It's Time to Hop!

Hi there! You've come to my stop along the My Favorite Things Blog Hop! If you haven't been to all the blogs along the hop so far, then go back to Kim's Blog and start from there! :)

I used one of the two new label sets, Puppy Chow, on my first project. It's a doggie treat jar made with MFT Perfect Packaging. I don't have dogs, but we have plenty of neighbor dogs, so this will most likely be going to one of them! :) The button is from the Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection.

Here's a closeup of the lid...

I combined images from the Puppy Chow and Purrfect Treats labels sets to make this tag. I stamped the images in craft ink and heat embossed with clear EP. I also combined the paw images to stamp a border around the bag window.

Here's a look at what is being released tomorrow night:

Stamps:

WTG Catch Some Rays $15.95

Puttin on the Glitz $17.95

Puppy Chow $9

Purrfect Treats $9

Products:

Polka Dot Ribbon Nest in perfect for summer colors! (5/8” grosgrain, swiss dot ribbon in bright pink, red, navy, emerald green and yellow) 5 yards each of the 5 different ribbons for a total of 25 yards. $11.95

Please join us tomorrow night from 8-10 pm Eastern for the Release Cocktail Party on the MFT Member Company Forum. There will be lots of chatter, more MFTeasers, and prizes, too!

You're finished at my stop -- now hop on over to see what the fabulous Natalie Dever has created! I can't wait to see it either! :) Thanks for hopping by!

Christina

Catch Some Rays!

Hello! Happy Tuesday! Today I have another MFTeaser, and this time the set is Catch Some Rays. It's the Who's That Girl set for July. I had a lot of fun with this set, and I have even more ideas for using it! My first project is a Vacation Fund jar. I just hope I can fill it! :) In addition to the new set, I also used Bling 'Bet, Summer adornment crystals, Summer Collection papers, and Perfect Plaid Ribbon.

Of course, once you've saved your funds and taken that vacation, you'll want a photo album for all your photos! I had picked up a pack of three mini albums at Target a while back, and I altered one of them. The paper is from the Summer Cool line by Imaginisce. The buttons are, of course, from My Favorite Things.

I'm not at the beach, but I am enjoying some gorgeous weather this week! Temperatures are cooler (80's), clear and sunny. I'm lovin' it! :)

I hope you're lovin' the MFTeasers so far! Don't forget to stop back tonight at 10 pm Eastern for the Blog Hop! Then join us for the Release Cocktail Party tomorrow night from 8-10 at the MFT Member Company Forum! Oh, and if you haven't submitted your entry for the One Click Challenge, you still have a little time -- until 10 pm tonight!

That's it for now -- I'll see you back here tonight! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

MFTeaser: Puttin on the Glitz

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I have an MFTeaser of the new Amanda Baird set Puttin on the Glitz. Isn't this image fantastic? :) I paper pieced her hat and dress and colored with Copics. I colored the ribbon and bow with a blue Spica pen and the shoes with a Chocolate Spica pen. Check out her pearls and earring -- I used tiny pearl stickers on them! I was so excited that they were just the right size! :)

This Wednesday, July 1, My Favorite Things is releasing four new sets and a Polka Dot Ribbon Nest! We'll have a blog hop tomorrow (Tuesday) night to kick things off, then the party continues Wednesday night from 8-10 pm Eastern in the MFT Member Company Forum at SCS! There will be chatting, more MFTeasers, and prizes! We'll find out who the winner of the One Click Challenge is, too!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope your week is off to a great start!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: Puttin on the Ritz (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Groovy Guava, Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Marrakech 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, Spica pens, organdy ribbon, Prima Caboodles, adhesive pearls (Michaels), paper piercer, scallop edge punch, sponge, dimensionals

Sunday Supper: Easy Pot Roast

Hi, everyone! Happy Sunday! Here's a slow cooker recipe that is SUPER easy -- it takes about 10 minutes in the morning, and then you have a fantastic supper ready for your family after a busy day! I made it this week and it was a hit!

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (4-6 servings)

2-3 potatoes, peeled and quartered (I used several red potatoes, unpeeled)
8-10 baby carrots
1 onion, quartered
2 to 3 lb. beef chuck roast
10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1-1/2 oz. pkg. onion soup mix

Arrange vegetables in a slow cooker; place roast on top. Spread mushroom soup over roast, then sprinkle with onion soup mix. Cover and cook on Low for 9-10 hours.


