Whoo Hoo! 4000 Blog Visits

Just a quick note to celebrate 4000 visits to my blog by all of you!!! Thank you so much for visiting, commenting and giving me the boost to keep blogging!


I appreciate each one of you more than you will ever know! Kat

Guess What the UPS Man Brought?!!!

I have had plenty of Stampin' Up! boxes delivered by my wonderful UPS man. However, I think I was most excited about today's box! 


Why should I be excited about today's box? Well...it had a stamp set I earned for my sales during Sale-a-bration. I chose the Occasions Alphabet and am really looking forward to using it! In the new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog it is on page 145. So much fun getting things for FREE.

BUT what I really WANT to show you, I can't show you until tomorrow! Tomorrow at noon (MDT) is when the new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog goes LIVE! Sooo, what's in the box? The 5 new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads. Stampin' Up! changed stamp pads this year to a new firm foam instead of the old felt pads. They are supposed to give a better impression, last longer and overall give a better stamping experience. I can hardly wait to take them out of the box and use them but had to tell YOU about them first. If you are curious about the new stamp pads, click HERE to watch a video. I also purchased card stock in the NEW In Colors so am looking forward to some stamping fun this weekend! Will post the results next week. The new In Colors are Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple and Summer Starfruit. 


Sooo we will see what I can come up with using the new In Colors and the Occasions Alphabet. I will probably add a little Betsy's Blossoms to my projects as well--such a fun stamp set!


I hope your Thursday is going well. Mine is going so need to get off the computer and get something done! I am trying to figure out how to put a button on my blog so you can email me but haven't figured it out yet. If you know how, PLEASE email me at stampinandgrinnin at gmail dot com.


Have a great day! Kat

Weekly Money Check-Up

Ginna at My Pretty Pennies has a Weekly Money Check-Up and I thought it would be fun to play along this week. I think this will help me to be a little more aware of my money. 


I have a book that I am going to dust off and start reading again, The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth, Ph.D. This book suggests it will help you:

• Uncover the hidden landscape of beliefs, patterns, and habits that underlie and sometimes subvert your everyday use of money and personal resources
• Tame the dragons of driven behavior and busyholism
• Defuse fears of deprivation and scarcity
• Embrace and work through paradox and confusion
• Consciously focus your money energy
• Clear yourself to receive the energy and support of others and the universe
• Develop and stay on your personal path to abundance

So, I guess you know what will be on my reading table for the next week! I am always thinking I need to "make more" and my husband says I just need to "spend less". Hmmm!

Soooo...here goes with the Weekly Money Check-Up:

1. The most I've spent this last week was on food at the Sumpter Flea Market--$14.
2. Today I am thankful for a day alone:) Don't get too many of those!
3. Money can't buy happiness. One free thing I did last week that made me happy was cuddling with our English Bulldog puppy Rocky! He is such a cuddlebug!
4. I will consider this week a success if I get my desk cleaned off! I think I can make it through Saturday without spending anymore money!
5. I am really trying to get some sewing done--tote bags (for gifts), doll clothes (granddaughter's birthday is coming up), clothes pin bag (out of old blue jeans) so our puppy will quit chewing up my clothes pins! However, these things will likely still be on my list next week:( Really need a "round tuit"!

I would love to hear how you have been doing with your spending. What is your spending challenge? I have two BIG challenges--buying Stampin' Up! stuff (I try really hard to NOT spend more than I make but sometimes...) and purchasing gifts for those I love. I am going to TRY to make more gifts this year to bring the $$$ amount down. 

Have a great day; the weekend is almost here! Kat

White China Doily

I finally finished the White China Doily which is approximately 15" across. It is in a booklet put out by Annie's Attic called Family Heirloom Doilies. I am hoping to make one of each of the doilies in the booklet before the end of the year! If you didn't get a chance to see it, check out the Star Scallops Doily I recently made from the same book.


