Spida Yo-Yo...

Eek would be right...

School's back in session. The vacation is winding down and reality starts to set in that it's back to the real world on Monday with a full work schedule! *deer caught in headlamps look*

During our vacation I found this "stinkin' cute" little girl with her spida yo-yo stamp! Did you truly think I would leave her behind? Not on your life! *wink* On a previous trip to Stamping Memories I spied the Making Memories Halloween 12 X 12 Flocked Spida paper, HOWEVER it was in a kit?! Bouncin' about the paper... Oh, Liz... I NEED this paper by the sheet?! Liz, being the sweetheart she is, found and ordered the paper for me. *Cheshire cat* The paper never made it onto the rack between my friend, Mare and me. Knowing Liz... it's already been re-ordered! *wink* The "spida yo-yo" was glitzed using a Gelly Roll Stardust Clear pen and black brad for the body. The little girl's dress was stamped using SU! Lovely Lilac classic ink and edged with VersaFine Black Onyx. A Making Memories Halloween Pebbles Brad "Eek" was added to her dress. Experiencing mixed emotions on my choice of using the SU! Slot Punch (slot too large) and ribbon?! I'm thinking it wasn't a good choice when all was said and done in the end! *sad face* As my friend Asela of Hop Art Studios says, "YUCK!" Can't post just the good ones... we all have "what was I thinking" moments with design choices. *LOL*

This post comes to you later than intended due to a severe thunderstorm we were experiencing in this part of New Hampshire last night... While trying to wait out the storm, so I could finish my post... I fell asleep! What can I say?! Our couch was calling my name, while the throw... literally threw itself onto me! *wink*

It's dark and dreary... I think I'll meander along with my cuppa to do a little stamping before my cherub wakes. Be sure to come back now... NOT to mention SCROLL down, as I just might have more than one post of sharing! *wink* Enjoy a safe Labor Day weekend with your family!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Supplies used from Stamping Memories, unless otherwise stated.

Bloggyland Announcements...

There's a "Rubber Rummage Sale" going on ------> HERE! My friend, Mary of It's All About The Journey has some Stampin' Up! RETIRED sets to sell for a whale of a deal! There's going to be NEW ADDITIONS added to her rubber rummage sale soon! H-U-R-R-Y they won't hang around long! *wink*

Photographed is blog candy being offered by Lisa of Blessed A Latte' ---> HERE!

Simply post a comment to Lisa's "blog candy" post to qualify for a single chance at winning her blog candy, HOWEVER... mention Lisa's blog candy give-away on your blog to qualify for a second chance to win! Two chances are better than one! *wink*

You only have until Sunday; August 26th 9PM PST... so set your clocks!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Batty For You...

My friend Gail of A Dragonfly Garden declared this week "Animal Week" on her blog. Gail invited all of Bloggyland to play along. Thankfully, I made it just by the skin of my teeth to participate in the fun... the very last day! *wink*

Can you say... BAT-tastic, precisely how I'm feeling about my new Martha Stewart bat paper punch! Color combinations of SU! Going Gray, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Lovely Lilac and Marigold Morning cardstock were decided for this cards design. My friend, Tami enabled my purchase of the Martha Stewart one inch scallop punch. *Cheshire grin* Background stamps are some of my favorite stamps to collect due to their versatility... The SU! Fine Lace was used to texture my bats and SU! Leafy Glade to mimick the tree tops with Karen Foster Snap-Stamps for the sentiment. This was one of many delish ribbons I purchased on our trip to The Paper Tree in Amoskeag City to meet our friend Tami.

*Edited 08-21-07 - Clouds were created using SU! Cloud Stencil and "fat" stencil brush tapped in VersaFine Onyx Black ink. Be sure to stipple on scrap paper prior to stippling your clouds on your "finished" project. Unfortunately, SU! didn't promote this item well enough to generate interest and has since been RETIRED... *sad face* Thank-you for all the kind posts and e-mails. *smile*

My family and I will be on vacation this week, HOWEVER... I plan to work in some stamping to share with you where I can. Hope your week's off to a wonderful beginning!
I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

ATC Recruits Needed...

Christmas ATC Swap CLOSED!!!!

Looking for a few good stamper's to recruit for a Christmas ATC Swap I'm hosting...