Now that we have Megan home from her trip, we're sending Kyle on one, too! He leaves this afternoon for a trip to Wyoming with a group of 26 Juniors from his high school. They will be doing hiking and horseback riding during the day, and they will have some retreat time in the evening. He'll be gone until July 5 -- please pray for a safe trip for all those boys and their chaperones! Thanks!

Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I'll have a MFTeaser to show you! Woohoo! :)

Have a wonderful Sunday -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Christina

MFT Challenges!

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend! Today I have a couple MFT Challenges to tell you about. The first is this week's My Favorite Challenge, which is to use paper piecing on your project. I paper pieced the top and bottom of this cupcake from It's a Cupcake Kind of Day!. The cupcake is cut out and popped up on the Blossoms Nestabilities. I used the candles punch on the bottom, and I put an extra candle on the cupcake. I used some yellow flock on the flame.

You'll find this week's Sketch Challenge on the MFC Thread, too -- it's a good one!

Since the July MFT Release is just around the corner on Wednesday, July 1, it's time for another One Click Challenge! The winner of this challenge wins the entire release free! :)

So, you can see you have a lot to keep you busy this week! ;) Thank you so much for visiting today -- I appreciate it SO much!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: It's a Cupcake Kind of Day! (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Cupcake 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Blossoms Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), Real Red grosgrain ribbon, cordouroy button, linen thread, (SU!), Candles punch (EK Success), sewing machine, yellow flock, dimensionals

Remembering

Happy Friday, everyone! I have one more Verve preview for you today! This set is called Forever in Our Hearts, and it is a must-have set. Sympathy cards are often difficult to make, but the beautiful sentiments and images in this set make the task much easier.

I used BasicGrey Urban Prairie paper, organdy ribbon, and Prima Caboodles flowers to make my card. I embossed the background paper with my Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots folder, then I stamped the leaf image over the embossing to create an interesting texture. I stamped the leaf again on the patterned paper to create a continuous image, then I arranged the flowers over the stamped leaves.

On the inside of the card, I used the smaller leaf image and another of the beautiful sentiments from the set.

You can see more samples of this set at the Verve Stamps Blog. While you're there, you can find out how you can win your own set! Don't forget -- all the new stamps will be released tonight immediately after the Release Party at Splitcoaststampers.

Before I go, I wanted to tell you about Megan's adventures getting home last night! She flew from Nice to JFK in New York, and she was due to arrive at CVG 7:30 PM. Due to the terrible storm that hit around 7:15, she was diverted to Indianapolis, and she was scheduled to arrive from there at 9:00. So we waited. Because of the backlog of flights which were diverted, refueling was delayed, and we watched the arrival time on the monitor change -- from 9:00 to 9:39, to 10:00, to 10:46, which is when she actually landed. Then, as we (and 30 other girls and their families) were waiting for luggage, and waiting, and waiting, we heard the announcement that their carousel was moved from #4 to #1. So, we finally retrieved her luggage and headed out of the airport around 11:20 PM! But, she's home safe and sound, and she had a wonderful time! :)

That's it for me today -- thanks so much for visiting!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)
Christina

Verve Preview #2: Just for You

Hello, everyone! Happy Thursday! It's day two of the Verve Sneak Previews, and today's set is called Just for You. This set has beautiful sentiments meant to let someone know you care. Just For You and all the new Verve stamps will be available after the Release Party this Friday night.

I made two projects with this set. The first is this card. It's a pretty simple design, but I just love this color combination! I used SU! Parisian Specialty dsp and Circle Nestabilities, and I embellished with ribbon, buttons, sponging, lace edge border and machine stitching.

I really love this next project! When I saw this sentiment I immediately thought of gift tags. Then I ran across a scrap of Let it Snow paper (Flair Design), and this Christmas tag was born! I did some sponging with SU! Close to Cocoa ink around the paper panels and the snowflakes to give it a vintage look. I pleated and stitched the ribbon on the bottom, and I added Icicle Stickles to the larger snowflake.

Stop by the Verve Stamps Blog to see more samples from the Verve Divas. While you're there, you can find out how you can win a set of your own!

There is one more day of previews tomorrow, then the release party tomorrow night! I can't wait! I'm also excited because Megan comes home tonight from France! I am really looking forward to seeing her and hearing all about her trip. We've missed her around here -- even with three kids still at home, it was a little quieter! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Verve Sneak Preview!

