Taste Testing of Potato Soup.

Dec 14/11: Well Mom and Pat had the soup for Supper last night along with some Grands biscuits and they both loved the soup. I can't comment on the soup as I only had a small taste of a biscuit, which I really enjoyed.

Tonight, soup was on the menu again and Mom commented to Pat that she thought that it tasted even better the second day. Again, no taste testing for me, maybe next time.

Take care

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Dec 12, 2011: Mom was looking around something called Pinterest, she came across this recipe. Pat is stopping at the store tonight and Mom said they will ‘throw’ it in something called a Crockpot and will have it for dinner tomorrow. Here is the list of ingredients and directions.

1 - 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded hash browns {Mom used Ore Ida}
3 - 14oz. cans of chicken broth
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 pkg. cream cheese {don’t use fat free. It WON’T melt!!!}

In a crockpot, combine everything EXCEPT for the cream cheese. Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat. About 1 hour before serving, add cream cheese and keep heated until thoroughly melted. Serve with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, or whatever else you think would be good!!

Mom will be back tomorrow and let you know how it turned out.

Take care

What to Do While Mom Plays!

Nov 3: Well Mom is working up in her Studio this morning. She is trying to finish up the pages for the Recipe Swap she is doing with her friend Gail and other Scrapy Land Divas. I’m sure she will share a picture when she is done.

While Mom is upstairs, I am always on alert downstairs. Mom counts on me to protect her and the house.

I guess I had better get back to work!

Take care

I Made This at Lifestyle Crafts Contest

Nov 3: How exciting, Lifestyle Crafts is holding a terrific contest on their Blog.

You can win the grand prize giveaway, which includes:

• $1000 Lifestyle Crafts shopping spree
• Canon 60D camera
• Mac computer
• Canon Photo Printer
• Craft Room Furniture

You can find out more information by going to this post on their Blog. This week if you create an account you can win the following:

An amazing camera and one cute camera bag (in the favorite color at Lifestyle Crafts!) with a value over $1300!

Mom is keeping fingers and toes crossed!

Take care

Ribbon, Ribbon Everywhere

Nov 2: Mom loves to use ribbon on her projects but I noticed when she shows her projects to Pat that she hasn’t been using much ribbon. Sunday I figured out why, Mom brought down a bag that was full and when I poked my nose in the bag there was a lot of Mom’s ribbon. There was a bag with little bits of ribbon poking out of it, lots of spools and then there was a large amount just loose in the bag.

No wonder Mom wasn’t using ribbon very much, she probably couldn’t find what she wanted.

So yesterday Mom and I stayed home and while I napped on my bed, Mom worked on winding her ribbon on funny looking cards that she got from here. 

Look how pretty they look now! All the colors of different widths are stored together. I think Mom will be using her ribbons a lot more again.

Mom got this IRIS box when she and I were out over the weekend. She bought it at Michaels Craft Store.

Take care

Fall Frenzy Videos

Oct 31: Mom had a terrific time last week following along with Susan and all the Scrapy Land Divas on the Message Board. The divas displayed their projects for the challenges and the make and takes in a Fall frenzy section of the Message Board.

Susan recorded some terrific videos and Mom thought you might want to check them out.

Take care

Cornhusker Marching Band Supporter

Oct 30: Last week Mom got some ‘happy mail’ from her friend Susan in AZ. I have never met Susan, only seen her on the computer when Mom watches her videos. I called it ‘happy mail’ as Mom squealed when she opened the envelope.

Here is Mom wearing what came in the envelope:

Susan sent her a Nebraska Band shirt. Mom wore it proudly on Saturday when she watched the NE football game. The game was fun to watch, I enjoyed curling up on Mom’s lap. Mom loves watching for band sightings! This week there were several band sightings and some good ones of the piccolo section.

Take care

Fall Frenzy Continues ….

Oct 25: Day one has been very successful, Mom tells me that  lots of pages getting done! These are being displayed over on the Scrapy Land Message Board.

Day two brings a new twist – a card to use up scraps. I help Mom use up her scraps, I am always picking up paper in her scrap room, but not sure Mom can use it after I get it!

Mom’s friend Gail did a card using this sketch, I think it is perfect for Halloween.

Take care

Scrapy Land Fall Frenzy!

Oct 24: Mom is very excited today. She and Pat spend some time over the weekend to clear off Mom desk. This was in preparation of something called Fall Frenzy over on the Scrapy Land blog.

