Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Veteran's Day Blog HOP!!!!

I love blog Hops that are Close to my Heart!
I went a LITTLE crazy making all kinds of Military apparel! 
I carry most of these pieces in my shop on Etsy!
I was thinking about all of the Wonderful Military Folks that I know... and I realized most of the servicemen I know are WOMEN! What an amazing time we live in! 
A few of my Sorority Sisters are US Army Sisters! Rock it out Kappas!
My First Project was Inspired by my Army Sisters:

These are Five Decade Memory Wire Rosary Wraps, with Saint Christopher United States Army Medals. Made from Unakite and Red Sesame Jasper!

My Second Project is Marine Inspired, I have more than a few Marines in the Family and well, it is their Birthday!
This is a Hand Stitched Red Leather Journal with Red, white and blue Page marker with a hanging Vintage Gold Cross!
For my Air Force Buddies:
Saint Christopher Land Sea Air Pocket Rosary in Red Sesame Jasper. Perfect for travel.

And for all of those Veterans and Active Military Personnel and family, I am praying for you!
5 Decade  Red, White & Blue, Crown of Throwns Sacred Heart Rosary.


BLOG HOP LIST:
1.     KarelJ at One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity  http://karelj.blogspot.com
2.     Celeste at Touched By a Butterfly  http://www.touchedbyabutterfly.com
3.     Deb at Tidbit’s Place    http://tidbitsplace.blogspot.com
4.       Michelle at Peanut Butter and Jelly Designs   http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com
5.       Jennifer at Young’s Scrapping    http://youngsscrapping.blogspot.com
6.       Diane at Crafting This Moment    http://craftingthismoment.blogspot.com
7.       Judy at Be Present Be Real    http://bepresentbereal.blogspot.com
8.       Marianne at Life From Marianne’s Table    http://number1aunt.blogspot.com
9.       Deb at If It’s Groovy    http://ifitsgroovy.blogspot.com
10.   Christel at One Scrappin’ Sista   http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com
11.   Belinda at Queen Bee’s Musings       http://queenbeesmusings.blogspot.com
12.   Colleen at Col’s Creative Corner     http://scrappycol.blogspot.com
13.   Summer and Jennifer at Cricut Diaries  http://cricutdiaries.blogspot.com
14.   Rachel at Suburban Crafter     http://www.rachelstampshappy.blogspot.com/  ***YOU ARE HERE***
15.   Gina at Gina Thornton Stamping  http://ginathorntonstamping.blogspot.com
16.   Becky at  Susan’s Blog   http://sewingstitches.blogspot.com
17.   Rebecca at Creations With Becca  http://creationswith becca.blogspot.com
18.   Bobbi Jo at Sassy Sweet Diva  http://sassysweetdiva.blogspot.com
19.   Angie at Gypsy  Paperie  http://gypsypaperie.blogspot.com
20.   Linda at The Tulip Collector  http://thetulipcollector.blogspot.com

