Scrappin' one minute...cookin' the next

Close to My Heart is giving "A Little More Thanks" this month

2010-11-07T16:36:00.003-05:00

When you order $100 in products,you not only receive the Stamp of the Month "A Little Thanks" (pictured to your right) but you also get a stamp set of your choice (sizes A-D). That's a $45.90 value!! AWESOME!!

BLOG HOP!

2010-08-27T19:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Blog Hop! Over 50 Fabulous
Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the
Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great
products available in the new Idea Book starting September 1st!

If you have come here from Antoinette's blog, you are on the right path!You can also find a complete list of Blog Hop participants at http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com

This is simple do to- just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog
to move to the next one! Here we go!

I created this adorable gift card holder with card using our new paper pack HOOLIGANS. I can't take credit for the design-I received one similar in a swap and fell in love with it!

PAPER: HOOLIGANS LEVEL 2
EMBELLISHMENTS: HOOLIGANS LEVEL 2 MY STICKEASE
INKS: PEAR

Now "Hop" on over to Laurie's Blog http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com
to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get
some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp
Sets!

Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? You can see a list of all Blog Hop participants at http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com

DON'T MISS THIS!!

2010-08-03T08:57:00.003-04:00

$2, $4, $6 for 8! It's YOU That We Appreciate! Amazing deals on select MyStickease Assortments ($2), Level 1 Scrapbook Kits ($4), Level 2 Scrapbook Kits ($6) are yours for 8 days only (or while supplies last, whichever comes first).

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 11 (or while supplies last) and don't miss this HUGE sale. All items are over 50% off.

To take advantage of this sales, head to my website (http:\\www.jkraynak.myctmh.com ) and click on 'Shop Online' and starting August 4 there should be a link for the sale.

Time to Play

2010-04-05T09:33:00.002-04:00

I got a chance to make this cupcake with my daughter last night and thought I would post it. Directions were taken from Tresa Black's blog. She is sooo talented, and I love her videos!

Sorry my pictures aren't so clear-:( but inside holds a gift card! Cool huh?

It's been awhile/Blog Candy Giveaway

2010-04-05T08:30:00.002-04:00

Wow, I haven't been here in awhile....life has had me busy. Just wanted to post a link to a wonderful blog candy giveaway. Be sure to check it out here:

I'll be posting updates this week, so please check back!

The Great Food Show

2009-11-15T16:01:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I had a blast at the Food Show in Cleveland with 2 of my dear friends. Food Network stars put on cooking demos and Amy B. and I had front row seats to see Tyler Florence! After the show we got to go back stage where we got to eat the meal he made and get his cookbook and autograph! Guy Fierri, Michael Symon, and Sandra Lee were also there but we didn't get to see them.....maybe next year! There was samples galore from all sorts of venders-I'm still stuffed today!

Blog Candy

2009-11-04T18:28:00.003-05:00

Check out this blog for some great blog candy! Drawing is held November 21st so hurry!

Holiday Card Workshop

2009-11-03T12:49:00.004-05:00

This set of 8 cards features our Jingle paper and several of our new winter stamp sets. Cost is $8 and includes everything needed to make these cards. Contact me to schedule your class today!

Fall fun

2009-10-28T12:46:00.004-04:00

Carving pumkins with the kids is always a fun time. The girls seem to have a different reaction every year. One year they love it, the next they think it's gross. Daddy helped carve the faces and we decorated the back of our car for "trunk or treat" sponsored by our church. We went on a hayride, and laughed at Rach for bringing her umbrella along. Boy were we thankful she did-it poured on us! Kids of course thought that was great!

Girl Scouts

2009-09-25T16:00:00.004-04:00

Monday will be my first meeting with my 3rd grade troop this year. I have just a small group of 8 girls which makes it convenient for a lot of things. I thought for our first meeting we would roast marshmallows on one of those portable s'more units, then I needed to come up with a craft. Thanks to Amy for the idea-here is my sample: This cute little s'more swap pin! Thanks Amy! Now to work on my lesson......(sigh)

A little gift

2009-09-25T15:22:00.004-04:00

Today I finally got a chance to make a nugget tin for a birthday boy. The tin is filled with Hershey nuggets that I covered with stamped mailing labels. Very easy to make and cute!

