Wednesday, December 29, 2010

U Make My Heart Sing

There is nothing like watching the little guys do their own thing. My sister's grandchildren love music. This Christmas they received Banjos, Guitars, and microphones. Boy did thy go to town showing their talents. They are so totally awesome!!! They make me happy no matter what they are up to. This is our last layout for the year.


Can you believe 2011 is just around the corner. Some changes for the New Year. We will no longer have a class on Tuesday morning. The class will be offered on Wednesday morning at 10:00 am. Then after the class our play day will begin. Hopefully, this will help cutback on so much traveling to town for you ladies.

No one has signed up for the New Year's Eve Crop. So we will have an open play day on Friday from 10:00 - 5:00 pm. There is also a play day Saturday from 10:00 - 4:00 pm. Come join us for some fun.

Gotta get that little Prissy tucked into bed.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Starting next week our Tuesday morning card class will be moved to Wednesday morning. So the new schedule for card classes will be Tuesday afternoon at 5:15 pm, Wednesday morning at 10:00 am, and Thursday morning at 10:00 am.

See you at shop.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Birthday CJ!!!!!


What a cutie you were. Yeah, little did we know what a mischievous guy you would become. But with that said.
You also became a wonderful, caring man.

Love you Big Bunches!!!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Had a wonderful visit with Glenda today. Otherwise, the shop has been pretty quiet.

Here is our recipe for today. It is from Southern Living and sounds delicious. I think it would be an easy thing for breakfast or a side dish for dinner.


Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole


Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bring milk just to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; gradually whisk in butter and grits. Reduce heat, and simmer, whisking constantly, 5 to 7 minutes or until grits are done. Remove from heat.

2. Stir in egg and next 3 ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Bake, covered, at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until mixture is set. Serve immediately.


Have a great Christmas Eve.


See you at the shop.

One Dish Blackberry French Toast

What a wonderful surprise today. That Thursday group punted going to lunch and brought lunch to the shop. Sandie made her famous eggplant Parmesan . Oh my goodness was it so good. Diane brought salad. Linda Shapiro made homemade spritz cookies. Teddi brought her chocolate sauce to go with her homemade cream puffs. Good grief. Everything was wonderful and I really enjoyed myself.

My recipe tonight comes from Southern Living. We always need those great breakfast ideas. So here is a yummy breakfast casserole. It sounds good enough to be a dessert.


Blackberry French Toast


Ingredients

  • 1 cup blackberry jam
  • 1 (12-oz.) French bread loaf, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 (8-oz.) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • Toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream

Preparation

1. Cook jam in a small saucepan over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring once.

2. Place half of bread cubes in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam. Top with remaining bread cubes.

3. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover tightly, and chill 8 to 24 hours.

4. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bread is golden brown and mixture is set. Serve with desired topping

The shop will be open until 1:00 pm tomorrow.

See you at the shop.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Simple S'Mores Bars

Finished my baking. Hello Dolly bars, Butter Balls, and Pound Cake. No more sugar for me tonight.

I came across this great little last minute gift idea on Paula Deen's web site. This would make great gifts to have in a basket for those unexpected visitors or neighbors, or just about anybody.
You can decorate those jar tops with all kinds of cute paper embellishments.

Simple S'Mores Bars

Ingredients

1 ½ cups teddy bear shaped graham cracker cookies
1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
1 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup brown sugar
1 (quart) mason jar

Directions

Layer all ingredients in the mason jar and attach an instruction label that reads:

“Preheat oven to 350ยบ F. Prepare a 9” square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour contents of the jar along with ½ cup melted butter into the prepared baking dish and press firmly. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Cut into bars.”

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Merry & Bright

Our layout for the week is all about kids and Christmas. This was the year my baby brother was born. Yep, Christmas Day. One of the things Santa brought me was a Tiny Tears doll and for Frank a tractor. You can see there were other goodies. I can remember my Mom sending us cupcakes from the hospital. But the best was the new baby brother.


Gotta get going so I can bake for that special little brother. Hello Dolly cookies are calling me.

I'll post a recipe later tonight.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

BLT Dip

Missed the big eclipse last night. I was busy with my blog post. Got sleepy and bang. It was all over. Prissy and I slept right through the big event.

I know several of you are hitting the road for the Holidays or are expecting travelers. Have safe travels and enjoy your families.

I have started the page for the week. Can you believe that. I should have it ready pretty early tomorrow. It is a work day but I think everyone is either cooking, shopping or wrapping. So it will be just me and Little Prissy most of the day. That being said I should crank the page out pretty fast. Hmmmm. Hopefully.

Tonight's recipe is from Laurie. Her web site is 'Cookin' up north'. I have tasted this and it is wonderful. Fresh and delightful. Easy, Easy, Easy. That is what we need during this busy time.

BLT Dip

1/2 c. mayonnaise
4 oz. sour cream
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tomato, chopped

Mix the sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir in the bacon and tomatoes. Serve with crackers or toasted bread triangles.

Have a great evening.

See you at the shop.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Mini-Cheeseburgers

Oh my goodness. I can't believe we got so cold again. I think I need to get Prissy a little heating pad. This cold weather plays havoc with her joints. No joke. I think I might even try that. She did not even want to go outside today. We went one time and she just turned around and zipped back in the door.

I think the cold weather helped me decide on this weeks card. Classes start at 10:00 am on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The layout will begin at 11:00 on Thursday. This will be our new start times permanently.

Our recipe today is a great little thing to make up and have in the freezer for a quick snack or a emergency supper. Thanks to Southern Living recipes for this little recipe.


Mini-Cheeseburgers

Yield: Makes 20 burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 (7 1/2-ounce) package party rolls
  • 5 (3/4-ounce) process American cheese slices, quartered
  • Condiments: mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, minced onion, dill pickle slices, tomato slices, lettuce leaves

Preparation

Combine first 4 ingredients. Shape mixture by tablespoonfuls into patties, and place on a rack in a broiler pan.

Bake at 350° for 15 to 17 minutes or until done.

Split rolls horizontally, and place a piece of cheese and a meat patty in each. Serve with desired condiments.

Note: Place in heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags; seal and freeze. Remove desired number of burgers from freezer; pack frozen in lunchbox. Sandwiches will thaw in approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Keep those feet toasty warm.

See you at the shop.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

What a Card Blitz. There were a few ladies who have not been there for awhile. We made a cute little calendar, a gift card holder, a Valentine card, and a few gift tags. The tags had a beautiful mica shimmer. There were a few customers in the shop so the ladies patiently waited on me. Just had some plain old fun.