BLOG CANDY INFO:
*Our amazing Blog Candy (2—count ‘em! TWO Chances to win!!) are brought to you through the generosity of Marlo, who created the marvelous Scrap’NTote  and Anne, from Paper Patch Crafts.
The rules for entering are the same for both prizes:  Hop along our path and leave a comment AND a way to contact you on each and every stop. Please leave contact information in a safe manner ( ie, written out, rather than a direct link).   On Friday, November 12, KarelJ will use random.org to first select a blog number (1-20) and then a comment number from that blog for each prize.  She will post the winner’s name on her blog and notify the bloggers, so they can also post the winner.  KarelJ will contact the winner, using the information left in the comment.  If there is no information available, she will choose another winner from the same blog.  It is up to the winner to contact KarelJ at ksjennings(at)gmail(dot)com. If she has not been contacted by Monday, November 15, another winner will be chosen.
Now, on to the good stuff! Our first prize is a wonderful Pink Scrap’Ntote to store your Cricut Cartridges in!  It comes to us from Marlo, at ContainYaCrafts.  You can see the wonderful way this binder system keeps all your carts together, and ready to go in a flash on this link:  http://www.cricutcartridgestorage.com/index.htm  Need more than one?  Put it on the Christmas Wish List and have the hubs order NOW, as they are simply flying out of stock!  We got one of the final donations for the year, and are so grateful to Marlo!
Our second terrific prize is a set of Spellbinders Nesties in the Crown Circle Shape.  It comes to us via the generosity of Anne, whose family has an incredibly strong military heritage.  You can read more about Anne and her husband on Linda and Gina’s Blogs.  You can also check out paper Patch Crafts here, to see what other incredible things Anne has to sell!  http://stores.ebay.com/Paper-Patch-Crafts?_rdc=1  *
READ ABOUT A MILITARY FAMILY: 
Interview With Julie
1. How are you connected to the Military?   My father is retired from the USAF and my husband is currently serving in the USAF.
2. How has this connection impacted your life?  It has given me a wonderful opportunity to live abroad in other countries. To live in another country is a different experience than to just visit for a short stay. When it comes to assignment time I get anxious to find out where we are going next. To me, its like a new adventure and I always look forward to it.
3. What’s the hardest part of being a military relative (wife? Child? Friend?)  One would be being away from family and close friends. But with the military, you find new friends that you build strong friendship bonds that are as dear to you as family. hardest part...the thought of that dreadful knock on the door or the phone call.
4. What do you do to make it easier?  With technology now days it’s a lot easier to keep up with family and friends. I even still chat with close friends from overseas, which is nice. Get out and meet people. Get involved in local activities. Just try to mingle and get to know others in the area.
5. Do you think Veterans and Service personnel get the respect they deserve?  
For the most part, I think they do, but I do feel as though the older Veterans sometimes don't get as much respect as they should. In the towns and cities where there are bases i feel as though the respect is higher.
6. What kinds of things do you think could be done to better support Veterans and the Military?
I would like to see more done for those serving our country who are injured while serving. Also, the families of those who have lost a loved one or are caring for a loved one who was injured need support.
7. What do you think artists and crafters could do to support the Military?
Artisits and crafters have always been good supporters and I hope they will always continue sharing their talented gifts.
8. What else would you like to share with the people reading this?
I would just would like to say that I am proud of my husband for his commitment to his country during these difficult times. Even though he works long hours and is sent to do tours, in the end it’s all worth it . We have traveled places and experienced things that most people would never dream of. We have 3 wonderful boys, each born in different countries, to share in this experience. I wouldn't change a thing. OK… maybe just the leaving family part...

Monday, November 1, 2010

Who is Hungry??? This Girl.

As many of you know, my recent and off the wall diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis has me on a HIGH dosage of steroids... so who is hungry? THIS GIRL for sure!
I have packed on about 45 lbs... don't worry, I started well below the hundred mark... so I could use it!
Luckily for me, my neighborhood offers FREE cooking classes!
I love to cook, I have not learned any new techniques, but tasting the recipes first hand, makes me more likely to try NEW things in my kitchen!
This recipe is a modification of one that I got from the class... which is offered by Chef Tim feel free to contact him, he is supremely friendly. He shares his recipes freely! His original Recipe was called 'Hatch Green Chile & Potato Soup'

Here is my Version:

Chorizo, Chile & Potato Soup

3 TBS Butter or Margarine
1 Yellow Onion
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 tsp Oregano
2 Bay Leaves
2-3 links Chorizo Sausages (no meat in original) cut open skin removed
5-6 cups Stock
7 oz. can of Green Chiles (orignal recipe had 20oz.)
3-4 Russet Potatoes, Diced
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1/3 cup Heavy Cream

Roux: 1/4 cup veg Oil and 1/3 cup Flour. Heat oil and whisk in flour for 2-3 until flour is cooked out.
or you can use a cornstarch mixture.. your choice.

In your stock pot, heat your butter, saute your onion and garlic until translucent. Add the chorizo, breaking it up into chunks. you can use pork sausage or any other meat or no meat here if you like.  Add Oregano and bay leaves. stir. cover for 5-10 minutes. stirring occasionally. 
Then add the stock, potatoes and chiles, seasonings. simmer for 25-30 until potatoes are soft. Add the cream. Make your Roux. Add your Roux Mix until combined, thickened.
Serve with strips of corn tortilla that have been fried in oil until crisp, top with your fave Mexican Cheese (Muenster, Oaxaca, Monterrey Jack). Straight Cheddar is good too!

I love this as a leftover with a nice Mexican Panini.


Friday, October 22, 2010

Leather Bound Hand stitched Journal

I have been saying I was going to make some hand stitched journals for forever it seems. I bought all the supplies. I researched, I learned a few stitches.... I was ready... then nothing! Lost my Mojo, I guess!
Well, I finally did one today. So simple, elegant and I can not wait to do some more... I have some designs in mind, and a few ways to embellish!!!