Hi, everyone! Happy Wednesday! I'm so excited to begin my Verve sneak previews as a June Guest Diva!! :) Today's set is called Kindred Spirits. It is filled with beautiful sentiments and fleur de lis images. I used them on this altered frame I gave to Chris for our anniversary last week. This photo is about eight years old, but it's one of my favorites! It was taken at his brother's house during a family party.

After covering the frame, I sanded and inked all the edges. Then I stamped the largest fleur de lis image several times, and I added brown Swarovski crystals to the centers. I used the smallest fluer de lis to create a decorative strip along the bottom of the frame.

If you want to see more gorgeous samples from the Verve Divas, stop by the Verve Stamps Blog. All of the new stamps will be released Friday night after the Release Party on the Verve Member Company Forum at SCS.

I'll have another preview tomorrow, so I hope you'll be back! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: Kindred Spirits (Verve) Ink: Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky (SU!) Paper: Wild Raspberry (K & Company) Other: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), scalloped ribbon (May Arts), Swarovski crystals (MFT), sponge, dimensionals

Garden Photos

Happy Tuesday! Today I have some photos of my garden to share with you. I just love how the garden changes week-by-week. Some flowers are here just for a brief time, others are in bloom throughout the entire season. I guess that's the way it is in life, too -- some people are in your life for a short while, others are constant! :)

Our garden is filled with perennials and a few annuals, and it takes up the area around our backyard deck. This first photo is of a few "edible" plants I have in pots on the deck: strawberries (right), basil (left), and cilantro (flowering in the bottom right corner).

This photo is of the right side of the ramp leading from our driveway to the deck. The coneflowers are just starting to bloom. The white flower in the foreground is Gaura -- the blooms look like butterflies, and I just love its airy look.

We've had a lot of rain over the last few weeks, so my pots look greener and fuller than they usually do this time of year! :)

This area is one of my favorites. Just in front of it, not visible in the photo, is a small goldfish pond. The climatis is still blooming, and the daisies and daylilies have just begun to bloom. The Black-eyed Susans (foreground) and Russian Sage (right) will be in full bloom in just a couple weeks.

One more shot -- I love the contrast of the purple and white here!

Thanks for taking the time to stroll through my garden with me! I'll be back tomorrow to share some stamping with you!

Have a fantastic day! :)

Christina

Easel Gift Box

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend, and I hope all the guys had a wonderful Father's Day! Yesterday morning, Chris golfed with our son Kyle and my dad. In the evening, we went to Chris's parents house for dinner to celebrate Father's Day with his family. It was a good day! :)

I got a lot of stamping done over the weekend, but nothing I can show you yet! I did come across a project I had posted over at SCS but not here, so I'll share it with you today! :) I made this little gift box with Jody Morrow's Chalkboard Easel Template. She designed it herself, and you can see some great examples of how she used it on her blog HERE. The best part is that it is available as a FREE download from My Favorite Things -- you can find it HERE!

I had created this easel box a few weeks ago for the first My Favorite Challenge, which was hosted by Jody. The challenge was to use her Chalkboard Easel Template -- you can find all of the challenge projects HERE. For mine, I used Owls and Bluebells on the front, and I colored with Copics. I really like the way it turned out -- I just love the colors!

That's all for now! I still have some samples to finish, and I'm hoping to get time for some "just because" stamping, too! Thanks so much for the visit today -- I really appreciate it! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Owls and Bluebells (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU!) Paper: Flock Together dsp (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (SU!) Other: Copics, Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), So Saffron Striped Grosgrain (SU!), Cup o' Buttons (MFT)

Celebrate MFT!

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's the 20th of the month, and that means it's Celebrate MFT Day! You already know that I celebrate My Favorite Things a LOT *grin* , but today we want you to celebrate with us! Just for a little extra fun, we'd like to know what your favorite Stephanie Fizer set is! Joanne has all the details HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum.

I just love this Tea for Two set -- it makes me smile whenever I see those little guys in the teacups! I thought I'd use some of my favorite Sweet Always paper, too. I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of orange teacups out there, but it works with the paper! ;)

I have a busy weekend of stamping planned -- new releases are just around the corner! I hope you have a great weekend ahead, also! Thanks for taking the time to stop by today! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Tea for Two (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Sweet Always dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, scallop edge punch, white organza ribbon, linen thread, Cup o' Buttons (MFT)

Swiss Pixies Review

Hello! Happy Friday! I was hoping to post this earlier this morning, but I was having technical difficulties! Today the All That Scraps DT is reviewing the Swiss Pixies. This is Gretel. I colored her with Copics, and I cut her feet "out of the box." I stamped a second wing on vellum and adhered it over the wing on the cardstock. The sentiment is from Birthday Sentiments by AmyR Stamps.

