Whew...

We made it through the week of Birthday craziness!  Ben had a great birthday evening with just Mommy & Daddy on Wednesday night.  I like to think that the highlight of his day was creating rainbow cupcakes with Mommy.  :)

 I should warn you now, there's a lot of pics in this post.  I have things set to post to facebook too, so if you just usually check my blog for creative stuff - sorry, this one is partially for the family too.  :)

Ready for baking...

 Yum!  He opted for sprinkles over frosting this time.  Cool with me!  Weird fact about me: I rarely eat the frosting.

 Candle time.  He blew them all out in one go!

 I love this pic.  That's one happy kiddo!

 Time for presents!  Red and blue because his party is Thomas the Tank Engine themed.

 How could I resist getting him this?!  He is my little chef after all.

 Very delighted with a Super Why book.  Love the water pen feature.  Thank you, Super Why book creators for making something cool with just plain water.

 The blur in the photo below is Ben excitedly showing off his new galoshes.  He was so thrilled until he found out there were no puddles outside.  Long story short, we bundled up and threw some buckets of water on the driveway so he could jump in puddles.  Yes, we had ice on the driveway the next morning, but it was worth it.

 I didn't know paper could move so fast!

 Both Mommy & Daddy have laptops, so he was overjoyed to get one of his own.  It's a bit above his age, but he loves pushing the buttons and he'll grow into it.

 So that was his actual birthday.  Then, on Saturday, I started making his Thomas cake.  I had a baby shower to go to in the middle of the day, so we baked in the morning so I could stack in the evening.  Here he is helping me in his new hat.  :)

 Pictures of the decorations for Annette.  :)

 Present central.

 Ben & his favorite family member, Uncle Mike.  Aunt Mindy is in the background.  (You can't really tell she's pregnant, but she's due the end of August - YEA!!!)

 Ben's equal opportunity when it comes to toys, so he was very excited about getting Mack the semi-truck from the movie Cars.

 Patiently awaiting another present from the pile.

 If he gets a card, it really should be a music one....after all, if you're going to have to read, why not dance too?!  This one was "Life is a Highway" from the Cars movie.

 Cars, Thomas, construction too!  It's a dump truck with all kinds of bells and whistles on it.

 The last one he happened to open was a Thomas set.  He was so excited and wanted it open immediately.  I was so glad it happened to be last.

 B got a lot of other wonderful toys too.  Morphing bugs, magnetic constructable cars, books....the list goes on, but I couldn't put in every picture or you'd be here all day.  lol!

After presents, we had cake.  I mentioned this was Thomas themed, right?  So of course the cake is Thomas. You'll have to forgive my inability to make a well sculpted face from frosting and sure as shootin' I forgot to add the cool "smoke" puffing from his funnel at the last minute.  Oh well, maybe I'll do another Thomas cake later and remember that part.

There are 5 cupcakes on the other side that say Happy 3rd Birthday Ben, Toot Toot!  The party was a great success.  Ben had a blast, loved his cake and was completely exhausted by nap time.

However, tonight was a bit different.  Joe started getting sick during Ben's nap, and because of a low key evening, B's having a hard time getting to sleep.  So I'm typing this to you all at 10:30 at night with my husband sick in bed and my son having been put back in bed for the 3rd time.  Oh well.  Ben will sleep eventually, Joe will get better, and with any luck, I won't get sick this time.

Have a wonderful week,

Happy Birthday, Ben!!

My little baby, who always reminds me that he's a big boy now when I say that, is turning 3 today!  OMGosh, where does the time go??  I can't believe that it's been 3 years already.  Some days, I miss the quiet calm little baby who happily slept and snuggled in my arms.  However, that's usually when he's throwing a temper-tantrum. (Yes, we have temper-tantrums.)  Although I miss baby-dom occasionally, I do love him at this age.  I'm always amazed at how smart he is and what he knows.  I know he'll continue to surprise me as he grows and I can't wait to be a part of that either.  I'm even looking forward to the day - a VERY long time from now - when he is a daddy and can begin to fully understand just how much I mean it when I say, "I love you, Ben."

