In Love Half My Life...

My Best Friend and I have been together now for

nearly TWENTY YEARS

and I want to surprise him with some fun lovin'

the week of our celebration.

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I've created this fun little "pop-out box"

that will explode when he opens it.

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Once open, this cute little exploding box

will contain a sweet sweet message...

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along with some of his favorite sweets!

I plan to make some of his favorite "cookies"

(I know... very appropriate, huh?!)

and place a couple of them on top of the little card.

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Then, of course, I will treat him to lunch!

Aren't these papers and cards just adorable?!

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My sweetie's favorite cookie...

CLEAN COOKIES

1 box cake mix

(any flavor, but his favorite for this recipe is white or yellow)

4oz whip topping

1 egg

Mix all together.  Roll into 3/4"-1" size balls.

Roll in powder sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

YUM!

My son calls these "clean and dirty cookies" because

the chocolate ones look "dirty" and the white look "clean."

he he he.

Christmas Stamp CAMP and Recipe

This November, I am hosting a Stamp CAMP

for kids of ALL ages.

The date will be determined as the time draws near.

(Most likely, the camp will be the first or second Sat in Nov.)

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At this camp, we will create TWO adorable "pop-out" cards.

One is an angel and one is a snowman.

Aren't they just SO cute?!

These cards are so easy and fun to make!

And there are so many possibilities...

pumpkin cards

ghostly cards

baseball/basketball cards

heart cards.

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Along with these two cards,

each stamper will be able to choose

a FREE exclusive stamp and stampin' spot!

All of this for just $15.

AND if you register and pay now,

your name goes into a drawing for a free set of stamps

from the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog!

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The pic below shows how the cards "pop" open.

Cute, huh?!

Contact me today!

kgettelfinger@sbcglobal.net

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Your choice of a free exclusive stamp and stampin' spot
with your camp registration and paid fee.
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Now... I have a yummy... YUMMY recipe for you!
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Sausage & Potato Bake

2T onion, chopped

1/4C butter or margarine

1/4C all-purpose flour

1tsp salt

1/2tsp dry mustard

1/8tsp pepper

1-1/2C milk

2C shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

6C potatoes, sliced

1/2lb skinless smoked sausage, sliced

Saute onion in butter or margarine; blend in flour, salt, mustard, and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened; mix in 1-1/2C cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat; toss in potatoes and coat. Pour into a greased 13x9" baking dish; arrange sausage and remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

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Enjoy!

Christmas in July Announcement, Baby Cards, and a Yummy Summertime Recipe

Wow, lots to chat about today...

first of all...

it's CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

This Sunday is our Christmas Card Stamp Camp.

We will stamp up 20 cards (of the same design)

for just $15!

Ya, can you believe that?!

All supplies (except adhesive, please BYO) are included.

YOU MUST RSVP FOR THIS CAMP BY THIS FRIDAY!

(There will be no kits available for late registration.)

Email me at kgettelfinger@sbcglobal.net

to register for this camp.

Check back here soon for pics of the CARDS we will be making.

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Now onto an adorable little card...

isn't it just precious?!

I used the new set "Animal Stories"

from the new 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog.

If you don't have your copy of this amazing

idea book, you can call or email me right away.

It is a MUST HAVE!

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I am making up some of these cards

as a gift for a friend who just had a sweet baby girl.

The card reads "One little baby... many happy hearts!"

This verse comes from the set called

"Curvy Verses" and is also in the Idea Book and Catalog.

The inside of the card is blank so

my friend can write whatever she likes.

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And yes, at last... I have a recipe for you!

It's been forever since I've included

a recipe in my posts.

If you know me any at all,

you know that I REALLY enjoy cooking

for my sweet little family (when I have the time, that is.)

My fav recipes are those "tried and true" ones

from real people that don't use

tons of spices I've never heard of. LOL

So... here it is... one of my FAVORITE summertime dishes...

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RIVER STEW

2 med potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/3 lb baby carrots

2 stalks celery, sliced

1/2 med onion, quartered

1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced in quarter size bites

1 stick margarine

seasoning salt of choice, as much as needed for personal taste

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Onto a 18x18" piece of HEAVY DUTY foil, sprayed with cooking spray, layer all ingredients as listed here. Loosely, fold foil up and around ingredients. Seal well. Wrap a second time to prevent leaking. Grill over low indirect heat for 30-40 minutes. Open carefully before serving.

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OM, this is sooooo yummy! We call this river stew because we always make this when we go boating on the river with my family. Funny how things like that come about. he. he.

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Please let me know if you decide to make it and what you think of it, especially if you change a this or that. I'd love to know how yours turns out! Enjoy!

SO MUCH to share...

Whoo! So much to share today!

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This past weekend was Stamp Club weekend

and there were few people in attendance.

Our weather here was

FABULOUS!

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Thanks to those who came for even just a bit.

Your company was cherished

(and not just by me, I'm sure!)