Apparently this is a very fun event! Mom says that she is looking forward to Susan’s LIVE shows that have been planned for this week.

Here a peek at the schedule Susan posted on the Scrapy Land blog.

So Mom tells me that there will be Challenges, LIVE shows and PRIZES! There was some talk about something called ‘chocolate’. Not sure what that is, but Pat brought home several different kinds!

Okay, have to go now and see what Mom is doing.

Take care

Scrapy Land Exclusives

Oct 3: Mom told me that she was very privileged that she was able to make some projects with some of the Scrapy Land exclusives that have just been released.

If you want to see what nice things Susan said about my Mom and Gail (Mom’s friend form VA) you can check out the Scrapy Land blog.

First Mom worked on a card using the Rocket ship and she made a card and a page.

She used October Afternoon paper for both the card and the layout of sweet Brodie.

Her next assignment was to use the Race Car and the Grand Prix dies. Mom had just the plan! Pat spent some time at a place called Frankies with some of her co-workers. She had some fun on the Go-Karts.

The last thing I have to show you today is the card that Mom made.

Take care!

Baking Surprise–Part 3

Oct 2: Who thought that this baking business would go on so long! Mom and Pat spent some time at the dinning room table last night. I thought they were eating all the Ghost cookies, but I was wrong, they were working more magic! They had these funny white bags that they pointed at the cookies and look what happened. They really look like ghost now!

They didn’t have to go to all that work, I would have been happy with them without all that white stuff on them. Hmmmm, it is looking more and more that Pat and Mom didn’t make the cookies for me.

So I guess nothing for me to do but go lie on my bed (I’m not sulking, really!).

Take care.

Witchy Legs

Oct 1: Well here it is October! Hard to believe that the year is going so fast! Mom tells me that October is a fun month and is full of Tricks, Treats, Witches and Goblins!

Mom had some fun in her studio over the last little while making a couple of cards that she will be mailing to some friends and family. She left these on the counter and I thought that I would share them with you – I know that Mom won’t mind.

Mom used Copics to color these funny witches legs and skirts. She then used Stickles to outline the skirts, dots on the legs and the fun area on the boots!

Take care.

Baking Surprise–Part 2

Sept 30: Please keep this between you and me, Mom may not have wanted me to tell you. I hung around Mom and Pat in the kitchen as I thought something was going on and sure enough there was.

Pat kept lifting out those large sheets of stuff out of the fridge and putting them on the counter. Mom would then perform some kind of magic that required putting them in the oven. This is what came out:

These are Ghost cookies – Mom does good magic! Hope I get to have some! Sorry the Ghost are upside down, but I had to get the picture before Mom caught me – I think she counts the cookies!

Take care

Baking Surprise

Sept 28: Mom spent some time in the kitchen this morning. First Pat got out all the ingredients Mom needed before she left for work. She tells me this a surprise for someone I have never met!

After she got the mixer set up she came and let me sit in her lap – which is my favorite place to be. But after 10 minutes Mom had to get back to her task. (and yes, my Mom washed her hands!)

Mom used her Kitchen Aid stand mixer to mix all the ingredients together – she says you have to add them in a specific order for the recipe to work.  Good thing Mom can read, ‘cause I can’t, I can just keep her company.

Now it’s time to roll the dough out. Mom has a special mat that she uses and it keeps the counter top cleaner. She still uses parchment paper – not sure what that is.

No flour needed – Mom says this helps not effecting the dough. She then cut the large mound of dough into 4 and rolled each quarter out between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Can you see Mom’s roller?  She has special spacers on each end to keep the dough from being squished to thin. Mom’s friend (who gave her the recipe) says you can use two1/4” dowels and get the same effect.

Mom then slides the dough on to a cookie sheet and stores them in the fridge either overnight or at least 6-8 hours.

Mom’s friend told her to do this so that the dough gets nice and firm and then it cuts nicely with cookie cutters. I like cookies and Mom gives me some if I’m a good girl – but not sure I can have any of these.

Well that’s all for today, time for me to have some quiet time on Mom’s lap!

Take care.

Stampy Land Challenge

Sept 27: Mom wants to share with you a card she submitted to the Stampy Land challenge. Mom loves how Susan challenges us to stretch our creative boundaries!