Any volunteers willing to sign-up or do we need to draft you stampers?! *wink*

You will receive back 10 to 12 ATC's... one of these being your own. I encourage all participants to make a dozen ATC's to safely ensure upwards, but not to exceed twelve members participating in our swap. *wink*

ATC requirements:

1. Size: 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches with two or more layers.

2. Embellishments: no less than one and upwards of three.
(ex: ribbon, rhinestone, eyelets, clips, etc...) If using "torn" paper as an embellishment... You will be required to use an additional embellishment.

3. Stamps: ANY rubber stamp vendor, but Christmas related.

4. Please sign and number each of your ATC's. Adding a blog or dating (optional), however not required.

Mail requirements:

1. Print or write out a label with your full name, Christmas ATC swap and qty. enclosed. Affix label using a clear packaging tape to a sandwich sized Ziploc baggie. This will protect your ATC's from the elements.

2. Clearly label a regular manilla or bubbled mailer with your own mailing address as the recipient and my address (provided in a private e-mail once you've joined) as the sender. When adding postage to your package DO NOT use any metered strips... only regular postage stamps adhered to your mailer please. My postal carrier ALWAYS weighs my baggie of ATC's and return mailer, giving me a postage price and then ADDS the stamps to the mailer for me. *wink*

3. Absolute Deadline: All ATC's will need to be mailed by or on Tuesday; September 18th, 2007 in order for myself to receive them timely, swap and resend to all of you by no later than Tuesday; October 2nd, 2007. I must request that if you can not full fill this part of the obligation, then you might want to reconsider your commitment.

Resources: You can find an easy step-by-step tutorial ------> HERE... questions or concerns e-mail me (under contact) -------> HERE... or view examples (including my first) -----> HERE...

To join this swap, you must send me an e-mail (view my complete profile... click and to the left under contact). As confirmation that I received your e-mail, you will see your name listed below and I will e-mail you back with my address. I hope I covered everything! Let me know if you have any questions!

Group 1 Participants:

1. Anne Sanborn

2. Bette Moreau - Received 8/27

3. Mary Anderson

4. Elizabeth Royalty

5. Harriet Skelly

6. Tami Wood

7. Asela Hopkins - Received 9/10

8. Kristina Lewis - Received 9/14

9. Lynette Neus - Received 8/27

10. Rhiannon Christianson

11. Emily Montenaro - Received 9/6

12. Dana Seymour

Group 2 Participants:

1. Anne Sanborn

2. Lisa Banks

3. Michelle Buschur - Received 9/14

4. Angela Dasner - Received 9/15

5. Kristina Lewis - Received 9/14

6. Rhiannon Christianson

7. Sarah Bertolino

8. Cheri Mosgrove - Received 8/27

9. Kimberly Gajewski

10. Allison Filo - Received 9/6

11. Lynette Neus - Received 8/27

12. Tracy Clemente - Received 9/15

13. Bette Moreau - Received 8/27

Hurry... not many spaces left and we wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun! If I don't here from you... you might just be receiving a draft notice via e-mail requesting your participation, so hop-to-it and sign-up!!! *wink*

It doesn't get any easier than this! DO NOT feel inadequate or decide against participating due to names posted. ALL of these incredibly wonderful ladies would agree that we've experienced many firsts, will and still do... so if this is your first time making an ATC... you go girl! *wink*

*Edited 08-16-07- Group 1 has been filled! *flabbergasted, speechless, overwhelmed* HOWEVER due to the overwhelming response... a Group 2 has been added, so h-u-r-r-y to get in on the fun! There will be no more groups added! *wink* I just couldn't bear to write the Dear, John letters! *smile*

**Edited 08-17-07- Sarah Bertolino of Suki's blog has just been added to Group 2. If my blogging friends wouldn't mind mentioning our Christmas ATC swap within a new post... it'd be much appreciated... we need FIVE more wonderful ladies!

***Edited 08-18-07 - Cheri Mosgrove and Kimberly Gajewski have both been added to Group 2 as of this evening. This will be Cheri's "first" ATC and I'm so honored that we're going to be the lucky recipients! *wink* Kimberly's from New England?! ONLY THREE more spaces... Do I hear_____ going once, going twice... sold to_____?! *wink* Hope to share something stamped tomorrow!

