Monster Appreciation Blog Hop (Make up Your Own Holiday!!!)

Welcome to my little stop on the Make up Your Own Holiday Blog Hop!

We will be Celebrating Monster Appreciation Day!

Have you hugged a Monster Today???? I hug my little Monsters multiple times a day!!!

You should have Hopppppped on over from Ellen's Fabulous Blog! Amazing Right!

My Project today are little Felt Monster Stuffies!!

So Cute, and the kids decorated them all by their sweet little selves!

 First pin to felt pieces together, trace a Monster shape onto the top. I used Cricut cartridge Mini Monsters and selected the shadow shapes cutting them out to 8.5 inches. Using these as templates.

 Then use your sewing machine or hand stitch all but a small opening on the traced pattern. Then cut out leaving 1/4inch all the way around the pattern. Turn right side out. And stuff with fluff. Hand sew the leftover opening.

Decorate however you like! My monsters went simple, but you could sew on a mouth with yarn, add other felt shapes... it is endless!

Your next Stop on the Hop is Monica... be prepared to be awed! :)

“Karelj is offering an over-all blog candy for those who are hopping along with us.  How to win ? Follow along the blog trail, leaving a comment on each and every blog. On Monday, Karelj will ask her  buddy Randy (random.org) to select a blog number (from the list), a day (Saturday is one, Sunday is two), and a comment number from that blog. Please make sure you have left a reliable way to contact you (email is best, in the safe format of **** at **** dot com ) so you can be notified by her personally. If you don't, she’ll have to select another winner.”

Adding to Grannies Brag Book

I have been adding to Granny's Little Brag Book!

It has been a minute since I have blogged, but I have had some things going on!

I got a new Vascular Surgeon and Cardiologist (for my Takayasu's Arteritis)... so lots of tests and appointments!

But I have managed to craft a little, so I will have some blogging coming up!

I will be in Karel J's Blog hop this weekend too! So swing by!

I just got this set from Our Daily Bread Designs! One of my 3 favorite stamp Companies! With all of my Medical Bills, stamp cash is in short supply... so I must say, the Our Daily Bread Blog is FABULOUS!!! They are giving away stamp gift certificates WEEKLY!!! How generous is that!?!

This set is May God Hold You, and I have been coveting this set!! My little Sister just went to Ireland with her College pals, and besides that, it is just spectacular, you would be surprised at the usefulness!  The quotes are two of the most beautiful possible!

Peanut Allergy Warning!! Just reading this post may send you into shock!

CuppyCake Anyone????

I should say StuffCakes, that is what we call them round here. Cause all my Cupcakes have 'stuff' in them according to my kids. It's true, I don't make ordinary cupcakes. And today is no exception!

I recently had a cupcake at Crave here in Houston... and decided I needed to make something like myself. You know, cause one is never enough!

Without Further Adieu...

. 

Peanut Butter Overdose Stuffcakes!

Cupcake:

1 Cup Firmly packed Brown Sugar

6 Tbs Unsalted Butter

1/2 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Flour

3 tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Milk

1 1/4 Cups Chocolate chips

Cream together first 3, then add Eggs, Vanilla. Beat until combined. Mix baking powder and flour separate and then add partially to your mixture beating while alternatively adding the milk, until all is added and combined well. Then stir in chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes. Let cool.

For Ganache:

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

3/4 Cups Chocolate Chips

2 Tbs Unsalted Butter

1/4 + 1/8 cup Powdered Sugar

1/4 Cup smooth Peanut Butter

Combine all but peanut butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a very light boil, stir to create a shiny chocolatey heaven. Reduce heat, add peanut butter and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Cool completely stirring occasionally. Dip Cooled Cupcakes into Cooled Ganache and let rest.

Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting:

1/2 Cup Margarine

1/2 Cup Shortening

1/8 tsp Salt

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

4 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 Cup Cocoa Powder

1/2 Cup Milk

Combine all in a mixer or beat until light and fluffy... try not to consume all before icing your cooled, dipped cupcakes. 

 Now you may be saying, but I can BUY all of these things in a box and make them, by all means go ahead, I am sure they will be tasty.... but give it a try the old fashioned way... you may never go back!!!

Monday, Monday!

Ick. Monday already? Where does the time go!

I have been busy busy!

New doctors and New Medicines,which leave me feeling less than crafty yo!

Granny has been staying with us again... which is really nice. My company usually consists of small children, so other adults are a treat!

We have been baking and having a grand time. I will post some new recipes shortly!