After everyone left had a wonderful surprise. Mandy, Joshua, and Emily surprised me with a vanilla shake. Oh my, I had not had one in a long time. But it was so wonderful just to spend some time with the guys. They grow so fast. You don't see them for a little while and they shoot up like weeds. Love to sit a talk and find out what they are thinking and doing. They are just so much fun.

Well I crashed and burned last night. Today after Frank's wonderful breakfast I cranked up the oven. We baked Butter Balls, Hello Dolly cookies, Oatmeal cookies, and a delicious leaning Pound cake. Yep, I did it again I grabbed the self-rising flour instead of the plain flour. I was sure I had my glasses on and had read the label right. Oh well I have made the flop. But the next one will be the best. I think James is gonna give CJ a run on the Hello Dolly Cookies. Maybe I better make a batch just for him and have Frank hand deliver them. We have closed the kitchen for the night but I will return.

Our recipe comes from Taste of Home. It sounds easy and delicious. Something to keep handy for a quick easy appetizer. Or just a fun snack. Sometime I like to have appetizers instead of a regular meal.


Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini Recipes

Ingredients
  • 1 French bread baguette (1 pound), cut into 36 slices
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Dash salt
  • Additional toasted almonds, optional

Directions

  • Place bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8-9 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cheese, mayonnaise, almonds, bacon, onion and salt. Spread over bread. Bake for 7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with additional almonds if desired. Serve warm. Yield: 3 dozen.
Stay warm tonight.

See you at the shop.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Apple Dumplings

Just a quickie tonight. I am ready to crash and burn.

The recipe today is from Paula Deen's website. Andthe recipe was from Jessica R. Cain. But there is a recipe in 'Scrappy ladies Recipes' cookbook.

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:
2 cans crescent rolls
2 granny smith apples
1 stick butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/3 cup splenda (or sugar)
1 (12 oz) diet Mountain Dew

Directions:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 wedges. Roll each wedge in a crescent roll. Place rolls in a 9 x 13 baking dish. In small saucepan melt butter. Once melted add Splenda (or sugar) and cinnamon. Mix well. Spoon over crescent rolls. Pour diet Mountain Dew over rolls. Bake for 45 minutes.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ease of Preparation: easy


Notes from the Paula Deen Test Kitchen: Splenda is more difficult to mix in butter than sugar. Mixes better if butter is melted. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, Splenda and cinnamon. Remove the dumplings to a wire rack after cooking as the liquid still in the baking dish will make the dumplings soggy. The Apple Dumplings taste like mini apple pies.

Have a great weekend.

See you at the shop.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Sleepin' In Omelette

Had a great evening. Enjoyed pizza from the Gondolier. Then we left in two cars for White Springs to see the lights and enjoy the village. The lights were beautiful. The weather was perfect. Hot chocolate, popcorn, Santa, and village crafters. After the village we headed to Gondolier for dessert. You know those mile high cakes, mice hiding mouse and so many others. Take out boxes? Yes!!! My goodness everything was delicious. What a wonderful outing.

Card Blitz tomorrow. Remember 12:30 until we finish. No pressure, right!!! We will have some fun. We always do.

Our recipe for the day is from The Pioneer Woman website. She has some awesome recipes posted there. This will come in handy for those holiday visitors. I have seen many egg casserole recipes but this is the first using Onion Rolls.

Sleepin' In Omelette

Ingredients

  • 6 whole Onion Rolls
  • 1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
  • 8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
  • 1-½ stick Butter
  • 10 whole Eggs
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Chopped Chives
  • ½ teaspoons Dry Mustard
  • ½ teaspoons Salt
  • 1 dash Cayenne Pepper

Preparation Instructions

Generously butter an 9×13 baking dish.

Tear onion rolls into chunks and place them in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, then tear cream cheese into small pieces and place over the top. Cut 1 ½ sticks butter into pats and place over the top.

Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the top of the dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, bake at 325 degrees, covered, for 45 minutes. The remove foil and continue baking at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

Have a wonderful weekend.

See you at he shop.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Chicken and Rice Casserole

What a beautiful day we had today. It was cool but not cold. The Thursday class was wild and fun. Linda Jones brought some delicious homemade cookies. We all enjoyed the day.

Glenda stopped by this evening as I was working on the cards for The Blitz. She brought chicken and dumplins' and some delicious green beans. Everything was tasty and 'Oh So Good'.

I have two projects done for the Card Blitz and two more to go. Gotta hop to so I can go see the lights tomorrow night in White Springs. We will gather about 4:30 - 5:00 pm so we can order the pizza before we go.

Our recipe for the day is from Paula's Home Cooking show. It was an episode cooking with children. Serves 6-8 people. It looks simple for those hectic days and something the kids can help prepare.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients
  • 2 (14 1/2-ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 1 medium onion, diced and sauteed
  • 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (4-ounce) can pimentos, drained (optional)
  • 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 (6-ounce) box long-grain and wild rice, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
  • Pinch salt
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.


Better get myself to bed so I can crank out those last two Blitz projects.

See you at the shop.

Pecan Sandies

Christmas is always a very special time. The gathering of families. The smiles, the laughter, the excitement and especially the love. This weeks layout is all about family. We had and still have pranksters in our family. My Mother was always a mischief maker. My youngest brother got a good measure of her mischievousness. Sometimes I watch Geneva and her grandchildren and think 'Yep, that is something our Mom would do'. Capture those special times to always enjoy.



Thursday class schedule is card class at 10:00 am and layout is at 11:00 am. Hopefully this will give you a chance to warm up before class.

Our recipe for the day is from Southern Living 'The Joy of Christmas'. My Grandmother loved Pecan Sandies. There was always a bag hanging around her house. But how wonderful to be able to bake your own little bag.

Pecan Sandies

Makes about 7 dozen.

1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Parchment paper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Gradually add flour, beating just until blended.
Stir in pecans and vanilla.
Divide dough in half, and shape each portion into 2 (1/4-inch-thick) logs (about 12 inches long).
Wrap in parchment paper, and cover and chill 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cut logs into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and place 1/2 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 325 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheets 5 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks, and let cool completely (about 20 minutes).

You can omit the pecans and substitute almonds.
The dough can be frozen for up to two months.

Don't forget about our trip to White Springs to see the Christmas lights on Friday evening. Please let me know if you are going to join us.

Stay warm.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Breakfast Pizza Recipe

Can you believe how cold it got last night! My goodness when I was up with Prissy at 6:00 the temp was 23 degrees. So I am sure it was colder during the night. At 8:00 when I went to feed Pokey it was only 24 degrees. I had been looking out the window when I noticed Pokey licking the water trough. Uh Oh frozen over. I grabbed the hoe and dropped his bucket of feed then proceeded to chop a hole in the ice in his trough. Then James had to chop again later in the day. I'm sure it will be the same tomorrow morning.