Happy Birthday to my "big boy" who will always be my baby.  :)

R U Kidding Me?!

Sorry, but I have to share.  I just saw a woman pour Mountain Dew (Mountain Dew!!) from her gigantic cup, into a baby bottle (yes, a real baby bottle) and give it to a little boy who was no more than 1.  One!!!

R U kidding me?!?!?!?  Seriously folks, it took all I had not to go buy a $1.00 milk up at the counter and hand it to her.  No wonder our nation is the most unhealthy of them all.

Please, everyone go eat a veggie or fruit today so I can stop freaking out.  :)

Toffee Bites

This is one of Joe's favorite treats.  He loves chocolate and says these are the best.  If you like chocolate, I'm sure you'll love 'em too!

This is not one of my own recipes.  It comes from the local theater's fundraiser cookbook and was submitted by Sue Curran.  Here is her recipe.

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cup size)
1 bag peanut butter chips
1 bag Heath toffee bits

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt and stir chocolate and peanut butter chips together.  Mix in toffee bits.  Using a small spoon, drop bite-sized pieces on wax paper covered cookie sheets and refrigerate until hardened.

Yep, that's really it!  Here's my notes to the recipe.  I melt the chips in 30 second increments and stir in between to prevent burning.  I use a cookie scoop to drop them on parchment covered sheets and if they seem too thick on the sheet, I just tap it on the counter a few times to settle them down before I put them in the fridge.  It only takes 10-20 minutes for them to set up.  We keep ours in the fridge so they don't melt, but they usually don't last over 3 days in our house either.  :)

Enjoy,

3 year molars...seriously?

Ok, someone please tell me when this came about and why I didn't hear about it at all?!  I thought I was done with teeth.  Then a couple months ago, Ben got a low grade fever and was really just not himself at all.  I went through all the family members and no one could figure out what he had.  Finally, Joe mentioned it to his mom.  Let me just say, thank God for my Mother-In-Law.  She immediately said, "Oh, he's probably just getting his 3 year molars."  Really?!  Why didn't anyone mention this to me?  My MIL is fabulous.  Thank you, Mom.

Now, here we sit with a sick kiddo again.  I'm not sure if it's his molars or not because it seems a lot worse than last time and might be more a touch of the flu.  Granted, his bottom ones haven't come in yet and he'll be 3 on Wednesday so he's right at that age.  I wish I knew how to help him.

So, I need your help.  If you have little kiddos, or can remember when they were 3-ish, do you remember the 3 year molars?  What did you do to help them through it?  Any advice for this first time mom?

Thank you so much,

Happy Birthday (w/flowers)

Today was Joe's grandma's 85th birthday celebration.  We split forces today because Ben is really sick.  I don't know if it's sickies or because he's getting 3 year molars.  Let me tell you, this 3 year molar thing is a whole other post ladies...maybe I'll rant on Sunday.  For now, here's my card I made for Grandma Miller.

The only things that's not CTMH is the blue patterned paper, that's Fancy Pants Designs-Happy Together by Heidi Larsen-Forever, and the large die cut label was made using Spellbinders Labels #8, the third die counting from the outside in.

I used some leftover scraps from my Veranda paper packet for the flowers.  The leaves started out as Sweet Leaf cardstock cut with the 1-1/4" circle punch.  I can't remember who I learned the leaf thing from.....I know it was on a blog....maybe Patti....hmmm...sorry ladies.  Tutorial coming next week though right here on my blog!

I know it doesn't look like too "grungy" of a card - but there is a lot of ink on this thing!  Can you believe I had the following stamp pads all over my desk when I was done?  Creme Brulee, Desert Sand, Cocoa, Twilight, Garden Green, Topiary, New England Ivy & Vineyard Berry.  Yikes!

I sent Joe off with this card in my usual clear envelope packaged inside her gift of homemade goodies in cello wrap inside a gable box (brownies from scratch and these yummy chocolate things - soooo good and easy - recipe Monday) and about 5 minutes of instructions on not ruining/smushing/wrecking the card.  Yes, I was a little nervous, but I didn't need to be.  Joe knew how much I worked on everything and got them all there safe and sound.