But here is a little page from the Mini Scrapbook I am putting together of her favorite Great Grandchildren... MINE of course.... not that she will admit that!

Stamps by Our Daily Bread.

I have a DREAM Blog Hop!

Welcome to my little stop on your Dream Hop! 

Do not forget... “The Grand Prize Blog Candy is the Dreams Come True Cartridge,  donated by an anonymous donor!!  In order to be eligible to win, you need to leave a comment on each and every stop on the hop, along with a way to contact you.  Karelj will choose a winner by random.org on the 18th and announce it on her blog, as well as contacting the winner personally.”

I have a dream... a Dream Journal!

Hand Stitched using the Coptic Stitch. There are 6 signatures with 60 pages. The Journal measures 4.5x6 and is made from a leather Remnant. 

The front is stamped with a Giant Sun from Unity.

The Closure is a Metal "DREAM" Imprinted Circle and a Stone Bead.

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."
T. E. Lawrence

"A Dream is not a Realized until it is shared by Love."

Anonymous

This is my second project. A Rosary style Bracelet, Red Spot Jasper Stones, with One Mahogany Stone. Toggle Clasp

Up close LOVE Charm!

In Celebration of Our Fabulous Hop. I am offering coupon code DREAM to our hoppers for 15% off in my Shop, Arelia's Pretties!

1. Karelj at One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity  

2.  Nicolette at Beyond Scrapping  

3. Christel at Scrappin' Sista

4. Celeste at Touched by a Butterfly

5. Rachel at Suburban Crafter  << YOU ARE HERE

6. Stephanie at SS Crafter

7.  Col at Col's Creative Corner

8. Jessica at  Overjoyed Scrapper 

9. Krista and Kori at 2 Crafty Chicks  

10.  Gina at Gina Thornton Stamping  

11. Monique at Unique Monique

12. Kathryn at Creations with Kathryn

A little Scrapbook Challenge!

I am SO behind on my Scrapbooks. Pretty much a whole child behind! ha.

But Scrapbooking doesn't always have to be in a book!!!

My family just loves when I gift them these scrapbooked Canvases... with pictures or without, they are so great!

This canvas was Copic Airbrushed, Masked with Cricut Rock Princess Cartridge vinyl cutouts and stamped with Our Daily Bread Images! 

The Cross is a small wall cross that I removed the hanging parts.

Join the Challenge! Our Daily Bread!

Our Daily Bread Stamping in Time Challenge!

This year, I am going to try to get back on track! 

I fell a little off on my crafting time and motivation when I got sick this summer.

But I have a great room in my new house, and plenty of time to make some time for myself!

I plan to RING IN THE NEW YEAR... by stamping and stamping and then stamping some more!

Here is my first go at it!

Suede Prayer Journal, Hand Stitched, Hand Stamped. Colored with Copic Markers.

 Copic Colored

 Hand Stitched with Waxed Imitation Sine.

I love this set, I have others.... but this is my favorite. Something about it.... just gets me right here! hahahha

Join the Challenge!!! Our Daily Bread Designs Stamping in Time Challenge!

Today's Recipe... do it yourself for less.

Lately I have been to a few Holiday parties, and people have been raving about this Cheese dip. 

I tried it, it was delish. The only problem is... it is from one of those Seasoning companies. 

Personally, I think is a Fabulous Idea.... sell me the seasoning I need, and make them so yummy. 

However, I make all my own seasonings, and I own most of the ingredients already.... and, wait for it...

I am cheap! 

This dip was from Epicure... and I priced it out to buy the three you need... at 8.95 a piece, for stuff I could likely pull out of my pantry... I couldn't justify it.

Sooooooooo, without further ado. I share with you, my Imitation Epicure Seasoning mixes.... I am sure the real thing is better... but mine were darn tasty.

Here is the recipe for the dip From Epicure.

Now there are three seasoning mixes you need to make the dip. I use my husbands old coffee grinder, you can get one of these for the price of one of the spice mixes, and make your own blends forever!

The first is a 

Bacon/Cheese/Chive Seasoning.

3 Tbs Parmesan (the powdery kind)

2 Tbs Imitation Bacon (the crunchy hard kind)

2 Tbs Dried Chives

Lightly pulse in the spice grinder/coffee grinder/food processor. Keep it a little lumpy.

Next is

Lemony Dill Seasoning.

2 Tbs Dried Dill

2 Tbs Granulated Garlic

2 tsp Onion flakes

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp lemon granules

lightly pulse in the grinder.

and finally:

Onion Mix.