Teddi came by today and said she had tried the 'Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust' recipe I posted the other day. She even made homemade pie crust instead of the prepackaged. Yummy. So far she said it was wonderful. She will let me know how it reheats.

With all this cold weather I think we will start our morning classes at 10:00 instead of 9:00. If it works for everyone we may make it a permanent change. It will give everyone a little more time to get going in the mornings. It will probably be good for those ladies that travel from out of town.

Saturday is Card Blitz. Remember it starts at 12:30 p.m. Then on Friday we are planning a trip to White Springs to see the lights. Meet at the shop about 5:00 for pizza and then off to the lights. Let me know if you plan to join us.

Our recipe tonight is 'Breakfast Pizza' and comes from Cooking Light. It would make a great low cal holiday dish to have on hand for those visitors.

Ingredients
  • 1 (8-ounce) can reduced-fat refrigerated crescent dinner roll dough
  • Cooking spray
  • 12 ounces turkey breakfast sausage
  • 1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (8-ounce) carton egg substitute
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Separate dough into triangles. Press triangles together to form a single round crust on a 12-inch pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Crimp edges of dough with fingers to form a rim.

Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain.

Top prepared dough with sausage, potatoes, and cheese. Combine milk, salt, pepper, and egg substitute, stirring with a whisk. Carefully pour milk mixture over sausage mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until crust is browned.

Stay warm and cozy tonight.

See you at the shop.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Here is our shop tree. The ladies did a beautiful job making the ornaments. Everything except the balls and bows are made from paper. Such cute ideas.

Due to the cold morning we are expecting in the AM. Tuesday morning card class will begin at 10:00 instead of 9:00. Stay warm and see you at 10:00.

Our recipe today comes from My Baking Addiction .com. I must be having a sweet tooth attack. Because every time I go to look at recipes I home in on the sweets.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Ingredients
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
8 or 9 regular size Reese’s peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8″ square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Microwave chocolate chips and butter in microwave for about 45 seconds. If not mostly melted, microwave for 20 more seconds. Stir until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder and espresso powder. Set aside.
3. Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, peanut butter and salt until combined.
4. Whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
5. Stir in the flour until just combined.
6. Fold chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into batter.
7. Pour mixture into prepared pan, spread evenly and level the surface with a rubber spatula.
8. Bake approximately 35-40 minutes. Brownies will be slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.9. Cool to room temperature for about 2 hours. Cut into 1″ squares. Store in a tightly sealed container; preferably in the refrigerator.

Stay warm and see you at 10:00 am.

See you at the shop.

Just a quick post. Sandie has some of her 'Treasured Memory Boxes' for sale. So come by the shop and take a look. We also have some beautiful earrings created by Beth. Come on by and have some fun shopping.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Bayou Brownies

BRRRR!!! The temperature is dropping fast. My goodness we may just drop down into the teens before daylight. Needless to say I am not gonna get to moving too early in the AM. Hopefully, Prissy will cooperate and stay tucked in the bed a little longer in the morning.

I made a little road trip to Georgia today. My long time friends had an Open House. What a cute, adorable, beautiful, and very livable house it is. It was chock full of nostalgia. There was a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments her Mom had made and placed on their childhood tree. Lots of wonderful family pictures as well as some of her own photos she has taken. She is a wonderful photographer. Of course, the food was outrageously, delightfully presented. You know me I love all kinds of dishes and unusual pieces of silverware. I just am not crazy about polishing silverware. But it does look nice on a table.

Guess I better get to our recipe for the day. It is from Southern Living Cookies

Yield: Makes 15 brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, divided
  • 1 (18.25-oz.) package yellow cake mix
  • 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Combine pecans, butter, 1 egg, and cake mix, stirring until well blended; press in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.

2. Beat remaining 2 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour over cake mix layer.

3. Bake at 325° for 40 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares.


Better get my shower to warm me up and then under the covers.

See you at the shop.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Potato Gratin With Rosemary Crust

Today was such a beautiful day. Cool but not windy. I did not go to the parade downtown but I think it was a little bit warmer than it has been the last several years. I'm sure the kiddies had a great time. But I guess we are in store for some very chilly weather after this next cold front. Yeow!!!! Better get those cozies ready.

The ladies were making Santa's, little red purses, crazy cute birthday cards, and some Scripture pages. And of course we made a run for lunch. Not one of our usual haunts. We munched on some cute little chicken rolls from the big K. Prissy sure likes those and so do I. There is talk about making a trip to the White Springs Christmas light display next Friday evening and then finishing up with dessert at the Gondolier. Hmmm... Those are mile high cakes right?

Tuesday morning card class will start at 10:00 instead of 9:00 to give us a chance to warm up before we hit the road. I was thinking about delaying the Thursday classes also. If the weather is still too cold we will start an hour later. I'll keep you posted.

This evenings recipe is from Southern Living 'The Joy of Christmas'

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust

Makes: 10 servings

1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups (8 ounce) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 pound sweet potatoes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 garlic clove, minced
Garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs

Preheat oven to 450.
Unroll piecrusts on a lightly floured surface.
Sprinkle rosemary, pepper, and 1/2 cup cheese over 1 piecrust; top with remaining piecrust.
Roll into a 13-inch circle.
Press on bottom and up sides of a 9-inch springform pan; fold edges under.
Chill.
Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice Yukon gold and sweet potatoes.
Layer one-third each Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, and salt in prepared crust.
Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese.
Repeat layers twice, pressing layers down slightly to fit.
Microwave cream and garlic in a 1-cup microwave-safe measuring cup at HIGH 45 seconds; pour over potato layers in pan.
Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese.
Cover pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 450 degrees for 1 hour.
Uncover and bake 25 minutes or until potatoes are done and crust is richly browned.
Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
Carefully transfer to a serving plate, and remove sides of pan.
If desired, carefully slide gratin off bottom of pan using a long knife or narrow spatula.
Garnish, if desired.

Rosemary can take over a dish, so use it sparingly.

Gotta get some rest. Busy day tomorrow.

See you at the shop.

Happy Birthday Becky!!!


Wishing you a wonderful fun-filled day!

Beef Vegetable Soup

I could not post last night do to the weather. We have Internet here at home via a dish. So if the weather is the least bit off... no Internet. Yesterday was looking a lot like we could have a few flurries. When I left the shop there was just a fine mist. So if the temps were colder there probably would have been a few flurries. But walking Prissy and feeding Pokey it was not as cold as it had been earlier. Of course the wind had stopped. That wind really can cut right through you.