****Edited 08-18-07- Allison Filo of Stampin When I Can from Calgary, Alberta, CANADA is on board our Christmas ATC fun-ship... Welcome my friend! ONLY ONE more spaces... Will anyone be hollering B-I-N-G-O!

*****Edited 08-19-07- Tracy Clemente of Eat, Sleep, Stamp has joined in all our fun... so S-T-A-R-T your ATC's ladies and keep your eyes on the checkered flag! *wink*

*Edited 08-29-07 - Bette, Cheri & Lynette's wonderful "I Kandi" arrived Monday for our Christmas ATC Swap! I debated... HOWEVER, did you really think I'd hold out on NOT PEEKING?! Hello... *LOL*

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Recruitment poster of "Rosie the Riveter" from the 1940's.

Muffin Anyone?!...

No time to stamp... *insert sad face*

Yesterday, was a day of household obligations. Stripping beds, laundry, baking... you get the idea! *wink*

While my muffins were baking... I was chit-chatting with my friend Gail of A Dragonfly Garden via internet. Another wonderful and talented soul with an awesome sense of humor! Since beginning this journey of mine blogging... I consider myself blessed to be able to converse and meet such wonderfully talented women, whether it be in person or over the internet. *a wave goes out to Gail* So glad to be "cookin' up" more than just muffins, but friendships as well here in Bloggyland! *wink*

Blueberry Muffins:

3/4 C. milk
1/2 C. veggie oil
1 egg
2 C. all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1/3 C. sugar
3 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 C. fresh blueberries or drained canned blueberries or 3/4 C. frozen blueberries, thawed and drained well.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottoms of 12 medium muffin cups, 2 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches, or line with paper baking cups. Beat milk, oil and egg. Stir in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, all at once, just until flour is moistened (batter will be lumpy). Fold in blueberries. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle with "raw" sugar if desired. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Immediately remove from pan.

Serves: 12 muffins; 195 calories per muffin

Personal modifications: Double recipe above. Add at least 1/2 C. more blueberries. Fill cups right up to top. Turn oven down slightly by 25 degrees. Recipe is NOT sweet, so adjust your sugar if you desire a sweeter muffin... if not adding sugar to tops.

Recipe credit: Betty Crocker's Cookbook... personal modifications by A. Sanborn

You'll find the muffins on the counter next to a fresh carafe of coffee... won't you join me!

As always, I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

The Traveling Stampers...

Where to begin...

Yesterday was an adventure of epic proportion! *wink* I found myself traveling down I-93 to meet my dear friend, Mare in Capital City... at our regular rendezvous point. It's here that we'd start on our latest adventure! Or what we refer to as a road trip! *wink*

It all began with Mare's involvement with the A*Muse A*Palooza! Leading her to be-friend Tami Wood of Minnesota, a certified A Muse instructor. Tami, a New Hampshire girl herself, would be coming home to visit and was interested in meeting Mare! Being the generous soul she is, Mare extended an invitation for me to join them. Besides... I generally serve as chauffer on our excursions. *can you say... lucky* A decision to meet at The Paper Tree was agreed by all.


Upon our arrival, *slightly ahead of schedule* we were greeted by The Paper Tree's proprietor, Michelle at the door! What a delight... so friendly, accommodating and joined in our excitement of all the "oohs and ahhs!" We agreed whole heartedly that we'd be making a return trip to see our new friend Michelle in the near future!

Tami arrived shortly with her wonderful mother, Ellie. Hugs of excitement were exchanged. It was as though we'd all known each other forever... We chit-chatted over shares of our work, exchange of more chit-chat and a make n' take prepared by Tami! Tami has incredible ideas and an abundance of talent... has definitely earned the recognition of being an A Muse design team member too?! It's all about the talent or lets say it should be... We think you rock babe!!!! *wink* If we'd only thought of it sooner... we'd have extended an invite to our friend Elizabeth of My Paper Trails to join us! *sorry... sad face* Know that you came-up in conversation while "oohing and ahhing" over your cyclist ATC babe (my fav) *wink* Tami was wishing she were still here at the end of September! *wink* We wrapped things up with a wee bit of shopping and photo opts with our new friend Michelle! Packing everyone and everything in my jimmy, we prepared to meet Ellie at AC Moore. Couldn't see Ellie making the trek back for Tami. Besides... we were headed in that very direction! *Cheshire grin* There was a gift exchange going on in my vehicle during the "dipsy doodling" ride over to the Mall of New Hampshire... sure hope Tami won't mind traveling with this catawampus woman on her next visit?! *wink* Sadly... it was time to part company at AC Moore. However, we'll keep in-touch via e-mail, phone and relay of person to person. Now to get Tami set-up with her own blog... Blogger's FREE! *wink*


