Kelli's Krafts - Krunch Time!

I am down to the wire finishing up my Christmas cards so I haven't had any time to make any other cards.  After they are done I will have much more time to play...but right now it's down to business :)

Happy Stamping!

miscellany monday

1.  One of these things is supposed to look like the other...People say all of the time that Rondell and Caleb look just alike and I just don't see it.  Their heads are shaped differently as well as the shape of their eyes.  I don't know...they just look different to me.  What do you think:

2.  We are family...This weekend my mom and Aunt Roni came over for dinner and to help decorate our tree.  The kids haven't seen Aunt Roni in a few weeks and they were SO excited to have her over for a visit.  They stuck to her like glue almost the entire time.  She read them a book, helped wash their hands and just played with them...it was like old times.  We all miss having her around on a daily basis.

3.  Say my name, say my name...Since my name is spelled differently I love to find things with my name on it.  Michaels sells ornaments every year and they always have an ornament with my name on it so I must buy one each year.  They give me the warm and fuzzies:

 

4.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...Our tree is up and the ornaments are on!  All we have to do now is put up some lights outside and we'll be done.  To add to the overall picture we woke up to about an inch of snow this morning...not my favorite thing by any means but it does add to that Christmas feel.

5.  Did I leave you with any songs in your head?

Thanking God on Friday!

~  I am thankful that my children have grandparents that they are very close with and talk to regularly.  Grandparents who bring them treats like peppermints and popcorn, take them for pizza and to the library, give them lots of hugs and kisses, and who they think are fantastic (Jamison wrote that about my dad, her Papa D, at school the other day...that he's fantastic!).  

It makes me think of my grandmother, Granita, who I miss dearly, but I'm truly grateful that we were so close and that she was such an important person in my life.  She was always interested in what I was doing and she was one of the most thoughtful people I know.  I'm thankful that my children are experiencing the same kind of joy that comes from having such wonderful grandparents.

~  I am thankful for Tastefully Simple...have you tried it?  It's a company that sells products that makes cooking that much easier.  Last night I was able, at the very last minute, to go to a party that my BSF discussion group was having and because I had TS's Fiesta Party Dip Mix handy and I was able to whip up a quick dip and bring it to the party with a bag of chips.  It was a hit and it was nice to be able to contribute to the snacks on a whim.

~  I am thankful that my BSF study questions yesterday included Isaiah 25:1...Oh Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.  When I read this the reminder that God is faithful, sure and has already taken care of it, it overwhelms me...whether it is a health issue, or a job problem, or just uncertainty in general.  HE has taken care of it already!

To Do Thursday!

I'm back with my To Do list and now in addition to keeping myself accountable my hope is to also feature items/projects/organization tips that will inspire & encourage you as well.  My plan is to show more of the step by step process of the things that I'm working on, which will include more pictures.  I have just found so much help from other bloggers who feature their organization tips or cleaning tips (like this here) that I thought I would sort of "give back."

My list will have things that can be completed within the week as well as long-term projects (like my kitchen!), with the big picture being to maintain, simplify and organize my entire (yes, entire) home.

I'll be using a lot of this guy:

** To start off Rondell and I talked about creating a cleaning routine because it will help keep things in order (and let's just be real, I thrive off of routine!).  So far we talked about Rondell doing the kitchen floor on Mondays, we'll do bathrooms on Saturdays (meaning to change and wash towels and bath mats), we'll change sheets on Sundays, as well as doing a load or two of laundry daily.  I also like the idea of wiping down the bathrooms daily during bath time (that also came from the post linked above), especially the counters to tackle those toothpaste smudges that the kids leave behind.  So, I'll be finalizing the routine this week.

**  I will be working a lot in the kitchen for the next few weeks.  This week I plan on tackling this drawer: 

I need to find a better system for keeping our utensils.  We only have two kitchen drawers (which drives me crazy!!!) so space is limited.  Right now it takes too long to try and find my measuring cups or the right serving spoon and when the kids are screaming in the background to help measure the sugar or eat dinner that is not a good thing :)

**  I'm going to finally finish these so that I have a complete set (two for each month):

 

See the September and February ones...they are now gone because my cousin liked them so much she asked me if she could have them because her birthday is in September and her daughter's is in February...I gave in.  I also need to do May, June, July, and November.

**  Finally I'm going to re-evaluate the school bin to make sure it's working for us the way it is or if I need to make some changes.  I will go through the files to make sure the each one functioning how we need it to (like I know some of the writing pages can be taken out) and show you how we make this system work for us.  

Oh, and see the place mat under the the school bin (it's on top of the microwave)...well, it's stuck to the microwave LOL!!!  I'm going to have to rip it off and then Rondell is going to use Goo Gone to remove what it will leave behind.

Happy Tackling!

Wordless Wednesday - The Ohio State University's Next Generation!