And for those who weren't able to make it,

I hope you were outside

enjoying the fantastic sunshine!

You were missed!!!

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These projects were created at

the Stamp CAMP

that always follows our monthly clubs.

All were created by using the

Stampin' Up! Big Shot.

Aren't they just adorable?!

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My mini scalloped album was inspired by

Stamp with Deann

Thanks, Deann!

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If you have any questions

about any of the projects seen here,

just shoot me an email

kgettelfinger@sbcglobal.net

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Be sure to check out the

AMAZING DINNER RECIPE

my family and I enjoyed this weekend.

It can be found at the end of this post.

DELICIOUS!

Thanks for dancing with me today!

ENJOY!

Taco Hot Dish

1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 bag Doritos (I used BBQ or Chili Cheese Fritos.

My kids like plain Fritos best.)
1 head lettuse, shredded
1 pt cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can Cheddar Cheese soup
1/2 C milk
3 C mozzerella cheese, shredded

Brown beef, drain. Add taco seasoning according to pkg. In a 9x13 dish, place Fritos. Place meat evenly on top. (The recipe cals for the next step to be lettuce and tomatoes atop the meat. I serve the veggies cold AFTER cooking the dish instead.) Heat soup with milk. Pour over layers. Cover with 2 C mozzerella cheese. Bake 350 degrees for 7 minutes. When done, cover with remaining mozzerella cheese.

Create a "fantastic" look with PAPER PIECING.

Learn how to paper piece on your projects at the next LAVENDER SENTIMENTS CLASS June 10th at 6:00pm. Paper piecing is very easy and gives your images a completely different look than any other. I personally think it creates that "printed" look as if it wasn't even hand made. You know, it's those cards you get and you think, "Did she MAKE this?!"


I couldn't resist using this plaid paper for this project. The minute I saw the paper I saw an adorable skit. Grabbed a few stamps and there we go! I absolutely LOVE the phrase of this stamp... "You look fantastic!" inside reads... "Now you say it back to me." he he he... love it!


In the class you will make two cards with a similar layout but different stamps. The goal is to learn how to take a layout and "flip it." The class is only $12 and you will make two cards. Remember, even though that seems like a ton of $$ for two cards, you are getting hands on experience with one on one training with this technique. Plus all supplies (other than your personal basic tools such as adhesives, scissors, and cutter) are included in this price. AND you recieve a 10% discount off any product you may want to purchase while attending the class.


Register for this class by contacting Lana at Lavender Sentiments Scrapbook Store located next to the Spaghetti Shop on Charlestown Road. Her phone number is 945-0790.


It's been awhile since I've shared a recipe. Some of you have told me personally this is a fun part of my blog. Thanks for letting me know you enjoy it. I REALLY appreciate you! If you have a chance, how 'bout shooting me an email with one of YOUR fav dishes? I know my family would really appreciate it. I just love sharing recipes with people I personally know. This has been a main source of my cooking habits. Tried and true, ya know? So here it is...


PORK CHOP AND POTATO BAKE
4 to 6 pork chops
veg oil (I used olive oil.)
dash of seasoned salt (I used Accent.)
1 can Cream of Celery
1/2 C milk
1/2 C sour cream
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (24oz) bag of frozen O'Brien or regular Hash Browns, thawed (I used 1/2 (36oz) reg hash browns.)
1 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 (2.8oz) can of Durkee French Fried Onions

Brown chops in oil. Sprinkle seasoned salt to taste and set aside. Combine soup, milk, sour cream, pepper, and 1/2 tsp seasoned salt. Whisk mixture together well. Stir in potatoes, 1/2 C of cheese, and 1/2 can of onions. Spoon into a 9x13" pan lightly sprayed with nonstick spray. Arrange chops on top. Cover. Bake 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and top with remaining cheese and onions. Bake uncovered 5 more minutes.

BUGS and KISSES

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE stamp sets from Stampin' Up!. The bugs are just so stinkin' cute! For this card, I used the Purely Pomegranite TEXTURED CARD STOCK for my base card.

If you haven't worked with this textured card stock, you need to. It is so pretty! You can get them in the assortment pack and let me just tell you... the In Colors won't be here much longer so you will want to stock up now. Can you believe we are in the MIDDLE OF APRIL already?! The current catalog retires in July. That is when we say goodbye for good to these gorgeous In Colors. I am sure the new ones will be just as fabulous but I have to admit this year's have been my favorites.

I used the Fairy Tale and Beachfront Ribbon Originals for my ribbons. I love how the rick rack looks over the ruffly pink! For my cute little "gummy" worm (don't you think he looks like a yummy gummy, he) I used the BABY WIPE TECHNIQUE. This is probably one of my absolute favorite techniques. It is SO easy. Just drop a few REINKER drops onto a folded baby wipe and use this as your "ink pad." The reinkers I used were Rose Red, Bashful Blue, and Certainly Celery. Looks so yummy!

