Winner of my blog candy!

Hi Everyone and Merry Christmas!!!

Just wanted to announce the winner of my blog candy!

TAMIKA!

You are the winner of my blog candy! Please email me your address and I'll get it out to you. My email is sweetpiecesbymeatgmaildotcom.

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!

Charlene

A Simple Christmas Card

Here is a very simple Christmas card I made for my stamp a stack class. It's very easy to reproduce, definitely a 10 minute card. First I stamped the snowman from Snow Much Fun in black Staz-On ink. Then I used a blender pen to color him in. I used Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie. Then I punched him out with a 1-3/4" punch and layered him on top of a 2-3/8" scallop circle. The card base is 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Lucky Limeade folded in half. I adhered a piece of 4" x 5-1/4" Very Vanilla to that, and a piece of patterned paper 4" x 2" to that. The patterned paper is from the Festival of Prints designer series paper stack, which is only $6.95!  Above it I adhered a piece of Crumb Cake seam binding around the card. I stamped a sentiment from More Merry Messages in Basic Black. You can purchase any of these supplies from my website at sweetpiecesbyme.stampinup.net.

Signed up with Stampin' Up!...I'm back! Hello Blog Candy!!

Wyatt is almost 6 months old. I think I am finally getting a handle on his "schedule" but it is difficult. He doesn't sleep much...but I'm finally trying to get him to have at least 1 nap a day. I really try for 2. Some days he is the most happy boy. Some days he is kinda whiny...teething I'm sure. But no teeth poking out yet. 
We've had a busy couple of months, getting used to a baby...and moving!! Yep, my husband got promoted to Manager finally and we had to move to Antioch (or near there). It's pretty hard to get used to things because all my friends and family are in the Sacramento area. So I am re-starting up my Stampin' Up! business in this area and we'll see how it goes. :) I hope to share my love of stamping and crafting with everyone I meet! I will throw myself into my business and raising my son. Making new adventures and having new experiences. He really is a great little boy and a sweetie. Being a mommy is the best job!! Then being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. ;)

So I've been promising a blog candy, so HERE IT IS!!! You can win these goodies here! Just comment on this post and I'll pick a random comment on December 15th. Some of the goodies are American Crafts ribbon, a Glue Glider Pro Tape Gun, Fancy Pants rub-ons, SEI ribbon and an album made by me! So please comment so you have a chance to win! There will be more blog candy to come, this is just the beginning! :)

I've been busy...We had a baby!

So....I have been preoccupied...distracted...and a little overwhelmed! We just welcomed our first baby to the world on June 12th! He was a little early, almost 4 weeks. I had preeclampsia and very high blood pressure so he figured it was time to come into this world. He did with only 3 big pushes. Labor was not too bad but it wasn't easy. The Dr. missed the cavity for my epidural the first time and I threw up, but he got it the 2nd time. My labor started at about 6:45AM on the 12th and out came Wyatt Christiaan (yes with 2 A's) at 9:34PM on the 12th. (So glad he wasn't born on the 13th!) ;-)
So here is our little peanut!!!.............

Wyatt Christiaan 

4 lbs 11 oz

19" long 

I love being a mommy. I love taking care of him and just looking at him! And Galen is SUCH a great daddy. So Wyatt just turned 3 months old and he is finally sleeping for about 5 hours once we put him to bed at night. This is great because he doesn't sleep much during the day, just little naps! I have been working on his baby book and some scrapbook pages but it's hard. When he sleeps I usually try to grab a shower or make something to eat!! But it's getting better....sloooooowly. :)

I have recently resigned from Stampin' Up! to have more time for Wyatt and taking care of our home. I'm now a full time mommy and home maker. I love it so far, but it ain't easy! I do plan to sign up again as soon as I am able, November I think. That is my "hope" anyway, we'll see what happens.

I also plan to blog MORE!!! YAY!! I am going to want to brag to everyone about this little man, I'm sure. So, to celebrate, I am doing a BLOG GIVEAWAY!!! YAY!!! Haven't done one of those in a while! So, stay tuned, I should be announcing it this WEEKEND!!!