Sick Home

2009-09-18T09:24:00.003-04:00

This has been a rough week. My husband ended up in the hospital with pneumonia complications for a couple of days and my oldest daughter got the flu on Saturday. She is still not feeling so well and my husband is still coughing and weak. He's got to go back to work Monday and well, Rebecca-I was hoping by Monday she would feel better as well but I'm not seeing much improvement today. I'm still praying. She hasn't eaten much, but her one request was that I make her homemade pizza. "Okay. What do you want on it honey?" "Kalamata olives, asiago cheese, garlic and tomatoes" ---really! You're kidding me! Nope. and she ate almost the whole pie!

More Twitterpatted

2009-09-10T16:24:00.004-04:00

I told you I just love this paper! Here is a few more cards I made before I jumped in the shower. Very easy and oh so cute!

Celebrations Card Kit

2009-09-09T09:02:00.003-04:00

This kit is beautiful and comes with everything you need to make 16, YES 16 cards! I changed mine a bit-you can click on the picture to get a closer look. You get paper, sponge, ink, embellishment assortment, ribbon, envelopes, instruction pamphlet and an exclusive D size stamp set! You can earn this set FREE with a $60 stamp set order on my website

I'm Twitterpated!

2009-09-09T08:29:00.010-04:00

I just love our new workshops! Check out what I made with this kit. For the Basic kit you get a level 2 paper pack, a full ribbon round collection, workshop guide with complete instructions, and an exclusive stamp set!! I purchased the embellishment options for approximately $10 more and got brads, hemp, and dimensional elements. I created everything in the workshop guide and still have a lot left! You can click on each photo to get a closer look. This paper is perfect for the fall! I love this paper! I'll post more as I get them done. Contact me today to order your kit or to schedule a workshop

Camping??

2009-09-06T15:53:00.002-04:00

Well, I must admit, I had a big list of things I wanted to do with the kids this summer that didn't get done- and camping was one of them. We pitched our tent in the back yard, put an air mattress in and viola! I even set up the telescope, but the darn thing still doesn't work right. It was a cold night and we didn't give in. We had a great time and hope to do it again with the girls.

Play Time with Rach

2009-09-04T09:44:00.005-04:00

While Daddy and Rebecca watched the beginning of the Viking playoff game, me and Rachel played with papers and glue. I've wanted to make one of these cute little pots for some time now and finally did! How easy they were. The first one, I made (I still need to stamp a sentiment on the inside though) and Rach made the second one with little help. You can find a tutorial here. I used CTMH's chocolate and bamboo paper for the pot and insert. Then I used CTMH's fancy cuts botanicals for the flowers...SO EASY! It even fits in a regular envelope (just be careful how far up you put your flowers.

AUTUMN/WINTER PRODUCT SNEAK PEAK BLOG HOP

2009-08-28T08:45:00.008-04:00

Welcome to our Close to my Heart New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop! 30 Fabulous Close to my Heart Consultants are celebrating the upcoming release of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book by giving you a Sneak Peak of some of the great products available in the new Idea Book starting September 1st!

If you have come here from Tresa's blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Erin's blog http://www.tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com and start from the beginning!"

This is simple do to- just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

This fun card was so easy to make with the new Jingle paper! I love these trendy colors for the Holiday! I used our new Ms. Holiday Cheer stamp set, which is just soo cute, wait till you see it!
Here is my recipe:

"Wishes" Template: Circle collection
Paper: Jingle
My Acrylix Stamp Set: Ms. Holiday Cheer
Ink Colors: Juniper, tulip
Embellishments: tulip brads, juniper ribbon, liquid applique, waterbrush

Now "Hop" on over to Sharesa Larsen's blog at http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and see the great new Paper Packs and My Acrylix Stamp Sets!

Remember, the Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book goes LIVE on September 1st!

