Weigh In Week 4

I can't believe that this is week 4 of my weight loss journey. The month has had its ups and downs. I think overall it has been good. Finding what works for me with the diet and exercise has finally clicked. Above card was made by Marianne. She has been a great support system for me. Way to go Marianne! We had a great month!

This is my Easter card from Kat. Love the blues and craft cardstock. I also love the layout. I'll be casing this one soon.

Rained a lot yesterday so I didn't get out. Did some more Spring cleaning. The stamping studio is almost done. Thank goodness for that! I would much rather be stamping in my room than cleaning it!

Weigh in Week 4- Lost 4.2 pounds

Stamping trails
Karen

Bubble Up Pizza

Well the weather is on the "swing" shift again. 73 one day, then 47 the next. Wish the temps would just find a nice 70 degree setting and stay there.

Since it was cooler yesterday I made Bubble Up Pizza. Never heard of it? Well let me tell you its pretty darn good and not so bad on WW points.

Bubble up Pizza


1 cup chopped onions
16 oz canned tomato sauce
1/2 tsp basil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cans of buttermilk biscuits. I use the ones that come 4 to a package. They have 50 calories per biscuit.
1 1/4 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese
8 oz lean ground meat (or you could use ground turkey)
17 pieces of turkey pepperoni

Pre-heat oven to 350

Brown the meat with the onions and garlic till cooked
In a large bowl add the tomato sauce, spices, browned meat, and pepperoni
Open two cans of biscuits and cut each one into quarters, and add those to the tomato mixture. Mix it all together well. Spray 9x13x2 pan with cooking spray and pour the mixture into it. Pop in oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven add the cheese. Pop back into oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Makes 8 servings. 5 points per serving

You can add chopped veggies on top, such as olives, onions, green peppers, banana peppers. I've also made this without the ground meat and instead used Canadian bacon, and pineapple.

Stamping trails
Karen

Pumpkin Pancakes

I am a big pumpkin fan, and I love pumpkin pancakes. So yesterday morning I made a batch so I could take my MIL some. Kate loves them.

I start with using 2 cups of Bisquick Heart Healthy mix. Add 2 egg whites, 1 cup of fat free milk, 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, dash of cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk it all together, and cook on griddle. Makes 14 pancakes. WW point value 4, serving size 3 pancakes.

Don't they look good!!!! I top mine with unsweetened apple sauce and bit of powdered sugar. When I make a batch I'll freeze most of the them. For a quick dessert idea I'll heat one in the microwave then top with cool whip and some cinnamon. YUM!

I did get to stamp yesterday, even though the room is not finished (I'm wondering if I'll ever get it done at this point)!

Base card Always Artichoke, layers, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, and white. Paisley Petals designer paper used with large oval punch for the egg shell. Bird Builder punch for the little bird.

It was warmer yesterday got up to 73 so I took a bike ride. Let me tell you I felt like Mrs Gulch from the Wizard of OZ. You remember how Dorothy saw her riding her bike then the bike turned into a broom while the house was flying up into the twister? It was so windy yesterday it was pushing me sideways while I was trying to petal. At least it was warm, but oh did I ever get a workout trying to petal that bike!

Stamping trails
Karen

Still Cleaning

I didn't get to stamp yesterday, but I did stay in the stamping studio. I think if I had a shovel it would work better to get all the stuck off the desk and the floor! OMG I didn't know I had this much stuff in such a small room. So I'm still busy cleaning and organizing. Taking a little break from it today as I'll be going out to visit mom in law Kate.

Suppose to be warmer today 67 so I'm hoping to get in a bike ride

Quote for the day:

"Nothing is impossible, even the word itself spells I'm POSSIBLE-Unknown

Stamping trails
Karen

Clean and Simple Fancy Flower Punch

This is the first time I used Posy Punch Hostess stamp set. I really need to use my stamps more. May just have to stop buying any new stamps till I've used the ones I have (oh the horror!)