Thanks for staying with my blog! xoxoxo

New Stampin' Up! Products, A Challenge & Lemon-Raspberry Coffee Cake

Thanks for stopping by! I created this card using some new designer paper and stamps from Stampin' Up! I rounded corners all the corners to fit in with a challenge over at Scrapbook & Cards Today's Blog. I love the soft look the rounded corners give. It goes great with flowers! I'm in love with these bright, summery colors too - Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade and Tangerine Tango. It sounds like a great combination for a smoothie if you ask me! ;)
I'm not sure why this photo turned sideways - it was straight when I edited it!

Also, I made this Lemon-Raspberry coffee cake and I just wanted ya'll to know, it is delicious!! So, make it for Mother's Day or your next brunch and everyone will LOVE it. The only thing I changed was I added about 1 tsp of lemon zest and 1 Tbs of lemon juice to the cake batter. (Since it had no lemon flavor besides in the cream cheese) It had just the right amount of lemon flavor - not too much!  The cream cheese made it so moist. I think I will add a few more raspberries next time too. It's an impressive coffee cake!!

Chocolate Souffle for Two!

I was just hankerin' for some chocolate souffle tonight, so after shopping for a new king mattress (for our new bed!!), I came home and whipped them up! I found a GREAT recipe for Chocolate Souffles for Two. They were soooo good. Topped with a little fresh whipped cream and a few raspberries. 20 minutes in the oven was perfect...just when the tops started to slightly crack. They were light, moist and it was just chocolatey/sweet enough. They are perfect if you don't like desserts that are overly sweet! (plus they are quick and easy, but look so fancy!)
Here's the before the oven picture....

And after it baked at 375 for 20 minutes.....

 And after adding the fresh whipped cream and raspberries! These are so good and so worth it!!

Let's Scrap Challenge #133 - Layout & Cards

Hi Stampers/Scrappers!

I joined an online scrapbooking community, Let's Scrap, so I can get some pages done before my baby arrives! I just participated in a layout challenge, #133. You can still join in if you upload your layout by this Thursday, April, 19, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (using the main page clock time), to be eligible for the prize drawing -a fun assortment of scrapbook goodies (they will ship anywhere)!

Here is my 2 page layout. I used flowers as a theme and my title is Love Being An Auntie. I have 3 nieces and 2 nephews (although I noticed 1 nephew is not pictured!). I love using punches on layouts and for this one I used the Lace Ribbon Border punch #122362 by Stampin Up. It's so versatile, looks like lace, and looks beautiful on cards or layouts! You can purchase it from me (just email me: sweetpiecesbyme@gmail.com) or go to www.stampinup.com and note me as the Demonstrator.


I also joined in another Challenge thru Green Tangerines, Tuesdays with a Twist, where you use your leftover pieces from your layout to create some cards. I made 3 cards and was entered 3 times. And I won a $5 gift card! :) Here are my spring/baby themed cards...

The Stampin' Up! Retired List is Available!!

We have all been waiting patiently to see what stamp sets will be retiring on May 31st, 2012. Good news, The Stampin' Up! Retired List is now available!

* Click HERE to see the list of over 300 stamp sets that will be retiring!!
* These stamp sets will be available through May 31st, 2012.

• If you plan to order your retiring favorites, be sure to check the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack for great deals on punches, albums, designer series paper and more. Up to 60% off! 50+ new products added to clearance this past week! Clearance rack items can ONLY be placed through an on-line order and are available while supplies last! If you don't have a Demonstrator, be sure to enter my name as your Demonstrator!
  
• Don't miss your chance to pre-order new products from the Stampin' Up! Summer Smooches Collection. Ends April 30.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Retired Accessories/Décor Elements Lists will be released on April 25, 2012. Retiring accessories and Stampin' Up! Décor Elements (this line is being discontinued) will only be available while supplies last. BE SURE TO ORDER EARLY!

PLEASE REMEMBER that the Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog will be released June 1, 2012, a month earlier than in the past. The good news is that with so many stamp sets retiring, the new catalog will be loaded with new products!

Bridal Shower Dress Card

Hi Stampers!

I have seen this card a lot lately and I wanted to make my own version of it. I have a bridal shower to go to on Saturday so I thought this would be perfect. I used the same colors of her invitation, a bright green (Wild Wasabi) and a espresso colored brown (Early Espresso). I hand cut the dress and ran in through the Big Shot #113439 using 2 different embossing folders, Framed Tulips #121809 and Elegant Bouquet#115964. I added pearls #119247 and dazzling diamonds #102023 fine glitter to finish the dress. I also used the eyelet border punch #119853 on the edge. You can purchase any of these items on the web at www.stampinup.com. Just be sure to enter my name as the Demonstrator :) Enjoy!