**Link not working? Missed a Blog? Here is a list of all the participants in the New Product Sneak Peak Blog Hop!

Erin Herring http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
Jessica http://jessicaspaperpetals.blogspot.com
Leisa Hubley http://bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com
Sherry Thompson http://picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com
Miranda www.scrampinwithmiranda.com
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com
Wendy Kessler www.myscrapbookingblog.com
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com
Julie Banzon http://www.scrapbookiejulie.blogspot.com
Jody Gustafson www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com
Lisa Stenz http://www.lisascreativecorner.blogspot.com
Jena DeVries www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Amy Schultz http://amylizschultz.com
Lori Scott http://scrapinglori.blogspot.com
Tresa Black www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com
Jennifer Kraynak http://whatchadoin-jennifer.blogspot.com
Sharesa Larsen http://creedandsharesa.blogspot.com
Amy Edwards http://PaisleysPlayhouse.blogspot.com
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com
Emma Hubert http://paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com
Antoinette Herrin www.GodblessyourART.blogspot.com

First Day of School

2009-08-27T09:44:00.006-04:00

Well, today my girls are officially a 3rd grader and a 5th grader! Wow! When people say they grow up fast-they really mean it! I look at these pictures and just can't believe it. They both like their teachers this year and looks like we shouldn't have any problems with friends (fingers crossed)--With girls there is always drama! lol!

End of Summer getaway

2009-08-24T09:55:00.008-04:00

This weekend marked our last weekend trip for the summer, as the kids go back to school this Thursday. We visited Niagara falls, Canada. We had a great time! Though I have visited many times before, I have never taken the Maid of the Mist boat ride and got the opportunity to do it for the first time with my kids. It was AWESOME! We also visited Goat Island, the Three Sisters Islands, the National park on the American side, the observation deck, walk along the rapids, and the skylon tower-all of which we had never done before. The next day we headed up to Niagara on the Lake-very beautiful quaint little town with lots of little shops. Then it was off to Fort George (a passion of my husband's). It actually was very interesting and fun for us all. They had re-inactments that day with firing of cannons and artillary--WAY COOL!

A moment to enjoy

2009-08-11T17:58:00.003-04:00

There is nothing like a good cup of coffee and a delicious homemade blueberry scone to enjoy mid-afternoon. Everyday, around 3 o'clock I make myself a cup of coffee as a pick me up for my second go round with the kids. Today I decided to try a batch of scones made with fresh blueberries. Normally, the recipe calls for dried fruits, but this substitution turned out wonderful-a definite keeper!

Card for my nephew

2009-08-06T12:51:00.003-04:00

Here is an easy but beautiful card I created for my nephew who broke his leg recently. This card features our Emporium paper. I wrapped waxy flax around the heart and stitched an x on the smaller heart and pop-dotted both. I edge distressed the mat and viola! I got my inspiration from one of Shannon Buck's monthly kits--thanks!

Blog Candy

2009-08-05T17:52:00.001-04:00

Check out a fellow CTMH consultant celebrating her 300th post here www.damoses.blogspot.com !
Congratulations Alanna~!!

NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH SPECIAL

2009-08-04T12:56:00.005-04:00

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH in September we are giving you 3 ways to get a FREE Everyday Celebration card kit for making 16 beautiful cards!

Purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets (includes A, B, C, D, and E-size) between August 18-September 30 (CC1006C)

Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $400 between September 1-30

You can also buy as many card kits as you'd like for $39.95 per kit (CC1006B). And there's more fun! Place any order between September 1-30 and you'll be automatically
entered in our daily drawing for a FREE card kit! Winners will be announced on your Consultant's MyCTMH website and closetomyheart.com. Express your passion for stamping with this pretty new card kit today! Start shopping at www.jkraynak.myctmh.com!

Get Ready for CTMH's "Thanks-a-bration"

2009-08-04T11:21:00.005-04:00

Close to My Heart is celebrating the end of summer with a special way to say "Thank you!" Customers ordering between August 3rd-17th will receive fantastic FREE products!

The details are: From August 3–17, customers who place a minimum order of $100 will be rewarded with a number of extra perks! They’ll receive the August Stamp of the Month (It's Your Day) for FREE as well as a current, hand-selected My Reflections® Level 2 paper packet (a total retail value of $39.90)!

But, that's not all! CTMH will cover tax and shipping and handling on BOTH of these free products, saving you even more! Spread the word quickly, because this Thanks-a-bration campaign only lasts for 15 days.