Stop by the ATS Blog later on today to see what the other girls have done with these adorable pixies! :)

I hope your weekend is off to a good start -- thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

Stamps: Swiss Pixies Gretel (C.C. Designs), Birthday Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Twitterpated Lady Bug Ball (Imaginisce) Other: Copics, Eyelet Border Punch, Primas, adhesive rhinestones, white organza ribbon

My Favorite Thursday Challenges!

Hi, everyone! Happy Thursday! Joanne is hosting this week's My Favorite Challenge on the MFT Member Company Forum. The challenge is to make a gift card holder.

I had fun making this card. The images are from the set Let's Hear It for the Boys, and the papers are from the Kaleidoscope collection by My Mind's Eye. I paper pieced the chair, then I popped up the arm and footrest on dimensionals. I also popped up the TV. I machine stitched around the paper panels.

Quick Tip: When paper piecing, use a marker on the edges of the paper pieced images to create dimension.


To make the gift card holder, I used a template that I rely on quite often. Gina K. has a great tutorial for how to make it HERE on her blog. I used a Word Window punch to create the opening for the gift card. When presenting the card, the gift card would actually be facing the other way, but I turned it around here so I could show you the inside of the card! :)

The other card I have to share today is for this week's MFT Sketch Challenge. I made this for my daughter Megan. She left last night on a plane with a group of about 30 girls from her high school -- they are on a 9-day tour of France. It was NOT easy putting her on that plane, but I know she's going to have the experience of a lifetime (you all keep reminding me of that, okay?)!

The background paper is a map of France -- courtesy of Mapquest! I printed it out on SU! Whisper White cardstock. Megan begins her tour in Paris and ends in Nice -- I made sure both were pictured on the map (Paris over WTG's right shoulder, Nice next to her suitcase). I stamped the skyline image on the panels in Watermark ink by Clearsnap, and I heat embossed with SU! clear EP. The white crystals, ribbon and button are from My Favorite Things.

Whew -- it's been a crazy couple of days! Between the MFT release and Megan leaving, I'm about ready for a nap! No rest for the weary, though -- I have more stamps that need to see some ink! I'm off to see what I can get done today!

Thank you SO much for visiting today and every day -- I really do appreciate it! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

A Little Java to Get You (MFT) Hoppin'!

Hello! It's time for another My Favorite Things Blog Hop! Our mid-month release features two new sets, Rainy Day Friends and I Need Coffee Flopsey. Both will be available tonight at midnight! If you haven't seen all the fantastic projects along the Hop so far, go back to visit Kim and start from there! And keep on going 'til the end, because blog candy awaits you! :)

Also, be sure to leave a little love for the Sweet Sixteen's newest members, Barbara and Kathy! :)

Before I show you my project, I want to wish my husband Chris a Happy Anniversary! 19 years -- it's hard to believe! Thanks for supporting me and letting me do what I do -- you're the best!!! :)

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

I used I Need Coffee Flopsey to make this fun gift box full of coffee beans. I covered the wooden box (purchased at Michaels for $1.99) with paper, then I sanded and inked all the edges. I embellished with ribbon and a button from the Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection.


I stamped and colored Flopsey, leaving the ears "out of the box." I sponged around the edges of the image panel, then I added some yellow flock to Flopsey's slippers! The image panel is mounted onto the front of the box with dimensionals.



You're finished at my stop! Now it's time to see what the very talented Natalie Dever has created! Thanks so much for hopping by! :)


Christina

Rain or Shine

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a good weekend! Today I have a MFTeaser of the set Rainy Day Friends, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer. It will be released by My Favorite Things this Wednesday, June 17.

