Share the Love!

I just wanted to send a special ♥thank you♥ to all my friends out there in BlogVille. There are now 36 of you following my little blog, and you don't know how much I appreciate your comments and support! I started this blog last month so I could share some of my ideas and to be accountable to someone to finish my projects. It brings a little sanity to my sometimes insane and busy life! Your comments really make my day and I hope that I bring a little happiness and inspiration to your lives. I'm throwing out some **warm fuzzies** your way and hope you all have a fabulous day!

I {♥} you all~

Chocolate....Need I say more?

Well, here it is again in case you missed my other post. I thought I'd let you have it without all the "tradition" filler. :) Anhoo~ This is a recipe from the BHG cookbook (with some of my own tweaks) for some delectable chocolate truffles and they're easy too! Try it out and ENJOY!

Chocolate Truffles

1 12-oz. package of *semi-sweet chocolate pieces, or 1 11 1/2-oz. bag of milk chocolate pieces
1/3 c. whipping cream
1/2 tsp. **vanilla extract
12-oz. ***chocolate flavored candy coating, cut up

*I use Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate. The better quality chocolate, the better the truffles. You can also substitute for white chocolate. Experiment! Make it your own! :)
**I change this up sometimes and use other flavor extracts like peppermint, orange, raspberry to change the flavor of the truffles
***Wilton candy melts work the best! They melt fast and smooth.

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. In a medium saucepan combine chocolate pieces and whipping cream. Cook and stir constantly over low heat until chocolate melts. Remove saucepan from heat; cool slightly. Stir in vanilla. Beat truffle mixture with an electric mixture on low speed until smooth. Drop truffle mixture by teaspoon onto prepared baking sheet. Chill about 20 minutes or until firm.


***I use a double boiler for melting chocolate. I usually cool the mixture in the fridge until it is slightly more firm and use an extra small cookie scoop (similar to this one) to spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet. This gives it a more uniform look and this way I can skip the first part of Step 2 . I then put the truffle balls into the freezer until they are hard.***
2. Shape truffle mixture into balls; freeze for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan melt candy coating over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Using a fork, quickly dip truffles, one at a time, into coating. Draw fork across rim of the saucepan to remove excess coating. Return truffles to prepared baking sheet. Let stand for about 30 minutes or until coating is set.

(If there are imperfections in your dipping, don't fret! the DRIZZLE will cover them up! :)***At this time you can drizzle candy melts over the truffles to give them a decorative touch (and hide imperfections). I will use different colors depending on the flavor of the truffle, i.e red=raspberry, yellow=lemon, orange=orange, etc... I have also used coconut, lemon zest, crushed peppermints, nuts...

If you are not going to eat these right away, they can be refrigerated in a covered container for 2 weeks.

I place my truffles inside small cupcake cups and box them up. Wilton makes candy boxes. I can fit 16 truffles of this size into a 1/2 lb. box. I also decorate the outside of the box...It really gives it that extra love! ~♥♥♥~
Well, that's it in a nutshell. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! Have fun, and don't get too sick eating so many truffles!

I'm linking up to these great parties!

Smiles and Happiness,

(Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated or endorsed by the products I used in this post. The links are intended for reference purposes only.)

Another Chance to Win!!!

WARNING: This post contains a VAST overuse of exclamations!!!!!

Okay, I don't know about the rest of you, but I want one of these SO STINKIN' BAD!!! If you don't know what this is, than it's time to find out! The Silhouette Craft Cutting Machine can do MiRaCuLoUs things and all from your home computer (no cartridges)!!! Home Decor, scrapbooking, glass etching, bedazzling, vinyl, and so much more! Eeeeee! I can hardly contain myself!
What's even better is Stephanie Lynn over @ Under the Table and Dreaming is offering some lucky person out there 6 (yes count 'em SIX) chances to win one of these AMAZING little machines!!!! So, go check out Silhouette and jump over to Under The Table and Dreaming for your chance to win! Do it! Do it NOW!!!