At WOW yesterday we played with perfect pearls. Perfect pearls is a powder that has mica in it. So it shimmers and shines. We stamped on black paper, white paper, water color paper, and even experimented on a glass Christmas ball. The ladies are always so willing to experiment. Thanks ladies.

Today is Cuttlebug Club. So take a break from all that shopping, baking, and decorating. Come in and play awhile.

Our recipe is an easy recipe for those busy days. It is from Taste of Home 'Slow Cooker Recipe Cards'

Beef Vegetable Soup

Yield: 10 servings

1 pound ground beef
1 can (46 ounces) tomato juice
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 cups frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 envelope onion soup mix

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.
Stir in the tomato juice, mixed vegetables, potatoes and soup mix.
Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until heated through.

This might be a great recipe to have on hand for the cold weather we are expecting this week.

Guess I better hop to and get ready for those Cuttlebuggers today.

See you at the shop.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Bacon Pinwheels

Had a great class this morning. Missed a few people but they should be back next week. Made my haircut this week. Why is it when you just get a trim it feels like you have been shaved. But my hair is so thick I can always tell when I am do for a trim. It takes me forever to dry my short hair. I'm one of those that likes to finger dry my hair and go. Feels good.

Trying to decide which way to go with WOW tomorrow. Too many ideas. I guess I will decide when I get going tomorrow.

Tonight's recipe is from 'Paula Deen's Christmas 2010'. My goodness everything in this publication looks yummy....

Bacon Pinwheels

Makes 18 to 20 appetizer servings.

1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 (17.3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed *
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 (6.5ounce) container spreadable light cheese with herbs *
1 cup crumbled cooked bacon
Olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a clean, flat surface, sprinkle cornmeal.
Unfold pastry on cornmeal.
Spread mustard lightly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around sides.
Spread cheese over mustard.
Sprinkle with bacon.
Roll up pastry, jelly-roll fashion, and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
Place pinwheels, cut side down, 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
Brush each pinwheel with olive oil.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm.

*In this recipe the cooks used Pepperidge Farm pastry and Alouette cheese.
I love bacon and cheese. What could be better??????

Well I guess I better hop into bed and be refreshed for tomorrow. You know how wild WOW and Crop nights can be.

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The great outdoors/Ultradecadent Double-Chip Brownies

My goodness I know I said I wanted it cooler but this is down right cold. Then when the clouds started rolling in I'm thinking we could have some flurries overnight. I heard there was snow in Southern Alabama today. But I did see an awesome sight this morning on my way to the shop. I drive by a plant nursery everyday. But today was special because they had turned on the sprinklers to protect the plants. Everything was icy beautiful as the Sun shimmered off the ice.

Friday is WOW and no I am not sure what we will play with but it will be fun. Then we move from WOW to crop night. And Saturday is Cuttlebug Club. Fun, Fun, Fun......

Our layout this week shows a cutie enjoying the woods. He told me his Papa Mitch told him to look out for snakes and deer. Kids are so smart and learn so quickly. Maybe you have some shots of you camping, or having a picnic. There are so many things we do outdoors. Dig out those pictures and start cropping.



Why is it when you start looking for recipes you tend to go for the sweets. I really have a sweet tooth. And the ladies here at the shop know how to bake. So tonight I am determind to post a healthy recipe. This recipe comes from 'the Cooking Light way to Lose Weight'.

Ultradecadent Double-Chip Brownies

Using drained applesauce instead of oil or butter in this recipe produces a surprisingly rich, moist brownie.

1 1/4 cups applesauce
2 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate minichips
1/2 cup vanilla-flavored baking chips
Cooking spray


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spoon applesauce into a fine sieve over a bowl; let stand 15 minutes.
Discard liquid. Scrape drained applesauce into a large bowl.
Add sugar, vanilla, eggs, and egg whites; stir well.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
Combine flour, cocoa, and salt, stirring well with a whisk.
Add to applesauce mixture; stir just until moist.
Fold in chips.
Spoon batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray, and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack.

Yield: 2 dozen

Gonna hop in the shower to warm up and then tuck my tootsies in the bed.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Left the shop and the temp was 32 on my car thermometer. But then it would change to ice. ICE!!!!! Then as I drove up the drive it read 29. YEOW!!! My goodness it is even cold down in South Florida. I think it is the wind that makes me shiver. I can bundle up but that darn wind cuts right through me. Thank goodness Prissy is making quick work with her outside visits.

I love the new Target commercial. All those flashing Christmas lights. The minds that think up all those designs. My favorite is the barn Santa. I think we should leave some of these lights up all year round. They make us so happy. We are like kids again.

Here is our recipe for the day and it is from 'Southern Lady Holidays 2009'.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Makes 3 1/2 quarts

1/4 cup olive oil
2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
4 large green bell peppers, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
3 pounds top round steak, sliced into 1x1/2-inch pieces
2 quarts beef broth
2 (10.5-ounce) cans beef consomme'
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Toasted French rounds
Shredded Provolone cheese

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add steak; cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
Add beef broth, consomme', salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours, or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
Add thyme; simmer for 5 minutes.
Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls; top with toasted French rounds and shredded cheese.
Broil 6 inches from heat or 3 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly.
Serve immediately.

The layout is almost finished and should be posted mid-day tomorrow. The title is 'the great outdoors'.

Have a warm evening.

See you at the shop.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Baked Potato Soup

Hopefully y'all are all cozied in and keeping warm. Last time I looked at the thermometer it was 35. So that means it is gonna get even colder during the night. Better keep that sweater on Miss Priss. Needless to say when she stepped out a few minutes ago she hustled her little booty back inside. Thank goodness.

I love seeing all the Christmas lights all aglow. I did a little tour around the Wheelers home the other night. Boy what beautiful set up. It is a wonderful little drive to show the kids.

Better get a recipe posted for today. The recipe comes from 'the all-new ultimate Southern Living Cookbook'

Baked Potato Soup Yield 12 cups.

5 large baking potatoes, baked
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups half-and-half
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Peel potatoes; coarsely mash with a fork.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, and saute' until tender.
Add flour, stirring until smooth.
Stir in potatoes, half-and-half, milk, salt and pepper; cook over low heat until thoroughly heated.
Top each serving with cheese and bacon.

This sounds like a great recipe for this cold weather.

Better get back to my laundry.

See you at the shop.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Microwave CarameL Corn

Had a great day Saturday. The ladies were whipping out some wonderful paper designs for our Christmas tree at the shop. It is amazing the wonderful things you can create with paper. Not only are things looking a lot like Christmas around here but it is really feeling a lot like Christmas. BRRRRRR!!!! At least it hasn't started snowing here. But the white stuff has made it as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee.