I heard that Grandma like her card and has no intention of sharing any of her chocolate.  LOL!  Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Belated Fall Photos

I've been working on a mini album for the past fall weekend retreat.  It's finally finished!  I used some papers from the old Felicity special paper pack.  All of the embellishments are from various other companies.  I was trying to use up some of my stash.  :)  Here's this past fall's pictures...scrapped! Yea!

Our group photo is on the top.  We all posed under the banner I made, but it didn't really show up because of the lighting.

Saturday morning, we awoke to a light snow fall.  It was their first snow of the season and made a beautiful view.  The lake was so still and calm.  It was even covered with fog.  I had to have a picture!  It was really cold out there, but the picture turned out so well that it's now in my living room.  Love it when that happens.  :)

More pics of the view.

One more.  This shot looked good in my head, but didn't come out quite right.  You can't argue with mother nature about her lighting choice at that moment.  She sort of gets to do what she wants.  lol!

This is my friend, Annette, and her layout.  It's the tomb of the unknown soldier and she did the whole thing in mosaic.  Click on the pic to enlarge it - it's an awesome layout!

This is my friend, Nicole.  Even though this paper packet doesn't really work with hot pink, I had to use it on her page.  She loves hot pink and she got a TON of cards done that weekend.

This is my friend, Harmony, who got herself all caught up this past fall.  Can you believe it?!  It was amazing and her pages were gorgeous.

I took a few shots of all of us scrapping together.

This last page shows my version of our challenge for the weekend.  Everyone turned a coaster into a magnet or hanging for their home/desk that would hold the group photo for the weekend.

The back is just the same pattern paper as the front but unembellished.

That's it for now.  I'm working on a special card for Joe's grandmother.  We are celebrating her birthday Saturday so I'll have the card I made posted soon.

Have a great weekend,

Happy Blogoversary, Vicki!

One of my blog friends, and a blog I stalk regularly, is having a 3 year blogging anniversary.  Congratulations, Vicki!!  To celebrate, she's giving away some sweet blog candy.  Please head over to her blog by clicking HERE to check it out and sign up to win.

3 years is a long time to blog regularly and every reader & stalker of Vicki's blog is very grateful that she shares with us.  Yes, she's insanely creative and is always inspiring me with one of her projects.

Thank You & Congrats!

Death by Double Chocolate Brownie

I love chocolate. A lot. So I've been messing with a recipe to create a super chocolate brownie...

This is version number one.  Delicious, but I knew immediately how to make it over the top.  Add ganache.

Here, my friends, is my first blog recipe.

Death by Double Chocolate Brownies
Brownies
1-1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
2 tbsp. water
2 c. semi-sweet morsels (divided)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs
Ganache
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
1 c. semi-sweet or dark chocolate morsels (your choice)

Oven: 350 degrees
Pan: Greased 9" square

Brownies: Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl and set aside.  Combine sugar, butter and water in a medium sauce pan.  Bring just to boiling over medium heat stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir until smooth.  Add 1 cup of morsels and vanilla extract.  Stir until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time stirring until smooth after each one.  Stir in flour mixture and then the remaining morsels.  Spread into pan and back 20-30 minutes or until center is set.  Cool completely.  Center will sink.

Ganache: Heat heavy whipping cream in a small pan on the stove until just boiling stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add morsels.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Stir until smooth.  Pour over brownies and spread even.  Allow to cool and set.  Cut brownies and enjoy!

I recommend a tall glass of milk or your favorite beverage to go with.  They are very rich (intentionally) and one is about enough.  :)

Have a chocolate-y day,

Stylin'!

Just call me Stylin' or maybe it's tickled pink 'cause I just received another blog award.  You girls (and guys) really are so kind.  The Stylish Blogger Award comes from Scrappin' Cat (Cathy).  Thank you!!

The rules are to thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you - check!
Tell 8 things about yourself - see below.
Pass it on to 8 others & comment so they know you passed it to them.