Here is my first crack at it....


This one has 100 pages 4.25x5.5 size. The journal was hand stitched and has snaps for a closure. 
I think these will make great gifts!!!

I am still searching for my two blog candy winners... Java Jen and Becky... I will redraw next week if I do not find them by Wednesday!! 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Where my winners at???

I am still looking for my blog candy winners, Claim your prizes this week pleeeeeeease! I will have to redraw soon!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Think Pink Blog Hop candy Winner...

Let me say a few things first...

1. I am still looking for my winner from my last Candy... scroll down to find that post!
2. This Hop was TOTALLY awesome... what a Fabulous group of bloggers and hoppers!!! Y'all rock!!
I am slowly making to all of your blogs... I want to favorite each of you!
3. The stamp set I used was from VERVE. On sale here for $20 and $10 goes to Susan G Komen!!!

4. I am having a sale on Breast Cancer Awareness bracelets in my etsy shop.  These Bracelets were inspired by my very own survivor, My Granny! She loves hers!

Now, onto my WINNER!!! I had my son pull a name from a Hat... he loves to do it that way, he gets practice writing all the names on slips of paper, counting each one, and then drawing a name!
My Winner:

I can not wait to see you all for the Veterans day hop!!! And I am sure I will be doing some more posting and candy before then! At least I am hoping so!

Friday, October 8, 2010

THINK PINK BLOG HOP!!!!! BLOG CANDY!!!!

Welcome to my little stop on THINK PINK hop!!!
This Hop goes from October 9-11th!

You came from  Here, and have found your way to the end! 
Since you held on for so long, I want to reward you!!!
My Blog Candy will be at the end of this post!
And do not forget the Pink Cricut Blog Candy Giveaway, Finish your hop Here!!!

For this hop, I have prepared some of my favorite things!!! Jewelry and some cards of course!

This cause is close to my heart, as I know it is for many of you! So, Think Pink this Month and check your TaTa's. 
Hug your Survivors (yes, one can hug ones self) and Remember those who fought bravely and taught us all to live.
Think Pink Rosary Bracelet! 
Think Pink Pandora Style Leather Necklace!
Now, I carry these pieces in my store... Arelia's Pretties.. but here is your chance to win ALL of the projects featured on my blog. 
To win my Candy, Follow me if you do not already...
kindly visit my little etsy shop and Heart me!
Find us on Facebook and like us there!
And then leave a comment letting me know you did one of those!
I will random.org my winner On October 12th!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Arelia's Pretties' Giveaway Winner!

Morning y'all. Or afternoon.... perhaps where you are!
My Winner today from the Arelia's Giveaway.... is
drumroll.... NUMBER 1...

Please shoot me an email at wannascrapallday at hotmail and I will mail this out to you! Let me know if you need it smaller or larger. :)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Arelia's Pretties' Giveaway!!!

You know what I think... I think I love to do blog candy. Yep. Guilty.
I think I need to do some Arelia Candy. She loves sweet things too.
Arelia says we should give away a pretty!
So, How about a pretty little Rosary Style Wing & Prayer Bracelet?

This gorgeous 7.5 inch Bracelet (which I am happy to re-size), has the prettiest 6mm Mauve pearls and 6mm faceted fire polished smoke beads that just sparkle like no other!
 The Rosary style connection is super fashionable right now, and the charms are too cute, they are not as bulky as my DELUXE wing & prayer bracelet... so even if you rarely wear jewelry, you will love this bracelet. 
Wanna win my little giveaway... super easy... Here are few ways to enter the giveaway, Each qualifies as one entry... so do multiple if you like!!! Leave me a comment, letting me know which you did!
1. Visit Arelia's Pretties Etsy shop ... and Favorite us while you are there!
2. Visit us on Facebook and 'like' us while you are there!
3. Follow my blog if you do not already!
4. Leave me a comment, telling me what your favorite item in my shop is, what I need more of... how I can improve... etc etc.
5. Blog about Arelia's Pretties and/or add Arelia's Pretties badge to your blog >>>> found on the right column!

I will random.org a winning entry on Wednesday, October 6th!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Little Felt House

I may have mentioned a little while back that I was planning to make a felt dollhouse for my pumpkin pie. She is almost 2...
She really likes this one, you may be able to tell, it is already 'played' with!!!
It was easy peasy, Just some felt pieces cut to size, and messy hand sewing!!! It opens up and has velcro on the top to seal her 'babies' in there.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

My New Craft Room

Today, I thought I would show off my new room! 
Our move to Texas has had many benefits.... new doctors for my stupid rare condition, top notch schools for the kids, and well a bigger craft space!

