Paper Posies Challenge - May 3rd

Here is a layout I did using Paper Posies challenge which they got from Scrapbooks Etc magazine. The challenge is to create a layout with strips of paper punch with edge punches and layer them over the same color cardstock to create a unique background.
Here is my page...one more picture down, two hundred and something to go!

Win a Cricut Cake!!

This is an AWESOME giveaway by Cuttlebug Challenge site. They are giving away a Cricut Cake! Check it out HERE.

Oooh I hope I win it! If I do, I think I will make my own wedding cake next May!!!!

Gnocchi

We made gnocchi today at school. I totally bombed. I over worked my dough so my gnocchis were doughy. :( I am bummed because I totally love them. I decided to make some tonight and I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll take a picture. Also going to make Ratatouille since I have a practical test tomorrow! We have to make rice pilaf, ratatouille, glazed carrots, Dauphinoise potatoes and green beans amendine! Wish me luck!
Also we had someone come in to talk to us about an externship in Sorrento, Italy. I decided I want to do my 6 weeks abroad somewhere. I would love to do it in Italy, Spain or France. Preferably in Italy. I think I will need some help with the financial part though, it can get pricey with some of these programs. The one they talked about today was $4500 for 3 months (does not include airfare). Also still saving for my wedding next May. Would it be rude to make a Paypal donation button?? :)

Paper Posies Sketch Challenge

I just love this sketch by Julie Bonner, of course. :) She designed this for Paper Posies Sketch Challenge. I really loved this one! Used some Sasafrass paper on this and a cute popscicle embellishment I've had forever! The stamp inside the popscicle is a Unity Stamp. I'm so into the Our Life, Our Stories stamp set I got from them on special. It's great for scrapbook pages!



Another picture down, 221 more to go! :) Is anyone out there reading this blog? lol
Hopefully someone is getting some enjoyment out of it.

I made Brown Stock tonight. Has to cook for 24 hours...so I'll drop it around 6pm tomorrow evening. (strain it) I can't wait to cook with it! Gonna make some demi-glace with it and some yummy sauces like Marchand de Vin and Sauce Chasseur! Anyone make their own brown stock out there??

Camping at Lake Beardsley Layout

I love this layout! Partially because I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket and finally got to use it, partially because I love this sketch by Julie Bonner.


She designed it for Magpie Club, love the kits, just haven't been able to get one yet! They sell out so fast. If I'm lucky, I might be able to get a credit crunch kit to try. :)


So, I counted my pictures and I have 222 more to go! After the Sharks game tonight I hope to scrap 1 if not 2 more pages tonight! :) Go Sharks!

Sketchy Thursdays 4.15 Challenge

I love the look of this page! I used the sketch challenge from Sketchy Thursdays. The bonus is from Who's That Girl, that challenge blog prompt is "Right Now." What are you into right now, at this point in your life? I am into working on scrapbook pages from my childhood. I have so many and I'm trying to finish them all this year! I loved finally getting to use this Basic Grey Nook & Pantry paper! I did a little Glimmer Mist to the bottom of it in a coppery brown color. The journaling stamp is by Unity Stamp Co. Gotta have thickers too by American Crafts!



Got to make risotto, basmati rice and rice pilaf at school today...I did not know that risotto was soooo good. It's also not that hard to make. If you have never had it, I highly recommend it!! :)It's medium grain rice cooked al dente in chicken stock. Finished with parmesan cheese and butter, which is called mantecare. You can even add a little white wine to it. I'd love to try it with Fontina cheese. MMmmmm

Dolly Parton Look

Yay, another layout done! This one is for the challenge on The Scrap Room Blog, Challenge Week #15. This is me when I was 8 or 9. We were having a water balloon fight in our backyard and I thought it would be funny to put a couple water balloons in my bathing suit. :) My brother and sister said I looked like Dolly Parton LOL. So that's what I think of whenever I look at this picture. Good times...


Oh, I made the MOST delicious cake I've ever ever had. It is a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. So moist and delicious! I'm sad to say I cannot take credit for the recipe because I got it from Food Network.com. It is Ina Garten's recipe called Beatty's Chocolate Cake. I'm tellin ya, this is a 5-star recipe! I did use espresso instant powder for the instant coffee part in the frosting. :)So I guess I can modify it and say it's mine ;)
Here is the cake I made for my friend Mallory, and here is her "fake" pose for blowing out the candles that she already blew out!
Try the cake and tell me you don't LOVE it =)Life's too short...