A Diversionary Tactic

Happy Halloween...

I love Halloween....ok maybe it's just the Snack Size candybars that hold the greatest appeal.  These are the times that I'm glad that Ella has peanut allergies because who do you think collects the candy tax in the form of Snickers and Reece's Peanut Butter cups!  Mmmm.  Love it.  Ella's costume is a little underwhelming this year.  I usually whip something somewhat creative but this year....not so original...was going to be something out of the dress up clothes bin..  She wanted to be an Angry Bird but you know, just didn't get there.  She said this morning she just wants to be a ghost....ok, I think that might work.

I received GREAT NEWS this morning too, from Stampin' UP!  The Big Shot Recruiting Special has been extended to 11/11/11.  So what's that mean to you? It means that today ISN"T the last day to take advantage of the BIG SHOT/BIG DEAL offer.   

Wouldn't you want to consider becoming a demonstrator?  Starter Kits are only $175 and until 11/11/11 you can receive the BIG SHOT free (or $100 in merchandise) when you sign up!  That's like paying $175 for over $345 worth of product AND then getting $100 free on top of that.  I LOVE my Stampin' Up! business and I think you'd get as much fullfillment out of your own.  Contact me today for more information!  262-521-3194

The Big Shot is one of the tools that I use DAILY in my business and stamping and scrapbooking crafting.  Here's one of the cards that we did at my Coffee, Cards and Biscotti class last week.  Isn't it cute!  I used the Polka Dot Folder and the Dinoroar set.  Love it.  Check out my calendar for more classes!

• Stamps:  Dinoroar, Happiest Birthday Wishes  (hostess)
• Inks:  Certainly Celery, Real Red, Wild Wasabi
• CS:  White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point
• Misc:  Scallop Edge Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Polka Dot Folder

 

Whatever Wednesday - Pumpkin Donut Holes

Oh, I've got CARDS to share but this recipe is JUST too good to wait one more day!  Now before you go and start getting the impression that I'm a epicurean or a granola, I'm going to add my disclaimer.  I LOVE junk food and I will eat JUST about anything but with Ella's food dye allergy, I've had to cut WAY back on the processed store bought foods and we've had to evolve into the Home Cookin' Granola Wanna Be's.  So yes, I'm basically lazy at heart and would have probably settled for store-bought and all the overly processed saturated unhealthy fats that go with it...all that before Ella.  Now....I'm forced to be healthier and with it find some YUMMY more healthy junk food.  Pumpkin is a vegetable, right?  I've got LOTS of them in the garden, right?  And if I use pumpkin from the garden, that takes it up a notch higher on the healthy scale, right?  I knew you'd agree!

These were fast and VERY VERY good.  I found them on Craving Chronicles.  Enjoy your Whatever Wednesday Recipe.

 

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Adapted from Tasty Kitchen
Makes 20-24 mini muffins

Don’t worry – you don’t actually use the whole stick of butter for the coating, it just makes it easier to dip the muffins. If you’re looking for a somewhat lighter treat, skip the coating – the muffins are moist and pumpkin packed all on their own. These are best dipped and coated the same day you are going to eat them, otherwise the coating tends to get soggy.  (Sarah here....Nah, they are still VERY tasty on Day two, if they even get to Day 2!)

Ingredients

For Donuts
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup low-fat milk

For Coating
1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven 350°F. Spray each cup in a 24-cup mini muffin tin with baking spray or butter generously.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and spices (through cloves). In a separate, large bowl whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined – do not over mix!

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. (Using a 2-tablespoon scoop will ensure uniform size.) Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

While the muffins bake, melt butter in one bowl and combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Remove muffins from oven and cool for 2 minutes, or until just cool enough to handle. Dip each muffin in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat.

 

Crop In Projects

Count down to the Stamp In! and Crop-In! is on!  We've got less than two weeks to wait!  The Morning Stamp In is Full but we still have room in the Crop In!  

As a special Limited One Time Offer we are offering a deal on the Crop In Registration Cost.  Attend the Crop In from Noon to 9pm for a discounted price of $20.00.  You will be given approx. 6+ feet of table space and a delightful catered supper.  You will also have access to many of our punches, pads, Big Shot & Dies and stamp Sets.  It's a STEAL and a great time to work on your scrapbooks or holiday cards!!!   Note:  If you are already registered for the Stamp In and would like to extend your stay to the all-day deal, it's only an additional $20 for the day.3

 

Crop In

We take all suggstions to heart and you've asked that we provide additional break out classes at the Crop as well.  We have set up three seperate classes and they are completely optional.  Should you choose to participate, there is a class fee associated with each Break-Out class.

