Sending you a Hug in a Mug

My set of stamps arrived safely from The House of Sugar, and of course, I couldn't wait to mount them and start playing. I am serving as a guest Design Team member for Sugar Nellie for a few months. I created this card last evening, just before supper. I love a good mug of cocoa, tea, or coffee. Or, warmed cider, during this time of year. I colored this pretty lass with COPIC markers. You can purchase her directly from Funkykits in the UK. She was designed by talented Australian artist Elisabeth Bell. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Sugar Nellie
Coloring Medium: COPIC markers
Papers: The Paper Studio, red cardstock
Embellishments: Chipboard alpha by Heidi Swapp, gemstones by The Paper Studio, flourish die-cuts (Quickutz), Stickles, Prima flowers

Merry Christmas everyone!!

What a wonderful day it is! We have had a leisurely day, opening presents, eating a delicious breakfast.....and crafting time! Oh bliss! It's barely 12:30, and I feel so relaxed and so happy. DS and DH are downstairs playing Guitar Hero. I'm upstairs listening to them jam, while I create away in the studio. This card is for this week's Roses on Paper Sketch Challenge. I used a Magnolia stamp (colored with COPIC markers), DCWV paper, silk flowers, primas and ribbon. The round sentiment stamp is by Stampin Up. I hope you are enjoying your Christmas Day!!

A Christmas card for my coworker

I am participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange at work. I was fortunate to pick the name of a wonderful gal who is kind to everyone; and deserves to have the best Christmas ever. This is the card which will accompany her gift. I used Anna Griffin paper, Whiff of Joy stamp, and the sentiment is by Stampin Up. I colored her with prismacolor pencils. The snowflakes and zig-zag border were created with Martha Stewart Punches.

Yup! This pretty much sums me up to a "T"

I took this online quiz What color green are you?
This is the result:

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts any strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

Yup! That's me....to a "T"

Peace on Earth

My husband has ordered that I stay home and get better. It gave him a great opportunity to go Christmas shopping. LOL! I have been sick over the past week. I am fighting a nasty cold; and I'm afraid it has crept down into my chest. The air is so cold outside, and I don't want to risk catching pneumonia. I believe it's probably 25-below-zero with the windchill. Tomorrow, the ambient air will only reach six degrees. With windchill, it'll probably be closer to 30-below. I took the opportunity to work on a card. It's been a while since I've made a card. I took an old stamp; stamped it twice on watercolor paper; and colored it with Twinkling H2O's and watercolor pens. I layered it using pop-dots, and finished it off with some Stickles. Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Mankind!

Some of my favorite dessert recipes at Christmas time

I took part in a cookie exchange at work. I love cookie exchanges. It gives all of us a chance to fellowship, share traditions, and most of all, exchange some of the best treats from our kitchens. These are four treats I shared with my co-workers. I had extras, so I packaged up the rest and sent them with my husband to take to his office, also. I hope you and your family are enjoying your traditions, and you are as excited as I am that Christmas is upon us. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!

Honey Sand Balls

(pictured above)

*1 cup butter (not margarine), softened
*1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
*2 Tbs honey
*2 cups all-purpose flour
*3/4 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
*1 tsp vanilla
*1/4 tsp salt
additional sifted powdered sugar

1) Preheat oven to 325-degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and honey with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat or stir in flour, walnuts, vanilla, and salt. Mix thoroughly, using your hands, if necessary.
2) Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 1 1/2 inches apart ontro greased cookie sheets. Bake for 14 - 16 minutes or until the cookies are very lightly browned. While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Cool cookies on wire racks. Roll cookies in powdered sugar again.

Yields: approximately 4-dozen cookies.

Oreo Cookie Truffles

(picture above)
*1 pkg of Oreo cookies
*1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
*1 tsp vanilla
*1 lb almond bark

1) In a food processor, crush all of the Oreo cookies until you can't see any more of the creme filling. You can do this in batches, if you like.
2) Add the cream cheese and vanilla extract to the crushed Oreo cookies and process together until you can't see any more of the cream cheese. The mixture will be very sticky.
3) Line a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Form the cookie mixture into 1/2-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate for at least 45-minutes.
4) Using a double-boiler, or a pyrex bowl suspended over the edge of a pot (with one inch of water in the bottom of the pot), melt the almond bark. Let the water simmer on low, after it has come to a boil. Stir the almond bark until it is completely melted and smooth.
5) Prepare a second cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, lift the Oreo truffles one at a time, and roll them in the almond bark. Set the truffles on the prepared cookie sheet. After all of the truffles have been rolled in the melted chocolate, set the truffles in the refrigerator until they are set. Store truffles refrigerated.

