Cookie Book

Remember those cookies mixes I was packing up? Well I received the cookies from the swap along with this cool little recipe book. Thanks girls! Kathy stamped ginger bread men, house and candies so we could decorate the cover however we wanted too. This is what I came up with. I'm happy there were extra houses as I wanted to make my house taller. I cut one in half then glue the bottom on my house. The candy was punched out with 1/4 and 3/4 circle punches then popped on the roof of the house. Added a little bling to the center of each candy. Then added a door, window, candy canes. You can't tell by the photo but for the window I cut part of the center open so it will open.





Course I had to add some glitter on things so I used Stickles crystal and candy cane by Ranger.

I did want to thank the ladies so much as they sent my cookies in re-usable plastic containers. Its the gift that will continue on after the cookies are gone. Oh and by the way......cookies were awesome.......back on my diet tomorrow. Holidays are over. Now I'm off to take down my tree. It's always sad to take it down, but the New Year is tomorrow so its out with the old!

Look Ma! No Layers!

Just love how simple this looks.


I have always liked how Kraft card stock, and Red and White ink
look together.

Stamp Set: Happy Hearts by SU!


Now that the holidays are almost over
time to switch gears and start thinking
about Valentine's day.







Rough day at work yesterday. Very BUSY!!! With all the snow that the east coast got slammed
with everyone is calling in either to buy snow blower parts or to buy new machines. And of
course they want to have it yesterday which isn't going to happen. Some folks don't understand
that things take time to mail out. Again I'm thankful that this is a short work week.

Speaking of snow we got some white stuff. Monday morning there was about 2 inches, and I see that today we received more snow last night. About 6 inches of the white fluffy stuff on the
ground. We couldn't have snow for Christmas but it looks like we will have a white New Year!


Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Silly Snowman

This silly little snowman holds one package of instant
hot chocolate. To make:

Start with standard A2 size envelope. Seal the envy shut.
Cut off 1/2 inch from one short side of the sealed envy.
Run larger part of the envelope through paper crimper.
Make eyes with 1/2 and 3/4 inch circle punches. Nose is just a triangle. Blush the cheeks with inked sponge. Add
highlights to the pupils with white gel pen, make mouth with fine line black marker. Hat is made using black card stock and Top Note die (SU) Fold up one edge of die cut to make hat brim. Add ribbon and snowflake. Glue hat back to 1/2 inch cut part from the envelope. Insert hot chocolate package and the hat.

Snowed lots last night and it would just figure that the day I have to go back to work I have to get up early and shovel out my car. JOY!!!!!!!!!!! Least I only have 3 days to work this week then I'll have a 4 day weekend. YAY!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

New Keyboard

John was really happy with his new keyboard. He plays guitar but mentioned to his sister that he would like to learn the keyboard. We found a good deal on one at BJ's wholesale.












Sarah got the family Beatles Monopoly for Christmas. We had a blast playing this on Christmas Eve. Everyone was doing some wheeling and dealing. After all was said and done Skip won the game. SHHHHH don't tell him we let him win. LOL He got some good trades from me and Sarah.


Well I just got finished doing a workout. I have been lazy this week and haven't made time for my workouts. Now I'm trying to get back on track. The Brunswick Rec center is offering 50% off there memberships for the month of January. So I'm thinking about signing up for a year. Will be nice to have an indoor track to walk around. I could
just go the mall and walk but I really dislike the mall.

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Hobo Bag

Love this hobo bag that my friend Connie made me for Christmas. So colorful and roomy! I'll be using this one for my yarn projects. Funny thing about this bag. I knew Kathy was working on several of them for gifts and I had to let her know that I would love to have one also. Didn't know that Connie had already made me one! Big thanks Connie!




Picture of Sarah and Jason taken Christmas day. They were on there way out to visit Jason's family and they just looked to cute together that I had to snap a pic. More pictures tomorrow. Right now I'm off to the movies to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Can't wait!!!




Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Merry Christmas

OMG! Had the best Christmas Eve! Both the kids were home and we played board games and opened up the presents. I'll be sharing more photos throughout the weekend.


I opened up presents from my friends in Texas. All three of them spoil me. Thanks girls!!!!

I really love the elephant teapot and cup. The votive tea light holder I got for my birthday. I didn't know then I'd be getting more items to go with it. Big Thanks KAT!!!!!!!! Kat also made this card. She's been sending me encouragement cards and for the month of December they have all been Christmas ones.