Here's the schedule of events:

• Noon:  Crop In Opens
• 1pm - Scrapbook Project - Christmas Flip-Flop Album
• 3pm - Giftable Project -  Christmas Card Portfolio
• 5pm - Catered Supper Served in the adjoining room - eat or keep on working!
• 7pm -  3D Project - Secret Santa Chocolate Favor

Check out the descriptions and samples here.

In order to have everything ordered and prepped to make this a wonderful experience for you, all registrations for the Break Out classes must be received by Oct 31st. 

Xmas Album

Xmas Stationary Portfolio

Secret Santa Favors

New Stamps....

I've got a couple of seconds here before I head off for the next project around the office here so I'm popping in to share a card that I made with some new stamps that I aquired WAY back this spring and haven't used as of yet!  I know, it happens to me too.  So I'm challenging you this weekend to find a few minutes to bring out a stamp set that you've had languishing in the closet!

Here's my card done with the set Friends Fur-ever.  Sorta looks like our dog Joey and I needed to use up some cut cardstock and whipped up a few thank yous for an upcoming event.

Leave a comment here on the blog before Monday night telling me what languishing and lonely set that  I inspired you to use and I will pick a winner from the comments to receive a special Halloween favor from me!

Halloween Decorations

It's not too late to throw out a few more Halloween decorations.  Some years, I'm JUST starting to decorate at this time of year.  :)  So if you are more organized than I, perhaps you'll want to order the supplies and get them ready FOR NEXT year.  People like you, make people like me, look really bad.  :)  But I'm a Big Girl, I can handle it.

So anyway, here are two Halloween decorations that are fast and fun!  While I LOVE the white pumpkins and those gnarly looking pickish pumpkins that you can find at Farmer's Market or my garden, I opted to purchase a resin pumpkin from the local craft store so that I can use it year, after year.....Hint: they are ON SALE now!   I ordered one of our Small Spooky Bats Definately Decorative Decal (#119280 - $4.95)  and
applied it to the pumpkin.  EASY and all for right around $12 bucks!  Now, if I were to do this again...I would either purchase the Larger Decal for the Large Pumpkin or get a smaller pumpkin.  I had the small one in mind and I talked myself out of it at the store! Obvoiously, the smaller pumpkin would make the craft even cheaper!  I think the Frightful Sight decals would also make some fun pumpkins.

Then I braved the spider webs and the dark to venture into my basement and find myself a glass jar.  I whipped out my trusty Black Spray paint and sprayed the jar.  Added some Peach Parfait and Black Satin Ribbon and one of the Quick Accents from the Pick Your Poison Sheets.  This project....less than a BUCK!  Added some Pixie Sticks (they are addicting!) and set out to enjoy the little taste of Halloween.  These are also available as a Digital Download for your Scrapbooking and Home decor needs.  Check back tomorrow to see the third project we've whipped up for Halloween.  I need to plant some garlic today so I'll be off!

• To order your Stampin’ Up! supplies – 24-7, Click here!

All Day Rain?

I had hoped to share the video of the Crop In Classes with you this morning but alas...the video camera is in Rob's Hunting Backpack in his truck and he's at work!  So let me ask you...why would you want to videotape deer in a woods.  That's kind of like watching grass grow or golf tournaments!  His response was something like...and you'd want to watch someone stamp?  ok point taken.  Tonight, before I head to work at the hospital, I hope!

And let's hope for an all day rain today.  Any excuse to stay in my  cozy little office and STAMP.  The 10 pounds of garlic that needs planting can wait!   I have about 4 classes that I need to create cards for and it's hoping to be a perfect stamping day.  Ella doesn't have school today, but a shipment from Stampin' Up! came earlier this week and wouldn't you know, it comes in a big box.  Oh the wonderful things you can do with a box!!  Several hours of entertainment AND we hit the library yesterday so again, a couple of new videotapes and I could very well accomplish something.  She could also sort my Stamps By Mail too.  :)

What to share then...how about a new digital download that I found on our Stampin' Up! website.  It's called Sunset Serenade  It's an exclusive download (no coordinating stamp set) and remember, these can all be used with our My Digital Studio AND/or most other Digital Scrapbooking programs.  Check out the Digital Catalog here. 