The White China Doily was a challenge for me, not because of difficulty but because the section between the medallion in the middle and the out edge was BORING! I like making doilies where there is a little more going on but it did turn out really pretty in the end:)

The photo (right) shows the center medallion which I think is really pretty. The doilies in this booklet are made with size 10 crochet cotton which works best for me. The smaller thread is hard on my eyes and the small crochet hooks are hard on my fingers. When I used to crochet with size 20 and 30 crochet thread I had a finger that I cut off a leather glove that I used on my pointer finger to avoid a sore finger. 

Check out the outside edge with the little picots at the edges. It looks like a few of mine are crooked but the stitches adjust to make them even. Unfortunately I don't iron as well as I crochet. 


I thought my mom was mean to make me learn to crochet, knit, sew and embroider when I was a kid but I am so thankful today that I learned. Though I just learned the basics as a child, I was able to use that knowledge base to continue in my needlework journey. 


Thank you for visiting today. Kat

What's for Breakfast?

Brussels Waffle (known in the USA as Belgian Waffle) with Strawberries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yesterday, our Sunday morning breakfast was Apple Pie Waffles! These are my favorite--the next best thing to Apple Fritters! I don't have a picture of the waffles I made but I do have the recipe:)

This recipe is from 1000 Vegetarian Recipes by Carol Gelles. I made a few changes to her original recipe.

Apple Pie Waffles

Makes: 12 4-inch waffles; serves 4 

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 ground nutmeg.

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

*1/4 cup sugar (I use organic dried cane juice crystals)

1 Tablespoon baking powder

2 teaspoons ground pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

*2 eggs (I usually use Ener G Egg Replacer)

*2 cups milk (I use rice or coconut milk)

*3 Tablespoons light olive oil or coconut oil 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups chopped apples

1. Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions
2. In a large bowl, stir together both flours, the sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs; beat in the milk, oil and vanilla.
4. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the apples.
5. Grease the waffle iron and spread 1 1/4 cups of batter onto it. Cook until the iron no longer steams (mine beeps when it's ready), about 5 minutes. Repeat until all batter is used.

Variation: For a crunchy texture, add 1/3 cup ground pecans when you add the apples.

Note: I double the batch of waffles, cook them all up and then freeze the leftovers. You can reheat them in the waffle iron or toaster. So much cheaper, healthier and yummier than purchasing frozen waffles!

Have a great day today! Hopefully will have a picture of my newest finished doily tomorrow!!! I have one row left--one good movie out to do it:) Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat!

I have been waiting all week to take part in the Sunday Night Chit-Chat again! I was sooo afraid I would forget. We have been gone all day to the big Flea Market in Sumpter, Oregon! The whole town is one big flea market for the whole weekend:) It is a 2 1/2 hour drive for us (each way) and we were there for 3 hours! I am ready to call it a day!

This is a place we pass every time we go to town. I love old buildings that are melting into the landscape. Unfortunately I don't have a zoom lens on this camera but liked the way the wheat was bending in the wind. I plan to go back with the camera that has a zoom so I can get a closer picture of the house.


Okay, the Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. You can go to her site to see what others have for their Sunday Night Chit-Chat!


Reading?  Still reading A Time to Dance  by Karen Kingsbury (didn't have much reading time this week) and Vegetarian Times Magazine (inspiration for the kitchen:)
Watching? Nothing
Listening to? "Be Though My Vision" by Debby Boone
Cooking/Baking? I made Apple Pie Waffles for breakfast and am boiling potatoes for tomorrow's potato salad
Happy you accomplished this week? I am almost finished with the doily I have been crocheting. It should be finished before I go to bed tonight so will post a picture of it tomorrow:)
Looking forward to next week? Sewing--need to make a clothes pin bag so the puppy doesn't eat any more clothes pins:(
Thankful for today? I am so thankful to live where I do. The wheat fields are a beautiful green; the garden is starting to grow (we are eating lettuce and strawberries); we have a stunning view of Mt Hood and Mt Adams from our living room window. It just doesn't get any better than this:)