Good Luck!!!

P.S. If one of you win this thing...you better let me use it! ;)

Sunday Reflections

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
~John 3:34-35

How much in this world would be different if we remembered that we are all children of our Heavenly Father? How differently would we treat our fellow man? I hope we can all remember to love and serve all those around us and be examples to others. Through this, may we bring others to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have a Happy Sunday!

Much Love,

Too soon? It's closer than you think...

***WARNING!!! This is a longer post...but it has a sweet ending!!! (tutorial/recipe)

Ahh, August! The time when retailers completely skip Halloween and Thanksgiving and jump right into Christmas!

Ugh...

I still say it's too soon, but when it really boils down to it, I am ALWAYS running around at the last second trying to do my Christmas preparations. The shopping, the decorating, blah, blah, BLAH! This year, I am determined to get a head start on things. I wanna create some Christmas traditions, memories, and really have my kids appreciate the true meaning of the holiday.
We, with my extended family (nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters, parents), have a couple of traditions we do every year. One is the Bethlehem Dinner. We get together on Christmas Eve (or a day or two before) and we sit on blankets and eat what maybe they would eat at the time the Savior was born. For example:

Fish (we do tuna w/lemon, salt, & pepper for taste)
Cheese (technically it should be goat cheese, but usually it's cheddar)
Grapes
Olives
Flat Bread
Etc....

We do this all by candlelight. The kids love it! If there is ever any mention of it possibly not happening, there is great wailing, renting of clothes and so forth.

After the dinner, all the little cousins (our kids), dress up and act out the nativity. We read the story from Luke in the Bible and sing Christmas songs. Now, my parents have 38 grandkids, so you can BELIEVE this is quite an undertaking, even if only 1/2 are there!

I love this tradition, because we get to enjoy the company of our family, and the children are reminded that Christmas is more than just the presents, lights, and candy. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.

Another tradition that I started back when my husband and I were first married, was bringing goodies to our neighbors and friends. It helps me get into the GIVING spirit of the holiday. But not just any goodies. They are tasties I make with my own 2 hands. I've made strawberry preserves, homemade apple pie filling, the traditional cookies...but the thing that I've had people go ape crazy for, are my TRUFFLES! Mmm... nothin' says lovin' like a box o' homemade chocolate!

Now, I got this recipe from what my sisters and I call the Red Cooking Bible (mine is pink), or the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. I tell my friends that they can make it on their own, but most people don't or won't. So, I will continue to use it as my own. I've tweaked it here and there and tried a couple different things, but here is the basic recipe w/ some of my tweaks:

Chocolate Truffles

1 12-oz. package of *semi-sweet chocolate pieces, or 1 11 1/2-oz. bag of milk chocolate pieces
1/3 c. whipping cream
1/2 tsp. **vanilla extract
12-oz. ***chocolate flavored candy coating, cut up

*I use Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate. The better quality chocolate, the better the truffles. You can also substitute for white chocolate. Experiment! Make it your own! :)
**I change this up sometimes and use other flavor extracts like peppermint, orange, raspberry to change the flavor of the truffles
***Wilton candy melts work the best! They melt fast and smooth.

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. In a medium saucepan combine chocolate pieces and whipping cream. Cook and stir constantly over low heat until chocolate melts. Remove saucepan from heat; cool slightly. Stir in vanilla. Beat truffle mixture with an electric mixture on low speed until smooth. Drop truffle mixture by teaspoon onto prepared baking sheet. Chill about 20 minutes or until firm.


***I use a double boiler for melting chocolate. I usually cool the mixture in the fridge until it is slightly more firm and use an extra small cookie scoop (similar to this one) to spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet. This gives it a more uniform look and this way I can skip the first part of Step 2 . I then put the truffle balls into the freezer until they are hard.***
2. Shape truffle mixture into balls; freeze for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan melt candy coating over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Using a fork, quickly dip truffles, one at a time, into coating. Draw fork across rim of the saucepan to remove excess coating. Return truffles to prepared baking sheet. Let stand for about 30 minutes or until coating is set.