And did you know that SU debuts new brushsets and digital content, almost weekly?  I know!  Go figure.  Here's a few things on my digital scrapbooking to-do list.

1.  2011 U-15 State Cup Winners Photo - we made a 11x17 photo of last years, matted and then framed it for Adria's coach.

2.  Recipe Books for my neices and nephews.  I want to take some of my late sis-in-laws recipes and family photos and make a memory book for her kids.  Maybe on the 16 hour car ride to North Carolina for a soccer tournament?

3.  Calendar for my folks

4.  A Hunting Book for my hubby.

..to just name a few and get YOUR digital wheels turning. 

Acorn Punch Art

Sat down yesterday to post and wouldn't you know it, but my camera battery was dead.  I wanted to share with you one of my favorites from my Punch Art class yesterday.  Sorry you missed class.  Don't forget we will have equally fabulous cards at the Cards, Coffee and Biscotti class coming up on Oct 24th & 25th!

My favorite was the adorable acorns done with the Ornament Punch.  One of the best perks about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is that we have access to our SU website with close to 200,000 samples!  I found a cute post with these Acorns and I'm not sure who the creator was but many of us have started with the acorn punch art and created from there.  Here's my version of the Nut Cases punch art.

Another extremely cool perk is that Stampin' Up! occassionaly offers fabulous benefits to help you become a Stampin' Up! demonstator just like ME!  Earn yourself  extra money, get creative inspiration from our fabulous website, team up with some fabulous demonstrators AND perhaps earn yourself one of two yearly incentive trips.  So here's one of the best investments in your Stampin' Up! business and SU is giving it to you free when you become a demonstrator here in October.  A BIG SHOT, just for YOU!

An offer to DIE for!

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.*

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies**  to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

• A 20 percent product discount!
• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
• Regular get-togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 190,000+ project samples!
• Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG deal!   Please contact me for more information!  262-521-3194.  Or sign up here is you are ready to join my group.

Frightful Sight DSP Kits

are designed and ready to go out this week.  I've been taking an hiatus with the DSP kits.  I needed to catch up on the direction typing and kit assembly and so I'm happy to say that the Just Add Cake kits are mailing this week as will be the Stamps By Mail.  September is notoriously busy here on the farm and add the Rubberstamping and Scrapbooking Expo into the mix and it's Panic City!  But things are looking up and I'm swimming the doggie paddle and not just sinkin'!  :) 

I've even got the Oct kit cards designed and waiting for the paper to arrive tomorrow so that I can put together the kits for you!  Jill, Kristie, Kristin, Nancy...all you Halloween Junkies, this kit is FOR YOU!  I couldn't squeeze in a Halloween class for you but I figured I COULD do a kit.  You all will NEED this baby as it's sparkly spooky!

Remember my DSP kits are designed with both cardmakers and scrapbookers in mind.  I create four cards with the kit and a two page layout.  You can choose to make it a "Card Kit my Mail" or a "Scrapbook Kit by Mail."  I will have to say, it's adorable and I've done the cards with the Out on A Limb set.  That witch is SO adorable! 

(Haha...I just noticed my bats are hanging downhill!  I'll need to fix that but alas you are stuck with the photo...I've got a Dr Appt today for my jaw, so time is limited!  Apply your Halloween magic and rotate that center image about 8 degrees clockwise.)

Here's what's included in the kits:

• 6 Sheets of the Frightful Sight DSP
• 2 Sheets 12 x 12 Cherry Cobbler Cs
• 2 Sheets Basic Black CS
• 2 Sheets Old Olive CS
• 2 Sheets Cajun Craze CS
• 2 Sheets White CS
• 4" x 6" Glimmer Silver CS - oooh, so pretty!
• 1 yd. Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
• 1 yd Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon
• 4 Silver Brads
• 6 Rhinestone Jewels
• Various Scallop Ovals and Pennant Scallops.

 

 

Kit Options

Kit-Picked Up $15.50Kit - Mailed $18.70

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Starts Today

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Starting today!

What is it, you ask?  It's one of the most highly anticipated exclusive benefits for my mailing list subscribers!  I will send my newsletter subscribers 12 weeks of cards, projects and gifts.  Again, it's exclusive to newsletter subscribers so... make SURE you don't miss a thing. 

How do I sign up?  See that little coffee cup to your right?  Underneath it, it says "Join My Mailing List".  Right there  So easy, no hoops whatsoever!