Have a wonderful evening and enjoy the other Chit-Chats! Thanks for visiting and be sure to check back tomorrow! Kat

Well Worn Dad Card

Yesterday we had our first Strawberry Shortcake of the season from our own berries--so yummy! The plants are doing great and the berries are ripening daily:)


Today I want to share with you the third card we made at our Happy Stampers meeting last week. This was a really fun card to make. Unfortunately, many of the supplies are retired or retiring. But you have to admit it's a great card!


I totally CASEd this card from Heather Summers at Stamp with Heather. She has a great blog and I enjoy her fun projects. 


For this card I used:

• Card Stock: Marina Mist, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla
• Well Worn Designer Series Paper (retiring May 31)
• Stamps: Packed for Dad and Loved Ones (both retired the end of last month)
• Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad and Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad
• Decorative Label Punch; Clips Assortment (retiring May 31); Antique Brass Brad; Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

I am looking forward to sending this card to my dad for Father's Day:)

Have a great weekend and I hope to be back on Sunday night with the Sunday Night Chit Chat. Check out last week's Chit Chat. If you have a blog, I invite you to play along! Kat

Keep Calm & Stop Spending!

I saw this on a blog but now can't remember which one. However, I have been reading a lot about budget control on My 1/2 Dozen Daily. It got me to thinking about what I do to save my family money. When I was working, I spent freely but since retiring I have had to curtail my spending drastically.


My husband is the keeper of the budget and he does an amazing job with the amount of money we have. If it wasn't for his budgeting skills I wouldn't have been able to quit work two years ago. What a blessing! He also does all the grocery shopping and does an incredible job. He reads labels and brings home only the best produce. He is great about bringing home what is on my list. Plus he calls me from the store to tell me about great deals he finds to make sure I will have a use for it before making the purchase. Our income situation is a little bit unique in that my husband works on commission (no salary) so there are months of feast and months of famine. We just have to make the feast months last through the famine ones.


So, what do I do to help with our monthly budget... 

1. I make homemade bread weekly.
2. I hang laundry out to dry when it's not raining.
3. Purchase books at my daughter's library "book nook" for $1 for hardback and 50 cents for paperback! I don't remember when I last purchased a new book. It's really hard to pay the price for a new one after enjoying all the nearly free books.
4. I give handmade gifts when I appropriate.
5. I am a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator to support my habit:) I don't purchase more than I make in commission.
6. I enjoy thrift store shopping for clothes (and other things). I often find new or gently used name brand clothing for $5 or less. One of my favorite finds was a Tupperware Salad Spinner for $1.50 (I think they are $40 in the Tupperware catalog). Recently I purchased 8 summer tops for $7.25!
7. I make our cards! Since I'm going to get the supplies anyway, might as well make it pay! This year I am planning to make ALL our Christmas cards as well as birthday, thank you, thinking of you, get well, graduation, etc.
8. I learned how to cook beans in a pressure cooker instead of always using canned beans. We eat a lot of beans around here--love them!
9. I can fruit from our fruit trees--apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, apples.
10. I don't have a credit card and don't want one. It's too easy for me to get into trouble without meaning to with a credit card.

I know there are other things I do but can't think of them at the moment. If you are trying to think of ways to help your family budget maybe some of my suggestions will help. You can also check out Carla's blog at My 1/2 Dozen Daily for more great ideas for saving money and living on a budget.

What did you get a really good deal on recently? I love to save money!!! Kat

Join Stampin' Up! for $99!

Now is a GREAT time to become a 

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! 