Chocolate and more chocolate bread

(picture above)
*2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips, divided
*2/3 cups packed light brown sugar
*1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
*2 eggs
*2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*1 1/2 cups applesauce
*1 1/2 tsp vanilla
*1 tsp baking soda
*1 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 Tbs shortening (DO NOT use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

1) Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease 5 mini ( 5 1/2 x 3 1/2-inch) loaf pans. Place 1 cup chocolate chips in small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth; set aside.
2) Beat brown sugar and butter in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add melted chocolate and eggs; beat until well blended. Add flour, applesauce, vanila, baking soda, baking powder and salt; beat until well-blended. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.
3) Bake 35-40 minutes or until centers crack and are dry to the touch. Cool pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely.
4) Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and shortening in small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle glaze over loaves. Let stand until glaze is set before packaging.

Toffee Cheesecake Squares

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 tsp baking soda
* 3/4 cup ( 1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
* 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Mil (NOT evaoporated milk)
* 2 eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups (8 oz) package English or Heath Toffee bits

1) Preheat oven to 350-degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and baking soda; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press firmly on bottom of ungreased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
2) In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of toffee bits. Pour mixture over hot crust. Bake for 25 minutes or until set and edges just begin to brown.
3. Cool 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup toffee bits evenly over top. Cool completely. Refrigerate several hours or until cold. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Yields 40 1" x 1" squares.

I'm pausing...but only momentarily.........

Hello blog friends!!! A lot of you have kindly dropped me an email to ask if I am OK. I appreciate it deeply. I'm very fortunate to have wonderful cyber friends; and I'm very touched that you have been concerned.

Yes...I am perfectly fine. As a matter of fact, I am stupendously terrific!!! I have started working out six days each week, since November 11th. At this morning's weigh-in, I have dropped 14 pounds (almost 6.5 kg) since I started working out on 11-11-08! Can you believe it? I have been averaging a weight loss of three pounds per week. I am not taking any diet pills. I am not doing a 'diet.' This is a complete change in the way I live. I love to exercise, now. I love to eat healthy meals (I eat five - six small meals each day). I keep my calories between 1,200 - 1,500 calories each day, limiting the amount of saturated fat; and increasing water, fiber, and other nutritious food into my meals.

I've joined a website called Sparkpeople. It's an incredible community of folks dedicated to health, nutrition, well-being, fitness. I even belong to a group within Sparkpeople called "Splitcoast Sparkles." It's a group of ladies who love to rubber-stamp, but also love to stay fit and get healthy. Sparkpeople is free to everyone. I use it to track what I eat on a daily basis; and how much I exercise each day. It's easy to use. You just plug in your current weight, what you would like to lose by a certain date, and it will show you how many calories you should eat each day, and how often you should exercise. Moreover, it shows you videos (YouTube) on how to use resistance bands, exercise balls, and other helpful exercises to keep you on the right track.

Because it takes about a month to develop a habit, I've decided to dedicate at least an hour each day, for six days a week, to exercise. And, because it is the Holiday Season, we have been busy attending band/jazz concerts where my son plays percussion. So, I do apologize that I have not kept up with my blog over the past month. My energy has shifted, momentarily, to a brand new healthy lifestyle. I am very happy with my progress so far. Little by little, I will begin to stamp and create again. But, right now, the most important thing I should do for myself is to take care of my health. I am a candidate for diabetes because I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. Also, high blood pressure runs in my family. With these health factors, I can't keep pretending that I've been watching what I've been eating; or that I've been good about exercising. I know I haven't. It's time for BIG changes in my life.

I hope you'll keep stopping by, when you have a chance. I am taking some time off, later this month. I am looking forward, with so much eagerness, to create a ton of cards during that time. I hope, also, that you will check out Sparkpeople. If you have any questions about it, or would like my help with getting you started on that website, feel free to drop me an email at lucabeanba@aol.com. I would be more than happy to help!

Happy Holidays! I hope you and your family are enjoying the blessings of the Season!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Holidays!

Isn't this polar bear adorable? Ho! Ho! Ho! I added stickles to his cute nose, his hat and to the ribbon. The image is by Whipper Snapper Designs. "Happy Holidays" is from the Stampin Up Happy Everything set. I colored him with COPIC markers. You can't see it on this photograph, but I did hit parts of the bear with a shade of ice-blue (just to give his fur a little dimension.)

I've had a FABULOUS week!

