I may be out of commission, but I still have stuff to share! Make sure you check back later cause I have MORE stuff, plus info on the MFT Stamps New Release party tonight 😀

Winter Wonerland Dreams

Love gourmet cookies? Think white chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts.

Last year I made these cookies in a jar. I cannot even tell you how many emails I have received asking for the recipe! Even THIS year. I got the cookie holders at the dollar store, and were a nice touch I think.

I heard back from every recipient that they were YUM-AZING!!! (another Lauren word!). This is a gourmet yummy cookie. It won’t disappoint. I will say the ingredients are a little more pricey than some cookies in a jar, but it makes a great gift since they aren’t your run of the mill type of cookie in a jar gift. Great for the Hostess of a Holiday party or teachers, and teacher’s aides! I gave them out to a dozen people, and were a HUGE hit!!

Sorry the photo is small and blurry-it was when I was an newbie camera moron! LOL!

So here you all go!

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Layer bottom to top, and pack down each layer tightly!!! It will fit snug! Make sure you use the BALL canning jars, so you can seal this AIRTIGHT, to ensure freshness!

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour (mix in 3 TBSP white sugar,1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp baking powder)

1/2 cup of chopped Macadamia nuts

1 cup of white chocolate chips/chunks

1/2 cup of flaked coconut

Then cover with fabric, and print your tag!! Leave some room to stamp your image 😀

Due to my computer challenged nature, I have NO CLUE how to attach a file for you to download and print! Maybe someday I will learn! LOL! You can copy/paste this to your word document! 6 should fit per sheet of cardstock!

This is what you will need to include on your jar so the recipient knows how to make it, and what is left to have on hand.

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I cannot tell you how honored I am that you all read my blog. I mean really. You all “know” me. I know that by things you remember, and questions you ask. With all the amazing blogs and life I am so honored that you even bother to READ, let alone retain any personal info about me.

I get so many wonderful, and personal messages, I’m just in awe. So again-thank you for thinking I’m reading worthy!

I get the coolest things. Today Staci asked me if she wanted me to have her send a $1 coupon of Dunkin’s coffee! She thought of me immediately! LOL!

I also got a email from a reader/friend here named  Bee. She had nominated my blog for a Blog Favorites section at Scrapbooks.com Newsletter, and I was featured as a favorite this week! What can I say to that?? WOW! Thanks so much! How honored I feel.

I have another email I got from a woman named Ann Williams. She sent me some great info, and a book she wrote! I want to TRY her info before I post it, and HOPE to do that soon.

Its nice to get to know you all. I also got some great cards from my friend Robyn (who I am late saying thanks to-shock!), I also get some great cards from my PSF’s!! MWAH!!! You girls are all amazing

Sorry I have really been out of commission these last few days. You have NO IDEA how much that KILLS me.

BUT, I know you all know with all 3 kids sick, Jason’s appointment, my Flu, and now I have the stomach bug, how it is. So not my week. Alexa got through her part of the bug really great. Thank goodness. I am so greatful for that. I’m still keeping her home tomorrow, and she has her School Christmas Concert Wednesday! SMILEBOX!!! Cannot wait. I want her to be well rested for that.

Jason’s appointment went great BTW!! Nothing serious! Just needs to take some meds 😀 YEAH!!! You know that man knows NOTHING about himself? Thank goodness I was there to provide ACCURATE info. He doesn’t even know what meds he takes!

We always have these little “issues” because he will go to the doctor and not ask questions. Half the time he doesn’t even remember what he said, only it was followed by “You probably don’t have to worry”. OK PROBABLY is NOT good enough for me!

He will have orders for tests and not know why. Does  your husband/boyfriend/father/ MALE anyone in your life do this? Drives me INSANE.

This stuff is IMPORTANT! Maybe its the nurse in me. Not sure. But good grief.

OK so even though I feel like crap I still hafve stuff to share. So stay tuned.

Just wanted to update and thank you all.

I hope to post when I feel better-God willing. This stuff is really kickin my but.

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Ok I know I promised a Smilebox of my kids at Thanksgiving. So here are the photos, and the pictures they drew for what they are Thankful for!

You REALLY have to view Alexa’s drawing of each of us! Its too cute! She even made us in our favorite colors. That the kind of stuff you save FOREVER!! I cried when I read her whole book. Especially when she said she was most thankful for Mrs. Darling! That is her teacher aid. HELLO ! Alexa what about MOMMY?!

Amber had a laminated place mat-on the back were photos of the family , and what she is thankful for. Like pocketbooks, and Dora stuff! LOL!