Below is the list of free paper packets that you may receive as a thank you for this campaign. You will not be able to select the paper packets you receive for free, but all will be popular, currently-available packets.

My Reflections® Vintage Travel Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Rough ‘n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Route 66 Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Expedition Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Floral Tapestry Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Life Delights Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Whoops-a-Daisy Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet

To place an order, simply go to my website at www.jkraynak.myctmh.com or email me at 4kraynaks@verizon.net

WHAT!?

2009-05-24T21:02:00.000-04:00

My brother was out fishing and spotted something in the water. He called me from his cell phone to take a look at it! If you can zoom in real close to the right side you will see it.....it was a deer! Swimming from who knows where! He was spotted at least 1 mile off shore. Amazing! He did make it to the shoreline and tried to climb the cliff. Poor thing was exhausted!

Lake Treasures

2009-05-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

The girls love looking for beach glass alone the lake. Dark blue, light blue, yellow, green, orange, and brown! Right now the pieces seem to be small, hopefully we'll start finding the bigger pieces soon.

Beautiful Sunset

2009-05-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

Me and the girls went to my Mom and Dad's cottage on Lake Erie. How peaceful it is to get away and just relax with this kinda view!

Mother's Day Gifts

2009-05-08T10:48:00.003-04:00

All week I have been trying to come up with the "perfect" Mother's Day gift. Well, I decided to put together a coffee/tea basket with some homemade goodies. I made French Waffle Cookies- a recipe given to me by a good friend. If you love lemon then these cookies are for you! I think I must have eaten about a dozen of these as they were coming out of the waffle iron. Good thing they are small! lol!

Next, I made, for the very first time, SCONES! I got this recipe from www.allrecipes.com. It received the highest ratings and now I know why. They are awesome! I can't wait for my mother to try them. She has always been a fan of low sugar cookies like biscotti and pizelles. I think these will be a hit!

Rach got glasses!

2009-05-01T21:16:00.003-04:00

Well, we officially are the 4 eyed family. Rachel got her glasses on April 21st. Getting her ears pierced and glasses all in the same week made her feel like a BIG girl.

You look so cute Rach!

Animal Cookies

2009-05-01T21:10:00.003-04:00

Today after studying and taking a test, I decided to make my daughter's birthday card for next month. I used our new paper pack called Animal Cookies, July SOTM, and Foam die-cut numbers. I pop-dotted the cake pieces to give it a little more depth. Hope she likes!

Pierced Ears!

2009-04-16T21:03:00.004-04:00

Today Nanna Fusco, got Rachel her ears pierced for an early Birthday present. Rachel was so excited she could hardly wait. She had been thinking about it for the past month and just couldn't wait anymore. We went today after Rebecca's girl scouts to the Piercing Pagota in the mall. Rachel was just a little nervous but didn't shed a tear! You look so pretty Rach!

BISCOTTI!

2009-03-05T11:17:00.003-05:00

Today I finished decorating my biscotti. I didn't get a chance yesterday to drizzle chocolate on them! I just love them! These are vanilla. When we get back from Disney I would like to make a few different flavors like: Almond, Cranberry-nut, and Chocolate chunk!

Cookie Booth Sales

2009-03-01T17:26:00.002-05:00

It's Girl Scout Cookie booth time! Rachel's troop got to sell cookies at Lowe's this year. This is her troop's first booth sale. I had a hard time getting them to sign up to sell, but once they got there no one wanted to go home! Now they are begging to sell at more places!

What does it mean to scrapbook?

2009-02-20T17:08:00.003-05:00

I read this on someone's blog and thought I would share it with you. Scrapbooking is more than just gluing pictures to paper...it's creating a lasting treasure of the love and life of a family!

Scrapbooker's Verse

We gather up pictures
and bits of our past
and scrapbook them into
a gift that will last.

We write about milestones
and travels and such--
the times of our lives
that we treasure so much.

A few special photos,
a family tree,
a few thoughtful words
and soon we will see...

The album we've made
is much more than a book.
It's worth even more
than the time that it took.

It's a gift holding memories
and made with great care
by hearts and hands
with love to share.