• For $99, you can pick out $125 of ANY products in any current catalog.
• It is FREE shipping (a 10% savings).
• You also receive 8 catalogs which you can share with family, friends or potential customers, plus business supplies.
• You get to "test drive" demonstrator benefits for at least three months with no obligation to purchase anything further. (Anyone who signs up now actually has benefits until the end of September.)
• There is no penalty to drop.
• There is no obligation to hold parties or sell anything, however...
• If you reach $300 in sales during a quarter, you will RENEW your demonstrator status and discounts for 3 more months.

Here are some of the perks available to demos:

• 30% off your first $150 order if placed within 45 days after you sign up
• 20% off all other orders
• A monthly magazine for demos called "Stampin' Success"
• Access to the demonstrator web site called "Stampin' Connection"
• Ability to pre-order

Sooo, if the above information has you salivating and thinking "Why Not?!" then email me. I will be happy to answer any of your questions. And would love to have you as a member of my team:) Kat

Happy Stampers Flip Card

A very happy Wednesday to you. I am hoping for some sunshine today but doesn't look like we'll get any till Friday. Does that mean we have hopes of nice weather for the weekend?!!!


This was a really fun project using the Stampin' Up! Framelits. I had to get the card made before my Sneak Peeks got here from Stampin' Up! so used an old (but loved) stamp set called Because I Care (hostess set-retired). The Happy Stampers actually used the new stamp set called Betsy's Blossoms (in the NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog which will debut June 1). 


For this card I used:

• Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White
• 2011-2013 In Colors Designer Series Paper
• Stamp Sets: Because I Care (retired); Loved Ones (Occasions Mini-retired end of last month); Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set retiring the end of this month)
• Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits Dies, Patience

This card was almost totally CASEd from Dawn Griffith at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. The link will take you right to her video tutorial. All the ladies were super impressed with this card as was I. It is so much fun to make cards that DO something! I think my mom just might like this card for her birthday, don't you? 

I am constantly amazed by the paper crafting talent out there in blog land. I am going to practice designing but for now am still CASing (Copy & Share)! After all, I do it sooo well!!!

The picture at left is the card opened showing the flip on the inside. Just can't believe how cool this card is!

Hope you have a great day and that it sunny and warm where you are:) Kat

Giveaway at My 1/2 Dozen Daily

I have mentioned my new favorite blog several times recently and will be doing so again today. Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily is giving away a Checkbook/Coupon Keeper in your favorite color. 

The one pictured she made for her sister--so cute! My sister would like one in frogs! I think I would like mine in Purple and Green. What color would you choose?




Carla does a lot of custom orders:

• whimsical wallets
• cell phone covers
• iPad/Kindle covers
• tote bags

Just to name a few! You can view samples of her work here. I like her Zippy Wallets with the strap--so cute...and washable!

The inside of the Checkbook/Coupon Keeper (right) has a pocket for your checkbook; one for your coupons (or receipts) and a loop to hold your pen. The velcro closure will keep everything neat and tidy. 

So, if you would like to enter to win Carla's Checkbook/Coupon Keeper in your favorite color, then hop on over to My 1/2 Dozen Daily! 

Happy Birthday Barb & Sneak Peek

I was blog surfing on Wednesday and saw inspiration for this card posted on Mary Fish's blog Stampin' Pretty--almost totally CASEd it! I knew I wanted to make this for my friend Barb. Fortunately, the man in brown would be bringing my Sneak Peek products that afternoon. I am really going to enjoy this new stamp set and Designer Series Paper!


For this card I used:

• Card Stock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade
• Floral District Designer Series Paper (in the NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog)
• Stamp Sets: Betsy's Blossoms (in the NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog to debut on June 1); Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set till the end of this month)
• Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; Designer Printed Brads

You will be seeing more of Betsy's Blossoms because we will be using it for one of our projects for the June Happy Stampers Stamping Club!

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Kat

What's for Breakfast

I don't have a recipe for you today but had to share my bowl (about a quart) of luscious strawberries fresh picked from my strawberry patch! Don't they look yummy?!!! And yes, I ate some of them for breakfast! 