Noah’s class didn’t do anything except color Turkey’s! Um, unsure WHY! No Harvest Feast-nothing! Good thing is sent in cupcakes anyway 😀

He said he loves and and XBOX! SHOCKER!!!

Thanks for looking

Ok so my last post for the Ghirardelli Boxes left for MANY questions!

So I will answer them here. Hopefull it answers questions you may have had as well.

 Q. Where do you get your acetate?

A. I get mine a Walmart! Just $3.99 for 10 sheets! NOTE: they are called something like project projector sheets. You find them in the office section. They so have a white line in the side-I just chop it off. Same thing-a little thicker (which I personally LOVE), and ONE side has a slight “texture” to it. I find it helpful and more able to help my ink “stick”. Also Staples sells them but in like a pack of $50! So more pricey. I say do a SHARE! If you do, count me in! Now those of you in the Concord NH area, please remember me, and leave some for me to buy! LOL! I’m running low.

Q. Can the Scor-Pal score acetate?

A. YES the Scor-Pal can easily score acetate! It is (obviously) difficult to see the score lines-but put your finished scored project on a darker piece or cardstock, then use the Scor-Tool to crease the box score lines.

Q. What tape did you use?

A. Shame on ME for never mentioning this! I LOVE this tape! Its called Terrific Tape. A MUST have. I love it because you can just rip it off the roll!!! PLUS you get a lot. Its cheap, and holds AWESOME. AND its clear! It actually has many uses, so I suggest you read about it 😀 Its also more affordable that Red-line tape. And , yes red-line tape also works for any of these projects!

Q. Can you see the tape?

A. Just barely. Like anything with adhesive, if you look hard you see it. But if you stamp the box you will hardly notice! The KEY to any good project is strategic placement of ALL seams 😀

Q. For the first project, I looked at the site you linked, and didn’t see that stamp set? Where is it?

A. The set for the first container is by C.C. Designs. Its called Winter Playtime. It will retail for $11. You cannot view them—YET! They are being released on the 7th.

 If you LOVED Lucky and Lulu but didn’t want to invest in “holiday” images, then the next 2 sets are for YOU!!! They are more “winter” themed, and WAIT till you see Playful Penguins! OMG!! Think affordable, adorable PENGUINS!! OMW the wheels are churning. I got my set today. Oh YIPEE!!!

Q. What size was the acetate you used?

A. It was cut to 8 1/2 X 9 1/2.

LASTLY , let me say I truly appreciate those of you who read my blog,  and even more so, find time to comment.

I don’t want to sound RUDE-but seriously, I don’t need anyone to critique my way of wording things, abbreviations, or my punctuation and whatnot.

I am here as a crafter, to share THAT with you. 😀

 I am myself 100%. I will say, I am shocked that a lot of you read every little word, and some even proof read my posts. I think that is, in some way, beyond flattering.

So every little thing isn’t always perfect. So what. I am not perfect, nor is my typing, wording and whatnot. I hope that is not what you come here for. Also, I’m not changing it. This is me. Take it or leave it.

Till tomorrow.

Ok let me be straight with ya!

I LOVE making my own boxes, and giftlets (thats my lil word for them).

So if you visit me here-especially like the past month-you will see I have made alot of different styles of gifts, and boxes or bags. I TRULY believe it makes the simplest things WOW people. It also shows how much time and effort went into the easiest gifts.

I know BLAH BLAH BLAH-but to me its SO true.

I also figure I have saved quite the penny on designing the holder’s that I do. Plus I have FUN doing it. People are SHOCKED when they find you not only MADE it all, but designed the box as well. Sometimes the gift doesn’t live up to the packaging right! LOL!

Today I am sharing a FAVORITE of mine. Rather a lightbulb moment.

I LOVE chocolate! What woman doesn’t right? If you don’t, don’t admit it here! We chocolate lover’s DONT GET IT! NEVER will.

Anyway, alot of people seem to like the Ghirardelli Chocolate squares (as do I – raspberry filled being my personal fave, GODIVA Raspberry Starfish-Oh HEAVEN!!!!), as they come in quite the little assortment now! So I got several assortments.

 I bought some-on sale $2.33,  for a good sized bag. I thought how YUMMY they would be for my mail woman or Jason’s co-workers. I don’t know how about ANYONE that breathe’s. Just a great little gift PERIOD. Any occasion.

I also thought-I can’t just leave them in this bag. I wish I had a cute lil box-AH HA! Thats when it hit me.

MAKE ONE!!!

So I did. I got out my Scor-Pal (yes I use it THAT much), and away I went scoring like a fiend.