Ribbon Shares! Get a little or a lot of each ribbon by Stampin' Up!

Introducing my Ribbon Share opportunity! You will be able to purchase several colors of each type of Stampin' Up! ribbon at a fraction of the cost! This way you can increase your ribbon collection without breaking the bank ;)

Here's a picture of what each share will look like: (you'll receive a card with the "collection" that you are ordering, for example all polka dot ribbon, all taffeta or all ruffled ribbon)

Here is how my share works:

To reserve a spot in Charlene's Ribbon Shares, please EMAIL ME directly at sweetpiecesbyme@gmail.com.

Please include the following information in your email:

1. Name

2. Mailing Address (United States addresses only)

3. Which share(s) you would like to reserve (see choices below)

4. Email for Paypal invoicing or how you prefer to pay

When your share(s) fill, I will email a PayPal invoice for you to complete the payment process. At which time, I'll place the order with Stampin' Up! Upon arrival from Stampin' Up!, I will sort, cut, wrap/assemble, package and mail. This process takes about two weeks.

I generally use PayPal for all my billing needs. However, you do not need to have a PayPal account to make your payment. Just an email address and credit or debit card is all you need. When you receive my PayPal invoice, you can choose to pay using your PayPal account funds or, by credit/debit card. Just follow their SUPER EASY instructions to make your payment via the method that is most convenient for you.

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All ribbon shares are wrapped around chipboard to ensure wrinkle free ribbon. In addition...all shares are protected by cello bag packaging, ensuring safe and dry delivery!
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Here are the shares that are available as of 4/10/2012: (shares subject to change with new 2012-2013 Catalog)

Narrow 1/8" Taffeta RIBBON SHARE: $13.95 (+$1.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx 2 yards of each Narrow 1/8" Taffeta ribbon with white trimmed edges in 10 colors (Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red,Regal Rose, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.69/yard!

3/8" Taffeta RIBBON SHARE: $15.95 (+$1.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx 2 yards of each 3/8" Taffeta ribbon in 10 colors (Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Soft Suede and Whisper White) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.79/yard!

Scallop Dots 1/2" RIBBON SHARE: $17.95 (+$2 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes 2 yards of each of the 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon in 10 colors (Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink and Tangerine Tango) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.89/yard!

1/4" Grosgrain RIBBON SHARE: $19.95 (+$3 shipping if not a local pickup)This share includes 3 yards of each of the 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in 17 colors (Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink , Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla & Whisper White) Total 51 yards! of It's like getting this ribbon for $0.39/yard!

1/2" Seam Binding RIBBON SHARE: $12.95 (+$1.50 shipping if not a local pickup) This share includes approx 2 yards of each 1/2" Seam Binding ribbon in (Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz and Rose Red AND now NEW Pool Party too!!!) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.80/yard!

5/8" Satin RIBBON SHARE: $19.95 (+$2.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes a generous 3 yards of each of the 5/8" Satin Ribbon in 10 colors (Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Very Vanilla and Whisper White) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.66/yard!

1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain RIBBON SHARE: $25.95 (+$2.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx 2 yards of each 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon in 11 colors. (Basic Black, Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, Not Quite Navy, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede, Wild Wasabi)

3/8" Ruffled RIBBON SHARE: $11.95 (+$2 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx 2 yards of each 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon in the five 2011-2013 IN COLORS (Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder)

1/2" Stitched-Poly RIBBON SHARE: $11.95 (+$2 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes a generous 3 yards of each 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon in the five 2010-2012 IN COLORS (Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade) It's like getting this ribbon for $0.79/yard!

Tiramisu Recipe - MUST TRY!

Ok kids, if you love Tiramisu, this recipe is probably one of the best out there! (I wish I could take credit!) However, I found it on the Food Network website. ;) It's Johnny Garlic's Classic Tiramisu. If you're not familiar with Johnny Garlic's, it's a restaurant chain owned by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
I made this for my sister in law and her husband and they LOVED it. Of course I did too - I mean wow it is SO GOOD. It makes a 9x13 pan full so you have plenty for 14-16 people easily!
I bought the hard lady fingers and wasn't sure how it would turn out but since you dip them in the coffee/amaretto mixture, they do really soak up that liquid. (You just need to do a quick dip too)
That is what you do first and line your 9x13 pan with the soaked lady fingers.