The large strawberries are Albion. We learned about these from The Costco Connection. Costco contracts with farmers to grow Albion strawberries for them to sell in their stores. The smaller strawberries are called Tristar. I don't remember how we found out about them but have been growing them for a few years now.

We purchased our strawberry plants from Sakuma Market Stand from Burlington, WA. The catalog describes the strawberries:

• Albion--A new release from UC Davis. Fruit is long, conical, symmetrical; firm with excellent flavor. Resists verticillum wilt, phytophthora crown rot and some resistance to anthracnose crown rot. Susceptible to root rot and must be planted in well-drained soil, with crown set at soil level. Yield under the best of conditions is about one basket per plant per season. June bearers generally produce a single large crop in spring to early summer (as early as March in warmer regions such as Southern California and Florida) and are prolific producers for 3 to 4 weeks. Are especially suitable for growers who wish to harvest a constant supply of berries throughout the summer.
• Tristar--Everbearing, similar to Tribute, but noticeably sweeter and more aromatic. Medium size, symmetrical, short conic fruit. Firm, glossy, deep red skin. Solid, medium red flesh. Excellent for fresh eating and freezing. Medium size plants; moderate number of runner which bloom and bear fruit before rooted; good for hanging baskets. Fall crop is heaviest. Cool fall weather brings larger, more elongated fruit. 

I love this time of year when the fruit starts and the garden is looking fresh with new baby plants:) The raspberry bushes are loaded with green berries so it won't be long before we are eating raspberries as well. Strawberry Shortcake, fresh Strawberry and/or Raspberry Lemonade--my mouth is watering already!!!

Enjoy today! Kat

Happy Graduation Heidi!

I kept getting a glare from the flash when trying to take this picture. The label says, "Happy Graduation". Heidi, who we have known since she was five years old, graduated from college today and we are sooo proud of her! I made this card to send. The card design came from Debbie Henderson at Debbie's Designs. What a great graduation card idea!


For this card I used:

• Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
• Word Play stamp set
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Punches: Owl, Word Window, Scallop Circle, 1/2" Circle, 3/16" Corner 
• Dimensionals, embroidery floss

The picture at right show the card on the back before opening. This card was so much fun to make but super easy. You could easily make several of these in a short amount of time.

Okay, are you ready for it?!!! The inside of this card is so cute!

Well, what do you think! I think Heidi will really like it!

Have a great day (even if it IS Monday)! Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

I have been enjoying a blog called My 1/2 Dozen Daily for about a month now. On Sunday nights Carla does a Sunday Night Chit-Chat so I decided to participate this week. Would love to say I'll do it every week, but I know me better than that!


What are you...

• Reading? I am reading Horse of a Different Color aloud to my family; A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury and I can't seem to put down the new Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog (but that doesn't really qualify as reading, does it?)
• Watching? Just finished watching Tara Road with my family. Andie McDowell never ceases to amaze me.
• Listening to? My precious English Bulldog Rocky snoring as he lays beside me while I'm blogging. Such a sweet little snore he has!
• Cooking/Baking? We had hashbrown potatoes and scrambled tofu for breakfast; tacos for late lunch/early dinner
• Happy you accomplished this week? I got through my monthly stamping club--love it but always stress over it; finished a beautiful pinwheel doily (see photo); stayed on budget; walked two days (three next week???)
• Looking forward to next week? Doing some sewing. I have plans to make some 18" doll clothes for my granddaughter and have some wonderful fabric begging to be made into a tote bag! Do I dare hope to finish the doily I am currently working on?!!!
• Thankful for today? My family; good food to eat; my new Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog! I really DO like catalogs:)

Thank you Carla for this fun Chit-Chat idea!

Have a great evening! Kat

Stamping Club for May

Our Happy Stampers Stamping Club met last night and what a fun night it was! I love all the ladies and have such a fun time! This club night was special because each one of my Happy Stampers got their NEW 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. We almost couldn't get to our projects! Along with the catalog I gave each one of them a bookmark I made to use with their catalog.