Kelli's Krafts - O Christmas Tree and A Recipe

I rhymed!  I wanted to share with you the card that the guests made at my most recent workshop.  Since it was in November, I decided to have everyone make a Christmas card.  Here's what I came up with:

I used Garden Green and Real Red card stock as well as Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper.  I used Garden Green as the base of my card and then lined it with a piece of Real Read (the measurements of the GG are 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 and the measurements for the RR are 5 1/4 x 4).  Along the bottom I adhered a piece of the DSP (approx measurements are 2 1/2 x 4).  I used Paisley Prints for my image (love this set, found in SU's Holiday Mini catalog) and Teeny Tiny Wishes for my sentiment.  I stamped the image and sentiment on Whisper White card stock (approx measurements 2x3) and framed it with a piece of Garden Green card stock (approx measurements 2 1/4 x 3 1/4).

 

Here's a close up of the image...I love the details.

There you have a quick and easy way to say Merry Christmas.  It really is not too late to make Christmas cards...or New Years cards :)

Now...here's the recipe for the cake I pictured here yesterday.

5-Flavor Pound Cake

2 sticks butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

3 cups sugar

1 cup milk

5 eggs, well beaten

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp each...vanilla, lemon, almond, rum & coconut

Beat butter, shortening & sugar
Add eggs, milk & baking powder, stir
Gradually add flour
Add flavors, stir
Grease bundt pan & lightly shower with flour
Pour batter into pan

Bake at 325 for 1 1/4 hours (checking every 5 minutes during the last 15 minutes).  You know the cake is done when you poke it with a toothpick and the toothpick comes out clean.
Remove cake from pan and cool on plate.

For Glaze

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp each...vanilla, lemon, almond, rum & coconut

In saucepan combine ingredients & bring to boil
Stir until sugar is melted
Poke holes in cake with toothpick & pour glaze on top (Rondell likes to do this while the cake is still warm).


Enjoy (and be prepared for your family to ask you to make it again)!!!

miscellany monday

1.  One week!...I can't believe it's been an entire week since I've posted.  I'm also a little behind in reading blogs...I plan on catching up today.

2.  You can eat cake...Look at what Rondell made to take to Thanksgiving dinner:

He made a 5-flavor pound cake...yum (don't be fooled because it doesn't look like the cover of Martha Stewart...it is delicious!).  He's the baker in our house...I love that about him.  My mom gave him the recipe years ago and my Granita gave it to her.  It is a hit at every family function.  This year we came home with an empty cake holder :)

**Note:  I thought I had the recipe electronically to share with you, but I don't.  I'll look it up and post it later :)

3.  You know you're getting older when...So, the kids and I drove up to Cleveland to hang out with my family while Rondell was managing the crowds at Best Buy (he had to be at work at 4:30!).  While we were there I got to see two of my good friends, Melanie and Shonda.  Everything was going just fine until....

Melanie (to my brother who is 19):  ...insert random question here...

Evan (to Melanie):  "Yes, ma'am"

MA'AM!!!  He called her ma'am...let's just say it was a sad moment for us, but also a good laugh.

4.  Out with Fall...I started taking down some of my Fall items in preparation for putting up our Christmas tree and decorations.  I sure will miss this little guy:

(This also made me realize that I need to clean my windows!)

miscellany monday

1.  It's baaack!  Next to Coca Cola this is one of my favorite drinks and it only comes out this time of year (I've tried to get my local store to order it at other times with no luck).  If you haven't tried it you must.

2.  My future list maker...this weekend Rondell and I were making our grocery list and Jamison decided that she wanted to help.  I love her concentration and how she organized the list into groups.  I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree because I love lists!  Note: Canada Dry is on the list...I love it!

 

3.  Monday Funny...have you guys seen the new show on CBS called Mike & Molly?  I started watching it at the beginning of the season and it cracks me up every time.  I now have Rondell sucked into it and we've been watching every Monday after I get home from Bible Study.

Thanking God on Friday!

1.  I am thankful that it is Friday!  I am very much ready for a productive weekend and some fun family time.  I have plans to hug on my babies (although Caleb informed me last night that he is not my baby...sniff), hang out with my hubby, make some cards and clean some bathrooms!

2.  I am thankful that I'll get to see one of my best friends next week.  My friend Melanie will be in Cleveland for Thanksgiving and the kids and I are going to drive up and see her the day after (you know, while the world is shopping).  She lives in New Jersey so we don't get to see her that often.  I would love to be able to see another best too, but I think she'll be shopping (hint, hint Kristina).

3.  I am thankful that it's almost time for turkey...I love turkey.

4.  I am thankful that I was finally able to find this devotional.  So far I love it and it's small enough to fit right in my purse.  God's timing is truly amazing as the last few days have been messages that I've really needed to meditate on...including simplifying!

To Do Thursday...

...will return December 2!  I hope to share some great tips and before/afters with you :)

Kelli's Krafts - What a Deal!!!

Stampin' Up! just announced an amazing offer (now through November 30)...its Demonstrator starter kit for 50% off (click the image above for more information).  So, for $87.50 you can get $310 worth of product.  You really can't beat this offer if you've been thinking of becoming a demonstrator, whether it be to meet new people and teach them all about the wonderful world of stamping or you want to get in on the discount that is offered.  

