Kam's Heart

Nothing crafty to share today, but something definitely worth checking out..
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A special project/fundraiser for a special boy in need.  Please take a minute to go to   Simply Betty's Stamp Blog to read Kam's story and find out how you can help.

I still have not been able to craft much...really hard maneuvering those steps with two broken ankles :(. However, I am hoping to make my Kam card this weekend when my sister is here and I can scoot down to my craft room.

Pick 3 for the Week of 1/28/13

Had a pretty busy weekend.  Went out both days....first outings, other than doctor's appointments, since my accident.  It was nice to get out and do some normal things...shopping, lunch at club, hair cut, etc.  I am a little on the tired side today though...but it is a good tired.  Here are my picks for the week...

1 -  Embossed Ribbon - change up your ribbon to give it texture and add a pretty element to your projects.

2 - Berry Cake - this is just too easy not to try!  This is my pin I will be trying out later this week...will let you know how it turns out.

3 - Tiddly Inks - new digi store...lots of cute images!  Freebies.    I just received a $20 gift certificate for them and I had no problem spending it!

Pin or Pass? Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Broccoli

This is a pretty simple pin, but I really wanted to try it out.  Broccoli is a favorite in our house and I was intrigued by a different way to prepare it.  So, roasted broccoli was added to the Christmas menu.  I have to say, this was YUMMY!  Roasting the broccoli gave it such a different flavor.  I think it was all agreed that this was a "keeper".

So, Pin or Pass?  Pin!

Dino-mite Card

This is a simple, but personal, card I made for my girlfriend's daughter when she started college this year.  The photograph I used was the complete inspiration for the entire card.  While cleaning out my scrapbook room, I came across quite a few 'extra' pictures that I normally would have thrown away, but they were so cute! Brandi and I have known each other for 10+ years, so I have quite a few picture of her kids.   I decided to save them and do "something" with them.  When Taylor left for school, I knew this would be perfect for a fun card for her to receive in the mail.  So, here are the details;;;

Image:  this was a freebie I picked up somewhere, unfortunately the artist's name or initials are not in the file name, so...I will keep searching so I can eventually share it with you.  I colored the image with pencils.

Sentiment:  Handwritten....when I made this we were in transitional housing and I had so printer :)

Papers:  Scrap bucket

Over all a very simple card, but I think the picture is what makes it special.  It is a memory, not just a card.

Thanks for looking!

Pick 3 for the week of 1/21/13

1 - Coffee Filter Ruffles...cute idea and can be completely customize to match your project.

2 - Oh, the Places You'll go! - I have seen this book given for graduation, but I love that this parent had teachers, coaches, etc. sign the book through out the child's entire school years and then gave it to them for graduation.  What a thoughtful, touching, priceless gift.

3 - Spice Rack Organizer - cute idea!  I actually have one of these in my scrap room filled with brads, rhinestones, beads, etc.  I love it...keeps everything where I can see it, but out of the way.  I am on the hunt for another one...

Hope you have a wonderful week!  I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow...get these sutures out and probably  anew cast :(  Hopefully, I will start to feel more able to sit up and do things.

Couch Survival Kit

 Well I am still recuperating from my car accident and two broken ankles.  I am tired of the couch, bored and a little lonely so....I was so excited when I got this in the mail the other day. One of my fellow Diva's from Face book made this "Couch Survival Kit" and I LOVE IT!
First she decorated the front of the box...with her Cricut that she got for Christmas :).  Then she filled it with:2 magazines, Sudoku book, lip balm, nail polish, mini bottle of tequila, lime & salt (that will have to wait until I am off the pain killers though), some fruit chews, Cheez-it snack mix, Toblerone bar, Hershey kiss, gummy penguins and a very sparkly get well card.

This came at such a perfect time...I was really feeling down and a little lonely.
Thank you again, Lisa!  You made my day!

Update:  still no walking, using a wheel chair.  Have an appointment on Tuesday to have sutures removed...and probably recast.  Hopefully, I will be able to at least sit up for longer periods of time once the sutures are removed.

Thanks for looking!

Pin or Pass? Pasta e Fagioli

So, if you haven't heard of Pinterest yet you must live under a rock or on a deserted island.  It is one of the latest additions to social networking, a virtual cork board.   Personally, I love it.  It is a great way for me to store and organize all those ideas I was constantly bookmarking on my computer.  Now I can actually find that recipe or craft idea when I want it.  You can check me out on Pinterest HERE.  I have 3,000+ pins, 43 boards and over 250 followers.  Yes, I do like it!

What I have been finding is that you really have to check ins out...first some things you pin will never get you the link you want they are spam or just pinned incorrectly.  So, I do always check the link before pinning.  Second, some pins just don't work they way they say.  So with that in mind I want to start a weekly post about my pins and what I find out when I try them.  And today will be the first.

Pasta e Fagioli 

Today I thought I would start with something simple...a recipe.