This challenge was was to decorate not only the outside of the card

but to decorate the inside of the card.

Mom used this Hero Art stamp set for the inside of the card and this car Hero Art stamp set for the outside of the card

Take care.

Black and Yellow Spider

Sept 24: Look what Mom found just beside our deck. I think it scared Mom a lot! It is an ominous looking spider for sure, but apparently it is not poisonous, but you wouldn’t think it by it’s appearance!

Take care!

Stickle Holder

Sept 21: Mom’s up in her studio today. She was telling me that when she was visiting her friend Marnie in Vancouver, BC her wonderful sweet husband Art made Mom some Stickle holders! After some discussion, he cut some PVC pipe, drilled holes in them to allow the Stickles to sit upside down. (Mom tells me that this a good thing as when using them – you get  no air bubbles!)

Mom brought the pipes home in her suitcase (along with surprises for Pat and scrapbook stuff - nothing for me). I’m sure they caused some concerned when they saw them on the x-ray! Mom and Pat went to Lowes (I had to stay home – it was too hot out) the man told them to  rough them up, glue them together (with some really stinky glue!) and then spray paint them. Pat and Mom picked out a wonderful light green.

Here is the end result

They store really nicely in one of the IRIS storage containers. Mom can store 56 Stickles and she is really pleased with them! Thanks Art for doing this for my Mom.

Take Care

Webcam for Seniors 101!

Sept 14: Mom was watching the morning news and they featured this couple trying to use their new web cam. You have to take a moment to watch this cute video. They have just gotten their new aqua laptop and their grand daughter has given them a lesson. They are having some challenges!

I can’t remember what she said to do…..

Take care

Proud Parents

Sept. 12: Mom and I had a quiet day Saturday. We spent some time outside – Mom was in the pool and I was standing guard.

Pat ran some errands and then after dinner we settled in to watch University of NE Lincoln  play football. We were hoping to see her favorite piccolo player as well. Mom was pretty excited about the game – NE won! But she was more excited at the end of the game that she was able to see  the piccolo section of  the Cornhuskers Marching Band.

Mom sent the picture to some pretty proud parents.

Take care

Boo! ……

Sept. 9: Mom worked in her studio yesterday playing with the new pumpkin die from the Be Spooked and Be Stuffed Lifestyle Crafts release.

She used the Handmade alphabet to cut the word ‘BOO’ in the front of the pumpkin. Mom wanted to used a tea light (whatever that is!) with the pumpkin and have the some light shine through. So after she cut ‘BOO’ she save the inside portion of the letters and then backed the word with vellum.

To make the pumpkin stand on it’s own, Mom cut out the pumpkin 3 times for both the large and small pumpkin. She then used strong tape called Sookwang or Scor-Tape on each edge of the pumpkins.

Mom was pleased with how it turned out. I think the battery operated tea light is a nice effect – it flickers like a real candle. See what you think.

Mom loves the green polka dot paper she used for the leaves and the stem. She tells me that she wrapped the stem around a pencil to make it curl.

Mom says these would be cute on the mantel or part of table arrangement. She around mentioned that if she put a bottom on them, they could be used for treats – I’m thinking cookies – I think Mom was thinking candy!

Come back in a few days and Mom will show you a card that she made with one pumpkin.

Take care

New Nebraska Fan

Sept 3: Mom has a good friend whose daughter is part of the Nebraska Marching Band. I see Mom is sporting a funny new hat (she says don’t laugh – she never looks good in these hats!) and she has become a NE fan. She and Pat subscribed to the Big Ten network and will be able watch all the games. I think that is a good thing, but all I know is, that means I can nap on my Mom’s lap and have popcorn with Pat!

Mom was disappointed that she didn’t get to see the half-time show live, she did get to see the piccolo section on TV in the first few minutes.  She quickly snapped this picture – not great quality – but it’s all about the memories she says!

And look how much space is needed for 295 band members – Mom says they are the ones in white nestled in all that RED!

Nebraska 40 Chattanooga 7. 

Look who is just beaming from ear to ear! She may be tired and hungry but excited that she played in the first game of the season.

This is the start of something BIG! So all that is left to be said – GO BIG RED!!!!

Take care

Lifestyle Crafts Blog Contest and Giveaway

Sept 1: Mom is entering the Lifestyle Crafts Blog Contest and Giveaway. The folks at Lifestyle Crafts wanted to to see what there customers and blog readers have been working on.