If you are in need of a wonderful gift for someone. Jane has left her beautifully painted items here in the shop for me to sell. Just ask and I will be happy to show these beauties. Love them!!!!

This week we have our usual classes and Friday is a biggie. First we have WOW. You know that is where we just sit and play with things you always wanted to know about. Then we have Crop Night. And then Saturday is Cuttlebug Day. Come in relax and enjoy a little quiet time. Did I say quiet. Well maybe I meant fun time. It is a great time to finish up those special little projects.

Guess I better get to posting some fun Holiday recipes. Our first recipe comes from Glenda. She brought this to the shop and everyone fell in love.

Microwave Caramel Corn

1/2 Cup butter
1 Cup brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Dark Karo Syrup
Dash of salt

Microwave on high 4 minutes in a glass bowl. Stir after 2 minutes.

Then add:

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon Vanilla

Stir until fluffy. Pour this over the Puffed Popcorn( that is the kind with no kernels) that is in a large plastic bowl that you can put in the microwave. Stir this up, then microwave for 2 minutes. After 1 minute stir again.

Spread this out on wax paper to let it cool. Yummy!!!

Guess I better get back to work.

See you at the shop.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Guess what?  The tree is up.  You know I said I had put the stand in a place where I could find it easily.  Well,  I unzipped the bag with the tree inside.  Pulled out the tree parts.  Yep, there was the twirling tree stand.  My goodness.  I had looked in the infamous stock room.  The attic at the house.  I had just about decided to grab one of the regular stands.  Now as the tree twirls we will see those custom made paper ornaments the ladies are creating. 

It was 32 degrees in my garage at 8:15 this morning.  So I can only imagine what the temp. was at 1:30 when Prissy had to make a yard run.  Naturally the sprinkler system was running.  I was gonna just let her do her thing and let me wait for her on the patio.  Not....  The little stinker decided to wander the yard.  So I dashed through the darn sprinkler to hustle her back to the house.  I get her sweater off and tuck her into bed.  My goodness it was chilly.  I don't know who was the silliest.  Prissy for dawdling or me dashing through the sprinkler.

Remember the shop will be closed early tomorrow.  But Saturday we will be open from 10:00 'til 4:00.  Play day all day long. Whatcha gonna play with?

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Thanksgiving

Can you believe this weather. One minute we have the AC running the next we are layering the clothes. I left the shop tonight and it was 41 in town and as I arrived home it was 33. Geez Louise, I wonder what it will be when Prissy has to slip out during the middle of the night. Last night she had to slip out about 3:00 am. Naturally, it was misting rain. Bless her heart. She doodled around and came zipping back to the patio just a shivering. I grabbed her up, dried her off, and bundled her under her little red blanket. I guess she got warmed up because she was on the sofa by morning.

The Hawks lost their play off game. It was a close one, 10-7. State Championship next year.

Good grief it is already December. Ho, Ho, Ho is not far away. Christmas decorations are popping up all over the place. I have seen the most adorable nativity that was only an inch. All colors of red and green are everywhere. The ladies are cranking out paper decorations for the shop Christmas tree. I better hurry up and find that rotating tree stand. I know I put it somewhere I would remember. But.......

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to remember why we are so thankful. Children are such a Blessing. They are so adorable as they participate in the school activities. This weeks layout captures those special school moments. Yep, they are our Blessings.

I will be closing the shop at 4:00 pm on Friday. Saturday is Play Day from 10:00-4:00 pm.

Stay warm tonight. See you at the shop.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

GOOOOO Hawks!!!!!

Gooooooo Hawks!!!!!!!


My nephew is helping coach a high school football team.  They have won all their games and are headed to the state championship.  They play the game tonight at 6:30 pm.  The game is at the dome in St. Louis.  Wishing them a great win today.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank all of you ladies for coming to the classes on Tuesday.  I know you had things you needed to do at home to prepare for Thanksgiving.  I enjoyed being with you and hearing what you had planned.

I am thankful for all the memories of family and our Thanksgivings together.  We had great dumplings that my Granny always made.

Of course she made them by hand.  No shortcuts.  No fancy equipment.  If my memory is right she used a glass to roll the dumplings.  They were so tender and so good.  There was always way too much food.

When I was younger we would have Thanksgiving at my Big Mert and Big Daddy's.  Now talking about a crew.  WOW!  We had to eat in shifts so you know how much cooking was done.


One Thanksgiving we had a fresh turkey that my Big Mert cut up, fried, and cooked in gravy.  It was delicious.

It was my Daddy's job to carve the turkey.  We would all hang around as he did the carving and to enjoy the little pieces.  Those were the best!!!!

Mom always made the dressing.  Dad was the tester.  It had to have just the right amount of pepper and onion.
Later I had to learn to make the dressing.  What a stress that was the first Thanksgiving.  I am sure it was quite a sight.  I made my cornbread and boiled my hen the day before.  I did some research in my many cookbooks looking for a recipe that I thought was close to what my Mom made.  Now is the time to get those recipes from your loved ones.  Don't loose those family greats.  The big day came.  Pulled out a bowl.  Well that didn't last long.  Because it outgrew that bowl.  It ended up in my largest stainless steel bowl.  There is Daddy testing .  More pepper, more pepper.  It came close but was not my Mom's.  That year we had two 9x13 pans of dressing.  Oh well, I love cold dressing.  It didn't last long, with doggie bags and my snacking.

One of my traditions at Thanksgiving was to line up my nieces and nephews for a little whipped cream.  I always had a can of cream for the pumpkin pies and one for fun.  The kids would line up and I would walk by and squirt a little cream on each little tongue. 


These guys are in their 30's now. 

Time flies but the memories are what we need to preserve. I am Thankful for all those wonderful times.




I am also thankful for my Scrappy Family.   Each day is always full of so much fun. 
                 
Wishing you all a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Play

What a day we had Saturday. There were people shopping. But it was 'Blitz Day'. Boy, oh boy what a Blitz. There was one time during 'The Blitz' Nan came to me with a question. Bless her heart, I must of looked totally lost. She had to repeat herself twice before I understood what she was asking. I guess you can never plan how a class will run. Each one has it's own personality. That is why each one is so special. Looking forward to the next challenge. Then Jackie brought me several doggie boxes from the Thanksgiving dinner she helped serve. One had pumpkin pie. Then there was a smorgasbord of desserts in the second box. Then of course the third box had Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Everything was delicious.

Tuesday is the day for both the card class and one hour layout. Surprise, surprise I have both finished. Please bring your colored pencils to the card class. Our project will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table. Plan to come for some fun. Then our layout for the week is also full of fun. I would love to try the slide again. Butttttt. Not gonna happen. I'll just enjoy the shear joy on this little ones face. What fun thing would you like to try again? Or what were you curious about as a child. This little one is very seriously checking out this cow. And who doesn't like candied or carmel apples. Just think once you get through that sugar layer it is very healthy. So here is our layout this week with all that fun captured.