25 Random Things about Me

2009-01-28T15:17:00.002-05:00

Well, I posted this on my Facebook and thought I'd copy it hear:

1) I Love Coffee- not flavored, mocha, or latte, just with half and half and 1/2 tsp sugar. I hate Starbucks and love Dunkin' Donuts coffee. I usually need 2 cups to wake up, 2 cups at 3pm, 1 cup at 5 and possibly another around 7. I don't think I have an addiction, do I?
2) I love to scrapbook-although I must admit, I love to collect supplies even more!
3) I love to watch movies -action/adventure are my favorite
4) I love to watch the Food Network: Rachel Ray is my favorite
5) I love a beach-wither it be the Caribbean or just Lake Erie-I just enjoy the heat of the sun and the peacefulness of hearing the waves beat on the shore.
6) I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
7) I'm going on 16 years of marriage
8) My dream is to tour Italy
9) My girls are my life
10) I'm a Girl Scout Leader
11) When it comes to food, I like almost everything-quail eggs on sushi is where I draw the line.
12)Someday, I'll have a convertible
13) I'm starting to like rollar coasters
14) I'm not a neat person, in fact, I'm very messy and unorganized-but I'm working on it.
15) I'm studying to be a medical transcriptionist (see number 6)
16) I went on a Caribbean cruise even though I get motion sickness!
17) I love opening the mail-including junk mail!
18) I love watching my girls play the piano.
19) I hate my hair-I have never found the right hair style for me YET
20) I'm becoming more adventurous and doing more things that I use to say I never would.
21) I suffer from CRS almost everyday!
22) I hate getting the oil changed in my car.
23) I hate how I look in a bathing suit.
24) I am most comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt.
25) I love surfin' the internet

A Winter Wonderland

2009-01-27T09:07:00.003-05:00

This past weekend the girls and I attended an overnight Girl Scout Winter Wonderland in Kane, PA. We went sled riding, made snow shoes, fleece hats and had fun cross-country skiing. It was cold but still fun!

What a week!

2009-01-17T21:32:00.003-05:00

This has been some week-Matt got the flu, Rebecca had a headache for 3 days straight then got the flu. I missed two steps going down the stairs while carrying my crockpot and sprained my foot. I took Rebecca to the eye doctor and low and behold, she needed glasses! I didn't realize her eyes were so bad, and she didn't either. She's so excited to be able to see clearly and even said "Mom, now I can see what you mean about the little orts all around my room. My room will really be clean now!"-- We'll see about that! lol!!

I'm just happy that we found out what the problem was and wished we would have found out sooner.

Makin' Pasta

2009-01-16T22:25:00.001-05:00

It's -8 degrees outside and I've two fully charged girls inside. What should we do? We've already watched movies, played barbies and had a daily battle with each other. Well, I decided to try to make ravioli with them. I have made spaghetti before but never did making ravioli's. The girls had fun and thought it was pretty neat that pasta dough only has 2 ingredients (flour and egg). We used a pasta machine to roll the dough thin but I am sure you could do it by hand if you didn't have one. It took us 2 hours to make 4 batches. We had a few raviolis that were thick and tasted a little undercooked, but it's amazing that because they made them-they ate every one on their plate!

Ms. On The Go

2009-01-13T08:40:00.006-05:00

I sooo love this girl! I used Emporium Creative Basic paper kit for this card. This was my first paper pieced stamped image and I must say it really was easy.

I also created these cards from Shannon Buck's monthly kit. It uses our Amore paper and Priceless word stamp set.

Snow Days!

2009-01-11T20:17:00.004-05:00

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Today and yesterday the girls and I had a great time playing in the snow. We got about 12 inches of snow this weekend. We built a fort and went sled riding. I just love the snow. It makes the world look so crisp and clean. I love the sound of the snow when you walk on it and the smell of the crisp cool air.

The First of my Birthday Cards

2009-01-06T12:36:00.004-05:00

Well, this week we have 2 birthdays, so here are two that I made today. Both use CTMH's Perfect Day paper. The second card uses our new Sprinkles stamp set--Love the cupcake! And to top it off I even scented the cupcake with "birthday cake" from www.card-scents.com and used stickles to add a little sparkle.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

Well, this year I am going to physically write down my goals. I've just thought about them or maybe just jotted one or two down in the past years. This year, I want to really work hard to achieve most of them.