Colors Vanilla, Crumb Cake, and Cajun Craze. Punches, Fancy Flower, 1 inch, and 3/4 inch circle. Couple of brads and a pop dot was all that was needed to finish this quick and easy card.

Temp went down to 27 last night. After last week being in the 80's this is really just to cold! Don't like the big swings from hot to cold. I'm sure someone in the family will be sick...hoping it is not me!

I'm spending the day cleaning out the old stamping studio. Going to go through all the drawers and weed out stuff I'm no longer using, and maybe rearrange some things. Wish me luck!

Stamping trails
Karen

Lunchtime Sketch

Just playing along with another one of Mary Jo's Monday Lunchtime Sketches. You can visit Mary' site and see more cards here



I used Fever Young stamp set. Colors: White, Basic Gray, and Regal Rose. Word stamp is from an retired hostess set Cute Converse. Hello Doily background stamp also used. I used an aqua painter with basic gray ink to "ground" the tree. Triple Trio heart punch used for the girl on the swing and word bar. I really like the boy and girl profiles at the top of the Regal Rose layer.

Really late with posting today. Wasn't feeling well yesterday, and it took me most of today to get around to perking up.

I think its the weather. Cold and wet. Big difference from last week 80 + temps. I knew as soon as I packed the winter clothes this would happen. RATS!

Stamping trails
Karen

Pinterest Day

Pinterst is my new favorite thing to do. I've been pinning so much to my boards that I thought I better start making some of the stuff. I'll be old and gray before I ever get to it all.....Hey wait a minute.....I am old and gray....Nice and Easy knows. LOL

Anyway Hello Kitty was on a white gift bag. I didn't want a gift bag so I put it on a standard A2 size card. Top layer is popped. SU punches used: butterfly, 1/2, and 3/4 circle, small oval. Spellbinders scallop heart die, and Hello stamp is from G studio. The card just makes me want to smile!

It rained on and off yesterday. I did get in a bike ride in between rain drops earlier in the morning, also hit the treadmill.

Quote of the day:

"Whenever you feel like giving up, Remember why you set this Goal in the first place" -Unknown

Stamping trails
Karen

Zero Ice cream, Soup, and Butterfly Card

I found Arctic Zero ice cream while I was out shopping yesterday. Only 37 calories per 1/2 cup serving. Works out to be "0" WW points per serving. WOW!!! I have to say it tastes pretty good. However....don't think I'll be buying it again. Although it was good it cost 4.99 for the pint.

I made Broccoli and Cheese soup yesterday afternoon. I have been meaning to make this, but I discovered the recipe during the middle of our "heat wave" and wasn't craving soup. Here is the recipe.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

6 servings (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) package broccoli florets
2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light)

Heat a large nonstick saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes.

Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Add milk mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper. Remove from heat; add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.

Place one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Return pureed soup mixture to pan.

CALORIES 203 (28% from fat); FAT 6.3g (sat 4g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.4g); IRON 1.2mg; CHOLESTEROL 24mg; CALCIUM 385mg; CARBOHYDRATE 21.7g; SODIUM 897mg; PROTEIN 15.6g; FIBER 2.9g

This is really good and only 4 WW points per serving.

Craving color while I was making this card. Hello Doily stamped with Daffodil Delight ink, butterfly die cut using Regal Rose cardstock. Center of the flower Early Espresso cardstock with large scallop circle punch. Well Worn designer paper also used with small scallop circle punch. Stamp set, Word Play.

Suppose to rain most of the weekend, so I'm not going to get to go biking. Guess I'll be hitting the treadmill this weekend.

Weigh in week three: Lost 1.5

Stamping trails
Karen

7 Little Envelopes

Look at what I got in the mail....7 little envelopes. I have instructions to only open one per day. These are from my friend Marianne. We are helping to encourage each other in our weight loss journey. Since our weigh in day is Saturday I'm going to open the first on on that day. We are just wrapping up week 3 and will be starting week four. Things are going well for both of us. Hang in there girlfriend!!!!! Big thanks for the great surprise!