Mom choose the Gift Bag cookie cutter die and the small flower and greenery from the Wildflower Spring Gift set.

Mom cut the Gift Bag, the small flower petal and greenery from felt and said the dies cut the felt just like ‘butter’. She used her hot glue gun to put the bag together and attach the greenery, flower and button.

This little bag can be used for a variety of little treats of your choice. Mom put 3 Granola Thins that are covered in Dark Chocolate in the bag. These happen to be a favorite of Pat’s, but shhhh… it’s a secret!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out Mom’s entry.

Take care

Folded Flower Tutorial

Aug 31: Mom and I are taking a little break today. I had to stay home while Mom went for her physical therapy this morning. I have to say that I was really happy when she got home, We got to go out on the deck and enjoy the nice weather.

Every now and then Mom is going to do some tutorial of things that you may find of interest. She will tag them with ‘Tutorial’ to make it easier for you to find.

For the first tutorial/Pictorial Mom thought that you all would like one of the Folded Flower she had on the card she posted yesterday. Mom learned this technique from the folks at  Clipper Street Scrapbooking – Moms favorite scrapbook store when she visits Marnie in British Columbia.

Fancy Folded Flower

Here is the completed flower on a card.

Let’s get started.

First you will need to punch out five (5) scalloped circles of double sided paper. The ones I have used are approximately 1 ½” wide. Feel free to use a punch or any of the nesting scalloped circles.

One (1) will be the base and we will fold the other four (4) to make the flower.

Fold the circle in half and then in half again. I like to fold again into a quarter to give the folds a good crease.

Holding the circle like a little bowl, matching up two (2) of the fold lines, fold one side in, creating a new crease line at the center. Repeat this process for the other side. Now you will have a little clam shell. (Hint: when you are holding the circle like a bowl, you can actually push both sides in at once)

Fold down one scalloped edge. You can now see a petal forming!

Now repeat the process three (3) more times until you end up with one (1) circle and four (4) petals.

To assemble the flower, use your favorite adhesive to cover the base of the scalloped circle. I have used Swookwang tape on my circle. Start placing each petal, pushing each one close to the ones already adhered. (Hint: you may find it easier to use your favorite liquid glue – makes it easier to move the petals around and line up)

For the center of the flower, I have used a large gem from my IRock collection, but you can use a brad or other embellishment of your choice.

The flower is now ready to be placed on a card.

Hope you enjoyed Mom’s first tutorial/pictorial. Check back to see what Mom and I have been up to!

Take care.

Mom sure has been BUSY……

Aug 30: Every time I lifted my head from my bed over the last couple of days Mom has been heading to her studio to work on some projects for Susan over at Scrapy Land.  Mom says there are some exciting things coming to Scrapy Land over the next week or so and she wants you all to keep an eye on their Blog.

Anyway, Mom does have a card that she would like to share with you all. This is one of the projects she submitted when applying for a Design Team position. Hope you like it.

Some of the products Mom used are:
Scallop Circle – punch – approx. 1.5” (Mom says you can also use a Nesting scallop die)
Scrapy Land Exclusive Cornered Circle
Scrapy Crafts Tickled Pink font
EK Success Edge Scallop Punch
IRock Tool and Bling

If you’d like to see a video on how to make the folded flower, check out the one Susan has done over on the Stampy Land blog.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out Mom’s card. Stop by again soon to see what she is up to next!

Take care

Introductions are Made!

Aug 18 – Susan has made the final introductions for the current Scrapy Land Design team. See what kind words she hade to say about my Mom.

Pat was home when Mom was working in her studio creating her fun submissions, so I stayed with her and we even went out to the pool. It was pretty hot out by the pool, so we didn’t stay out to long.

Mom had fun working on this cute card. She placed all the clothes on the clear stamp so she could get the right arc for the hanging clothes. Then Mom stamped out the clothes again on cute pattern paper, cut them out and used foam tape to pop them up over the stamped images. Before adding the layered clothes, she stamped the clothes pins and saying.

One of the next projects she sent to Susan was a mini card/album made from A2 size envelopes. Mom says this could be a fun quick project that can be used for any occasion. Susan may do this as a LIVE show, so keep an eye on the Scrapy Land blog– then the cover will be revealed!

Thanks for taking the time to drop by and come back soon as Mom will have more fun things to show you.

Take care