I cut out the umbrella and gave it a coat of Crystal Lacquer. When it was dry, I mounted it on dimensionals. I covered the chipboard heart in the dp -- I thought it was perfect with the sentiment! :)

MFT is releasing two sets Wednesday at midnight. I'll show you the other one tomorrow (Tuesday) night during the Blog Hop! Join me and the rest of the Sweet Sixteen at 10:00 pm Eastern for more MFTeasers and some blog candy, too! I'll see you then! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Rainy Day Friends (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Taken with Teal (SU!) Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Swing into Spring (Bella Blvd) Other: Copics, Oval Nestabilities, Dotted Wave punch (EK Success), linen thread, white organza ribbon (SU!), Cup o' Buttons (MFT), chipboard heart, dimensionals

Sunday Supper: Gailanne's Recipe

Hello, everyone! Today's Sunday Supper recipe comes from Gailanne. She shared it last week, and I'm happy to share it with all of you this week! It looks really yummy -- I can't wait to try it! It serves 2-3, but you could easily double (or triple) it!

CHICKEN BREASTS with SPICY CREAM CHEESE SAUCE

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 whole boneless chicken breast, skinned and halved
1/4 c dry white wine
3 tbsp cream cheese with herbs & spices

In frypan, heat butter and oil. Add chicken and saute slowly on both sides until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove from pan and keep warm. Drain fat from frypan.Add wine to pan, stirring to remove brown bits. Add cream cheese, mashing and stirring over low heat to blend with juices. Thin, if needed, with more wine. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes. Serve sauce over chicken breasts, with parsleyed egg noodles. Serves 2-3


Thank you so much, Gailanne! If anyone else has a recipe to share, just email me. I'll be happy to feature it here on Sunday!

Tomorrow I'll show you a MFTeaser for Wednesday's mid-month release! SO cute! :)

Thanks so much for visiting -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Have a great day!
Christina

Baby Tag

Happy Friday, everyone! Today the All That Scraps DT is doing a review of the newly released set Gingersnaps Oh Baby!. I used this adorable buggy image to make a gift tag. I like making tags for a few reasons: They are a great way to personalize your gift bags, you can place them on card fronts for a fun design, and they use up those scraps! :)

I paper pieced the buggy with the reverse side of the flowered paper, and I used silver brads on the wheels. Some Primas, rhinestones, and a border punch finish the design!

Stop by the ATS Blog to see what the other girls have done with this set! Thanks so much for stopping by today -- I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

My Favorite Challenge: Trifold Card

Hi, everyone! It's Thursday, so that means it's time for the MFT My Favorite Challenge! This week, Joanne and I challenge you to make a trifold card. You can find all the challenge details HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum. For my sample, I made a gatefold card with the set Flopsey's Flowers.

I colored with Copics and cut Flopsey out. I added glitter to the flower petals, and I adhered rhinestones to the flower centers.

On the inside of the card, I stamped just the flowers three times along the bottom of the white panel. I veeerrry carefully inked up the flowers before stamping, but a few extra lines got inked as well. I camouflaged them by doodling some squiggly vine-y looking things before I colored them! :)

I just realized that yesterday's card and today's card were both thank you cards with flowers! I guess I needed to stock up on thank you cards, huh? ;)

Thanks so much for visiting today! It's always great when you stop by!

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Stamps: Flopsey's Flowers (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Organic Laurel (Bo Bunny) Other: Copics, Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, D'vine Swirls embossing folder (Provo Craft), Caboodles, Got Flowers? (Prima), Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU!), Gemstones (Hero Arts), dimensionals

ATS Challenge: Grid Technique

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today I have the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge for you! This week's challenge is to use the Grid Technique.

This adorable image is Heidi, one of the Swiss Pixies by C.C. Designs. I colored her with Copics and cut her out. I applied Icicle Stickles to her wings, and I popped her up on dimensionals over the embossed oval.

The grid panel reminded me of lattice, so I used a leaf from Sugarplums Scenery to create a leafy vine. I drew in the vine, then I cut out the leaves and mounted them on rolled up Glue Dots.

Play along with us! Use keyword ATSDTC51 when uploadingto SCS or the ATS Wednesday Challenge Gallery. You can go HERE to find all the ATS challenges -- do any of them at any time! Remember, Christine and Amy are always looking for the next ATS Guest Designer -- it could be YOU! :)

That's it for today! All of my kids are finally out of school, so I think we'll be finding something fun to do! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Swiss Pixies Heidi (C.C. Designs), Thank You Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Pretty Petals (Daisy Bucket) Other: Copics, Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Prima flowers, white brads, white organza ribbon, Icicle Stickles, dimensionals

For the Graduate

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's card is one I made for a friend's daughter for her high school graduation. I decided not to use the typical graduation images, but I instead created a more feminine design to celebrate what a fine young woman she is. The flower images are from Serenity, and the sentiments are from Great Expectations, both from Verve Stamps.