Comfort Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, boneless & skinless, cubed

1/2 C butter

1 med onion, sliced & seperated into rings (I'm not an onion fan so I just used a tsp of minced onion.)

4 med. potatoes, peeled and cubed

1.1/2 C baby carrots (I like to slice these in little round discs.)

1 C whipping cream

1 T dried parsley

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

In large skillet, cook chicken and onions in butter til lightly brown. Add potatoes and carrots. Cover and cook over med heat for 30 min. or until veggies are tender. Stir in cream, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 min. or slightly thickened.

My kids ate this. My husband devoured it. I really enjoyed it but my tummy did not. I am not use to eating the butter/whipping cream type foods. So for those of you with stomachs like mine, eat a small portion. And enjoy!

Please consider sharing your recipes with me. I love getting tried and true recipes. I actually like cooking when I know the recipe has a greater chance of being tastey. Otherwise, I'd rather be STAMPIN'! he.

Surprise! Time is running out...

Time is running out for SALE-A-BRATION with Stampin' Up!! You only have a bit over two more weeks to join in on this celebration and get FREE STAMPS. This cute little "pop-up" card was made with the Sale-a-bration set "Whimsy Birthday." I just love this little 3x3 card! It's perfect for anyone's big special day. And best of all... the stamps were FREE.

Call or email me today to place your $50 order and select your FREE STAMP SET or your FREE PKG OF RUB-ONS. Click here to browse through the Sale-a-bration catalog. Remember, SU! catalogs aren't just catalogs... they're IDEA BOOKS. You will receive a free catalog along with your order. Have some freinds you stamp with? Get a $150 order together between you and your stampin' pals and you get THREE (3) FREE Sale-a-bration stamp sets PLUS... A FREE SET OF HOSTESS STAMPS AND $15 IN SHOPPING DOLLARS. Now that's fun with your friends!

Banana Pudding

OMGoosh! Before last Tuesday night, I had NEVER made banana pudding in my entire life. I don't really like banana pudding so why on earth would I make it. he he he... ick. Soooo... my sweet little daughter loves Vanilla Wafers. She doesn't really like any other kinds of cookies. The last TWO BOXES I opened for her had nothing but BURNT WAFERS inside! Yikes! (I'm definately emailing the Keebler!) So, I figured I'd save the wafers for a "pitch in" somewhere in the future and use the wafers to make Banana Pudding then. No offense to the host of the pitch-in, he he he... I just figured we adults could handle a few burnt cookies, right? Besides the pudding would surely overpower the burnt offering (so to speak. he.) Well! Tuesday night was my opportunity to rid our household of the burnt sweets. Only one thing... I had no recipe for Banana Pudding. I had no idea how to make the stuff! And I waited until Tuesday afternoon to make it! Ikes! What was I thinking?! Well, this was one time NOT thinking actually did me some good, he he he... I "dogpiled" Banana Pudding and O... M... Goosh! This recipe is now one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES!!! I guess perhaps I should go easy on Keebler when I email since if it weren't for the burnt sweets, I wouldn't have this amazing Banana Pudding Recipe. he. Hope you enjoy it as much as Dean and I did! Let me know what you think. Either leave a comment or email me. And thanks for looking!

2 (3.4oz) pkgs. instant vanilla pudding mix

1 C milk

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (8oz) container of sour cream

1 (8oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

6 bananas, sliced (I only had four.)

1/2 (12oz) pkg. vanilla wafers (I think I used a bit more.)

In a med bowl, combine pudding and milk. Stir til mix is dissolved. Refrigerate 15 minutes, until partially set. (Remember I said I waited till the last minute so I didn't do the refrigerating step.)

Stir milk into pudding til smooth. Fold in sour cream and topping. Fold in bananas.

Make a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of a 9x13" pan. Spread pudding evenly over wafers. Crush remaining wafers and sprinkle on top. Refrigerate til serving.

Smell of Snow

Although it is not snowing where I am, it is very chilly and the smell of snow is in the air. The kids and I got all the Christmas decorations out today and Dean hung the house lights. Ooooooohhh, I just love this time of year. I created this EXTREMELY simple card today. I think it just might be the most simple card I've ever made... and I love it! It reminds me of a day warm inside while the beautiful snow gently falls outside. Speaking of the "smell of snow..." I love cold days with the crock pot fired up. I am a big crock pot cooker so mine is usually going all year round. But there is just something about those yummy crockpot recipes in the winter time. Here is one that my entire family freaked out about today...

*Spicy Pot Roast*

3-4lb pot roast

salt & pepper to taste

3/4oz pkg. brown gravy mix (I used 3TBsp of brown gravy powder.)

1/4 cup ketchup

2tsp. Dijon mustard (I used Beer & Brat Mustard.)

1tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/8tsp. garlic powder

1C water

In slow cooker, sprinkle meat with S & P. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over meat. Cover. Cook on Low 8-10 hours or High 4-5 hours. (I cooked on High.)

Please send me your favorite crockpot recipes! Just email me! I love sharing recipes!