!  Teddy is gonna take off with this one I think!!!

And now, how about a recipe.  A bunch of you were asking about the Crescent Danish Rolls I brought to Kim's on Saturday.  Here we go:

 

Easy Crescent Danish Rolls

1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1 T. lemon Juice

3 cans crescent dinner rolls

4 tsp. preserves or jam

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2-3 tsp. milk

Heat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice till smooth.  Separate dough into 12 rectangles, firmly pressing perforations to seal.  Spread each rectangle with cream cheese mixture.  Roll up starting with long side.  Gently stretch to 10 inches, and coil each roll into a spiral with seam on inside, and place on an ungreased large cookie sheet.  Make a deep indentation and fill with preserves.  Bake 20-30 min, until golden brown.  In small bowl, mix last 3 ingredients, and drizzel over warm rolls.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit. 

Stamp-a-ma-jig R

Yes, I know, I got my Stamp-a-ma-jig R way before, Stampin' Up carried them.  It is identical except for the color....How many of you have one and don't use it....Get it out and start using it.  It's one of those tools, the more you use it the easier it is to use.  I love mine...can get those clean crisp images, exactly where you want them!!!!

Last of the Convention Make-n-Takes....this was a great scrapbook page, with a journal...great for a trip...and a wonderful card!!!

Oven Swiss Steak

2 lb. boneless beef round steak (1/2" thick)

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 med. onion, thinly sliced

1 (4oz) can mushroom stems & pieces, drained

1 (8oz. can tomatoe sauce

Hot cooked noodles

Trim beef and cut into serving-size pieces.  Place in a greased 9 X 13" baking dish.  Sprinkle with pepper.  Top with the onion, mushrooms, and tomato sauce.  Cover and bake at 325 for 1 3/4-2 hours.  Serve over noodles.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit.

Stampin' Up! Snow Flurry BigzTM Die

I love this Big Shot Die # 127813  $21.95....there is so much I want to do with it....have used the Adhesive sheets and glitter, to make an ornament and votive holder....Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!  Remember, you can order from me anytime...on my SU web site (www.cathy.stampinup.net ), direct, by e-mail or phone. 

Worked on some upcoming classes today.  Here is a picture of 5 of the 25 cards(yes...25, all different) that we will be making at the Christmas Super Stamp-a-Stack on Saturday, October 21, from 12:30-5:00.  All for only $20.00.  I must have paid registration by10/14/12, due to pre-ordering of product.  These will be simple but beautiful cards, and envelopes.  Get your Christmas Cards all done in one afternoon. 

Beef Chow Mein

4 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp sugar

4 tsp. soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 lb. beef tenderloin, cut into thin strips

1 T. vegi oil

2 c. assorted fresh vegis....great time to clean out the fridge!!!

1/3 c. beef broth

Chow mein noodles, or hot cooked rice

In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.  Add beef, toss to coat.  In a larcge skillet or wok, stir-fry beef in oil until no longer pink, remove and keep warm.  reduce heat to medium.  Add vegis and broth, stir fry for 4 min.  Return beef to pan, cook and stir for 2 more min.  Serve over noodles or rice.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit. 

Stampin' Up! Clear-Mount Blocks

I love, love, love our Clear Acrylic Blocks.  They fit so nicely in my hands....no sharp edges to dig into you!!!!  You can also get the Clear Block Storage Caddy,(120279 $16.95) which holds all 9 blocks. The blocks are sold individually:

Or...you can buy them in bundles:
ALL 9 - 118491 $66.95
Most popular, C, D, H 129851 $19.95
Also for those of you who are converting their old wood sets over to Clear to save space...you can purchase the Clear-Mount Cling Foam 124236 for $10.95, and the cases:  119105 $5.95 for 4 cases.  There is also a great Cleaning Cloth:  121779 $3.95.

 

Here are a few more projects that we did as Make & Takes at Convention....Sorry it seems to be taking me forever to get them all on here....lots going on.   

 Private Classes....I'm offering something new!!!!  I'm already doing Classes, and Workshops and Clubs. Check my Calendar/Event tab above for my schedule....but I'm now offering Private Classes.  Get together a group of at least 5 people, and I will do a private class.  We would make 4 cards with envelopes.  Cost is $10, or free with an order.  (Fee must be prepaid!)  What a fun Girls Night Out!!!  I provide everything we need.  Let me know if you are interested!!!  And New for ALL my hostesses....with $200 in sales and 2 bookings, you can pick out a single-line name stamp, or a background stamp when the booking is held!  Or you can pick from my basket of discontinued sets.  WooHoo...free product!!!  

Here's a yummy, quick lunch idea for when the kids, or grandkids stop by!!!

Mini Clubs

1 tomatoe, chopped

4 slices cooked bacon, drained and crumbled

1/4 c. Miricle Whip

1 pkgs. (12 oz. dinner rolls (12 rolls) split

3 Cheddar cheese slices quartered

1 pkg. shaved roasted Turkey breast

6 lettuce leaves, torn in half.