Hubby and I had adventures in cat bathing yesterday. Sorry no pictures as it was impossible to take a pic and hold on to the cat at the same time. Burbank does not do water. Because he is an indoor outdoor cat and he has white fur he tends to get himself dirty. Other than that fun chore I did other Spring cleaning. I started pulling winter clothes out of the drawers and putting in summer stuff. Now just watch.....it will snow next week. LOL

Stamping trails
Karen

Tutorial Thursday

Happy Thursday! Time for another tutorial. This one I call Weathered Wallpaper. Since I still have designer paper on my desk (yes my desk is still a mess) I took it and decided to alter the paper.

This card uses Established Elegance stamp set, and Perfectly Penned word set. Background stamp Weathered.

First step is to cut the designer paper to the layer size you want. I'm using an old paper pack from SU I believe it was called Prints Sampler. Long since retired but I need to use my stuff retired or not!

Next ink up a background stamp, any "cracked" pattern background stamp will work. I've inked up the stamp with Crumb Cake. After stamping the designer paper. I sponged the edges.

To sponge I put the paper on a work surface ink up the sponge then starting off the paper I quickly drag the sponge towards the piece and over the edge.

I hope by looking at the photos you will get the idea of how I do this. One of these days I'm going to have to look into making videos.

After the sponging was done I took a white gel pen and went over some of the designs in the paper. I also "stitched" around the the edges. When that was finished I thought the white gel pen was to bright and I wanted to mute it a bit as I was going for vintage. So I took the sponge again and inked over the white with Crumb Cake.

I used the small flower from the punch pack to accent the piece. I knew I was going to add brads to flower centers. Since using a hole punch after the flower was punched doesn't work as the piece is too small I use a paper piercer and poked the hole first then punched. I crumbled up the flowers in my hand to give them a vintage look.

Hope you liked today's tutorial.

Stamping trails
Karen

Thanks Card

Since I didn't clean my desk since the last two projects I made.....(I know shame on me!) I decided to use some the designer paper scraps. This is a very clean and simple layout. Vanilla for the base card, scrap of Beau Chateau paper, scrap of twill ribbon, and soft suede cardstock.

Since its been so warm I've been doing some Spring cleaning. Not that I want to, but I'm thinking we will be putting in the garden earlier this year, and if that happens I won't have time to do much housework.

I have been enjoying getting out everyday riding the bike. Such a great feeling to in the fresh air and sunshine after winter is gone. Skip even put the snowthrower away and got out the lawnmower. I know Spring is here when he does that!

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy Spring!!!

Happy 1st day of Spring to all! With all the beautiful weather we have been having lately I want to say happy Summer! Been in the upper 70's for six days now and I'm just loving it!!!

I took Mary Jo's Techno challenge #213. If you'd like to see more great cards using this layout please visit Mary's blog here

I used Nature Walk stamp set, and Paisley Petals designer paper. I have to say my favorite part of this card is the little bird nest. It was actually an after thought. The card was looking a little bare without any embellishments.

Here is a close up of the nest. Just click on the photos to see a larger picture.

Thanks Mary Jo for another great lunchtime sketch!

Stamping trails and Happy Spring!
Karen

General Occassion Cards and a Frosty

Since I wanted to actually use my designer paper instead of letting it sit on a shelve looking pretty I designed these cards. Stamp set Perfectly Penned, designer paper Beau Chateau. Cardstock vanilla, Soft Suede, Marina Mist, and Pink Pirouette. The twill tape I picked up on clearance several years ago, but it is a perfect match for Soft Suede.

I cut out the rooster image from the designer paper and popped it over the chicken wire. I also used left over scraps of the paper and cardstock to decorate the inside of the cards.