I wanted it to house 10 little squares. Obviously the box can be altered for more or less, but 10 was good for me.

So I did all the necessary measuring, and came out with THIS (PS the ribbon really does match in person)

 LuLu LOVE’S Chocolate.

This box uses a stamp set that is NEW from C.C. Designs. The New! Little Bits Kits that sell for ONLY $11!!! This set will be on sale the 7th. Oh and wait till you see them. WAY too cute. I have more coming with them, so stay tuned. I’ve truly fallen in love with Lucky and LuLu!!!

I HAD to use my NEW! Large scallopnestability. You can see that it really makes any single layer SPECIAL.

I used the raspberry wrapper to draw my color combo from. Inside this are 5 raspberry, and 5 caramel squares.

Colored with myCopic markers (of course, what else right!! Hey I get my monies worth), and added strawberry ice stickles to the trim of the coat. You can’t see by the photo, but I also used my Atyou Glitter Pen, to make it all glittery.

HINT-honestly you don’t NEED all the coolors of the glitter pens! Just get the CLEAR one! It doesn;t change the color you put it over-just gives it a perfect touch of BLING. So, save your money for the ACTUAL Copic’s!!!

I stamped the window sheet with Snowflake Serenade by Papertrey Ink, in white Stazon. I filled in the bare area’s with the little snowflakes that come in the Little Bits set.

Here is the template-click for larger view. WAY TOO EASY.

Score per the guidelines.

On the bottom you will cut down the 2 flaps as shown, so the box will fold together perfectly.

Not for the top. the 2 side panels fold down (I secured them with my tape), and the front and back flaps are tied together. EASY PEASY!!

Any questions, let me know. And send me the link HERE if you try it out.

Now here is what Ilike to think of the same idea-only ALL occasion!

 Spiral Blooming square holder

Isn’t this so pretty?

I used ALL the same elements as above. I just made it EVERYDAY themed. This was done using the Papertrey Ink set Spiral Bouquet (LOVE IT)!!!

I stamped the flowers on the box and used my Poppin Acetate technique—–>HERE, for the design. My Pebbles Pearlescent pastels were PEFECT for the extra shimmer on the box. I also outlined the flowers with my atyou glitter pen, but didn’t capture it well in the photo. Oh well.

OK another rambling post.

Maybe this will be JUST what you needed for an idea for that “someone”.

Enjoy the day. The week is HALF over.

Stay tuned tomorrow-MORE ideas 😀 FUN FUN

Ok quickie post going on right here cause like most of you I am SUPER busy today!

AND I want to spend my BABBLE on my Thankful post 😀 Which will pop up as soon as I get to it.

I thought I’d share to SIMPLE yet Yummy cards I made-perfect to attach to the yummy homemade (or store bought) cupcakes you send along for the holiday party or for a birthday invite-whatever!

Oh  how I LOVE cupcakes! And this ribbon was a true find-Michaels $1 spot.

It obviously inspired my cupcake design. Love that BLING Cherry.

I made these 2 cards using the Holiday Treats set from A Chemistry With Paper.

SUPER quick cards.

I case you have not noticed-its a must have set. I’m so in love it. Seriously. I dont have any sets remotely close to this one. Possibilities are endless.

 The think I LOVED about these 2 cards was the “frosting”.

I used liquid applique on them, then sprinkled some glitter on while wet!! Heat set it-then BAM!!! (in my best Emerill imitation) GORGEOUS looking frosted cupcake!

Honestly I did sort of rushed through these 2 cards, and feel they didnt do my cupcake images justice! I must re-do these when I have more time. Not too happy with the layouts and balance of them all. Especially the first one. Photos corners and ribbon were too over powering.

Let this be a lesson to you all! DONT OVER DO IT! IT CAN HAPPEN

Oh well.

I do love this one below but the photo was not very clear

Cupcake card 2

 Sorry about the “blur”

The patterned paper is by American Crafts

Wide regal rose ribbon is Stampin Up

Photo corner punch by SU!

Till later-I will be back

FYI this message is in reguards to a post that only those of you who have Google reader may have seen, but has been deleted. I would like to inform you why it is now gone.

I have recieved many emails RE: that particular post, and I appreciate the support, and other opinions. 

 This post was done in response to an email I recieved from someone, whom I thought was asking for my help in using my family situation with Alexa, to work to aid families with difficult decisions, in a way that was upsetting to me, personally.

The reason for deleting the post, was that the intent of the writer’s email to me was not what I had initally percieved it to be. Upon recieving my repsonse to her, she quickly saw the misunderstood message I got from her email.