Before leaving the mall... a call for the largest triple berry smoothie offered by Orange Julius was in order for the road trip home... can you say YUM-O!!!! We set forth for our next stop being Capital City! Traveling right along... we noted an accident on the off ramp to the seacoast?! Breathing a sigh of relief and counting our blessings that we weren't headed home in that direction! After reaching the toll booth to exchange our $.75 and have a nice day with the toll booth operator. What did we find... ONLY ourselves in (weekend tourist) grid lock traffic on the otherside, crawling in the direction of HOME!!! *missed photo opt... oops* (Shank's mare would've been quicker) Being a true Yank, my patience was limited. Mare, we're taking a different route! *NH secret... if we told you, then we'd have to kill you... LOL* After limping along, we saw the route needed to get us home at a faster pace than that of a snails. It was clear sailing again! *thanks Dad for all the back roads as a kid... not to mention sense of direction*

Mare offered to toodle around Capital City with me while running a few errands... who'd ever turn down her wonderful company... not me! We found ourselves straying into Mike's. Each of us scoring a newly released Martha Stewart bat paper punch! While agreeing whole heartedly her spider punch was a bit gruesome for our taste. I bet Mike's will be all sold out of the bat punches by the end of today... care to make a wager?! After depositing Mare back to her vehicle and exchanging hugs... I was headed up the dusty trail towards the hills of home.


On the drive... I reflected on the preparation for this day, it's speedy comings and goings... and leaving a fond memory in it's wake?! I busy myself with everyday life 'til our paths cross again my friend. *sigh* I sure hope you enjoyed your virtual road trip with us?! Stay tuned... my partner in crime and I will be heading out again the end of September!

In the near future you will note a new addition to my blog labels, possibly referred to as "blog reviews!" Unless I come-up with a better label... *wink* Stay tuned...

Edited 8-12-07 - You can read my friend, Mare's road trip post ----> HERE! Tami, honey please note that I "fixed" your name after posting your comment... my TYPE A personality wouldn't allow me to leave it incorrect! *wink*


As always, I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Petit Eiffel Merci...

Time sure flies... even when your NOT having fun! However, it's fleeting when your in the company of a good friend! *wink*

Hard to believe a week ago tomorrow, my friend Jennie and I were off for a day of shopping. I told Jennie to make a list of places she wanted to shop? We began our adventure with the Etc. Shoppe. I scored a pair of Eddie Bauer and Talbots shorts in like new condition, a large ribbon jar and vintage oak recipe file to name a few of my goodies! *wink* Next on her list was a quilt shop and then it was off to Wal Mart and Longview Farm for some fresh veggies for the evening dinner. We decided on a couple of grilled Panini's for lunch and sat on a park bench for some wonderful conversation. Before we knew it... it was time to head back to the dock as Jennie's husband, Yvon was arriving from Paris!

This was a "simple" thank-you card designed in honor of my friend from Paris, France. When Jennie arrived she brought beautiful gifts of a Paris tee and red enamel on metal dish for Sophie and me. Decidely enough... I don't do simple well! *wink*

You will note my choice of France's flag colors, paisley and the Eiffel Tower in my card design. The brown was not in anyway to insinuate that France is dirty, but rather olde and nostaligic... PLUS I have an issue with white! *wink*

A dream of mine is to someday visit the beautiful city of Paris with my family before I expire. Dave, my husband noted my love of the Eiffel Tower when he was admiring Jennie's card.

A special thank-you to both of our Mum's for watching our children, which allowed us a wonderful day spent together.