This is a copy cat Wendy smoothie recipe. Only 3 WW points and it is yummy. Hits the spot on a hot day.

1 cup fat free milk
2 tablespoons chocolate fat free sugar free Jello instant pudding
2 tablespoons fat free Cool Whip
8 ice cubes

Blend everything but the ice cubes in the blender for about 2 minutes on medium setting. Add the ice cubes and kick it up to high till blended. If you want it colder you can put the smoothie in a plastic cup and freeze for awhile.

Do you like Mounds bars? Well to turn this smoothie into a Mounds tasting one just add a drop of coconut extract.

This recipe serves one and makes a full glass.

Still warm here in Ohio. I got to ride the bike for several days in a row. Been in the upper 70'. How grand for this time of the year. Our normal temps are in the 40's, and the great news the 70's are to continue for the rest of the week. YAY!!!

Stamping trails
Karen

Pin Catcher

I saw these on Pintrest and just had to make some. Such a easy and inexpensive gift idea. I found the saucers at a local thrift store. Then used glue to attach magnets to the back of them.

Another one.

Here you can see the magnets glued to the back. I used E-6000 glue. Its super strong. If you make any be sure to use this glue outside or in a well ventilated area. Vapors are pretty darn strong.

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy wearing of the green day to you! Downtown Cleveland has a St. Paddy's day parade every March 17th. This year they are expecting one million people to be there. Two reasons for this number. One the parade is on Saturday, and for two it is going to be 75 degrees with clear blue skies. Me? I'm not going. I'll be grilling steak on the grill later today, and helping Skip get the garden in shape to plant. I much rather be doing that then fighting with crowds!

This little leprechaun is made with various punches.

Scallop circle, 1 1/4, 1/4, and 1/2 circle punches, heart trio punch for mustache and clover, word window punch, and retired keg punch for the hat.

Hope you have a wonderful "green day"

Weigh in week two-lost 2 pounds

Stamping trails
Karen

Tried a new Recipe

I tried a new recipe for the crockpot yesterday. Pizza Noodle Crock. It was pretty good. The whole family enjoyed it.

Pizza Noodle Crock

8 oz of lean ground meat
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
26 oz can spaghetti sauce
2 oz turkey pepperoni
1 tsp pizza seasoning
2/3 Smart Taste elbow macaroni
1 cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese

brown the meat in small skillet with the onions,pepper, and pizza seasoning. Spray 3 quart crockpot with cooking spray. Put a layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of crockpot. Place 1/2 of the turkey pepperoni on top of the sauce, then add the browned meat. Pasta goes on top of the meat, and then cover the pasta with the remaining spaghetti sauce. Top with the rest of the pepperoni, then add the cheese. Cook on low for 3 hours.

Serves 5, 294 calories, 10 g fat, 7 g fiber

I didn't have the elbow macaroni when I made this yesterday so I used Healthy Harvest spiral pasta, the calorie count was the same.

This is going into my favs for the crockpot!

Busy day yesterday. Spent most of the day with my mom-in-law. Sarah stopped by then we all went to lunch and did some shopping. Sarah was able to get an outfit for the job interview she has on Monday. Came home made dinner. I did get on the treadmill, but didn't get in a bike ride. To bad as the weather was so nice. 73 degrees! I was rudely awakened by a thunderstorm at 6 am so I lost some sleep, but it really turned into a great day.

Stamping trails
Karen

Fancy Flower Punch Thanks Card

Well since my Christmas cards are finished for this year I decided to make the thank you cards. I love Riding Hood Red ink and cardstock. I don't use the color as much as I think I should. Since Cherry Cobbler is the red I normally reach for. Punches used: Fancy Flower punch, large scallop, 2 1/2 circle, blossom bouquet triple layer punch.