Here's what's inside the kit (you can choose the starter kit or start + digital):

If you want to sign up, simply go to my website (here) and get started by clicking on 'Start Your Own Business.' 

miscellany monday

1.   Homemade pizza help...last night Rondell and I attempted to make homemade pizza once again.  It is my goal to learn how to master homemade pizza because 1. I love pizza and 2. I think it would be fun to have pizza night at our house where we all make our own pizzas.  It didn't turn out as well as we would have liked...the crust was a little too crusty, we need to find a different sauce, and it took much longer than we anticipated because the dough took forever to rise.  So, I'm calling on the big dogs (that would be you)...do you have a good dough/sauce recipe so that I can live out my dream of making pizza?  Please...I need you!

2.  Blast from the past (some things never change)...yesterday Rondell found a grocery list in his pocket that I emailed to him in 2008.  As he was reading it we realized that it sounds just like the lists we make today...we are still buying the same stuff.  BORING!  We decided that it really is time to revamp our menu...spice it up a little.

3.  A little something special...I ordered something for myself for my birthday this year, something that I rarely do.  I ordered one of these...my necklace says 'be still.'  You must check out Becky's shop and her blog...you must, right after you finish reading this post.

4.  Simplify...this is my new word to go along with my other word for 2010 (focus).  As I'm walking around my house I'm realizing that we have too much stuff (no wonder I'm getting frustrated with my organizing...I have too much stuff to organize), my desk area at work has too much stuff...I need to simply.  I need to eliminate the clutter in my life so that I can relax and focus on the important things that need my attention (the Word, my family, revamping our menu, making fun things for Christmas, etc).  So, I'm grabbing a bunch trash bags and I'm throwing stuff away.  And If I have less stuff I'll have less to clean :)

5.  Are you ready?  Thanksgiving is next week...just sayin'.  What are you looking forward to most?  Me...turkey and dressing!

Thanking God on Friday!

~  I am thankful for all of the wonderful birthday wishes.  So many people commented on my blog, or FB, or by text, or a phone call and I loved each and every one.

~  I am thankful for beautiful weather this week.  We have had blue skies and temps in the 60's all week and I've been loving every minute.  I stood outside for a bit last night looking up at the stars and just realizing how glorious God's creation is.

~  I am thankful (and a little nervous) that there is going to be a great turn out tonight for a workshop I have scheduled.  This will be my first workshop with people I have never met before (besides the hostess).  I'm excited to meet new people and show them the fabulous world of stamping.

~  I am thankful for a wonderful report from Jamison's teacher yesterday.  Overall her teacher said that she's a joy to have, responsible, smart, and confident.  It is so nice to know that she's adjusting well to 2nd grade.  Also...to toot her horn, the teacher informed us that Jamison is the only student who has gotten all of the spelling words correct on all of the spelling tests!!!  GO Jamison :)

Wordless Wednesday - Because I Love This Face!

For more WW visit my blog friend Tanya!

Kelli's Krafts - Let's Talk Christmas Cards

Yes Friends, it is that time to really be thinking of Christmas cards, especially if you're going to make them.  "Make my Christmas cards...what Kelli, are you crazy?"  Well maybe a little, but I still think you can make Christmas cards without being overwhelmed.  I thought I'd give you a few tips on how to make Christmas card making simple and smooth.


Here's the card I made last year (and please excuse the terrible picture) and I'll use it as the example as I go over the tips:
 

•  Plan your card...make a sketch or find a card that you want to CASE (Copy And Share Everything).  There are places where you can find sketches of cards as wells as samples of cards you can CASE.  Or if you find a Stampin Up! stamp set that you really like, look in the Stampin Up! catalog or the SU website for examples.
• Once you know what card you are going to make figure out your measurements and write them down.  This will help you create the card step-by-step over time.  For example, in the above card I knew the measurements for the snowflake paper so I was able to cut out as many as I needed at one time.
• Which leads me to doing your cards step-by-step.  Over a few days just take a little bit of time and prepare each piece of your card.  For the above card I took one night to cut the base of the card (which is taking a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of card stock and cutting it in half to make two bases for a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card).  Another night I cut out the next layer and another night I stamped the sentiment, punched it out and layered it.  Finally, you put all of the pieces together and that's it...in just a few evenings you're done!  No, seriously.
• One major tip is to make sure you have plenty of adhesive.  I make sure I have plenty of Snail before I start.
• Remember to have a system to keep all of your pieces together...I talked about that a little here last year along with pictures of some of my step-by-step process. 
• Turn on some Christmas music and have your favorite drink while you work (though you may not want to have the drink too close to your work because that could be a disaster waiting to happen...or am I the only clumsy one?).
• Enjoy!!!

Here's the stamp set I'm using this year (well, the tree from the set) and I can't wait to start building :)  I'll keep you posted.

Happy Stamping!