What more could a girl ask for? 
I am a scrapbooking, stamping, book binding, jewelry making, crafting fool. If you can make it yourself, I will.
So, here is my studio!
I have a GIANTASTIC walk in closet, that I could fit a King size bed in and walk around! haha. So it helps keep the clutter to a minimum, I have my paper rack, hanging punches, and some drawers in there. Not too much. Lots of space to lock the kids in there, when they are bugging me. haha.I do find them hiding in there, it has a light, so they camp out.... God Forbid they play in their Massive Game room!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Fiska-Blog-Candy- Winner

Do you know what one of the coolest things about being a Fiskateer is? Now, there are TOO many to count, but one is getting to use the term FISKA in so many fun ways. You can add it to any word... Fiska-Fabulous (someone left that one on my comments - awesome!), you can use it as a partial replacement in a word to make it sound FISKAlicious or Fiskatastic. 
There are just too many Fiskariffic ways to use it!
The HOP was awesome! Thank You Debby for putting it on!
I have not even made it all the way through yet - Saturday was my hubbies Birthday, so we had a busy week of planning and festivities!
 So, My Fiska-Winner is....
Drum Roll.....
My Fiska Friend please send me a message on Fiskateers #667 or shoot me an email at wannascrapallday at Hotmail, with your address, so I can mail this baublydo to you!

:)
Thanks to EVERYONE for your comments! Y'all rock. . . My inbox was flooded, I did not expect so many! :) FiskaLove to you all!



Thursday, September 9, 2010

Fiskateers Blog Hop with a Jewelry Project of Course!!! GIVEAWAY


Hiya Fiska Friends and other blogger readers! If you are not a Fiskateer... then join already!

I know you started your hop at the Fiskateers Blog, but if you didn't... you should!
And you should have arrived here from Judy's Blog, which is superb by the way!

My Project today inspired by Fiska Orange of course, is a Jewelry project!
I have been OBSESSED with my new hobby.  I know, I know... but it is so fun. If you have not dabbled in the bead world as a crafter, you should!
I used my handy Fiskars tools, as always, because they are the best quality. I use them often, and wish there were a few more Fiskar Brand Jewelry tools!!!
I created a linked Necklace, in none other than ORANGE! 
I made one for myself and engraved my fiskateer number on it, to match my Scissors!
Now on to the giveaway!
Do you want this bauble to call your own?
Follow me for your chance to win! Just click Follow, and let me know you did, or you already do... and I will draw a winner on Monday!

Your Next stop is Tami!!!! Enjoy the hop!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Guess who?

Guess who made Arelia into a Rubber stamp? Bet you already guessed, or you probably already knew!
Katie Did!
Swing over to Paper Makeup Stamps and take a peek!
So Adorable.
When I told Arelia to take a look, she immediately pointed out the purse in the picture of Katie's Card.
She was already dressed in her Dora Princess Pretend Dress and and Shoes, so she ran to get a purse... or 4. 
Yes, My Daughter has problems. Odd thing is, I wanted a boy! And I am kind of a hippie. She is ALL girl. Good thing Grandma and Aunt Marissa are so girly.


Thursday, August 26, 2010

Arelia's Pretties Etsy Shop launch!

So I did it, I launched the Etsy Shop, you may have seen in my last post!
So this week I will be adding to it like crazy!
And Wait for it, Wait for it!
I am going to make some cards this week too! 
OOOOOOOoooooo Somebody pinch me!
Or at least mail me some MOJO!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Well Hooowdy Y'all

Or is it Hawwwdy Y'all...
I am not sure.
Well, it is official... by boy is off to school, and we are all moved in to our New house in Texas!
And Truthfully, no one has said HOWDY to me, in the stereotypical Texas format!
Now, my new house, has a HUGE crafting space for me... all to myself, walk in closet and all... but don't you just know, I am having trouble getting the space the way I want it!
Until then, here is some other exciting news - I opened an ETSY shop!!!
Check me out, if you have an ETSY - 'heart me' and I'll 'heart' you back!!! :)

Here is a Rosary Style Necklace that I made, it is all the rage right now... my gal pal Kel and I have been eying them and she has made a few, so I thought I would give it a try!!!