I should have taken a picture of one ON the catalog so you could see how truly cute they are! This wonderful idea came from none other than Dawn Griffith at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. I think it's time for me to put more money in her "tip jar"! The link will take you directly to her video on how to make the bookmark. The flowers are everywhere and I don't even know who to give credit! I promised my Happy Stampers that I would show them how to make these bookmarks at next month's meeting.


For these bookmarks I used the following Stampin' Up! supplies (unless otherwise noted):

• Ribbon: Basic Black & Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon; Melon Mambo dotted ribbon (retired--purchased from the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack)
• Buttons: All but the black button and white button were purchased from the SU! Clearance Rack. The black button and white button were from my button box:)
• Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip
• Neutrals brads, Large Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Sticky Strip
• Non-SU!: Hair elastics, embroidery floss

The card at left was probably the most time consuming of the evening but oh so worth it! I made one similar here but this one is for my granddaughter for her 7th birthday next month. 




For this card I used:

• Card stock: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette
• Twitterpated Designer Series Paper
• Stamp Sets: Loved Ones (Occasions Mini--retired) and Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set retiring the end of this month)
• Big Shot and Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die; Adorning Accents Embossing Folder for hearts, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (retiring at the end of the month) for the package bows.
• Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, lots of Sticky Strip, small Basic Pearl, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon

Don't you love the way it pops up to wish her a Happy Birthday! Thank you Lynda at Lynda's Quiet Time for this great idea! I can think of a lot of different color combos to use with this card!

Well, peeps, that's it for today! Thanks for popping in to see what I have been up to while being retired. Next month will be two years since I started my Retirement Journey. Not too exciting but lots of fun!

I will be back on Monday with more great cards and maybe a recipe or two! Have a great weekend! Kat

What's for Breakfast?

Yesterday morning for breakfast we had Scrambled Tofu (see recipe here), Potatoes O'Brien with Tofurky Kielbasa Sausage, Biscuits and Cashew Country Gravy. Today I want to share with you the recipe for Potatoes O'Brien with Tofurky Kielbasa Sausage!

POTATOES O'BRIEN
serves 6


6-8 medium sized potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Tablespoons olive or coconut oil
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package Tofurky Kielbasa Sausage, sliced
salt to taste


Add oil, bell pepper and onion to frying pan and saute for about two minutes. Add potatoes and salt. Cover and cook till potatoes are fork tender. Add Tofurky Kielbasa Sausage and cook uncovered for about 10 more minutes. Serve and enjoy!


Tofurky products are soy-based meat substitute products and should be used sparingly. If you are thinking of becoming a vegetarian or vegan, Sassy Knutsen has a wonderful blog with many resources available for you at the Vegan Coach. You can also sign up for her weekly e-newsletter called the Golden Banana.


Have a great day, even if it is Monday! Kat

Happy Mothers Day!

I hope you are having a good Mother's Day! Mine is quiet but good:) 


I received my new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogs on Friday so have been sneaking minutes to look it over! I also have some Sneak Peeks coming and I hope they get here before the Happy Stampers meet on Thursday! 


My mother loved her card (see post here) although I had played with it a little too much before sending and it didn't work as smoothly as it did when I first made it:( My daughter loved her card too (see post here)--especially the vellum butterflies!

My son got me this adorable Mother's Day card from his dog Rocky! The envelope was addressed to "Grandma"! He cracks me up!!! He also let me order Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio. I have been playing with it for a week now and am determined to learn it. Heather Summers at Stamp with Heather has some classes that I will probably sign up for so I can learn faster. I am particularly interested in scrapbooking 8" x 8" pages so I can print them out myself but have heard really good reports from those who have had their printing done by Stampin' Up! Hopefully I will have something worth posting soon:)


Well, sorry to keep this short today but I've got crafting to do! Hope to have something to show you on Tuesday. Tomorrow check back for "What's for Breakfast"! Ummm, it was good!