I started by punching two flowers from Riding Hood Red cardstock. I misted both of them with water then crumpled them up in my hand. Flattened them back out a bit and added Crumb Cake and white cardstock that was punched with the blossom triple punch. After adding the brad I took a stamping sponge with Riding Hood ink and went around the petals while it was still damp. I like the look of the Doily background stamp in Crumb Cake ink on the white cardstock.

Really warm yesterday. 73 was the high. Not like winter should be here at all, but I'm not complaining. I got to ride the bike and just enjoy getting some sun. I looked at the flower beds and found I have some crocus in bloom! What a great surprise.

I got on the scale yesterday, even though my weigh in is not till Saturday and I lost 2 pounds since Saturday. Was very happy with that, but I'm not really counting this. Going to wait till Saturday for the official weigh in.

Close up of the flower.

Stamping trails
Karen

Card Shares

Well the weather was so beautiful yesterday that I spent a good deal of it outside. Which means I didn't get to stamp. After working out on the treadmill I sat on the deck and took in some sun, then took the bike and went for a long ride. Later in the day I went out again and started to clean the flower bed. I guess I'll finish that today. Its suppose to be 72! Can you believe that! Not quite the middle of March and we are getting some great Spring temps.

Above card was sent to me by my friend Marianne. We are each others support group for our weight lost journey. This is our second week, and happy to report we are both doing great. Thanks for your support Marianne!

This card I received in the mail yesterday from my friend Kat. Love the colors and big ribbon rosette. So bright and cherry!

Stamping trails
Karen

Its Not Easy Being Green...and The Big Green Monster

If you have not tried a Green Monster smoothie...all I ask is that you keep and open mind about them. I swear that you will not taste the spinach at all! Honest!

Here is what you need to make a very healthy good for you drink.

1 tsp ground flax seed
1 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
1/4 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
1 tsp reduced fat peanut butter
hand full of spinach
1/2 banana
ice cubes

Layer them in blender in the order listed. If you don't the ground flax seed will fly everywhere. Blend until smooth. Add 6 or 7 ice cubes and blend till ice is crushed. This recipe will make a tall glass and 1/2.

You can also add different fruit. Blueberries, pineapple, or mango. Experiment. I just like peanut butter and banana.

And believe it or not you will not be able to taste the spinach. All you will taste is the banana and peanut butter. So yummy and so very filling. Best of all this recipe is only 4 WW points.

Okay lets talk about today's card. I thought Kermit would go great on the same post as the Green Monster. To make Kermit you will need: two ornament punches in Wild Wasabi cardstock, eyes 3/4 circle punch, you will need to trim them on one side so the eyes will have a flat side. For the pupils I punched black using 1/4 circle punch. Then drew the lines of the eyes with a black marker. Tongue was punched with triple heart punch using Mambo Melon, and Regal Rose cardstock. Collar was also punched with triple heart punch using Pear Pizzazz cardstock. The saying "its not easy being green" was run off on the printer. Word Play stamp set also used.

Stamping trails
Karen

Lunchtime Techo Sketch 212

Well its not lunchtime yet but decided to play along with Mary Jo's lunchtime Sketch challenge. I used some colors on this card that I never would have thought would belong together. Wanted to jog myself out of my comfort zone. Cardstock: base Pear Pizzazz, vanilla, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, and Always Artichoke. Hello Doily used on the Saffron layer, and Upsy Daisy stamp set for main image. I got a little Always Artichoke on the flower layer where I didn't want it so I used a smaller oval with the word to cover it up. There is more than one way to cover up boo-boos without starting all over again!

Check out other samples of this sketch on Mary Jo's site here


Stamping trails
Karen

OODLES of Noodles Get Well

I got the idea for this card the other day when I was having soup for lunch. I've always loved the Campbell's label (and soup). So comforting, and the fond childhood memories that come back. I think the first time I can remember seeing a Campbell's soup commercial was while watching Lassie. Now I am really dating myself here, but hey I'm a child of the 60's and can't run away from that.