I finished the inside as well.

Thank you so much for visiting today. I always appreciate it when you stop by!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Serenity, Great Expectations (Verve Stamps) Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Bittersweet (BasicGrey) Other: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), scallop edge punch (SU!), organdy ribbon, sewing machine, sponge, dimensionals

A Sunday Supper!

That's right! I know it's been a while since I've posted a Sunday Supper recipe. Truth be told, our schedules got entirely too busy and I didn't have a chance to try new recipes! Now that my oldest is driving, we're in more directions than ever, so I am making an effort this summer to be sure my family meets around the table a few times a week. It's a way to be sure we all reconnect and get on the same page!

This week I tried a new slow cooker recipe. It is from Slow Cooker Recipes by Gooseberry Patch. Slow cooker dishes are the way to go during the crazy days of summer -- you can put it all together in the morning and not worry about it until supper time! My family had rave reviews for this recipe -- I served it with salad and garlic bread.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4-oz can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 green pepper, sliced (optional)
1/2 c. water
26-oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
cooked spaghetti
shredded mozzarella cheese

Arrange chicken in slow cooker. Top with mushrooms, green pepper, water and half of sauce; sprinkle with seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. At serving time, warm remaining sauce and toss with cooked spaghetti. Top spaghetti with chicken; sprinkle with shredded cheese.


I'd love for you to send me some of your favorite family recipes. I'll share them here on Sundays and link to your blog or gallery if you wish! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today -- I really do appreciate it! Be sure to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Reach for the Stars!

Happy Saturday, everyone! Here's a card I made with stamps from American Art Stamp. The image is Angel with Stars by Adriana Cirstea, and the sentiment is from the set Inspirational Words by Kathleene Callei.

The paper is Urban Prairie by BasicGrey -- I just *love* the colors in this collection! I applied some of the paper to the Maya Road chipboard, then I sanded the edges. I colored the image with Copics, and I sponged around the panels with SU! So Saffron ink. To give the wings some shimmer, I painted them with some Moonlight Smooch by Clearsnap.

I purchased the star-shaped adhesive crystals when I was at Toyrifix last weekend, and they fit the stars on the image perfectly! I colored them with a Copic marker before applying them.

That's it for now! We are having some gorgeous weather today -- temps near 80 and not a cloud in the sky! I'm off to spend some time outside! :)

Thanks for visiting today -- have a wonderful day!
Christina

A MFT Party Hangover

Hi, everyone! I'm posting later than usual this afternoon! I'm in between a busy morning and a busy afternoon, and I was wiped out after last night's MFT Release Party!! It was a fun night -- we welcomed two new members to the MFT Sweet 16 -- Kathy Daume' and Barbara Anders! When you get a chance, hop over to their blogs and congratulate them! :)

Beginning last week, we changed the weekly MFT challenges just a bit. There is no longer a Who's That Girl? Challenge on Monday -- it is now the My Favorite Challenge, and it is posted on Thursday, along with the MFT Sketch Challenge for the week. I'm thrilled to still be co-hosting the My Favorite Challenge with Joanne!

Here are the MFC details at a glance:
*A new My Favorite Challenge and Chatter thread is posted every Thursday
*Complete the challenge by the following Wednesday at 10:00 AM
*ONE winner will be awarded $10 in MFT Money each week (not good on bubble bin sets)
*This will NOT be a random draw
*The winner will be chosen by Joanne, Christina OR the guest judge of their choice
*The winner for the week will be posted after the challenge is posted the following Thursday

More MFC details and this week's MFT Sketch Challenge can be found on the My Favorite Challenge Week 2 thread HERE.

This week we're challenging you to use three different patterned papers from three different collections. They can be from the same manufacturer, just not the same line! On my card, I used Parisian Specialty dsp (SU!), Craft Fair (American Crafts), and Ski Slope (SU!). the image and sentiment are from Tea for Two.


Here's my card for the Sketch Challenge. I used the just-released set Let's Picnic, and the paper is SU! Bella Rose.You can find out how I made my flowers in the MFT Tips & Tricks thread.

That's all for now! I'm headed to a dentist appointment, and then Chris and I are going to see COLDPLAY tonight!! I can't wait! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today! Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

Grillin' and Chillin' with MFT!