Then you put a mascarpone/cream layer on top of it, I whipped mine up in my Kitchen Aid mixer, super easy....and sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder on top of it.

Then add another layer of soaked lady fingers.....


Then of course another layer of the creamy mascarpone filling and top with more cocoa powder.

I made this 1 day ahead and covered it tightly with saran wrap and kept it in the fridge. It came out so good and tasted just like a restaurant style Tiramisu! It's a very impressive dessert that is quite easy to make! Hope you try it and enjoy! I know we did!!!

Card Making Workshop Saturday April 7th

I've been busy crafting! Sadly not all for me though :( I made a banner for my sister in law's baby shower and also a home decor frame sample for a workshop.
However today I was lucky and I finished TWO cards for my upcoming workshop! YAY! I loved using the 2011-2013 in colors again. They are my fav :) I used the stamp set Fruit and Flowers and the coordinating paper too. I got to play with my new Labels Framelits too! - LOVE it. If you didn't get it, I'm sure it will be moved into the main IB&C. For this card I used Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral.


I also made this card using the Hostess paper, Cheerful Treat. I love the Concord Crush and Melon Mambo flowers. SO springy and bright! :) If you host a party of $150 or more you can choose this DSP as one of your FREE items! For this card I used 2 different papers, Concord Crush and a little Lucky Limeade. I ran in through the Big Shot with a flower embossing folder, Elegant Bouquet. Since I didn't have room to stamp, I stamped a 2-step flower on the inside on whisper white. I love the way it turned out!

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while, Monday I'll be 26 weeks pregnant! I can't believe it. I didn't take my picture yet, but I will and I'll post it this week. I wonder how my dog Hunny will react to this little bundle that will take over our house? Baby Wyatt will soon be here!! :-)

Rustic Roasted Apple Pies with fresh Whipped Cream!

Now this is a sweet piece! I had to share this picture and recipe! I just made this tonight...it's a Giada De Laurentiis recipe from the Food Network. Here is the recipe. I did add a little more than 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to the whipped cream to sweeten it up. I also had some Red Delicious apples that were going to go bad and I used those - it still turned out GREAT. I used the pie dough recipe from Anne Burrell here. I am NO longer afraid of pie crust! This one is AMAZING! So flaky and buttery. Whoever you make these for, will love you. :-) Enjoy!!

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#4

Last one for the night! I am sooo tired and ready for bed. Wyatt has been active tonight, lots of movement going on in my belly! I'm playing along with Apron Strings to Scrap my Stash Day#4! I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket, Early Bird. It's a couple/few years old but I finally got the hankerin' to use it! So cute!

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#3

Staying up waaay to late to catch up to Day #3....one more to go and I'll be all caught up ;) Here is my layout for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#3. Today, working with Pack #3: Select three coordinating patterned papers, journaling cards, alphabet, 3 - 5 flowers and pair that with the first photos that inspire you - old or new.

This paper I love...I used some Teresa Collins here that I bought specifically for my engagement/wedding photos. Love the classic look of black/white/ivory.

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#2

Today I'm scrapping like crazy trying to play catch up! I'm on Day #2 for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash. Today's challenge is #5: Two different, but coordinating colors of cardstock, 2 sheets coordinating patterned paper, stick pin, paper clip, 2 lengths of different ribbon or baker's twine, pre-printed diecut or frame and combine these items with your oldest Christmas photos.
I wasn't really happy with the layout probably because I feel like I had this hodge podge of "stuff" that didn't really mesh well together. But it was nice to use "stuff" I've had for a while! Yay! Room to buy more stuff! hahahaha J/K (maybe) ;-)

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#1

I'm so behind in the Scrap your Stash! If you want to play along, follow the link! It started Monday, and here I am posting on Wednesday (practically Thursday!) I have had a busy week, but plan to catch up on my scrapping today and Friday! I'll be working on making some cute Monkey baby shower invites with my sister in law tomorrow. 50 of them! I'll post them when I'm done.
But for now, here is my layout for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#1. Using Pack #2 (One sheet cardstock, coordinating paper with dots and a floral print, chipboard, 2 tags and 6-8 brads) and combine it with a set of your newest photos.It's my 1st wedding layout I've done. All the pictures are in a photo album and I finally decided to just scrap a few. I really love the black/white and just a splash of red. Those were our colors too. See you back tomorrow for more layouts!!