 All was cleared up, as I went to the link provided. We have connected back and forth since then.

I am not sorry for the conents of my inital opinion in the email, had that been her intent. 

Just wanted to clarify this with those who have expressed their concerns, re: the inital post. I am unable to answer and thank you all personally 😀

I was giving my personal expierience on my family situation.

OK I was tagged like FOREVER ago by 2 people Maria  and Aimee.

So I need to answer the questions below. I would LOVE for you to answer them too!

1. If you could have 100.00 worth of scrapbook paper or assorted embellishments, which would you choose?

• Oh man this is HARD! I love my paper but would have to say embellishments! I love cool new thing- a -ma- bobbers.

2. If you had to choose between using only stamps or ribbons, which would you choose?

• Hands down obvious-STAMPS!

3. If you knew how to do both awesome cards and layouts but could only do one for a whole year…which would you do?

• Cards! I HATE scrapbooking! Thats why I do Smileboxes. Kind of the same and is interactive and EASY.

4. Would you rather own a scrap booking store or have your own scrapping room at home…(can’t have both he he he).

• OK to ME this is a trick question. If I had a stamp store I would have tons of EVERYTHING, get income to support my “habit” from sales, and I could use it ALL, anytime! I could use the stamp space I would create in my store 😀 To amke samples………..of course.

5. What is your CURRENT card making or scrapping style?

• I NEVER know the answer to this question. I don’t know if I have a “Style”. I think I’d say crisp, clean, layered and embellished. Is that a style????

I think I can do almost any style, but like to think I have my OWN. I dont ever try to fit any particular “type” or be like anyone else. I just do what I do.

Make sense???

Speaking of birthday’s………Jason’s mother’s birthday was the 10th. I haven’t seen her YET, but this is going to be her gift.

Jason’s mom is a very crafty person. You name it, she can/has done it. It was because of receiving her handmade cards that I got into stamping!

She is a very practical person, who loves making and receiving home-made things.

So, we purchased her a gift certificate to our local beading place (so she can make bracelets or other jewelry), and I figured I may as well make her a jewelry box! The gift certificate is tucked inside the box.

On one of my MANY trips to Michaels, I found this box on clearance (made by Provocraft) for only $2.50!! I bought it just because that is what I do! LOL! It has sat in my “alterable bin” for a year now!

But, when I had this idea, it was waiting for me.

So I basically just covered it with this gorgeous black velvet flocked paper, I had (scraps) in my collection, and then tied a bow around the box, for some elegance. This project took less than 25 minutes to make. No real stamping.  But still lovely.

For the front drawer’s, I just cut some cardstock-punched a circle in the center to fit over the knobs. To hide the white area left, I put some of my fabric Prima’s over the knobs-the Esprit collection in black, and the Vintage collection in red. I used the red for a POP of color, and to pick up on the red in the photo. Its important to use fabric ones, since they need to be snipped in the center for them to fit, and won’t rip.

I stamped the corners with the corner image from Paper Trey Ink Border’s and Corner’s square set. I colored the center’s with my Copic Glitter pen.

The ric rac is black velvet, to keep with the velvet flocked paper.

I added the kids photos to make it that much more special.

I do fear that this design is NOT Jason’s mom’s style. She is more country. But I went from the photo as my inspiration, so this is what I had in mind. Oh well. Its the thought that counts right?

I also created a card to match! I think thats a vital accessory to any handmade gift!

Once again its the Papertrey Ink Border’s and Coner’s set (circle). See that same flower on my drawer’s is in my design, and my Jolies Fleurs created the bkgd in white ink on black cardstock.

I used the same Prima, as on the jewelry box knobs.

Just a elegant gift idea.

Thanks for looking

I have more great gift ideas I made yesterday-so stay tuned!!!!

I haven’t done a Smilebox in FOREVER it seems.

This one is a reflection of time.

I wanted to do something, to show each childs growth over the years. What better way to do that than with Christmas photos!

So, I did a quick Smilebox, only 5 pages. I was excited to find I had simalr first Christmas photos of Alexa and Amber!

It shows each child from their very first Christmas to present. It was a fast way to show how much they each have changed, and grown in this short time.

Makes me all sad and sappy, thinking someday, they will be grown, and I will be looking at their children.

Time has flown past. I cannot believe that I have 3 children who just yesterday seemed to be babies, but are these little “people”. Each one very different from the other, yet amazing.

Tomorrow comes so fast, and we never know what will be year to year.

Hope you enjoy watching.

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard