Bugaboo Birthday - Day 4!

A New Release Gift and ADD A BOW!

Yep, that's the challenge today on Day 4 of the Bugaboo Stamps Birthday Celebration!

Jodie has been gracious enough to give us a New Release gift - so your challenge is to use that New Release image and a BOW on your creation!  =)

Do you know how excited we are that Gus is getting some testerone support in the Bugaboo House??  This cute fella has a Bride to go with him too.

However, because we're celebrating Bugaboo's Birthday this week, I used this Groom for a birthday card for a friend of mine who is in search of the perfect man.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Groom - New Release"

Papers - DCWV Stack, Bazzill, Kraft & Custom paper

Coloring - Copics BG07 BG09 E21 E33 E35 E37 E50 RV00 RV02 W5 W7 W9 YG41 YG45 100

Tools - EK Success Punches

Extra Stuff - Ribbon from my stash, Miscellaneous Bling from JoAnn, Dimensionals and Computer Generated sentiment

The inside of the card says "Like a Man that can remember YOUR BIRTHDAY!"

You can get your Bride & Groom New Release today by visiting The Bug Blog AND after your get your new release images, PLAY ALONG with us today - use your new release and add a bow.
Hugs & Happy Days!

This card has been entered into the following challenges - 
Anything Goes Challenge - 2W- 1E - Anything Goes at Anything Goes Week2
Crafty Sentiments 1E, SIO -  Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday - include a digital element - #143 Romantic Card
Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - 2W, 1E, SIO - #52 Bows  Week1
Paperminutes - #200 Party time- Anything Goes
Lexi's Creations - 2W - (2nd week) Anything Goes (ends 21st Jan)

Would you like an Olive....

With your Martini??

Every time I see a pet with one of these cones on, I can't help but chuckle, and now, Melyssa has given me something more to chuckle about with this new Martini Dog image from Whimsie Doodles!

Add a few Olives and You've got yourself a Martini!

Image - Whimsie Doodles - Martini Dog

Papers - MME & Bazzill

Coloring - E70 E71 E74 E79 W1 YG63 YG67

Tools - Cuttlebug, Nesties & Hole Punch

Extra STUFF - Felt, Doodling, Dimensionals, Glue Dots & Stickles

Get your Furry Martini at the Whimsie Doodles store and MAKE someone LAUGH like an IDIOT or at least crack a smile!!
Hugs & Happy Days!

Bugaboo Birthday - Day 3!

If you're lookin' for the Bugaboo Blog Hop CLICK HERE

For Challenge Entry click here

For Week long Bash click here

Happy Day 3 of the Bugaboo 2nd Birthday Celebration!!

So, because Bugaboo is turning 2 this month, today's challenge is most fitting - "USE 2 of SOMETHING". 

Doesn't matter what you use, but be sure you use at least TWO of Something.

My 2?  Two printed papers as you'll see below! 

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Bobblehead Kid Cupcake

Papers - Kraft, Bazzill & DCWV Stack

Coloring - Copics E21 E42 E44 E47 E50 R24 R27 R81 R83 R85 V12 V15 Y15 Y17 YG11 YG13

Extra STUFF - Doily, Miscellaneous Birthday sentiment, Diamond Stickles

Head on over to The Bug Blog and Enter your 2 of Something project.

Hugs & Happy Days!

This card has been entered into the following challenges - 

Bugaboo Stamps/Catch The Bug - 2 of Something Birthday Celebration

AWESOME BRUNCH Recipe

If you're lookin' for the Bugaboo Blog Hop CLICK HERE

If you're looking for MY Blog Hop Post, Click here

For Challenge Entry click here

For Week long Bash click here

So, I tried some new recipes for my Annual December Cookie Exchange Brunch and I wanted to share one that we all really enjoyed - RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE STRATA

The great part - it's a make it the day before, so the day of, all you have to do it bake it and put some homemade raspberry syrup over it the day of.  This is a definitely DO OVER in our house!

Photo from Taste of Home.com

Raspberry Cream Cheese Strata

There were a few adjustments I made to the recipe, which I have highlighted

1 Loaf French Bread - cut into 1" cubes

2 8-ounce blocks of low fat cream cheese

3 cups raspberries

15 eggs

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup 

2 1/2 cups milk 

Raspberry Syrup (A MUST MAKE)

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 tablespoons + 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstartch

1 1/4 cups water

1 1/4 cups raspberries

1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons butter 

Place half of the bread cubes in a shallow 1-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cream cheese and raspberries. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, syrup, milk and remaining bread cubes; spoon over raspberries. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes Covered. Uncover; bake 20-30 minutes longer or until set (depending on the amount you're making additional bake time maybe necessary).

For the syrup, combine the sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until syrup reaches desired consistency. Add berries; mash slightly. Remove from the heat; stir in butter. Pour over strata. Serve immediately. Makes about 10 servings.

I use the Taste of Home website on a regular basis for wonderful recipes - we get several of their magazines - so, you could say we're kind of addicted to the yummy recipes they have!

I hope your family enjoys this as much as our family and friends did!

Hugs & Happy Days!

Stella Says Sketch 102 - Birthday Edition!

If you're lookin' for the Bugaboo Blog Hop CLICK HERE

If you're looking for MY Blog Hop Post, Click here

For Challenge Entry click here

For Week long Bash click here

With Bugaboo Celebrating its 2nd birthday this week, a birthday theme was only fitting for this weeks 

Stella Says Sketch challenge!!

Today's sketch - 

And my Birthday take on the sketch - 

Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Make It Snappy - Dottie Happy Birthday"

Papers - Bazzill & DCWV The Sweet Stack

Coloring - E50 E42 E44 E47 RV11 RV13 RV17

Tools - EK Success Punch, Cuttlebug & Nesties

Extra STUFF - Custom Made Felt Flower, Felt, Custom Candi Bling, Bling Brad, Cinnamon Stickles & Dimensionals 

Isn't she cute??  I think I'll send this one off to my honorary grandma for her birthday in February.  =)  For my birthday a year or two ago, she got me this GINORMOUS Pretty & YUMMY cupcake for my birthday - complete with a cherry AND candle on top - so this one just screams to be sent for her birthday! 

Okay, enough about that - how do you PLAY ALONG with this weeks Stella Says Sketch Challenge?

Well, you go to The Bugaboo Stamps, Catch The Bug Challenge blog HERE and get in on the action!

You've got 2 weeks to play along AND when you play along, you put yourself in the running for some FABULOUS Bugaboo Digis of your choice.

Check out all the details at The Bug Blog!

Come Join the Stella Sketchin' Fun!  We have!!

AND

if you missed it yesterday, we're Celebratin' Bugaboo's 2nd Birthday - yesterday we kicked it off with a Blog Hop - you can still join in the hoppin' fun HERE.

Don't miss the celebratin' fun - only thing you have to supply is the aspirin if you celebrate too much!  =)

Hugs & Happy Days!

This Bday card has been entered into the following challenges - 

Catch The Bug/Bugaboo Stamps Stella Says Sketch #102

Bugaboo Birthday Blog Hoppin' Fun!

For Blog Hop Click here

For Challenge Entry click here

For Week long Bash click here

HAPPY 2^nd BIRTHDAY TO BUGABOO!  

You should have arrived here from the Wonderfully Talented Totally Stampalicious blog of Becky

If not, make sure you start at the Bug Blog here.

So, to celebrate Bugaboo’s 2^nd Birthday, not only are we doing this fun blog hop, but we’ve got a great Birthday Themed challenge for you today!

And for that - here's a little birthday card - 

Joy Fold - Unfolded a bit

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Birthday Penguin - Cake

Papers - K & Company Birthday Stack from my stash & Bazzill

Coloring - Copics BG13 BG15BV04 BV08 C7 C9 100 E74 E77 E79 R37 R39 RV13 RV14 Y 15 Y17YG23 YG25 YR16 YR18

Tools -Cuttlebug, Nesties & EK Success Punch

Technique - Joy Fold Card (LOVE THESE - Don't know WHY I don't make them more often!)

Extra STUFF - BLING, Doodling, Miscellaneous Sentiment Stamps, Dimensionals &Diamond Stickles

Play along with us this week and you have the chance to win a digi prize pack- 7 free images for 1^st (using a Bugaboo Image), 4 free images 2^nd and 2 for 3^rd

NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!

To celebrate we will also be having daily challenges starting on Monday! Here's a list of the challenges  =)

Monday: Mini-Challenge: In 2’s – Include TWO of something on your project

Tuesday: Mini-Challenge: New Release & A Bow – Use the New Release and add a Bow

Wednesday: Mini-Challenge: Bugaboo Favorites!!  BLING & Primary Colors

Thursday: Mini-Challenge: Sketch Challenge –Use the attached Sketch

Friday: Mini-Challenge: Friday Freebie + 3 Printed Papers –Use the Friday Freebie and 3 Printed Papers

Wanna know what’s up for grabs for the hop and for the challenges? 

The Grand Prize Winner who completes the blog hop, plays along with the regular challenge (Saturday’s Challenge) and ALL the mini challenges will get 1 free set per month for all of 2012. 

Second Place Prize - One randomly selected entrant that has participated in all of the mini challenges will get to be a Bugaboo Guest Design for February, March & April PLUS receive the New Release Set for the week.

Be sure to check out the THE BUG BLOG for all the deets, because there’s LOTS MORE WINNIN’ to that's gonna take place this week!!!

SO DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON EACH POST ALONG YOUR BLOG HOP WAY - because each design team member is pickin’ ONE winner from the people who leave comments to WIN the image they used on their Birthday project!  

So, get HOPPIN’!  Your Next stop on the hop is a very inspiring and talented lady

Julie

Hugs & Happy Days!

This card has been entered into the following challenges - 

Bugaboo Stamps/Catch The Bug - Saturday Birthday Challenge

One Stop Challenge

Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring today's One Stop Craft Challenge and what a fun challenge it is!!

The challenge?  On the Spot & Use Ribbon

Hmmmm, On the Spot was what got me hung up on this one - but then the more I thought about it - spots = dots and I was off & runnin' with my spotted creation!  =)

Here's what I whipped up for a friend whose Mother in Law just started chemo to treat Ovarian Cancer this week - Pink is one of her favorite colors!

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Flower Vase - Ladybug Vase 

Papers - Doodle Bug Design, Kraft & Bazzill

Coloring - Copics C0 RV02 RV04 RV06 RV09 YG17 YG23 YG25 YR12 YR14 YR15

Tools - WRM Sew Ribbon Tool & Stencil - Weave - LOVE THIS NEW little gadget!!  EK Success Punch

Extra STUFF - WRM Sew Ribbon Ribbon (orange), Dimensionals, ColorBox Ink & Studio G Sentiment

Be sure to visit the  One Stop Craft Challenge Blog and join the fun - it's a great way to play and by playing along, it's one more chance you have to WIN Bugaboo Freebies of your choice!  =)

Hugs & Happy Days!

This project has been entered into the following challenges - 

One Stop Challenge - On The Spot & Use Ribbon

ColourQ - #119 Color Challenge*

Cupcake Craft - Something New

Hooked on Crafts - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Try Something New (ends 21st Jan)

Lexi's Creations - 2W - (1st week) Anything Goes (ends 21st Jan)

Make it Monday - always Anything Goes

January Challenge at Whimsie Doodles

Happy Friday the 13th!! 

Today I wanted to share with you a little ditty I put together for our January Challenge at Whimsie Doodles.

The theme is "NEW" - the interpertation is UP TO YOU!!  =)

I went simple (because my mojo is palying hide & seek) AND because I needed a few note cards and a Happy New Year just happened to be one I needed.  =)

Image - Whimsie Doodles "New Year Dragon"

Papers - Bazzill, Custom colored paper and DCWV Guy paper stack

Coloring - Copics BG70 BG72 BG75 BG78 E57 E59 Y13 Y15 Y17

Tools - MS Border Punch

Extra STUFF - Bling, Doodling, Googley Eyes, Yellow, Diamond & Cinnamon Stickles  & Dimensionals

Head on over to the Whimsie Doodles blog and join the fun (and if you need some 'new' inspiration, the Design Team has some FABULOUS inspiration to share with you.

Click here and join the Challenge Fun!

Hugs & Happy Days!