(If there are imperfections in your dipping, don't fret! the DRIZZLE will cover them up! :)***At this time you can drizzle candy melts over the truffles to give them a decorative touch (and hide imperfections). I will use different colors depending on the flavor of the truffle, i.e red=raspberry, yellow=lemon, orange=orange, etc... I have also used coconut, lemon zest, crushed peppermints, nuts...

I f you are not going to eat these right away, they can be refrigerated in a covered container for 2 weeks.

I place my truffles inside small cupcake cups and box them up. Wilton makes candy boxes. I can fit 16 truffles of this size into a 1/2 lb. box. I also decorate the outside of the box...It really gives it that extra love! ~♥♥♥~
Well, that's it in a nutshell. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! Have fun, and don't get too sick eating so many truffles!

I'm linking up the The Answer is Chocolate's:

And these other great parties!

Smiles and Happiness,

(Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated or endorsed by the products I used in this post. The links are intended for reference purposes only.)

I'm a Stashbuster!

Sometimes we just need someone to pick us in the pants and put us on track...

Robin over at The T-Shirt Diaries, is hosting a Stashbusting September linkup party! It's party for bloggers who are committed to busting their stash of crafts and projects that need to be finished without buying ANY new supplies for the month of September.

Now, if any of you are like me, you have a GIANT list/pile of unfinished and undone projects that continuously seems to grow. This is a great way for me to knock out those projects that I keep putting off and I know the Hubs will love the fact that I'm not allowed to purchase any new supplies. That will be the hard one for me. Not that I buy a TON of stuff, but I do love my 1/2-price Saturdays at the Gee-Double-Yuh. How will I be able to resist!?! I guess I'll just have to muster up the willpower and bear it {for at least one month}.

Do you think it still counts if I stock up on supplies now before September? ;)
Hmm...better not...

Well, I've made the commitment, now it's time to follow though. Wish me luck! :)

Many happy thoughts,

Mmm...Monday... Going Bananas? Make Some Bread!

I'm sure most of you out there have purchased a large amount of bananas at one time or another, only to have them turn into these:
Blech! I don't know about you, but I like my bananas a little on the green side. The idea of these mushing around in my mouth makes me wanna *gag*! Normally, my kids would have eaten these long before this would have happened, but for whatever reason, they didn't and these are what I found in my fruit tray this morning.

Now usually, I try to avoid baking this time of year. August in AZ is not pleasant with temps ranging close to 115 degrees and muggy because of monsoon season. But, in an effort to save money, not waste food (which, my children do often), and "use every part of the buffalo" as it were, I decided to make an exception.

So, what's a gal to do? Make banana bread, of course! Here is a shnazzy recipe that my family loves:

Banana Bread (yields 1 loaf...I usually double the recipe)

1/2 c. butter, at room temperature
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 c. all-purpose flour (I use unbleached cake flour)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
3 large ripe bananas
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of 9x5-inch loaf pan with wax paper and grease. (I use parchment paper and PAM.)
2. With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the butter mixture and stir to blend.

5. Stir in the whole-wheat flour.

6. In a separate bowl and using a fork, mash the bananas into a puree, then stir into the batter. Stir in vanilla and pecans (if desired).
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread level.
8. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.It's tasty good! I hope you enjoy!
I'm linking up to these great parties!

Topiary Wreath

I have this secret love affair with topiaries....(shhh....don't tell my cloches!) I don't know what it is about them. I guess it's just that simple elegance and I love the GREEN!!! I also love this boxwood greenery from Hobby Lobby:
I have this stuff in various places throughout my house. La-HOVE the stuff, but I never pay the $7.99 price tag. I rarely pay full price for anything...not when there are sales and coupons to use! For those of you who shop Hobby Lobby, you know that the greenery and floral are on sale nearly every week! Good to know...