Guess it is about time to cuddle with Miss Priss and get ready for this week of Thanksgiving.

See you at the shop.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

What a beautiful day it was yesterday. The weather was just perfect.  I got to the shop and began working on The Blitz.  Had the 3rd card designed by lunch.  Glenda popped in and helped finish cutting the pieces.  Then on to the 4th design.  Teddi finally took a break from organizing her home scrapping spot and popped into the shop.  She was working on the recipe tags for her Cookie Book.  The three of us finished the design for this 4th project then I ran out to get some lunch and run to the bank.  Ate lunch while Glenda was cutting up a storm.  Then as I was doing some final touches on a few things Teddi and Glenda did some cleaning.  So thank you shop fairies for cleaning up.  And yes I left about 6:00.  It was such a treat to get home early and not have to finish a project here at home.  Prissy and I did not know what to do with all that time.  In fact I fell asleep before 11:00pm. and it was in bed and not on the trusty sofa.  So look out ladies I feel  awesome. 

Love it.  Those cookbooks are a hot item.  Ten books went out with one customer yesterday.  We may be sold out before we can have our release party.  Keep tuned in for the date and time of the party.  Looks like the party season has begun.  Better watch what I eat so I can be ready for the season.

Wishing all you travelers a safe trip for your Holiday travel.  Looking at tags around town last night it seems the travel has begun. 

Guess I better get ready and head to the shop  You now those Blitz days can be interesting.  But I am  ready!!!!

See you are the shop.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Glenda came to the shop this evening with some wonderful squash, butter beans, and seasoned potato wedges.  Yummy!!!  She came to help me get ready for The Blitz.  We have two down and two more to go. Cute,cute, cute.  Tomorrow will see the final two completed.  Everything will be ready for a fun afternoon on Saturday.

Going to town this morning I slowed down to take a peek in an area where the wildlife often hangs out.  I have seen deer (some with a rack and some without). This morning I spotted the flock of turkeys.  This is such a treat to see all this wildlife so close to the road. 

My little buddy who was in the shop this week is sick with strep throat.  Bless his heart.  I feel so bad for him.  He was so good.  Hopefully, that medicine will get him cranking again and he will be back at the computer again.

Next week is Thanksgiving.  We will have two card classes and one scrapbook class.  The card classes will be Tuesday at 9:00 am and 5:15 pm.  The scrapbook class will be at 10:00 am.  Please let me know by Monday if you are attending either class.  Friday after Thanksgiving will be WOW and Crop night.  Saturday is Cricut Club.  So enjoy The Holiday then come have some relaxing fun here at the shop. 

Better get some rest for tomorrows' Blitz work.  I imagine Mrs Glenda will be there keeping me focused on my projects.

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Moment to Remember

I'm still here. Sunday I helped Belinda drag down some Christmas stuff. So I did not do any posting. Then Monday I woke up at 4:30 with a terrible headache. Then I felt yucky all day and closed the shop early. Came home and crashed on my trusty sofa. After a little snooze I began to prepare the card for the week. Tuesday I felt much better. I think I just took too much medication for that headache. Tuesday was a day full fun. Becky and Carter had lunch with me. After lunch Mr. Carter spent the afternoon with me. He helped walk Prissy, feed her Mac & Cheese, and became a whiz with some computer games. Good grief these guys learn that computer so quickly. Today I enjoyed lunch again with Becky and Carter. Yep, he spent the afternoon with me playing those computer games, reading to me, coloring, and watching 'The Cars' movie. But as he was watching the movie he began rubbing his eyes. You guessed it. He curled up in my lap and fell asleep. There is nothing sweeter than a little one sound asleep in your lap. Hopefully, Becky did not have trouble getting him to sleep tonight.

Speaking of sweet little ones. Here is this weeks layout showcasing a very special little guy. Thank goodness for those cameras catching moments you want to always remember. He starts off a little slow. Then jumps in and really enjoys every bite of that birthday cake.

So what moment do you want to capture on a page to always remember. Start digging and start remembering.

Saturday is Card Blitz from 12:30 until 2:30 pm. Be sure to sign up and join in the fun of making 4 cards in two hours.

The Cookbooks are here at the shop. There are some wonderful recipes the ladies have shared. A lot of people have been involved in getting this printed and they have done a wonderful job. This project has been in the works for over a year. If you submitted a recipe we thank you so much for your participation in this endeavor. And if you did submit a recipe but your name is not attached to the recipe please be understanding. We are planning a little book signing party. This will give you the opportunity to sign your recipes and visit with each other. So keep tuned for the time and date.

You know this is Wednesday and what happens in the morning. So I better get Miss Prissy and myself tucked into bed. Gotta get ready for that wild and crazy Thursday morning group. Then I have to get those Blitz projects ready for Saturday.

See you at the shop.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Guess what arrived in the shop this afternoon.  Yes, the cookbook.  The ladies started putting the finishing touches on a few pages tonight.  It is wonderful.  Several books have already left the shop.  So don't miss the opportunity to have a collection of the best recipes at your house. 

WOW was rather challenging for the ladies.  They had to do a lot of wait and see but the finished pieces were great.  We were playing with some Ultra Thick Embossing Powder.  Or sometimes called UTE.  There was some coloring, cracking, freezing, giggling, patience, and hot fingers.  But hopefully they learned a little something.  Maybe not to burn their fingers.

This morning I went to town by way of Lake Jefferies Road.  Just as I was about to turn onto the crossover road at the steel plant I spotted something moving in the woods. Slowing down, focusing on the movement,  yes there was a flock of Turkeys.  Now that really surprised me being this close to town.  They were not small either.  Love this wildlife around here.

Cuttlebug tomorrow.  Whatch gonna work on? 

I don't have any of Jean's Rasberry Chocolate wine.  But I think after today I won't need anything to get me to sleep tonight.

See you at the shop.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

I salute all the men and women of the military who have served our country.  Thank you so much.  I also thank the families of these men and women.

I sure did not want to get out of bed this morning.  After my late night trip those warm covers sure were cozy this morning. Prissy was even cuddled in and did not want to move. I finally made myself move even though I really wanted to stay a little longer .  The wild bunch took very good care of me this morning.  Maybe they could tell I was moving a little slower this morning.  We whizzed through the card and layout class.   Then the group went in mass to lunch.  Uh oh traffic jam.  Holiday, everyone went to lunch.  They moved to another location and had a great meal.  Lot's of traffic through the shop with me finally zipping out for lunch about 3:00.  But Prissy and I did leave the shop about 6:00.  So it was good to get home early. 