This has been entered into the following challenges - 

Whimsie Doodles - January "New" Challenge

Anything Goes Challenge - 2W- 1E - Anything Goes at Anything Goes Week 1

Shopping Our Stash - C12 #34 All That Glitters, Sparkles Or Shines

Top Tip Tuesday - *NOW 2WK*  3E - #67 Anything Goes Week 2

Ooh La La Creations - 2W, SIO - (1st week) New Beginnings (ends 22nd Jan)

An After Christmas Thank You

So, with Christmas and all the Chaos that revolves around it, I didn't get much of a chance to play with the FABULOUS Bugaboo 12 Days of Christmas collection Jodie created .

Well, now that I'm whippin' up some thank yous for Christmas, I decided to get these Oldie But Goodies out!

And, the think I really love about a lot of these 12 days images, is that they can be used for other things than just CHRISTMAS (because I'm sure we've all made more than enough Christmas cards lately, haven't we?)

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - 12 Days of Christmas set

Paper - Kraft, Bazzill & Miscellaneous print outta an old Christmas Stack

Coloring - Copics - B000 B00 R24 R27 Y00 YG06 YG07 YR16 YR18

Tools - EK Success Punch

Extra STUFF - Stickles, Doodling & Dimensionals

It's an awesome set if you missed it at Christmas AND you can pick up all the images for the 12 days of Christmas for one great price at The Bugaboo Store.

Hugs & Happy Days!

No Paper Creation....

My Mojo is on an unscheduled mini-vacay right now - 

But I thought I'd share with you a new Mashed Potato recipe we've been using since October that is just FABULOUS!!!  Kind of like a Loaded Baked Potato, but mashed if that makes sense.  =)
It does in my slight scrambled mind today!
We made these for Thanksgiving and everyone was disappointed we didn't make them again for Christmas Dinner (especially my mom).  So, when I stayed at the farm with her this past Thursday, you won't even believe how excited she was when I delivered her her very own dish of these potatoes!  

You would have thought I'd just given her a million skeins of sock yarn (my mom knits some amazing socks - so this is a big thing - kind of like if someone gave you a million pieces of your very most favorite paper - yep, THAT excited!)

Photo by Taste of Home

They're called Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, or in our house 

"The ONLY Mashed Potatoes for Holidays & every other Meal!"
We've made a few adjustments to the recipe (like we usually do)

3 lbs of potatoes (about 9 medium) peeled & cubed

1 pkg (8 oz) cream sheese, softened

1/2 c. sour cream & chives sour cream
1/2 c. butter, cubed

1/4 c. skim milk

1 1/2 tea onion powder

1 tea garlic powder

1/2 tea pepper

1/4 tea salt

1 lb. Crisp Bacon, crumbled (it called for 6 strips, but in our house, it's always BETTER with MORE Bacon!)

2 c. (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

3-6 green onions, chopped

Boil potatoes until tender enough to mash and make mashed potatoes.  Drain & then mash potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream & butter, stir in milk & other seasonings.  

Crisp bacon in skillet and drain on paper towels.  Shred cheese, clean & chop green onions.

Place potato mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, green onion and top with crumbled bacon.

Cover & refrigerate until ready to use.  Remove from fridge about 30 minutes before baking.  Bake uncovered at 350* for 40-50 minutes.  Cheese will get gooey and the toppings a little crunchy

Makes 10 servings (according to the recipe).  According to our family -- it doesn't make ENOUGH! =)

ENJOY!!

Winged Cutie!

You saw a Sneaky Snippet of this winged cutie last week, well, here's the BIG picture! =)

Isn't she just ADORABLE?  =)

Image - Whimsie Doodles - Shy Cupid

Papers - WRM Scraps, Smooth Coredinations Base & Bazzill

Coloring - Copics BG45 BG49 BG52 E21 E50 R00 R24 R27 R81 R83 YR21 YR23 YR24 YR31

Tools - EK Success Punch

Extra STUFF - Diamond Stickles, Dimensionals, White Doily, Miscellaneous Custom Bling, Miscellaneous Sentiment & Stazon Jet Black Ink

Be sure to check back tomorrow and see what the January Challenge will be!

Hugs & Happy Days!

Send A Smile 4 Kids

HAPPY SATURDAY!  The first Saturday of 20-12!

Today is an Anything Goes Challenge at The Catch The Bug/Bugaboo Stamps Challenge Blog

AND we're also sponsoring a wonderful challenge blog called Send A Smile 4 Kids.

This group creates and sends KID cards to sick children that are in the hospital.

TODAY we're having a VALENTINE'S DAY CARD DRIVE!

