Thursday, January 26, 2012

Pinterest - find your interest!

Flowers in Bloom - from a Stampin' Up! SU4Me Challenge
Simple All Occasion card















   

     



Pinterest ----- Any one besides me getting "addicted" to this awesome site?  I love all the great ideas, thoughts, tips, tricks, ideas, memories, inspiration and dreams that are so easily shared!


When I first "heard" about Pinterest I didn't think I would be interested in this relatively new social outlet. Boy, was I mistaken. I have total interest in Pinterest! I've created boards for things I like: food, stamping, organization, cats & dogs, etc. I've learned that I'm not an odd duck; that others like the same random stuff I do.

I'm particularly drawn to hand stamped cards, memories of childhood and food. I've made a small effort at uploading some of my own pins also and not just pinning others pins. I am flattered to have several people re-pin some of the cards I shared. There are so many talented, interesting people in the world.


Big Shot Cup Cake Card using Designer Papers


Go check out Pinterest  I am sure you'll find a passion to pin. If you need an invite let me know!

Happy pinning!!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Under Construction

You'll notice some changes and weirdness going on for a bit; but when the dust settles it will be beautiful.

So grab your hard-hat; pull up a chair and enjoy visiting.

Update:  I'm loving the new background - we're still messing around with the layout and header. Don't get rid of your hard hat yet.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Christmas dream come true

Amanda has been wanting a KITCHENAID for what seems like forever. And, knowing how much she enjoys baking, cooking and creating tasty treats in the kitchen my hubby and I really  wanted to make that wish a reality.  But .... they are so expensive! 

I entered every contest possible to win one; but alas someone else hoping, wishing and dreaming of owning a wonderful KitchenAid took home each prize. 

My husband and I decided that even though we usually do not do retail Christmas (meaning we do NOT shop for our immediate family: My husband; my daughter and myself at Christmas time) and gifts that are given between the 3 of us are supposed to be handmade or other. (I always ask for the same two items: 1) that we decorate the tree together as a family; and 2) that we embrace and enjoy our family and friends during the Christmas season and enjoy special meal times together.) ......that although we don't do retail Christmas --- having a KitchenAid would be a dream come true for our 19 year old.

She is not a needy type of girl. She shops at WalMart and thrift stores; doesn't do name brands just because they are name brands and puts value in people and happiness. She is a great student and is doing really well in her first year at Sac State. (yes, I am a proud mom!)

So we decided that her dream needed to be come a reality!

Here is her reaction:
 




She was so excited!!!! And, she has used it every day since Christmas! She has baked butter cookies and pumpkin bread; made salad dressings and pancake mixes. We are so glad we made the investment in her passion for cooking.

Quick and tasty recipes

Here are 2 Quick and Tasty  (EASY!) Recipes:

Vegetable Alfredo:


Heat frying pan; add a teaspoon off Olive Oil; sautee Asparagus, yellow onions, mushrooms, zucchini and spinach. Add in alfredo sauce and heat till warm. Serve with freshly grated romano sprinkled over the top. Add a side of your favorite salad: Spinach and tomato is our favorite with this; and a slice of toasted french bread.  Delicious and super easy. Left-overs for lunch the next day are easily reheated.

Sausage Stuffed Won Tons



 Heat frying pan; add 2 pounds sausage. (I like Jimmy Dean, but YOUR favorite sausage will be perfect.) and brown completely. Add Marscipone cheese (small container) 2 cups of Bread Crumbs (Progresso or Panko crumbs both work well in this recipe) Season with fresh Garlic, Parsley or Italian Seasoning. If you would like add 1 tablespoon of Chardonnay. Stir together. Mixture will be chunky but creamy.

Line mini muffin pan with won ton wrappers.  I prefer the square ones but the store was out of them so I settled on the round ones. Seriously, there is no difference; it was just me being picky.  But I digress.

Fill each won ton with a small scoop of the warm sausage mixture. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake for 10 - 15 minutes at 325*

We made 3 pans of these and they were GONE in under an hour when I took them to work. (and there were only 6 of us in the office that day.)

Enjoy!

More easy and tasty recipes to come.




I admit it .....

I totally enjoy the Twilight Saga.
I enjoyed the books
I've seen each movie in the theater at least 2 times
My daughter and I own each DVD (that has been released)

and ..... I was totally excited to see this:

YES!!!!!! Coming to DVD on February 11!  We'll have to add this to our collection. I can't wait to see it again. Breaking Dawn (part 1) has been my favorite Twilight Saga movie to date.

Of course, I am anxiously awaiting the release of Part 2 to the theaters in November of this year. (even if that means my precious daughter will be 20!) Yikes. Yes, that is right - so far each of the Twilight movies have been released to the theater on her birthday weekend.

Yes, I am a Twilight fan. I admit it.