Weekly Challenge #4 - Projects

I just have to say, I am SO TOTALLY STOKED about this page... specifically the image of our house. The point of the challenge was to create a list of "things" (i.e. projects) I want taken care of in and around our home this year. After coming off of last week's challenge which already featured an image of our home, I wasn't quite sure what to do for this one.

Then it hit me.

I photographed our blueprints. Waaaaaay brightened it up. Then used my Storybook Creator software (Creative Memories) to create a rubber stamp of the image.

LOVE IT.

As in my previous weekly challenge posts, this is a partially completed hybrid page. Once completed, I'll post the "before" and "after" shots of the page. Hope you're finding some inspiration along the way as well :)

5 Fun Things Friday

1. All-Things Magnetic Poetry.

I specifically adore the Mixed-Up Parenting kit pictured above and the Really Big Words for wee ones below.

And the Little Box of Encouragement...

The 2011 Magnetic Calendar...

And lastly, the self-adhesive Chipboard Words (for scrapbooking, of course):

2. Out of Print Clothing.

Book lover? Get out-of-print book designs on t-shirts. Love it!!

3. Chalkboard Mugs from World Market.

4. Reuben Casserole.

Tweaking it as follows: Toasting the bread cubes. Using 1000 Island dressing - and more than 3/4 Cup, giving it a good drizzle over the top to lightly (but evenly) coat.

Not the prettiest thing to look at but it sure was delicious!

5. Grandparent and/or Daddy Dolls.

If you have a loved one in the military or grandparents who spend much of the year traveling, these unique dolls make a wonderful gift.

Happy Friday!!

playing with food

Oh, how I love it! (BTW, if you've been itching to try macarons but found them a wee bit expensive... TOTALLY WORTH EVERY CENT!) Or, if you're up for the challenge, you'll find all sorts of cool links to recipes and tips for making them yourself HERE.

a toast bite to Stacey

Knowing you're not all into the treats right now, I didn't pick up a birthday cake. I did however, think of you when I sampled these:

Happy Birthday, Stacey!

a special project

I, for the for the life of me, just can't figure out what makes posting bedhead pictures not okay and this:

Completely acceptable. (Boys... just can't figure them out.) My oldest asked for help this afternoon... to merge the above definition with his brother's image.

And the brother was totally okay with this. Along with posting it online. In fact, he was ENTHUSIASTICALLY okay with it. (Boys... just can't figure them out.)

I'd mentioned a ginormously HUGE sale on Facebook... in an effort to reduce my CM inventory I am offering 40% select items. (If you'd like a list of the items, just shoot me an email at acvega at frontiernet dot net.) The sale will take place on Saturday, January 29 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm (you may call or stop by between those hours to see what is still available).

Lastly, I'm making plans for our annual Spring Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat. Most of the spots have been reserved but I may still have two openings. If you're interested on being added to the list, let me know! The retreat will take place the weekend of March 25-March 27, 2011... I'll be sharing more details SOON.

Have a great night!

Weekly Challenge #3 - Dream

Another partially completed hybrid page (I'll continue to share the before and after pages as I have HERE and HERE).

The idea behind this page is to capture a dream you have on paper. If the process seems a little daunting, click HERE and HERE for a bit of inspiration. You'll also find a great assortment of related quotes HERE.

straight out of the camera [sunday]

I've had oatmeal on the brain. (Winter and THIS, likely contributing factors.) I decided to whip up a batch of pumpkin oatmeal this morning.

Pumpkin Oatmeal (1 serving)

• ½ cups Old-Fashioned Oats
• 1 cup Milk Or Milk Alternative
• ¼ cup Pumpkin
• ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 2 pinches Nutmeg
• 1 pinch Cloves
• 2 pinches Salt
• ¼ cup Raisins Or Dried Cranberries (I used Golden Raisins)

Preparation Instructions
Place the ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Just as the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. When done, remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Top with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of walnuts and milk if desired.

It was every bit as delicious as it sounds. (The image above, straight out of the camera... no tweaking.)