Had a wonderful dinner.  Belinda and James had made a wonderful roast with carrots and potatoes.  Of course there was rice.  I love rice.  I behaved myself because I had eaten lunch late.  It was so good I could have gone overboard but I refrained.

Tomorrow is WOW from 3-5.  Then Crop Night starts at 5:00.  Saturday is Cuttlebug from 10-4.  Busy, Busy, but also fun, fun. 

Have a wonderful evening.

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A Family 4 All Seasons

How many of you have sat for family portraits? I'm sure everyone is not looking at the camera at the same time. You start stressing out. Sometimes it is best to go with the flow and have a good time. I think the photos I used for this layout expresses a fun relaxed photo shoot. The best pictures you will always remember are the ones that are casual and that capture the personality of each person. So next time you are gathering a group for a photo shoot. capture those casual, fun moments. This is my nephew and his beautiful family. It may have been a chaotic photo shoot but the pictures seem fun and casual. So don't stress out enjoy capturing those milestones. Remember, time flies. So don't lose those special memories.



Goodness gracious, I am getting too old to get a wild whim and do a road trip. I finished the layout and made a trip to JAX. I'm ok for the first little bit then it is all downhill from there. Then when I get back to Lake City it hits me.... there is another ten miles to go. I started the day being adventurous and end the day being an old foggy. What happened to the days of shopping all day in high heels? You never think it will happen to you, then wham you have hit that golden age of reason. Oh well, at least I still make the effort to get going. I just start puttering out earlier than I used to.

Guess I better join Prissy and get ready for that funny, wild, Thursday Group.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Well it seems that cooler weather is warming up.  I had to crank the AC at the shop this afternoon.  You know how that Sun heats up the shop in the late afternoon.  And of course, when I start moving around the shop my thermostat rises and I need a little AC.  There were a few new ladies in the shop that stayed for the card class.  So I was hopping around getting things set up.  It is always fun having new ladies in the card classes.  I love how they help each other and love experimenting.

I am no gamester but the add on TV  for the new 'Black Ops' has me hooked.  Not to play the game but listen to the music.  What little bit I heard during the commercial was great.  Oh well guess I will just enjoy the commercials.

Prissy has been zipping around the house like a crazy women tonight.  I don't know if it is this cool weather or the fact we got home early tonight.  Finally,  she has crashed on the floor.  Hopefully she will sleep good tonight.  Last night we got home after 9:00 I put her in the bed.  She curled up and was out like a light.  She wouldn't even budge for me when I came to bed.  I guess she found that comfy spot and wasn't gonna share.

The ladies made final adjustments to the cookbook today.  And off they went to have the book printed.  Look for the release of the best cookbook you can imagine.  Such yummy home tested recipes.  What better seal of approval.

Friday is WOW and Crop Night.  WOW starts at 3:00 and Crop starts right after WOW.  You know me.  We will know what we are gonna do when we sit around the tables.  No matter what we do we always have fun.  Saturday is Cuttlebug Club.  You know Cuttlebug is always fun and interesting. 

Rose is doing good.  Love to hear that. 

Well I better start getting ready for bed.  Tomorrow is a busy day.  Play Day and Layout day.  HMMMMM!!!  What shall I do this week?  Stay tuned for update. 

See you at the shop.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

BRRRRRR!!!!!  Love it.  I can keep bundling clothes on to stay warm.  I did not even put on my fuzzy socks last night.  But I did forget to fall back with my clock one hour.  My goodness I thought it was 7 something and it was actually an hour earlier.  Just when you thought you could cozy in to a warm bed your body clock still gets you up. 

I gave Prissy a treat.  She played with it for awhile now she is trying to bury it in her bed.  I don't know how she thinks that fuzzy fabric is gonna magically flip over her bone.  Oh well she is having fun.

The ladies had quite the Play Day yesterday.  They were cranking out little embellishments for their Cookie Cookbooks.  Creating Christmas cards and generally enjoying themselves.  Enjoyed pizza from Gondoliers.  I'm gonna try staying away from all that stuff.  I need to drop some weight especially with all those Holidays coming up.  We finally closed up shop about 6:00.  Gracious what a day.

Tomorrow will be a busy day.  The ladies will be back at 9am working on the Cookie Cookbook.  Then the Sunshine Stampers will be there with their projects.  Rose we will be thinking about you.

I better get busy working on my card for Tuesday.  The tables will be busy at the shop tomorrow so I need it designed today.

Have a great day and if you are traveling be safe.

See you at the shop.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Oooeeee!!!!  Love this cool weather.  I actually had to grab a jacket this morning.  Opened the shop windows and had someone say they were cold.  Can you imagine after experiencing all that hot weather.  I'm sure by Sunday morning while getting that extra hour sleep I'll be wearing those fuzzy socks.  Prissy might even be in her sweater for a little while.  Gonna be enjoying some hot chocolate this weekend.

The bead class was great.  Some beautiful beads were strung.  Glitzy, glitzy, glitzy.  Love to see the ladies having fun and also creating something so wonderful.  I tried to work through my e-mails. You know how that goes.  You start one way and it gets you going all over the place.  Then you never know where you have gone.  I did come across some cute ideas that you might see for a class.

It was good to see Patty at the class.  She said tomorrow was the Avon Walk  for Cancer.  The walk is downtown.  So stop on by and join the fun.  I think it starts somewhere around 9:00.

Had a luscious dinner.  Frank surprised us with homemade Tortellini Soup.  He adds a bit of spice to the pot.  It isn't too hot to eat but enough to get those sinuses going.  It was so yummy!!!  But right about now I am needing that nice cozy sofa.

Thursday's wild bunch wasn't so wild after all.  There were quite a few ladies there but they weren't too rowdy.  When they left they were headed to Popeye's.  They love those biscuits.  They treated me to my favorite chicken breast and biscuit.  Yes, I did share with Prissy.  Thanks guys, I really enjoyed myself.

Tomorrow is Play Day.  So dig out those projects and come join the fun.  I might even work on my card or my layout for the week.  Who knows when you guys get there I might even go a different way.  Cause you guys can really get me going. 

Well I think I am going to close down and find that sofa.

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Loveable

Well we all know how cute little boys are. But they are also very cuddly. You just want to hold them
close and give them tons of kisses. The only thing is they grow up way too fast. Our layout for this week is about a cute, cuddly, kissable, little boy who just had a birthday. I know you have lots of pictures of a cute cuddly someone or something. It could be your hubby, a child of any age, or maybe a cute pet. Dig 'em out and get to scrappin'.




I think we are gonna miss the rain again. The weather guys kept saying late this afternoon. But zip.... Maybe I will hear some pitter patter during the night.