Organize: I not only need to organize my house-closets, drawers, shelves, I need to organize my business better. I need to learn to make a grocery list and remember to take it with me. I need to update my calendar with birthdays and remember to send out cards.
Health: I definitely need to take better care of myself. I need to take vitamins regularly....not a couple days a week. I need to exercise more....I would love to loose 5-7 lbs. That's not too much to ask for is it?
Career: I would like to finish my medical terminology program and get a job before the year is over.
Family: There is lots of improvement I need here. One of the most important thing I really need to work on is LISTENING. I tend to let my mind run ahead and not listen to what my family is saying. I need to try to be more PATIENT.
Hobbies: I would like to scrapbook at least 1 year in an album completed and all my birthday cards made.

Well, what are your goals? I'd love to hear them!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T00:33:00.005-05:00

Well the holidays are over and visiting has come to an end. We just returned from New Jersey visiting my Mother-in-law last night and a Christmas party with the Zippie's tonight. Tomorrow will be clean up time. The tree and all the decorations need to be put away before our big Viking's game against the Eagles at 4:30! GO VIKES!

Caroling and Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-14T21:54:00.005-05:00

This week we kicked off the holiday with caroling and gingerbread house decorating. My brownie troop along with Amy's Junior troop participated. On Thurday we caroled a local neighborhood for "We Sing For Food" drive. We collected canned goods to be donated to our local food pantry. This year wasn't as successful as last year, but the girls still collected quite a bit and had a good time.

On Friday we continued with a Gingerbread House Workshop out at Trefoil Trails in Hermitage. The girls took their time and made a masterpiece....surprisingly most of the candy made it on their houses and not in their bellies.

Another Batch of Cookies!

2008-11-21T13:08:00.003-05:00

Creme Wafers are done. I started baking these 2 days ago and today I finished icing them. These are another one of my family's favorites. I feel so much better now knowing that I got two of the most time consuming cookies done and in the freezer for the holidays. The rest should be easy to do. Anyone want to come over for cookies and coffee???

3x3 box and gift cards

2008-11-15T19:37:00.004-05:00

Tonight I made this cute 3x3 gift box with 6 gift cards. This adorable box was so easy to make. If you would like the directions follow this link http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ee/index.php/resources/tutorials/3x3notecardbox/ Have fun!

Xmas Cookies

2008-11-14T20:32:00.004-05:00

Today I started my holiday baking. First cookie on my list was lady locks! 18 dozen!!! My family LOVES them and I must say they are one of my favorites too. I boxed them and put them in the freezer right away so I can take a few out at a time time. They freeze well! I just left this plate of my mess ups, so to speak. They are all the little ones or broken ones or a little over cooked ones that Rachel and Rebecca don't mind taking care of for me. Here's my recipe if you'd like to have some for yourself.

4 Cups flour
1 1/2 cups margarine or butter
3 egg yolks
1 cup sour cream

Mix flour and butter. Add yolks and sour cream till dough forms. Shape into 3 large flat discs and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Roll dough thin on a floured surface. Cut into 3x 1 inch strips using a pizza cutter. Roll dough on clothes pins or metal tubes. Bake in 350 degree oven for aproximately 10 min or until lightly browned. Cool completely before filling.

Filling:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup marshmellow creme
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Blend all ingredients in mixer and fill shells. This filling stays well in the fridge too, if you don't have time to fill all your shells! (need to make this recipe 4 times to fill all the shells!)

Enjoy!

Finally Finished my layout

2008-11-10T17:12:00.005-05:00

I finally finished the two page christmas layout for my workshop. What do ya think? I think I need to add something else but not sure what or where. Any ideas?

BLOG CANDY!!

2008-11-10T16:10:00.003-05:00

You've gotta check this blog out: http://www.youwantthecookie.blogspot.com/ Such adorable penguin stamps. Go ahead, take a look and good luck!

Hello, I'm here

2008-11-08T23:44:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on here. Last night I worked on some cards for an upcoming workshop. You can click on the photo to get a closer look. Now I just need to come up with a two page layout and annoucement email and I'll be set. All stamps and paper used are CTMH.