Supplies Used: SU! Real Red, Ballet Blue and White Confetti cardstock, SU! Paisley background stamped with VersaMark, A Muse Eiffel Tower image colored with SU! Watercolor Pencils, Mike's $pot "thanks" stamp. Accessories: May Arts Red and Cream striped ribbon (Stamping Memories)

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Rockin' Bloggyland...

Attempting to play a little catch-up! You can imagine my delight to know I rock more than just my hubby's world! *wink* These wonderful friends of mine... Mare, Sue and Lorrietori nominated me for the rockin' girl blogger award! Just so you know, my friend Mare posted her's in invisible ink! *wink*
Somehow, someway Mare's post disappeared?!

There are so many wonderful and creative blogger's out there that haven't been tagged because their yet to be discovered! *wink* However... if your reading this.... consider yourself TAGGED as a rockin' girl blogger by me.

My first nominee in no particular order...

Rachel of Hope Stamps Eternal - Rachel starts every post with a thoughtful quote. Rachel's candid sense of humor, not to mention her talents for some out of the box creativity! It wouldn't surprise me if she becomes a daily routine for your blog hopping enjoyment.

Rochelle of Impressions - Rochelle is a blogging friend... true! However, her talents for coming up with some incredible color combinations... not to mention fast delivery of a card just about daily on her blog?! Definitely qualifies her as a "rocking" girl blogger!

Faith of Stampin' With Markie's Mom: - Faith has some incredibly dimensional eye-candi she's creating over on her blog! Faith has an incredible eye for color combinations when it comes to patterned papers! Keep your eye on Faith!

Simmy of Come On Get Stampy! - Simmy's blog title lured me in and her humor and wit kept me entertained! Simmy will keep you abreast visually of all the new SU! goodies. If you've not paid her a visit... I'd click and go!

Noel of Paper Passion & Pixel Mania - Noel drew me in with her blog's name... Once I saw her beauty shine through her incredible layouts and her thoughtful journaling within her posts, well let's just say keep your lens focused on Noel!

If your looking for "new" untapped & talented blogger's... Allison of Stampin' When I Can does an incredible job of keeping everyone in Bloggyland informed of Tutorials, Blog Candy Offers, Challenges and the list goes on! *wink* Thanks Allison... not sure where you find the time?!

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

Blueberries By Request...

It's blueberry season here in New Hampshire. Last Sunday afternoon I picked four quarts of blueberries to make old-fashioned blueberry cake... not to mention pancakes, cobbler and muffins! *lip-smacking delicious*

New Hampshire weather has taken a turn to hot and humid the past couple of weeks. So early tomorrow morning our family will be off to pick eight quarts... or two buckets of high bush blueberries. Blueberry season in our area won't last much more than another week or so. *insert sad face*

This recipe is a tried and true family favorite of ours, however I'm uncertain of it's orgin?! I'm always on the hunt for another blueberry recipe to add to our own repertoire of recipes. *wink*

Old-fashioned Blueberry Cake:

3 Tbsp. Shortening

1 C. Sugar

1 Egg
1-1/2 C. Blueberries
3/4 C. Milk
1-3/4 C. Flour

2 tsp. Baking Powder

Cream shortening; add sugar, beaten egg and milk. Sift flour and baking powder and add. Stir in blueberries. Batter will be thick. Bake in shallow greased pan in moderate oven at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve while hot with butter or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Double recipe for use with oblong pan.

Makes a light, moist cake for breakfast consumption. Enjoy....

I look forward to our next visit. Until then...

August

Cardmaker's Calendar

5th American Family Day

A great day to spend time together crafting - take out

your stamping paraphernalia and have fun! Working

together on a family project like a vacation

scrapbook will make the finished piece a more

cherished family heirloom!

5th Friendship Day

Do we really need a reason to send a

rubberstamped card to a friend?

10th S'mores Day

Appropriately placed in August... campfire primetime.

Origin of S'mores dates back to the 1920's.

It's believed that the recipe was first discovered by

the Girl Scouts! S'more folklore suggests that it got it's

name by the campfire... after eating one,

young children chanted "gimme some more!"

27th School's In Session

What better way to start the school year than with chocolate

and a handstamped note of encouragement...

for the teacher!

Ideas from INKAnews