Oh! And here's a photo of me at 21 weeks! Why do I feel like I'm getting so big, too fast!?

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #15 & The Paper Variety

I created a Wedding themed card for the challenge over at The Paper Variety and I added some "bling" which counts as my "sprinkles" for the Apron Strings Birthday Challenge #15.

I used Stampin' Up supplies and created a punch art wedding couple. I got the tutorial for the couple on You Tube. To give it a twist, I made the rose on the lapel with the tiny flower from the Itty Bitty punch pack (2 of them crinkled up). The stamp set is Word Play. I added lots of bling with the pearls and the rhinestone. I love the pearl neckline!

Hope you like my card! I'll probably be making it again for my punch art class. I have 3 weddings to go to this year so I'll need more of these cards!

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #14 & Page Maps Challenge

Here's a layout I did for Apron Strings Day #14 Birthday challenge and the challenge over at Page Maps, the Webster's Pages Sketch contest. I must say I don't feel like it's one of my better pages. =( I used 3 pieces of chipboard per the Apron Strings challenge ingredient, which was Fondant! ...And the sketch from Page Maps.
I hope to do better on my next layout... :) I stayed up waaaaay to late tonight! =(

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #13

I created this layout for the day 13 Apron Strings Birthday celebration. I had to get in on the fun when Lori said pick five of these:

• Layer Cake
• Cupcakes
• Sheet Cake
• Fruit Filling
• Frosting
• Fondant
• Sprinkles
• Candles

So I picked 5 and today she said to pick 1 and create a layout each day using the corresponding items:

• Layer Cake = Use three sheets of patterned paper
• Cupcakes = Use at least six Buttons
• Sheet Cake = Use Cardstock only
• Fruit Filling = Use Stickers
• Frosting = Use two different kinds of ribbon
• Fondant = Use three pieces of chipboard
• Sprinkles = Use bling
• Candles = Use rub-ons

Today I created a layout using Cupcakes or 6 buttons for my baby boy's scrapbook album. Oh yes! We are having a BOY! :) Already picked a name, Wyatt Christiaan. Here's a picture of our little guy and my layout.

I love this paper...love love love it. I bought the whole kit because it has the cutest owls on it. You'll for sure be seeing more of it :) Oh and here's a picture of my little baby bump at 19 weeks! We already felt him kick this past week - what an amazing little miracle!! We also started the room...will post a before and after picture soon!

Color Throwdown, Jillibean Soup & The Paper Variety

I made this layout for a Color Throwdown challenge and for Jillibean Soup's Facebook page. Oh, I forgot! I also used a paper rosette for the challenge over at The Paper Variety too. Just a simple layout showcasing my first pregnancy pictures! I took a test right after my missed period and was pregnant! I am 8 weeks pregnant for this first ultrasound and we saw the tiny blinking heartbeat.
I'm 36 and finally having a baby...we are SO grateful that it didn't take long even though we had a miscarriage back in May. God is great. We find out if we are having a girl or boy this week!! We are soooo ready to know, pink or blue!

Someone's Joining the Becker Family...Can you guess Whooo?

It's finally time!! I'm 14 weeks pregnant and we find out if we are having a boy or girl on the 27th! We're having a baby reveal party to share the special moment with all our family and friends. I created a very special invitation using Stampin' Up! products. I saw a similar digital one on Pinterest and I used it to create this one.

I used very vanilla for the card base and printed the invitations using my color printer. I used a pea font from Fonts for Peas, they have such cute, original fonts! Then I punched the bottom border with the lace trim border. I attached a piece of soft suede card stock behind it. I also attached a piece of soft suede trim to the top and a piece of patterned paper from Beau Chateau. I stamped the leaves from the Best Friends Forever in soft suede for the background.
I punched the two owls using bashful blue and pretty in pink. Sooo cute!! I love owls. I can't wait to find out if we are having a boy or girl!!