Wedding

2008-11-02T21:53:00.006-05:00

Last night was Justin and Sarah's wedding. All the girls looked just beautiful and the guys as handsome as can be. I cannot believe how quickly they are all growing. We did get a photo of all the cousins but I don't have a copy of it yet. I'll have to post it later. We stopped at the store on our way to the reception to get a few photos of christmasland in hopes of all of us getting our Christmas family photos taken....not much luck. We had fun anyways and quite a few laughs!!The girls had fun riding in the limo with their cousins and dancing till 1am.

Congratulations!

2008-07-21T21:08:00.003-04:00

Wow, baby shower, graduation, reunion, birthdays, golf, tennis, and a 50th wedding anniversary party! It has been awhile! I could use a vacation (and some money...lol!)

My brothers and I planned a surprise 50th anniversary party for my parents this past Sunday (July 13th). Here are a few pictures. I am so proud of myself at how well it turned out considering I didn't get much help from the boys! My parents were so surprised and really enjoyed themselves. It was like a mini-reception (75 people). We had a DJ, a mini wedding cake, cookies and lots of food.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! Here's to 25 more!!

Blue Ribbon

2008-06-06T09:59:00.006-04:00

I finally got to work with my monthly kit from Shannon Buck. She does great work! I still have to finish the second page but here's what I got. I'm new to stitching but think I really like it. I kinda messed up on my 3x3 card, but it still looks okay. Oh, darn! How do I rotate my picture????? Can anybody help me?

My Daughter's scrapbooking

2008-06-04T22:30:00.003-04:00

Today I had my daughter scrapbook her birthday party. Her party was this past Sunday (June 1st). She had a Hannah Montana/Dance Party with some school friends and cousins. The day was beautiful, warm and sunny.

Things are starting to settle down. I have Rachel's end of year party this Friday and a class party on Monday. School will be out next Wednesday, June 11th. Then I should be able to do some work for myself.

THANK YOU!

2008-05-31T22:53:00.003-04:00

Thank you to all who posted some advice for me! I haven't had much time to play around but will this week. The winnner is...........KISHA! Please email me at 4kraynaks@verizon.net with your mailing addy and I will send out a little thank you. Thanks guys for all your help. Please check back soon to see how I'm doing.

Help!!!

2008-05-21T12:37:00.002-04:00

Help me with this blog! Post an idea on how to make my site look better and I will put your name in a bucket. I will draw a name and the winner will recieve a goodie from me!

I am looking for information on things like how to add a youtube video, how to move pictures around, how to design my heading, or any other ideas you may have to help spiff this up, it just looks awful to me!

Post your ideas here and I will draw a name on May 31st! Thanks

Spinning!

2008-05-21T11:55:00.007-04:00

Well, this morning I got myself moving and out the door by 8:50 to try a spinning class with my sis! Wow was it tough! I've never tried it before and I must say it's by no means an easy ride. I watched that clock as I pedaled huffing and puffing, just hoping for that hour to go by quick. Then about 20 minutes into the routine the instructor (who I know from our kids going to school together), came over and cranked my tension up and showed me how to stand while on the thing! Oh, my goodness, I thought I was going to puke! After the class she talked to me and explained that it is actually easier if you don't sit the whole time and increase your tension....well, I guess I will have to see, as I guess I'm going to commit myself to at least 10 sessions. Friday is my next class.

Yesterday, I worked on putting together some 6x6 page layouts using our new paper packs. I may offer a class this summer to see if I can get any moms interested in starting a small book with their kids. Here's what I did:

Want some Funky Fairy free candy!

2008-05-16T17:29:00.002-04:00

Enter for a chance to win here http://funkyfairyinspirations.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-candy-giveaway-time.html

Wow! I'm Bloggin'!

2008-05-14T21:59:00.003-04:00

Well, I never thought I would venture into blogging, but it seems like fun. So here goes! This is all new to me, so be patient as this will take me some time in setting up. I'd love to have one of those fancy blogs with artsy stuff all over it, but I don't think that will be happenin' soon.

This past Sunday (Mother's Day), my youngest daughter sang "God made me" at our church. I am so proud of her! I'd like to put her on my blog ( and my ipod) but haven't figured that out yet. Instead I had to settle for youtube. Here is a link to one of her practices. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwghiLpM04Y