Anyhow~ I've made MANY topiaries in the past using different floral and greenery, but for some reason I never put my love of topiaries and the above greenery together. The boxwood comes off in little sprigs like this:
DUH... Why didn't I just put 2+2 together? It's so simple!!!

So, a few of weeks ago I went to work putting a topiary style wreath together using this boxwood greenery. I purchased a foam wreath form similar to this one (but green):I poked TONS of little holes in it using a skewer. I put a tiny little dollop of hot glue in the hole and shoved a sprig of the boxwood inside for security. (This keeps my little ones from easily pulling them out.) I left the very back of the wreath naked, 'cuz who sees that anyway? (Isn't that the same theory as hospital robes?) I got about 1/4 away from the end when I ran out of greenery. So, I took a little trip to Hobby Lobby, only to find they were sold out. I tried both locations near my home, and came out empty handed. For TWO WEEKS I was unable to finish my project, then finally they got a shipment of it in and luckily it was on sale! Anyhow~ I ended up using about 4 1/2 bushels of the greenery. Here is a breakdown of the cost:

Boxwood Greenery (Hobby Lobby) 5 @ $3.99 (50%off) : $19.95
Green Foam Wreath Form (Michael's) $3.59 (w/40% off coupon)
Hot Glue: Had on hand
Total Cost: $23.54

Not the cheapest project I've ever done, but if you have ever purchased a custom wreath, you know they are upwards around $50+. I prefer to do things like this on my own because it is so satisfying to see the end result! Look how pretty it turned out!
I made the flowers using a roll of muslin fabric used for waxing that I had on hand. Yes...waxing...as in legs, armpits and brows. :) I switched to using synthetic strips for waxing my clients, so I had this stuff lying around. It made some lovely flowers and I didn't have to spend extra money for the fabric.
So purdiful! I love how simple and classic it looks. I used some long pins to secure the flowers in place. This way I can take them out and put something else on the wreath when I want to change it up for Christmas and the like. Huzzah!

For those of you who don't feel like they can "craft", I'm tellin' ya, if you can poke holes in styrofoam... you can make this wreath! This beauty is gonna look great hanging up just about anywhere!

Do you love topiaries too? What are some that you've made/found?

I'm linking up to these fabulous parties!

Sunday Reflections

"Now it came to pass , as they went,, that he entered into a certain village : and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42

Normally I like to have my Sunday Reflections at the start of the day., but this morning I woke up with this story running through my mind and I decided to ponder on it for a little bit. As I sat and listened in church today, I opened my scriptures to the same place this story is found. It was very apparent to me that I was supposed to learn from this TODAY.

I read the verses and thought to myself: Am I a Mary or a Martha? Well, I'm a lot of things: a wife, a mother, a friend, a homemaker, just to name a few.... Now Martha was busy serving the Lord, preparing the meal and doing the duties, that as a woman, she was supposed to do. Those things are important. But Mary, chose to put aside those duties, stop and listen to the things the Lord had to teach.

How many times, have I missed the lessons the Savior has to teach me because I was too caught up and worried about the things that I need to do in my many roles? How often do I not take an opportunity to play with my children and learn from them? How many times have I missed the promptings of the Spirit and instructions from my Heavenly Father because my mind was too full from the noise and tasks of my day?

Not that the things that Martha were doing were not good. After all, she did invite the Savior in, she just forgot to listen. I hope that I can remember to be more like Mary and take the time to listen and learn at those times when other things may seem more important.

I hope you all had a Happy Sunday!