I used part of the label for the focal point, and what is chicken soup without a chicken? Chicken stamp from retired SU set Best of Cluck. "Get Well" word from Perfectly Penned. Punches used 2 1/2 circle and large scallop punch.

And keeping with my New Year Resolution I carried the theme to the inside card and used part of the label there as well. I like that I caught the "M'm! M'm! Good!" at the top of the label.

I for one would love to receive this card if I was sick. I know it would perk me up!

Stamping trails, and Greensleeves to all (theme from Lassie)
Karen

Everything is Coming up Carrots

Carrots everywhere! On today's card and on my stove top! Okay first the card. I used different punches to create this. Body and head are 1 3/4 circle punches. Oval punch and small oval (retired) used for ears, tummy, eyes, and feet. Carrot he is holding was free cut. Carrots popping up from the grass small oval punch.

Soup is on!

Carrot Ginger Soup

Cooking spray
1 large white onion chopped
3 cups low sodium fat free chicken broth
1 pound baby carrots
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/4 cup fat free sour cream
dash of ground pepper

spray large sauce pan with cooking spray add onions. Saute for 6 minutes. Add broth, carrots, and ginger. Bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes till carrots are soft. Remove from heat. Add sour cream. Using an immersion blender blend the soup till smooth.
Makes 4 servings. Serving size 1 1/4 cup. WW points 2

The soup is really good. Loved the smell of the freshly grated ginger.

Today was weigh in day. Lost-1 pound

Stamping trails
Karen

Funny Little Critters

So here are some funny looking critters! I used bath poof balls to make these guys. I used different punches to put them together. Chick: 1/2 circle punch for eyes, scallop oval punch for wings, snowflake punch for feet. Beak was free cut.

Sheep: Large oval punch face, 1/2 and 1/4 circle for eyes, scallop oval punch for ears and top knot. White gel pen used for eye highlights. All pieces were attached to the bath poof using mini glue dots.

They are silly I know. I plan to make these and use them for place settings for Easter dinner. They should spark some conversation if nothing else. I may even go back and make a bunny.

Stamping trails
Karen

Flowers Are a Popping

Today's card uses Beau Chateau designer paper, Fancy Flower, and Boho Blossoms punch, Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set, a button, and some brads. Cardstock Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla. I also used Stripes embossing folder. Oh and lots of pop dots to raise the embossed layer off the designer paper.

Here you can see a closer look at the flower. I punched most of the flower on the embossed layer, but let some of it miss the cardstock.

OMG is was so beautiful yesterday! Temps reached 67. Hubby and me took a bike ride before he had to head off to work. Although it was warm it was very windy. If I only had a sail for the bike I wouldn't have had to peddle so hard against the wind! While I was outside I checked some of the flower beds, and yup the tulips are poking there heads out of the soil. I wish they would have waited a little longer. I'm having family over for Easter and was hoping the tulips would still be in bloom, but at this rate I'm sure they will bloom to soon.

Stamping trails
Karen

Let Them Eat Cake

Well....really let me eat CAKE!!!! I wanted to share a recipe with you that I've been using since I started WW back in 08.

Start with one box of Angel Food Cake mix, and one box of any flavor box cake mix. Of course my cake mix of choice is chocolate.

Use a large air tight container or a large ziplock bag. Mix both of the cake mixes together. Make sure you mix them up well.

To use the mix: Take 1/3 cup of the mix and put in a coffee cup. Add 3 tablespoons of water, mix. Microwave for 1 minute. WW Points 3

You can also mix it this way: 1/4 cup of the mix and 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave 1 minute. WW Points 2

Since I like frosting, but not the calories and fat I top my cake with 2 tablespoons of fat free Cool Whip.

Another mix: Angel Food cake mix, and Banana cake mix. With this one I top it with a bit of peanut butter. It melts on the hot cake to make the frosting.

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

Stamping trails
Karen