So, it may look like I've neglected my blog. Well, I have, Sort of. I've neglected my blog and made some valuable time for myself. In this past week, I've hit the gym FOUR times! Yes, Sirree!! I've had a great cardio workout, between 60 - 70 minutes each time I went to the gym. Today, I decided not to go the gym, because the weather outside is just gorgeous. Instead, I walked around my neighborhood. They don't call my neighborhood Hickory Hills for nothing. LOL! I walked a mile-and-a-half, and 75% of it was uphill. No snow. I'm lucky. hehehhehe. When I got home, I got in the bathtub and soaked my sore legs until the water turned cold. Are you wondering whey I say this has been a fabulous week? Because, all-in-all, I've lost SIX POUNDS in this past week, ALONE! Can you believe it?????? No diet pills. No diet, really. I've reduced my fat and caloric intake, is all. No deprivation, either. I've had some chocolate this week. I can't believe how well my body has responded to the exercise. So, my goal is to do two consecutive days of vigorous cardio; rest on the third day; and then start again (two days of exercise, one day of rest). After I've built up some stamina, I'm going to incorporate strength training into my weekly routine. I'm hoping that I'll hit my goal weight by next summer. I'm being generous. I don't want to lose the weight too quickly, have all flab and no muscle. Slow and steady is how I want to do this. Wish me luck!

Rodney the Reindeer

This is one of my most favorite Christmas stamps. I believe it's called Rodney Reindeer, and it's made by Whipper Snapper Designs. Coloring the image can take up some time because of all of the different colored light bulbs; but I love to play with this image, just the same. I colored Rodney with COPIC markers and added Diamond Glaze to play up the light bulbs and his nose. I found this awesome tree-lights paper by American Crafts. It goes perfectly with the stamped image.

***Puppy Chow***

I craved Puppy Chow this afternoon. No, not the kind you feed your dog. The kind that's made with chex cereal, chocolate, butter, powdered sugar..... I'll share the recipe in just one second. This recipe yields 9 cups. It can fill four treat bags. I made the reindeer tag using my oval nestabilities, Martha Stewart branch punch, googly eyes, and a few circle punches. I also added some stars (Stampin Up punch) and a star eyelet.

Recipe for Puppy Chow

* 9 cups of Chex Cereal (I used most of one regular size box of Rice Chex)
* 6 oz (1 cup) of semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
* 1/4 cup of margarine or butter (DO NOT USE SPREAD)
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

(Other: You'll need a cookie sheet, lined with wax paper; and a one-gallon size plastic bag.)

1) Measure cereal into a very large bowl; set aside.
2) Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and margarine or butter in a medium-size bowl, uncovered, on High for one minute. You may need to microwave for an additional 30 seconds until it is easy to stir the butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips.
3) Stir in vanilla.
4) Pour chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir until all of the cereal is completedly coated.
5) Pour chex into the gallon-size bag. Pour powdered sugar over.
6) Seal and shake gently until the chex is coated completely.
7) Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

ENJOY!

Non-labor-intensive Christmas Card

I've been playing around with a few ideas for Christmas cards to give to family and my male co-workers. I don't know about you, but I save the really labor-intensive cards for people who I know will appreciate the work that went into it. My immediate family members, including my brothers, mom and dad, and my in-laws know that I put a lot of hard work into creating some of my cards. But, for other relatives, and even my male co-workers (well, you know men) who don't really understand that making cards is a labor of love..... well..... I'd rather not make some of my Christmas cards that labor intensive (you know what I mean?)
So, when I went to Archiver's today, and saw this really cute Quickutz die, I had an "Aha!" moment. This is the answer for my oh-so-sophisticated relatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. (Doesn't a set of martini glasses seem like the appropriate gift with this card? Hmmm......maybe I'll get that for my sister-in-law who loves a good martini.) I've always wanted to make them a handmade card, but I know they just won't appreciate liquid applique on snow, or bling, or stickles or brads. To make the assembly go even faster, I went ahead and created the "Merry Christmas" on my computer. "Easy-peasy!" as Jamie Oliver would say. Now, I just have to make 50 of these, and I'll be good to go! A crafter's job is never finished!

One down.....49 more to go!

I was inclined to get started on making Christmas cards, today. My husband received a phone call at eleven o'clock last night, telling him he had to be at work at 7 AM, this Sunday morning. So, I am taking advantage of this by working on Christmas cards, doing chores around the house, and aftewards, reading a good book (Deception Point by Dan Brown). In a sense, this is a "me" day. My son is in his room, reading a book. If my husband comes home at lunch-time, we'll probably step out for dim-sum. But, for now, I want to make Christmas cards and enjoy this beautiful Sunday morning.
The image and sentiment are by Whipper Snapper Designs. I bought these stamps in 2004, and to this day, I have so much fun creating with these Jolly Snowmen! What I loved most about making this card is the ability to use tools which were not available to me in 2004. Diamond Glaze, for example, was something I had discovered a year later. I used it on the snowmen's tongues and noses. I was introduced to Liquid Applique also just three years ago; and the bling, brads and Sizzix die just last year. I colored these cuties with COPIC markers, which is something that I had just discovered this year. It's terrific that an older image can be renewed year after year, as new ideas and new products come out in the market.
Are you planning on making a lot of Holiday cards this year? I hope that you enjoy the time creating them as much as I do!