Have a great day and thanks for checking in! Kat

Indian Curry on Rice

I have to admit, I was surprised at how well the photo turned out:) As I have said before, I am not a fan of Indian cuisine but my husband loves it! I really like more colors to my food than yellow (tumeric, of course, which is super good for you) and I don't like hot food. However, this dish is DELICIOUS and easy! Now that's a combination I can handle!!!


We first made this dish when my husband bought some Amy's Golden Lentil Soup at the Grocery Outlet. This soup has the curry flavor but not the heat so is perfect for me! And if you have tried anything of Amy's you know their products are good!


INDIAN CURRY
(serves 4 hungry eaters)


1 onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3-4 cups fresh spinach chopped (big pieces)
1 head cauliflower, broken in pieces
6-8 small potatoes cooked, cut in bite sized pieces
2 cans Amy's Golden Lentil Soup


Saute onions in olive oil for a minute or two. Add cauliflower, cover and cook on low till nearly tender. Add potatoes, spinach and Amy's Golden Lentil Soup. Heat just till cauliflower is fork tender but not soft. Serve over rice.


Now, this rice recipe is not so easy. I wait to start the curry until I have the rice cooking for it's 30 minutes. That way they finish up at just about the same time.


PERSIAN RICE
from Iran Online


4 cups Basmati long grain rice
5 Tablespoons salt
3 ounces Extra Virgin Olive Oil
water

1. Wash rice thoroughly in 5 changes of water (final water poured off will be nearly clear) and leave to soak in salted water (2 Tbsp. salt) to cover by at least 1 inch for 3 hours.
2. Bring 8 cups water with 3 Tablespoons salt to rapid boil in a large saucepan.
3. Pour off excess water from rice and pour rice into fast bubbling water. Bring back to boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. After 2 minutes, test to see if rice is ready: the grains should be soft on the outside but still firm in the center. Strain and rinse with tepid water. Toss rice gently in colander.
4. Return the rinsed out saucepan to the heat and add oil and 2-3 Tablespoons water. Heat till sizzling.
5. Sprinkle one layer of rice across the bottom. Then spread the rest of rice and building it up into a conical shape.
6. Poke two or three holes through the rice to the bottom with the handle of a wooden spoon. Wrap the saucepan lid in a clean teacloth and cover pan firmly.
7. Keep on high heat for 2-3 more minutes until rice is steaming, then reduce heat to low, for at least 30 minutes. The rice can be kept warm and fresh on the very lowest heat for a further hour or even longer.

**Note: This rice gets very crunchy at the bottom. My husband and son love this part. This way of cooking rice is a little more trouble but so worth it! 

It's windy and cold here today. I hope it's nice and sunny where you are today:) Kat

What's for Breakfast

As I said last week, Sunday morning breakfast at our house is usually something fun. This week it was hash brown potatoes and scrambled tofu! Did you know that if you rinse your fresh grated potatoes until they don't feel slimy, they won't cook up sticky? I didn't learn this trick till I was over 40! But it works like a charm.  So my recipe for today is the Scrambled Tofu!


SCRAMBLED TOFU
(serves 4)


2-1 pound packages firm or extra firm tofu, mashed
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (I use unflavored coconut oil)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
1 can sliced mushroom
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
salt to taste


Heat oil in fry pan. Add onions, bell pepper, mushrooms--saute for about 5 minutes. Add mashed tofu, tumeric and salt. Stir to combine ingredients then leave it alone till liquid is absorbed. Stirring will make it crumbly. Serve and enjoy! The appearance and texture will resemble scrambled eggs. However this dish has a taste of it's own and is super delicious!


Have a wonderful Tuesday! Kat

I am sooo Excited!!!