Pasta e Fagioli.  This was almost a "no-brainer" once I followed the link...the recipe is a Rachel Ray one.  I have to say this was a very easy soup to make and was delicious.  I did make one small change...The recipe calls of 1 - 18 ounce can of cannellini beans; I used 2 - 15 ounce cans to make the soup a little heartier as we were having it as a meal.  I served it with some crusty sourdough...Deliziosa!

So, Pin or Pass?  Pin, definitely :)

Sweet Day

Loved this image as soon as I saw it, couldn't wait to color it.  This is a birthday card for a friend.  Here's the details:

Image:  Cotton Candy by Mo's Digital Pencil; after coloring I added Cotton Candy Stickles to the cotton candy.

Sentiment:  printed on the computer

Papers:  scrap basket, I embossed the pink card stock

Embellishments:  sheer pink ribbon for bow, rhinestone

Thanks for looking!

Pick 3 for the week of 1/14/13

So, I have had a lot of time to spend looking around on Pinterest.  I have found so many recipes I want to try, projects I want to do, crafts I want to make.  I have decided that I will start devoting a weekly post to my results of trying out these pins, so be on the look out for that...it might save you some trouble :)  I hope to start it by February 1st.    So, here is what I picked for this week...

1)  Pennant Tree Skirt - when I saw this I knew instantly that I would be making this.  We have a stack of pennants - sports and travel.  I want to make one using the sports ones to put around a tree next year in DH & DS "man area", then decorate the tree with all sports related ornaments.  Since my boys play many sports, we have many of these ornaments.  The sports themed tree skirt will set the tree off!

2)  Valentine treats and a FREE download - This is such a cute and fast treat to make for your kids to share at Valentines...and she has the download of the label available for you, so you don't even have to create one!

3)  Candy Cane Hearts - OK, so I always say I am going to make these...and I haven't yet.  I love them though, great way to use up those leftover canes.  Maybe this year....

Remember, let me know if you try any of these picks!  Have a GREAT week :)

Strut Your Stuff

I can finally share this card with you...I made this for a friend for her birthday.  I had purchased the beautiful peacock sticker (Jolee's) and knew I wanted to used it.  After messing with it, scrounging through my scraps and trying to come up with a sentiment; this is what I came up with:

Here's the details:

Image:  Jolee's Sticker Sheet - Peacock; included the peacock, two feathers and two jewels

Sentiment:  I printed on my computer

Papers:  all from my scrap basket

Embellishments:  I didn't feel this needed a lot due to the beautiful stickers and glittery papers, so I just used a corner punch on the white mat and gold Stickles on the sentiment.

Thanks for looking!

Warm Winter Wishes

Quick peek at the anniversary card I made for my husband this year.  Once I found this adorable penguin image I knew I had to use it.   Here are the details:

Image:  Warm Winter Wishes by Sugar Nellie; after coloring the image I added flower soft to the hat, Stickles to the hearts and beaks.

Papers:  all from my scrap bin, I embossed and inked a piece of black card stock for the "ribbon"

Embellishments:  kept it simple since it was for my DH...used silver Candi for accents.

Quick Update: I had my orthopedic appointment yesterday and surgery is scheduled for Friday.

Pic 3 for week of 1/7/2013

First Pic 3 of the new year....

1)  Up-cycled Cards - I found this card on Pinterest and loved the snowman.  I went to the blog expecting to find out what stamp it was, instead I got a big surprise.  It is not a stamp but a piece of holiday packaging.  Adorable!  As you are cleaning up from the holidays, look at things with new eyes....

2)  Mini Bags - love these!  Perfect for treats for Valentine's and so easy!

3)  Organizer - I love this!  I actually have one that was one of those "as advertised on TV" ones and I use it.  It makes it so easy to change out my purse.  I have been on the hunt for them to give as gifts to a few of my friends and not able to find anymore....this is perfect.  You can order it or make one to suit your needs.

Enjoy your day!

Belated Happy New Year

if you can't tell...cast on the left, boot on the right

New Year's Day was a day of first for me...first x-ray, first CAT scan, first crutches, first cast...... On New Year's Day I was in a pretty bad car accident.  Fortunately, everyone involved is OK and will mend...both cars are more than likely totalled though.  I have to say, I think my BMW saved my life.  Without getting into the gory details, I have two fractured ankles - a double on the left with a cast on and a chip type on the right with a walking boot.  I will have to have surgery on the left.  I am already getting a little anxious about this, but then I just remind myself that it could have been much worse.  I was alone, so neither of my boys were involved and I will mend.  Eveyone keeps reminding me that I get to get a new car, too....to be honest, that is the furtherest thing from my mind right now.

My boys have been taking very good care of me.  I am thankful that John has a job with some flexibility and has been able to be home these first few days.  Jarek has been my helpful little (not so little anymore) man.  And my fur babies...

 Thor is being very protective and not leaving my side much.  Colonel is afraid of the crutches, but tries to stay close by.

I wish I could say this was the only 'bad' stuff going on in 2013, but so far it is just not a good year for a lot of people I know.  I am praying that these challenges are just that...challenges to help us work through and realize all the wonderful things we do have.

Wishing everyone a new year filled with health, love and success.