Okay I need to get to bed as it's 1 in the morning. Sarah and Jason will be coming over for brunch at 11 then my sis-in-law Cheryl and my nephews Corbet and Neil will be coming over for dinner.













Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Ever Just Want to Make....

a very simple card with no layers? That's what I was in the mood to do.

Still playing with Puns from the Past. I really
feel like its from the past seeing how I've had
this set for a year and have not used it.

Vanilla cardstock base. Eraser made with Cameo
Coral. Brush part of eraser made with Going
Gray. Antique silver brad just in the top layer
of the brush part. Pop dots hold the eraser
in place.


I never thought I'd ever say it but I'm sick of shopping! Seems like that is what I've been doing
during my entire vacation! LOL

Yesterday I went with John as he didn't have his shopping done. Of course when that
was finished mom got to wrap them up! Started my day going to work to pick up the spiral
ham and pies that I ordered. The pecan pie I got for hubby was still warm from the
oven. Smelled so yummy!!!! I called Skip from the car and told him he was very lucky
that I didn't have a fork with me, or I would have been in the hatch back feeding my face!

This morning I'm off to the nursing home to deliver homemade cookies. Later in the day we
will be visiting with Skip's sister and having cake. His mom's birthday is today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!!!!! Who I believe is 75 years young today.


Very Merry Christmas Eve to all.....

and to all get to bed early tonight so Santa will arrive!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Grateful

I got to make a card! Yay! Love having vacation time. Even though I've been really
busy with getting holiday stuff done...
I'm grateful to get in any and all
stamping time I can get.

Stamp set by Stampin'Up! Puns from
the Past. I found this great designer
paper by Basic Grey that was perfect to
to use with the antique tools in this set.
Colors: Sage Shadow, Really Rust, Black,
and Vanilla. Added some ecru lace, and
black ribbon for trim. Then added
a paper flower with a gold brad.


So Skip was laying in the living room floor. He had
asked me to sit on his back to crack it. Thank
goodness I weight less now and can do that for him.
Of course Burbank our cat never missing
an opportunity to find one of "his" humans in a
position that he can lay on jumped on his back and
proceeded to fall asleep, and remained there even
when Skip started to get up off the floor. It
was so cute couldn't resist snapping some pics.

We went out and did some more last minute
Christmas shopping. Found a keyboard for John.
Sarah told me he was wanting one. He does play
guitar but wanted to learn piano also. It's a Casio
and has lighted keys. I think the rest of the family
will have fun with it also. Shhhh don't tell
him we bought him one!


Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Last Minute Christmas Card

So I don't know where the month went...but I do know that it just flew by I found myself this past Friday with no Christmas cards made or sent out to family and friends. I stayed up till 3 am churning out 25 of these cards. Skip helped me address and sign them. Got them in the mail Saturday morning. Its a simple design but I think they are cute. Stamp set by Inkadinkado called Pattern Play Holiday. I got the set at Jo Ann's when it was 50% off. I really bought it just for the bird, but I like the other designs in the set as well.

Other items in the card: Floral BG, and word from Yuletide Montage (SU), colors: Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Rose Red

Sarah stopped over yesterday. We spent the day shopping, had lunch, then home to bake Christmas cookies. Still have some more batches to make today. Going to bring some of them to the nursing home for the residents, and staff.

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

I Won The Decorating Contest.....

at my workplace. How cool is that? I decorated my cube to look like a gingerbread house. Won a gold medal and bragging rights. LOL Had lots of fun doing it and it did make the month of December go by a little quicker as I was counting the days to the 18th. I'm on vacation all week. Loving it!!!! Enjoy the pictures.
|Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Ornament

I made this darling ornament over the weekend, and will be making several more of them.

Colors: Bashful Blue, Cranberry Crisp, Apricot Appeal, Black, Always Artichoke, and Brushed Silver cardstock.

I cut two circles using the Coluzzle system. Circle diameter is 3 3/8. Circles are held together with brushed silver cardstock that was punched with tab punch. Bird started out as a circle then was cut in half. For the wing....pardon the pun.......I just "winged" it. LOL After I cut the wing to the shape I wanted the edges of the bird was sponged with Cranberry Crisp ink, and the wing was added using pop dot. The face is black cardstock punched with Boho Blossom punch. Funny thing about that....I don't own that punch. I did trace the punch from the SU catalog using pc paper then cut it out. Next I traced that on black cardstock and cut out. Thank goodness my friend Lisa has the punch and did some punch outs for me. They are currently in route to me. Thanks Lisa!!!! The bird nest is leaf punch from Martha Stewart. Oh and I have to do a product share with you. This the best quick dry glue I have found. Its by Scotch called Quick-Dry Adhesive. No-run, mess free, precision tip, and Photo safe...acid free. It is wonderful. "Quick" go out and pick some up. YOU NEED THIS GLUE!!! Wonderful for paper projects and dries clear.