Much love,

How Charming! Stain Glass Charms (Semi-tutorial)

Okay~I know I said I would get this posted earlier in the day, but I guess it's better late than never... So, I call this a "Semi-Tutorial" because I can only get so detailed when not demonstrating first hand. So, if it's confusing... I'm sorry... A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me to make some stain glass charms for her jewelry. (If you want some custom jewelry you can check her out here.) Now I've done stain glass in the past, but it has been literally over a decade! It was fun giving myself a quick refresher. Now before I begin the step by step process let me add this little disclaimer... ***I am NOT a scrapbooker*** I seem to lack the visual eye and talent for matching different paper and color schemes together. So please don't judge my quirky designs ;).

So, I call this a "Semi-Tutorial" because I can only get so detailed when not demonstrating first hand. So, if it's confusing... I'm sorry...
Also, this is my first tutorial, so please bear with me. That being said, let's begin! :)

The first thing you need is the right tools.

*Safety glasses
*Small clamps or clothes pins (I recommend they be mounted to a large block. You'll see
why later...)
*Wood pencil
*Exact-o knife
*Basic paint brush
*Needle nose pliers
*Soldering iron (You will also want to have a heat proof stand for your iron.)
*Very wet sponge (not pictured)

You will definitely want to place a piece of ply-wood as your work area, so you don't scorch your table top like I did! :( Do as I say...not as I do!

Now, here is a basic list of supplies you need to make a pendant:

*Small pieces (in pairs) of cut glass or beveled glass. The above pieces were purchased from a local stained glass supplier here in AZ. (Sizes 1"x1", 1"x2", 1.5"x1.5", 1"x1.5"). You are free to
cut your own glass, if you so desire, but I find this much easier...(and I've cut A LOT of glass!)


*Copper foil. This is available at Hobby Lobby for less than what the supplier charges. Even better if you have a 40% off coupon!


*Safety flux for copper foil. Also available at Hobby Lobby.


*Lead Free solder. It is VERY important to use LEAD FREE solder if you are using the pedants as jewelry. We don't want to be causing people to get sick or anything like that. Lead Free solder is also available at Hobby Lobby, but I personally do not recommend the brand they sell. It is hard to melt and difficult to work with. I purchased the above solder from the supplier.


*Jump rings and lobster claw clasps.


*And lastly the design, image or photograph cut to the size of glass you are using for your charm. These are the designs I made. Make sure your insert is double-sided since it will be sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass. If you are using an image from the internet, make sure it is not copyrighted!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1st sandwich your image between 2 pieces of glass.


Keeping the glass and image aligned, carefully place on the center of the sticky side of the copper foil. Wrap around the entire edge of the glass. Fold down foil to frame the glass.


Take your pencil and firmly (but gently) rub down the copper foil on edges and face of glass (both sides). This will help adhere the foil to the glass and keep the flux (next step) from leaking into the pendant. (Did I overuse the parentheses? ;)


At this time, you can trim any imperfections with your Exact-o knife.


Once your copper foil is on and secure, brush flux onto the copper foil. Make sure you completely cover the foil, but do not slather! You do not want to flux to leak into your design!


You are ready to solder! You will have to experiment with the solder, because it differs from brand to brand. Play around until you figure out how to make it smooth. Make sure to reapply your flux as often as needed. Also, clean you iron between applications. This is when you will use your wet sponge. (I know this step can be confusing. If I get enough requests, I will post a video of how I solder.)

Solder the front and back first.

After it will look like this. At this time, it will be easier solder and smooth the edges.

***If your solder job isn't "perfect"...No worries!!! Part of the "charm" of these little beauties is how raw and imperfect they are!***

To attach your clasp, apply a small bit of flux to the closed opening of your jump ring. Then solder to your charm.


Clean your pendant with a wet towel. Your can use window cleaner, but do not spray directly on the pendant and do not emerge in water.

You're done!!! Enjoy your pretty charm!

There are so many possibilities with this project, so let your creativity run wild! You may spend a pretty penny to get started, but you will be able to make dozens upon dozens of charms with the basic supplies you purchase.

Fronts
Backs

I hope it all made sense... If your have ANY questions, please ASK! Have some fun with it and let me know how it goes!

I'm linking up here.

Have a lovely day!