Hello, and welcome to my stop on the My Favorite Things June Blog Hop! If you haven't taken in all the eye candy so far, begin at Kim's Blog and do some catchin' up! :)

All of my projects are made with Who's That Grillin' Guy?, one of three sets being released tomorrow (Wednesday) night! You're invited to a cookout!!

First up is the invitation. I heat embossed the letters on the apron so they would show up better against the paper. The burger is cut out and popped up, and I gave it a coat of Crystal Lacquer so it would look nice and juicy! :) The button is from the Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection, and the ribbon is from the Royalty Ribbon Nest.

And once you get to the cookout, you'll want to know what's on the menu! I altered a chalkboard by painting and sanding the frame and adding chipboard letters to the bottom. You'll notice that his plate is empty -- that's so I can change it to suit the menu!

If we're having steak, he'll hold the steak platter...

...and if burgers are on the menu, he'll be holding the burger platter! I can keep both platters in a small envelope behind the menu board.

And finally, here's a flatware caddy to hold your utensils! I covered chipboard coasters in the same paper I'd been using for the other projects, then I tied them all together with ribbon. On the image, the burgers are again cut out, popped up, and coated with Crystal Lacquer.

Join us on the MFT Member Company Forum Wednesday, June 3, from 8-10 pm Eastern for the MFT Release Cocktail Party! The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced (including 2 new designers!), and we'll also announce the winner of the One Click Challenge -- she will receive the entire release free!!

You're finished here -- now hop over to see what the super-talented Natalie Dever has to show you! It's always something fabulous! Thanks so much for hopping by! :)

Christina

Let's Picnic!

Hello! Happy Tuesday! I have another MFTeaser for you! Let's Picnic is this month's Who's That Girl? set -- and it's just perfect for summer! The set comes with a picnic basket and all kinds of picnic foods. I wonder, then, why she only got out the wine bottle?!? Maybe it's because the ants are looking for the food! ;)

My Favorite Things is having a Release Cocktail Party tomorrow (Wednesday) night from 8-10 pm Eastern in the MFT Member Company Forum. The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced (with two new designers!), The One Click Challenge winner will be announced, and the fun and chatting will continue until the stamps are released at 10:00 pm (and probably after that, too!)!! :)

The fun will begin TONIGHT at 10:00 Eastern with the Release Blog Hop!! It's sure to be filled with lots of great projects and designs, so I hope you'll check it out!

Sets being released: Let's Picnic, The Poppies, Who's That Grillin' Guy?

Other products being released tomorrow night: Clear Crystal Mix (2mm, 3mm and 4mm) and Checkered Ribbon Bundle

Are you as excited as I am? I hope so! I'll see you back here tonight, okay? Thanks for stopping by! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Let's Picnic (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: white, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics, Top Note Die (SU!), Chocolate Kiss Ribbon Nest, Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection (MFT), linen thread, Cuttlebug & Bloom Dots folder (Provo Craft)

MFTeaser: The Poppies!

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! I had a wonderful time at the Copic Certification Class! I learned a lot and met some great ladies! Smithville, Ohio is a beautiful place, and it was wonderful to meet Tammy Hershberger! :)

Anyway, I'm back and ready to get to work! Here's an MFTeaser of the new MFT Presents set by Stephanie Fizer. Meet... The Poppies! They remind me of Josie and the Pussycats -- remember them?? :) I love this set so much that it inspired me to make -- hold on to your hats -- a SCRAPBOOK page!! Right away I thought of my girls playing Rockband, and this photo was just perfect to use with the set.

The paper is Wild Raspberry by K & Company. I machine stitched around the panels. I thought it would be fun to color only one of the images and to stamp the other two directly onto the dp. I think it turned out pretty cute, considering I NEVER scrapbook! ;) I can't wait to use this set some more!

My Favorite Things is releasing three new sets on Wednesday, June 3, and the party will be on the MFT Member Company Forum from 8-10 pm Eastern. The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced, including two new designers, the One Click Challenge winner will be announced, plus there will be lots of chatting and fun! We hope you can join us!

Before I go, I want to share a photo from yesterday's Copic Certification. It's a photo of Tammy, Ann and me (I'm the short one in the middle!). Thanks for a great weekend, Tammy! And thanks to Sally Lynn MacDonald, our instructor -- she was fabulous! :)


Don't forget: the All That Scraps release party is tonight from 8-10 pm Eastern!

I'll be back tomorrow with another MFTeaser for you! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a fantastic day!

Christina