The other morning I was headed to the shop and had a wonderful treat. Just as I was coming around a curve in the road. Pow!!! I had to put on brakes and hope the truck hanging on my tailpipe would stop in time. Leaping across the road was a deer. It had jumped a fence and was running for the woods on the opposite side of the road. What a wonderful sight. Don't you just love nature.

Had a sneak preview of the cookbook. Awesome!!!! The ladies have done a wonderful job. The book is full of yummy recipes. Get those taste buds ready for the arrival of the cookbook. Soon, soon soon!!!!

Remember Friday is the bead class. Call the shop to reserve your spot (386) 755-8886. Classes are at
2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The Holidays are approaching and this would make a great gift.


You know tomorrow is Thursday and you know what that means. That wild and crazy bunch will be in the shop. Oh my!!! So I better get some rest so I'll be ready for all that laughter.

See you at the shop.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween

We had a wonderful time yesterday. I started the day painting my nose black with a few streaks for whiskers. Yep, I was a cat. Thanks to Emily sharing her ears and cat tail. My first stop was Dollar General for a few things. When I walked in the door someone said 'Oh look at the cat' so I guess my painted face passed. The only thing with those cat ears is I kept knocking them on things. A couple of time I almost lost them in the refrigerator. That darn tail. Thank goodness I don't have to worry about one of those all the time. I had to flip it out of the way when I sat down. Forget about closing a door or other things. You know how itchy my nose can get with those allergies. So a couple of times I ended up with black all over my hand. That caused a trip to the bathroom for a nose touch up. Thank goodness Halloween comes once a year.

After the Dollar store off to the shop. Prissy and I get unloaded. I start puttering. First I wrap the shop outside with caution tape(everyone thought I had been robbed). Then I started to put up the window clings. Gosh, that is one good way to find out you need to clean your windows because they would not cling. It took me a couple of times to realize why they were not clinging. Well at least the windows got clean. Then I began working on the clues for the treasure hunt. You know me I kept putting the clue in the wrong spot. I would catch myself a couple of times. But when the hunt began I had not placed the next to the last clue in it's spot. That clue was to lead them to me. So I ended up giving them the last two clues. What fun they had searching around the shop.


The first trick or treater was sleepyhead .













Then a Flower Child

Followed by The Cutest Pumpkin





Good Grief!!! Look at that Botox Beauty














Then there were a couple of super Heroes










And what about that Sassy Witch that whizzed by






But of course there were lots of Treats.
Apple Bars
Apple Dumplings.

Halloweenies.
Cherry Bars.





Eye of Newt.



Lip smacking ribs.



Pasta salad.
Peanut Butter Ghosts.
And so much more.
There were a few puzzles.

and a few projects


Then we had some fun with the little guys













But what would a gathering be without Prissy digging for the food.








We had a great time. Thank you all for joining in the fun.


Better get myself ready for those Cookie Cookbook makers. They are invading the shop tomorrow at 10:00. I'll be working on my arm muscles cranking that die cutting machine. Love the energy these ladies have. They are always cooking up some project.

See you at the shop.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Can you believe it is already the end of the month. Maybe when we get into November we will get away from all this hot weather. Lot's of activity this weekend. The Fair starts tomorrow. All the trick or treaters will be out this weekend. Nobody knows which is the designated day for the treaters. So I am guessing they will be out both days. So be careful if you are out driving because it sure gets dark early.

Saturday is our day for the treaters. We will be having a little party here at the shop. I have heard about a few of the costumes. Too funny!!! Then of course when the ladies gather they will have food. Yummy. A little ladybug said she had a few games planned and maybe some things will be on sale. Oh My!!!! Projects??? Maybe. Whatever, we will be have a good time.

I keep watching the weather and it looks as though the rain is headed this way. It looks dark outside. But I have not seen a drop yet.

See you at the shop.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Hangin' Out

How do you spend your weekend? Some people hit the road. Some people go fishing. Some people just hang out around the house. My brothers and sister always have their kids and grandkids hangin' at their house. Those are special times that everyone will remember. Next time you are asked by your family 'what are we gonna do?' Just hang out and spend some time together. Make sure you take a few pictures of all that activity. Then relive that time by scrapping those pictures. Here is our layout for this week. As you can see everyone is having a great time.


Can you believe I am home this early and the scrapbook page is complete. Oh my! This has to be a record. As Prissy and I left the shop we went the back way to zip by Zaxby's. What an awesome sight. Up over the Fairgrounds was a beautiful rainbow. And where there is a rainbow there has to be rain. Yahoo!!!. There was even a little shower that hit our house.

I head for Zaxby's with my order written down. Uh oh. There is no such thing as a buffulloed chicken sandwich. Ok. I tell the speaker I need to pull out and come back. So I pull over on the East side of the building. Dig out that phone I only use for emergencies. First thing, it has been in my purse and the battery is dead. So I plug the chord into the phone. Well it takes a few minutes to figure out how to turn it on. Then I try dialing. A stop sign shows up on the screen saying no network. What!!! I try a couple of times. Still no network. I pull around the building headed to the shop to call. I hear all these bing, bing, bings. Hmmm. Maybe the phone found that network. So I try dialing again. It actually rang through. Got a new order. I back out of the parking spot very carefully because there is a pizza delivery truck in back. They were making a delivery to Zaxby's. How funny is that. I pull up to the speaker and am very impressed with the guy taking the order. As he repeated the order it was perfect. No sugar in my tea. No mayo on my sandwich. It was still right when I took a sip of my tea and when I opened the box and there was no mayo on the sandwich.

The ladies worked on the cookbook today. Oh boy. Ready for the printers. Can't wait.

Remember Saturday is our Halloween party. People are already talking about what their costume is gonna be. What shall I be? There will be food of course. Something was said about a sale. And there will be some fun things to do. So dig out that costume and come have some fun.

Have a wonderful evening.

See you at the shop.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Can we get a break from this heat.  I thought we were into Fall.  It is supposed to be cooler this weekend but I am ready for it now.  And can it get any darker.  My goodness it is dark in the morning when I get moving with Prissy.  Then it descends on us early in the evening. I guess we are moving out of that good ole daylight savings time.  The best of both worlds would be cooler weather and more daylight.  Not gonna happen.  Just gotta appreciate what we have.

The ladies are meeting in the morning to work on the cookbook.  Could be the final sorting before it is to be printed.  Yippee!!!  Can't wait to see the final printed book.  It is gonna be great.

I am ahead on my layout for the week.  Pictures are printed and the title is floating around.  This idea came from Teddi.  Should have the picture posted early afternoon.  Well, hopefully. 

See you at the shop

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