Stamping Trails
Karen 187.5

Cookie Exchange

So my gal friends in TX are having a cookie exchange and I asked if I could be in it too even though I'm in Ohio and they would have to be mailed. Hadn't been in a cookie exchange one for a very long time, and thought it would be fun. I'll give the cookies to hubby Skip as I'm sure he will enjoy them, but I did find out that one of the girls chose to make a Weight Watcher cookie as two of us are following that plan. Big Thanks AMBER!!!

The exchange isn't till the 20th of this month but I wanted to get all my out of town boxes in the mail so I went with a cookie mix instead of baking the cookies. Of course I'm doing a more point friendly cookie also. I found the prefect container for the mix. These auto coffee mugs were wonderful because they had a removable paper insert that allowed me to stamp my own design. I used a big wheel with white craft ink on navy blue cardstock. My two years of working at the YUM YUM tree (candy/gift store) really paid off as I was able to wrap the filled mugs in clear cello wrap and add a snowflake package tie. The recipe card was made using SU Retired stamp set What's for Dinner. The Lets Bake Cookie stamp is by See-D's.

Okay now for the recipe:

Breakfast Cookie

1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsweented apple sauce
3 oz rolled oats (not instant)
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 raisins
1 1/3 cup non-fat dry powdered milk
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

pre-heat oven to 350. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. I use butter flavored Pam. Drop cookies by teaspoon so there are a total of 16 of them. Bake in oven for 15 minutes.
Each cookie has one point value.
You can make 4 large breakfast cookies from this recipe instead of 16 small ones. Point value for each would be 4 points. They are so yummy right from the oven.

Only things my friends will need to do is to add the apple sauce. Very simple!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 187.5

Just Kicking It!

Sarah snapped this picture on Sunday when she stopped over. I look silly, but Sarah really loves to get me into poses that are different than just standing. Any how I've been meaning to post an updated picture but just didn't get around to it. Good thing Sarah is around to take them for me.

Not much else going on this evening. Got cooler again. After having such a beautiful weekend with an Indian summer just wanted it to stay that way and not have the temps dip down. I'm really looking forward to putting up the Christmas tree. Me and Sarah are going to put it up day after Thanksgiving. Also planning to do some shopping that day. I'm also looking forward to having a 4 day weekend. YAY That is the best!!!!


Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Tony's Birthday

Today would have been my brothers 53rd birthday. Miss him like crazy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I always took Tony out for lunch or dinner on his birthday and I still honor that each year. This year the plan was to go to Cap'n Taco. It's a little hole in the wall eatery that Tony liked. They have really good food, and on Tuesday they serve tacos for 69 cents.....however....they are not open on Sunday. Silly us we went there only to find out it's closed on Sunday. I'm sure Tony would have got a big kick out of that one. Boy was my face red seeing how I made the arrangements for the day. We did still have Mexican. Just down the road from Cap'n Taco. The company was the best. Two of Tony's friends joined us today. It was so nice to be able just to talk about Tony and share old memories. Sarah and her boyfriend also joined us today. Sarah remembered to wear purple. It was Tony's favorite color. Missed Tony's two boys and wife Cheryl. They will be going out later tonight at the Winking Lizard.

So before I start crying (don't worry about me it would be good tears) I'll sign off for the day. I hope that Tony's friends Mike and Ray know how much it meant to me to have lunch with them today. They are both truly great guys, and good friends.

Veteran's Day

Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and the Principal of the school asked dear hubby to speak to the kids about his life as a Vet. Skip is a custodian for the Middle school in our town, and he was pleased that he was asked to speak. He put together a slide show of pics he took during his 20 years of service. The kids made this card and they all signed it. I think that was so nice of them to do that.

I had some leftover canned pumpkin from all the pumpkin stuff I've been making lately and I didn't want it to go to waste so I added a little soy milk to it along with pumpkin spice and cinnamon, popped it in the freezer for about 10 minutes and then I had a soft serve pumpkin ice cream treat. Great way to use up the leftover. In today's economy I don't want to waste anything.