You can check out all the details about Send A Smile 4 Kids HERE

Here's one of the Valentine's Day cards I whipped up for one of these special kiddos.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - "Bunny Love 2"

Paper - Bo Bunny, Basic Grey & Kraft

Coloring - C0 C1 C3 R24 R00 R27 R29 R81 R83 R85

Extra STUFF - Sparkly Bling, Miscellaneous Sentiment, Color Box Ink, Doodling, GOOGLEY Eyes, Stickles and Dimensionals

Come join us - Play along with the Anything Goes Challenge AND Send A Valentine's Day Smile 4 Kids - It's so easy to Send a Smile!

Hugs & Happy Days!

Pin It

This card has been entered into the following challenges - 

Catch The Bug - Anything Goes

Send A Smile 4 Kids - Valentine's Day Card Drive

Aud Sentiments Challenge - 2W - (1st week) Any Sentiment (but you must use your scraps) 

Delightful Challenges - 1E, SIO - Heart

Inky Impressions - 2W, SIO - #39 anything goes

Crafty Sentiments 1E, SIO -  Love & Romance

Sketches By Carly

Bugaboo is sponsoring a fabulous little challenge by Carly today - it's the Sketches by Carly #47 Sketch Challenge.

If you haven't been by Carly's blog, it's a must visit.

Carly is a very talented 13 year-old that draws sketches and with the help of her mom, she created her "Sketches by Carly blog where she posts a new sketch every Friday.  

So, today we're joining in the fun!

Here's Carly's sketch -

And here's my take on the sketch - needed a little Football Themed Thank You Card for a friend

Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Bugaboo Brat Sport - Cheerleader Girl & Bugaboo Brat Sport - Football Boy"

Papers - Football textured paper & Bazzill Cardstock

Coloring - Copics

Extra STUFF - Dimensionals, Stickles & Custom Bling

Pop on over and check out the great Sketch Carly created, bring you scissors and come PLAY ALONG with us!!

Hugs & Happy Days!

This has been entered to the following challenges - 

Sketches by Carly #47
  Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - 2W, 1E, SIO, must use a digi – Thank You
Fabulous Friday – Cardstock only, no patterned paper
  Fashionista Friday – Week 2, Use up Stash
Simply Create Too - 2W – Week 1, More than 2 Layers

January Whimsie Doodles New Releases

HAPPY New Release Day from Whimsie Doodles!!!

As the Design Team, I think this is our favorite day of the month!! =)

So, this Man's best friend is called "I Tried Dog"

I think we've all thought that one or twice before!

Image - Whimsie Doodles - I Tried Dog

Papers - WRM, Kraft & Bazzill

Coloring - Copics BG45 BG49 E30 E31 E33 100 R24 R27 V06 Y26 Y28 YG06 YG07

Tools - EK Success Punch

Extra STUFF - BLING - Stickles, Googley Eyes, Doodling & Dimensionals

You can pick up this super cute, troublesome cutie at The Whimsie Doodles Store under What's New and add him to your collection!

Visit the Whimsie Doodles blog and see what the rest of the girls on the team have created.

They're adorably funny - you'll love 'em!

Hugs & Happy Days!

Oldies are Back!

It's an Oldie But Goodie Thursday over at The Bug Blog/Bugaboo's Challenge Blog.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps JJ Pregnancy - Hopsital (and sentiment from JJ Pregnancy - Grow People)

Papers - Kraft, Bazzill, Coredination & DCWV Linens n' Things Stack

Coloring - Copics

Extra STUFF - Dimensionals & Doodling

Visit The Bug Blog and check out the great projects the rest of the team whipped up - your mojo will be inspired to dust off some of the OLDIES in your collection!  I'm sure of it!

Hugs & Happy Days!

Whimsie Doodles January Snippet

I always love this time of the month - it's the January Sneeky Peeky Snippet Day at Whimsie Doodles!! 

There are some awesome new digis that will be released tomorrow, but for today, we'll just give you a little Sneeky Peeky at some new release snippets.

A little winged sparkly snippet here - 

And another little snippet - could it be something yummy??

Be sure to check back in tomorrow at 12 noon and see the New Release digis for January from Whimsie Doodles - you won't want to miss 'em!

Hugs & Happy Days!