2 Tbs Onion Flakes

2 Tbs Dried Chives

1 Tbs Dried Parsley

1 tsp Granulated Garlic

Lightly pulse in the grinder, keeping it kinda lumpy.

Okay, now, once you have whipped those up. store them airtight, You only need a tsp of each for the recipe.

I add a tsp of each, 1/2 cup of cheddar shredded, 1/2 cup of mozzarella shredded, 8oz brick of Cream cheese, and 1 cup of mayo to the food processor and blend well. 

I then bake at 350 for close to 40 minutes. 

I serve with homemade pita bread.

My sister came to visit and we cooked and cooked... we also update the Seasonings/Sauces Recipes download I have on the sidebar... If you haven't picked it up... take a looksie!

Recipe Book Spices/Sauces Download!

Loving my Sewing Machine?

Well, I was very very excited to get my new sewing machine. 

But I will say, that Sheila and I, Sheila is my Sewing machine. I named her that, because when my kids are around, I can not say Shhhhh you know the rest. So now its Shhhhhhheila. 

I have broken a needle already. And what the flip good is the zipper foot???

okay, so other than that. I think I am getting the hang of it. It is not a miracle machine, that can do everything on its own, and you can only sew so many things! Limitations... not my strong suit! 

I did manage to sew these cutey patootey little Super hero capes.

Here is the Tutorial I used! So many great FREE sewing beauties out there!

Caught between TWO

Oh Y'all, this Holiday Season has me all twisted up Emotionally. 

I am so happy to be so unbelievably blessed.

But, I am also Sad... missing my Dad.

Today, I was out and about... visiting with new friends and running errands. Being in a big city again, there are a plethora of well... homeless.

Well.... I live in a very nice little Suburb... SO NICE.... I am often amazed that I live here.

As I walked into a building today, a man came up and asked for change. I didn't have any. He asked a pair of Ladies behind me, and they also refused. But then one lady said to ME, ME!... "oh I HATE that, You know he is a JUNKIE anyway."

Now, those of you who know me personally, know that this word bothers me so. Not because it is not true, but because it breaks my heart.

Soooo, there my breathe gets taken away.

And I spend the rest of the day in quiet contemplation. Mostly about the two worlds I live in.

I remember so WELL the day I was shopping with my best gal pal, not that many years ago... in my little bubble in South Carolina. My phone just started blowing up, like crazy calls. On the other end: Grown men Sobbing uncontrollably... telling me My father was gone!

My Dad.

Not a hero by anyone's standards... but he went to battle everyday. 

My Dad, maybe a Junkie to you.... but he was a FATHER to me, and 3 other brilliant children. 

So there I stood, knowing my Father was gone, leaving 3 other CHILDREN behind, how would I tell them our Dad was dead. How would I bury my DAD having passed at only 45.

Here is my quiet suburban life... a 3 year old son, playdates and bundt cakes... and I get dragged back to a really pleasant (NOT) city outside of Detroit. A city plagued with gang violence and currently FBI raids.

How do I exist in these two worlds simultaneously... is it possible?

So anyway, here I stand before two women who very obviously had no first hand Junkie experience....  and I am thinking how dare you, Somebody loves him, Somebody could be dying inside not knowing if he will be okay! But really, I just smile and move on.

 After my Dad Passed, I decided I wanted to have another child.... he would have ADORED her. She is so rotten.

Anyway, So that is me feeling pretty torn today. And maybe a little guilty for having it all.

On the crafting side, I of course found some quiet meditative solace in creating two sets of 12 step Serenity Prayer Recovery Prayer Beads. Honoring my Father's Memory, and praying for the Recovery of others.

The back has praying hands on it... like the next set.

Sorry if I bummed you out! Happy Holidays anyway!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Woah Friends and Blog Buddies, it has been a Looong Month.

This month was busy busy busy.

I had family come into town spread out for the last month, maybe a little more.

My Granny is still here visiting... but she is 'craft' friendly!!!

My sweet darling husband (you know he musta did good to deserve those words) got me a sewing machine for my birthday! Woo hoo.

So Exciting... here are my first two projects!!!

I apologize for the sideways photos... I think something is kooooky with blogger,because I tried 8 different ways to upload my UPRIGHT pictures.... and they always come in SIDEWAYS!
Any hoosit... My little apron has some issues on the trim, it was the first thing I ever sewed! Is sewed a word?
and my little dress, has one hem on the outside on one of the sleeves, I am going to fix that tonight :)

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...