So glad the weekend is around the corner. I'm working on some Christmas gifts that need to get finished so I can mail out to far away friends. Not to mention getting the wrapping paper all stamped. Busy, busy!!!!

Tip of the day: I have problems getting in all my water requirements. They say you should drink 6 glasses of water a day. So first thing I do in the morning when I get up is to pour myself a glass of water. Your body is a bit dehydrated after sleeping all night so it will thank you for drinking up......well maybe it's not the first thing I do in the morning.....it's the second thing:)

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Chocolate Pears? Oh YES

These were so good for dessert last night.

Chocolate Pears

1 medium pear cut in half and cored
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Place pear halves in baking pan lined with tin foil
mix vanilla and lemon juice together and brush over pears
Bake in 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until pears are
tender.

Remove from oven and sprinkle mini chips on top. Serves 2 at 1 point each serving.
The house smelled so good while these were baking. I wish the blog came in smell-o-vision so you could smell them. Heck pears are in season now go run to the store and pick up some!!!!


Best of luck to my friend Lisa's sis-in-law Ann. Ann is starting her weight loss journey with Weight Watchers today. That is such a great decision Ann! Best of luck to you. If you need any help or support please contact me. Lisa is giving you my email address. A popular saying among Weight Watchers.....Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Displaying My Cards

For those of you who have been in my stamp room or have seen pics on my blog you know it's not very big. I have a lot of stuff in the room just by being very organized. All the walls have peg board so I can hang things up. One thing I really needed was a place to put recent cards received so I could enjoy them. So yesterday I

grabbed some ribbon and strung it under my ribbon racks. Now I can display my cards and change them out when I receive new ones. I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner.


I made some awesome muffins last night. I'll be using them as part of breakfast for the rest of the week. So yummy and the point value is 2 per muffin.

Applesauce Muffins

1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup un-sweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar

soak oats in milk for one hour
pre-heat oven to 400
to oats/milk mixture add applesauce and egg whites
in another bowl mix all dry ingredients except cinnamon and 1 tsp of graduated sugar.
combine dry with wet ingredients. Mix.
spray muffin pan with butter flavor cooking spray. Fill the 12 wells 3/4 of the way full.
combine cinnamon and sugar together. Sprinkle over tops of muffins. Bake for 20 minutes.
Makes 12

Say it with me.....YUM!!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

How Do You Eat Doritos?

I eat mine in a casserole. That's right a casserole. It was so yummy for dinner last night I have to share the recipe.

1 lb lean ground meat ( I use 95% lean)
1 can fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 can Rotel
3/4 reduced shredded Cheddar cheese
1 medium chopped onion
60 Nacho Cheese Doritos

Pre-Heat oven to 350
Brown meat with onion. Drain
Mix soup, Rotel and meat together in a bowl
Spray 13x9x2 pan with cooking spray
Crush half of the chips and sprinkle evenly in pan
Layer the meat mixture on top. Distribute the remaining (un-crushed) chips on top.
Sprinkle cheese on top of chips. Heat in oven for about 30 minutes. Serve with some
fat free sour cream.
serves 6
calories 268, fat 12 g, fiber 2
Works out to 6 points per serving



My daughter Sarah came to visit on Saturday. We had a fun day of shopping and riding bikes. It was really warm this weekend in the 70's. Anyway when we got back from shopping we made Pumpkin Smoothies. YUM!!!!

1 package Weight Watcher's Vanilla Smoothie
1 cup Light Soy Milk
1 cup Pure Pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla
Pumpkin Pie spice
Cinnamon
Splenda brown sugar 1 tsp
ice cubes.

Mix all together in blender makes two large glasses. And speaking of pumpkin.....My friend Lisa made this Autumn card for me. Just love it!!!
Very soft and elegant.


So Skip is still working on the bathroom but we got a lot done today. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Mom is still doing well. Me and Sarah took her lunch yesterday and took her outside for a bit. The sun felt really good! When I came home I put on a pair of shorts and mowed the grass. Hoping that will be for the last time this year. I can't believe how warm it was this weekend. Looking at another day today in the 70's. YAY.

