New Blog

Hello Friends.

I am now blogging with my daughters over at www.polkadotpoplars.com.  I would love for you to come over and join us there.

We R Memory Keepers

I had the fun opportunity to design with the fun 

CRAZY FOR YOU

collection from 

WE R MEMORY KEEPERS

They posted my designs on their Facebook Page

We R Memory Keepers Facebook Page

I failed to take step by step photos so hope these instructions make sense.  Sorry.

The heart on the far right is just layered hearts using paper from the collection.  The corrugated cardboard is not from the line but I wanted to add some texture.  I added pink crepe paper around the edge that I ruffled and snipped into a fringe.  The diecut and sticker were a quick addition.  I simply added some glitter to spice it up and attached the diecut to the bottom of the hearts with twine.

The center is the top of a small gift box which measures about 3"x5".  I lined the box with paper from the collection that I scallop cut on the edge and inked.  I matted a sticker and put it inside the box along with some more fringed crepe paper.  The top is another strip of paper approximately 2" wide and scallop cut.  I added a border sticker to the top, a twine bow, and gem.  I folded the sides down and attached the flaps to the side of the box.  

The left heart instructions I found here.

I then put two circle stickers back to back and hung in the center and attached a twine tassel on the bottom.

I had tons of paper and embellishments left so made a few tags and a card.  You never can have too many 

"I Love You" cards.

With Love! ;)

Moochies Meatballs

There are no words for the amazing food at

Moochies.

A little treasure of a place located in Salt Lake City.

I am smitten with their authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

I haven't tried the Meatball Sub yet, but hear it's amazing.

They were also spotlighted on the popular

Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFNLvGz6Hl0

Just another one of my favorite places.

Have I Ever Told You?

How much I love

THRIFT STORE, GARAGE SALES, AND FLEA MARKETS

Yep, I believe I did here. 

Recently I took another trip to the thrift store.

This is what I got.

$17.50 worth of fun.

I've been looking for "Emerald" colored items to add somewhere.

That is the color of the year after all.

The ice skates are going to hang on an old sled I have next year.

The suitcase is to add to my collection of suitcases to store things in my craft room.

I've been collecting birdhouses to hang in a group outside this spring.

Never can have too many envelopes.

Doesn't take much to make me happy.

I'm pretty thrilled with my stuff.

REACH

I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and come up with a 

Word of the Year.

Many have been doing this for a few years and 

I've read and heard many stories of how successful they have been in accomplishing what they wanted to do.

I wrote in my blog a few weeks ago about some of my goals.

I decided to come up with a word that encompassed all the things I want to do or change.

I think my word "REACH" does that.

In this brand new year I plan to "reach" for the proverbial stars....

I've learned, especially in the last year or so, that Heavenly Father may have different plans for me than I do.

I've had to learn to adjust and have faith that my life is going in the direction it needs to go.

But, I don't have to stop moving forward or upward just because of hardships that get in the way.

I think we must step outside our comfort zone some times and do things that make us a little uncomfortable to truly grow as people.  If we constantly stick to what is comfortable we will become stagnant.  We will not gain new ideas and fresh perspectives which is so important to grow in life.  I want to evolve and learn how to be a better person.  It will be hard.  I don't like change very much.

Social situations are hard for me.  I'm naturally shy and have no problem doing things alone.  I find that I compare myself to others and often times feel inadequate.  I've been pushing myself to go to many blogging events to meet other people, to overcome my fears, and to learn more about this world of blogging.  It intrigues me and I think I have learned so many things through my life that I want to share with others and to also leave these ideas to my family.  So I've already been "reaching" in more ways to do this.  

Pretty proud of myself! 

Other things I want to do are:

Reach out to friends and keep them close.

Reach out to new people.

Reach out to those in need.

Reach for new opportunities, both personal and professional.

Reach for a healthier self.

Reach beyond my limitations and not let them inhibit me.

Reach my potential.

May your plans be REACHED!

My Favorite Mac & Cheese

There are so many types of Mac & Cheese recipes and I've tried many of them.

But, there is one that I feel is the best.  

In fact, it's really similar to my Grandmother's.

A good old-fashioned, stick to your ribs, comfort food.

And who doesn't like Mac & Cheese?

1 Small Package of Elbow Macaroni 

1 Cube of Butter, Melted

2 Cups of Sharp Cheddar

1 Can of Cheddar Cheese Soup

1 Cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of Sour Cream

Salt and Pepper to Taste*

1/2 tsp. of Dry Mustard

3 Eggs, Beaten

2 Cups of Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese Mix

Boil macaroni in salt water according to package directions until almost tender. 

Combine the remaining ingredients, except the Monterey Jack/Cheddar mix.

Add to the cooked macaroni.

You can bake this in a 350 degree oven for 40-50 minutes or for 3 hours in a Crockpot on low.

Top with the remaining cheese a half hour before finished.  Do not mix in.

(*I add about a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of pepper.)

Give it a try.

Double Yummy

I made a batch of No Bake Cookies last night and thought I'd share the recipe.

2 Cubes of Salted Butter
4 Cups of Sugar
8 TBL. Cocoa
1 Cup of Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla
1 Container of Creamy Peanut Butter
3 Cups of Whole Oats
3 1/4 Cups of Instant Oatmeal

Combine first four ingredients in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium high heat.  Boil for two minutes and remove from heat.  Add vanilla and peanut butter and stir until peanut butter is melted.  Add both the whole oats and the instant oats.  Mix until well blended.   Let sit for a half hour.

Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool and set.

So yummy!