Cpmbine tomatoes, bacon and dressing

fill rolls with cheese turkey, lettuce and tomato mixture.  Enjoy and  Bon Apetite.

Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags

 Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags  128152  $3.95

I loved these tags when I  first saw them, but couldn't think what to do with them except to use for super cute little gift tags....then they showed some ideas at Convention, and now I can't shut my brain off.....Will be doing a class in October...using the whole pack, to make 25 Christmas cards in an afternoon!!!  Fun, fun, fun!!!

 Here's one of our Make-n-Takes from Convention...cute little notecards and box to hold them in!!!

Was out delivering some orders on my way to get candy for the booth, and my phone rang.  It was Donna  Griffith, from Stampin' Up! telling me I had won, one of the drawings for a stamp set for the Social Networking Contest they did at Convention.  I  get to pick any set in the catalog, or Holiday catalog.  So lets do a contest....for some discontinued rub-ons and ribbon....post a comment, as to what set you think I picked.  Haven't done a contest in a while, thought I'd share the wealth...you have until the set comes in, and I will post a picture, and the winner!!!

Spent the day working on classes.  The Black Forest Festival is tomorrow...and I have a booth....so if you are in the area...stop off...mention you saw this here and I have a goodie for you!!!  Will try to remember to take pictures.  I always get so busy I forget.  Karen is coming out to sit with me...hopefully we will get some leads!!!!

Quick & Creamy Chicken Stew

3/4 lb. small red pototaoes (about 8), quartered

2T. water

1T. oil

1 lb. boneless skinless breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup

1/4 c. zesty italian dressing

2 c. frozen peas and carrotts

1/2 c. sour cream

Place potatoes and water in microwaveable dish, cover with lid, microwave on HIGH 7 min.  Heat oil in large saucepan on medium-high heat.  Add chicken and cook 7 min. until browned.  Add potatoes, soup, dressing, and vegetables.  Bring to a boil, cover.  Reduce heat to med-low, simmer 3 min. or until chicken is cooked through, and vegetables are heated.   Stir in sour cream, and cook one more min. until heated.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit!!!! 

Stampin' Around Wheels - A Wheely Good Time

I love my Wheels....there is just so much you can do with them.  From making my own wrapping paper, to borders, to picking an item out and stamping, to backgrounds.....they are the most versatile tool we carry!!!

Remember...there are a couple of ways to order from me...either by phone, e-mail...or by going to my web page www.cathy.stampinup.net  and clicking on Shop Now ( the easiest way)

The evening of the day we flew into Salt Lake City, Paula and I took an extra Make-n-Take class.  This was one done by the concept artists, and was more of a tip class then a project....which was right up my alley, as I love throwing out tips....This is what we made.  Cute little banner with lots of great tips!!!!  Will be using them in classes and events this year!!!

New window is in, just needs trim work.  I came down this morning...and thought...oh no...where did the window go....the glass was so clear....the old one was all etched, from the sprinklers, and looked like frosted glass!!!!  I can see the neighbors!!!!  Steven needs to get the screen made to fit it, so that I can leave the window open!!!! 

Beef Stew

1 lb. stew beef

1 lg. onion chopped

1 (1lb.) frozen mixed vegetables

1 (1lb.) frozen lima beans

1 (1 lb.) frozen peas

4 lg. potatoes, chopped

2 lg. carrots, diced

2 (8oz.) can tomatoe sauce

water

salt & pepper to taste

1 (16oz.) can cream style corn

In a skillet, brown beef with onions, drain.  Add vegetables and tomatoe sauce.  Cover with water.

Add salt & pepper to taste.  Cook until vegetables are tender.  Stir in corn and simmer until heated through.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit!!!!

Punches and Stamps!!

I am lovin' this new 1 1/4" Scallop Punch....it is so cute...and the new Mixed Medley Hostess set in the Holiday Catalog, is made just for it....Love, love, love it!!!!

Look what I got at Convention....Now I have the right sized cookie cutters for my new Cookie Stamps...all about stamping!!!!  Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Today was window day here at my Studio.  The North window that had snow and water damage came out....and then I think half of the yard of dust came in....New window is going in as we speak...and it fits perfectly.  Pretty good for a Craigs List find!!!  I love saving $3400!!!! I will be cleaning up wood chips, and sheet rock, and dirt the rest of the summer!!!  Dirt does not bode well with paper!!!!

Here's a yummy fun recipe for a dessert to make when the grandkids are here.

S'Mores Waffles

8 frozen waffles

1 C. Marshmallow cream
2-3 T. hot water
1/2 c. Nutella
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. miniature marshmallows
Toast waffles until crisp.  Using a tsp. stir Marsh. cream with hot water to make a thick sauce.  Spread a waffle with Nutella.  Cover with another waffle.  Drizzle with Marsh. sauce and top with chocolate chips and marshmallows.  Microwave for 20 seconds or until chips and marshmallows are softened.  Repeat with rest of waffles.  Enjoy and Bon Apetit.  Oh...and watch out for the sugar high!!!!