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Crochet Things

Now here is something I haven't done
for a long while.....Crochet! I use to love to crochet, then I just got away from it. Crochet is one of the first crafts I picked up. I learned how to knit in 4th grade (didn't like it), but when I found crochet was quicker and only had a hook vs two needles this left handed gal was....well lets just say it......HOOKED

I started with some small things. First up is just a simple single crochet fold over basket. Don't ask me what I'm going to use it for...who knows, but I enjoyed working on this in between phone calls at work. Next thing I've been doing is dish clothes. This stitch

is a little more advanced using a
double crochet wrap around. Both
projects made with Lilly and Cream
cotton yard. Love working
with Lilly and Cream yarn.
Sooooooo soft!!!!


So what will she HOOK next?


Stamping Trails
Karen 189 (and holding)

Eyelet Bracelet

So while I was going through some craft supplies I came across a treasure trove of eyelets. I didn't know I had so many!!!!!!!!! I can't even remember the last time I used an eyelet on a card or other stamping project. What's a girl to do? Don't want to throw them out so I turned some of them into a bracelet. Maybe I'll make some for for stocking stuffers this year. Good thing eyelets along with other craft supplies don't have an expiration date!!!


Stamping Trails
Karen 189

Peanut Butter Cups Witch Hats and a White Cat

These little witch hats were so simple and quick to make using peanut butter cups. Normally hubby has plenty of candy on hand.....he's such a chocolate fiend, but he didn't have any cups for me to use in this project so I had to make a quick run to the store to gab a bag. I found this great tutorial on Tamara's blog. Check it out for complete instructions. Click Here



Caught my "furry baby" catching a Cat nap in my basket. Isn't he just too adorable? Burbank just barely fits into this basket.

Stamping Trails!
Karen 189

Peaceful Wishes

My friend Connie sent me her card for the challenge a group of my friends were in. Because she thought she was a little late she made a bonus..an ornament


Connie you can be late with any card.....thanks for the extra bonus. That was so nice to find in my mailbox yesterday. Love the white on white! So elegant. The cardstock came from Hollo's paper store. I think it was cardstock I gave friends last year for part of a Christmas gift. The cardstock is pearlescent.








Okay I'm off to work.....wish I could just stay home all day!!!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 189

Snuggle

Hi Stampers! Sorry I have not posted in such a long time. Just have not been in the stamping mood. So much going on. Skip still doesn't have the bathroom finished, and I've just been going though a rough time lately. I did get a chance to finally stamp on Sunday and made this adorable card. I got the stamp at Archivers on Saturday when I was out and about. Just had to have it. So cute!! Colors are Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, and White. Designer paper by Basic Grey, snowflake embossing folder by Sizzix. The layout was this weekend challenge posted by Beate for Splitcoast.

We had a frost Sunday night so I had to scrape my windshield this morning. Not looking forward to along winter of doing that. Brrrrrr.

Stamping Trails
Karen 189 and holding..don't ask....needless to say I got injured and have not been working out as I should so when I don't work out the weight stays the same. Put in a little prayer for me that I can get back on track.

Hawk

I was lucky enough to snap this photo of a hawk that
visits our back yard. It's a little fuzzy because I was in the kitchen and took the picture through the kitchen window.

Such a beautiful bird!!! Of course I think he is a little confused......no way he can fit in the bird house he is sitting on. LOL This shot prompted a card idea but I'm
not finished with it yet so you will have to wait till tomorrow to see the completed card. Sorry....I was watching Biggest Loser last night and didn't have time to finish the card.












Stamping Trails
Karen 189

What to do when you find a plastic Spider....

Hiding in your craft drawer...well first you scream because at first glance you think it's real. After your heart comes out of your throat you take that spider and use him in a cute little Halloween Witch Hat.

I used lots of things that I had not played with in a very long while. Stamp is Witchybella by Stampingbella, word stamps by SU Eat, Drink be Scary. Cardstock Orchid Opulence, Only Orange, and Certainly Celery. The cardstock patches were cut randomly, and embossed with spider web Cuttlebug folder. Faux stitches around the patches were made with black marker.







Oh and I used Fiskars Bat Wings decorative scissors

to cut around the cardstock. As my mom would say

I haven't used those scissors in a month of Sundays. Well in my case more like two years since I even thought about using a pair of decorative scissors.

The hat is by Darice it is made out of paper mache. Painted with Folk Art Acryic paint Metallic Sequin Black. Very pretty and shiny
black paint.

Okay I'm off to work really early this morning. They are giving blood tests at work. This is going to cover a lot of different tests. I'll get the results back at the health fair they are having at work later in the month.

Stamping Trails
Karen 189