Turns out - I just did this recently for an award Becky B. gave me back in November that I finally answered in January.  (Jeez much?!)  To see my 8 answers from then, click HERE.  However, it wouldn't be any fun unless I gave new answers, so here it goes...

1. My two favorite colors right now are Lagoon and Pear.
2. My "baby" is going to turn 3 this month - where does the time go?!
3. I just got a new laptop from the world's best pawn broker (and family friend) Scott.  He owns Fulton Street Outlet in GR. (Yep, shameless plug, but he really is the best)
4. I still have spending money/gift cards left over from Christmas/my birthday.  Usually they are long gone by now!
5. Although I attended the University of Michigan, my official degree is from Grand Valley State University.  It's a BS in Advertising and Public Relations.  Yes, I have a BS in BS...LOL!
6. I love to get the mail.  It's my daily joy.  The bills aren't so fun, but something as simple as a magazine from a favorite store makes me smile.  Yes, boxes from CTMH make me giddy.  :)
7. I hate to run.  You will never find me on a treadmill.  Ever.
8. Don't fall over - I am actively trying to reduce the size of my scrapbook stash.  My current goal is 20 double page layouts before I buy new stuff.

I have not had much time at all to blog surf lately.  Joe has been pulling long hours at work and I'm running the ship.  So, to fulfill my "pass it on" requirement, and since I think everyone who takes the time to blog to begin with deserves an award, please feel free to grab this award for yourself (you deserve it!) and pass it on using the instructions above.  Or like me, share it with everyone!

Thank you again, Cathy.  Have a great day everyone!

Oww!

Oven Rack: 400 degrees
Hand: 98.6 degrees

Oven wins...

OWWWWW-A!!!!!!

It is my professional estimation that you move the skin on this part of your hand about 1 million times per hour.  Why does something so small hurt so much?

Since I'm right handed, I'm also estimating that those flower tutorials might not be posted the first part of this week.

Have a pain free weekend,

Studio Decor

After the latest color changes with CTMH, I found a new favorite color I didn't know I had.  Lagoon....and Pear...ok, two favorites.  Everywhere I go, my eyes seek out these colors and I'm drawn to everything in their colors.  When I was out scrapbooking with friends at the local store, I saw a paper I had to have.  I knew immediately what I was going to make with it too.  Take a peek:

Sorry for the lighting.  My light box is not fixed so this was taken in my studio and color corrected to the best of my ability.  At any rate, the background paper started plain and I went from there.  You can never go wrong with bling.  So I hauled out my CTMH sparkles and went to town!  Every flower on the paper got an appropriate sized sparkle for it's center.  Then I whipped up the letters on my gypsy and welded them together.  It's Cricut Classic Font if anyone is wondering.  I had originally cut them out of plain black cardstock, but it needed oomph.  Goodbye plain black, hello black glitter paper.  (more bling!!)  I mounted the letters with foam dots.  Why SS?  We'll kiddos, it's got a little something to do with my new blog name.  I'm still working on things, but it's coming soon, I promise!

Then I got to work on my Tracey Mason flowers.  As far as I know, she's the original creators of these guys and they are amazing.  It's just cardstock, that's it.  Really!  It's all in how you cut and crinkle/twist it.  Go visit Tracey and she'll show you how on her blog.

Aren't they amazing?!  Hard to believe it's just cardstock.  She's a genius.  Ok, so I did ink too.  I can't help myself.  Seriously, it's like a sickness.  When I say I have to ink everything, I mean that literally.  Ok, moving on from my issues...  I also added some bling to the center of each flower using the CTMH glitz glitter glue.  When it doubt, add bling.  If you already have bling, add a little more.  If it still doesn't look quite right...  You guessed it, add more bling.  :)  Oh heavens, I guess I have a bling obsession too.  Maybe it's just a phase.  LOL!

One last look:

I'm so happy I found the perfect project to add these too.  Yippee!  Now I just have to decide if I want to mount this into a shadow box frame or on a canvas.  Please, do leave a comment on the best mounting option for this project - I'm inexperienced when it comes to pages that don't go in an album and I'd like to hang this on the wall.  Thanks in advance so very much!

Have an awesome weekend,