Good morning to you all! Today is the day I have been looking forward to anxiously for at least a month! The new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog can be purchased by Stampin' Up! Demonstrators starting TODAY!!! I get one free when I place my first demonstrator order starting today:) I am most excited about ordering the catalogs for my loyal customers! When I get the order I am sure you will hear squealing with joy! I have seen a few sneak peeks of some of the great new products and let me just say, you're gonna love 'em! 


Okay enough of my excitement! On to the card for today...

 Another great card idea from Justin at JK Cards! I like so many of Justin's card designs and color choices maybe I should just rig his blog to load onto mine:) Just kidding! But I do really like his style! Boy! Now that I look at the card, it looks like I took the picture a little crooked:( Justin stamped his flower on Whisper White card stock and then colored with Blender Pens. I tried a couple of time but wasn't getting look I wanted so stamped the flower using Basic Black ink on Wisteria Wonder card stock. I wasn't sure if I I liked that look either so stamped the flower using Basic Black ink on Concord Crush (retiring) card stock. Didn't like that real well either but liked the two flowers layered together.


For this card I used the following Stampin' Up! products:

• Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz card stock
• Old Olive and Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pads
• Stamp Sets: Fabulous Florets and Loving Thoughts (Occasions Mini Carryover)
• Twitterpated Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini Carryover)
• Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Snail Adhesive and Dimensionals

Have a wonderful Monday! I know I will:) Kat

Well Worn Triple Treat Flower Card

I totally LOVE the card that I saw on Justin's blog, JK Cards, so had to make it. Of course, I had to use what I had on hand so it's not exactly like Justin's but pretty close. I liked this card so much that I have made five of them so far. There is a punch for the flowers but I don't have it yet so cut them out by hand--gotta get the Fancy Flower Punch! 


For this card I used the following Stampin' Up! Products (because they're the best!!!):

• Card stock: Early Espresso, Soft Suede and Whisper White
• Well Worn Designer Series Paper--first time to use and so love it!
• Stamps: Perfectly Penned and Triple Treat Flower (retiring)
• Classic Stampin' Pads: Early Espresso, Night of Navy, Cajun Craze
• Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon
• Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Glue Dots

The Triple Treat Flower stamp is an A la Carte stamp and sells for only $8.95. You can use it the way I did today or as I did on the Easter Dove Post! A great card to have in your stash. The punches to use with this stamp are the Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower (retiring) and 1/2" Circle. 

I hope you have a great day and a super fun weekend! Kat

Crocheted Flowers & Giveaway!

I love to crochet and recently found a pattern for little crocheted flowers in the spring/summer 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazine. I decided to make some to put on cards and I plan to make a tote bag they would decorate nicely.

The top row shows the crocheted flowers with Stampin' Up! Summer Smooches brads (sorry, no longer available) in the center. The second row shows the flower with a retired Stampin' Up! pink corduroy brad in the center, a single layer flower and the multi-layer flower. The flower at bottom left has a Large Basic Pearl (love these); bottom center has a Designer Printed Brad in Wisteria Wonder; bottom right has a Designer Printed Brad in Pool Party. I also think they would be super cute with a button in the center. So far I have made about 30 of them! Something to keep my hands busy when we are watching a movie or listening to an audio book. 


I would like to give away a package of my little crocheted flowers--3 with the Summer Smooch Brads shown in the top row and 7 plain (shown middle row right)! Just leave a comment telling me which flower you like best. If you have trouble leaving a comment, just email me. I will draw a winner from the entries on May 10. 


I recently discovered a new (to me) blog that I love. Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily shares some really fun, crafty and practical information. She makes custom-order tote bags, wallets, camera bags, etc--some really cute stuff. You won't be sorry you took the time to check out her blog.


I will be back tomorrow with a great card! I also have a super yummy East Indian recipe but will probably wait till next week for that one (not nice to tease).


Have a wonderful day! Hug the ones you love and pray for the ones you don't! Kat