Thursday, April 30, 2009

Supper Wed. night



Scampi fra diavolo

Prep: 30 min. Total: 30 min serves 4

3tbs butter
1/3 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs available in most grocery stores in Asian food aisle)
1/2 cup freshly chopped Italian parsley, divided
1 1/4 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined , tails left intact
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 thinly sliced red onion
5 garlic cloves minced
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2/3 cup dry white wine (preferably Sauvignon Blanc)
Lemon wedges

Melt 1 tbs butter in a large nonstick skillet over med.-high heat. Add panko and stir until golden brown and crisp (about 2 min.)Traqnsfer to small bowl; mix in 2 tbs of parsley.

Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper. Melt remaining 2tbs butter with olive oil in same skillet over high heat. Add red onion and sute until beginning to soften, about 3 min. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper and saute 1 min. Add shrimp and saute until barely opaque in center about 1 min. per side. Add white wine and simmer until liquid is slightly thickened and reduced, 2-3 min.. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in remaining parsley. Transfer to shallow bowl. Sprinkle the sauteed panko over and serve with lemon wedges.

(we used lettuce as the base over which this was served). This came out of a Southern Living mag. Happy eating!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Reveal Number One for KnKclub.com May






For Spring Garden, I lightly inked the white embossed card stock with a light moss ink. I cut the flowers and leaves out of the large floral paper, painted them with Glossy Accents and popped them. These are just a few of the flowers now in bloom in my garden.

The second layout, "Dodging the Paparazzi" is about how even my favorite, and only, son-in-law, Chris has taken to hiding when I start shooting with my camera. I took the stripe papers, the linen appearing paper from the May kit and the card stock and used them to create a 'masculine' layout. The colors were perfect!

Thanks for looking!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Spring Time in Paradise







One of the things I love about our balmy weather here in Florida is the fact that we can have blooming flowers almost all year round. For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you know how much work we have been putting into our garden. When we moved into this house, there was a boxed tree to the right of the pool, nothing but weeds and eroding soil to the left and shell down below. There was a small circular patio but absolutely no color whatsoever but white (crushed shell) and green (more crab than grass).

We lost some plants to the freezes we had this past winter but we are recouping our losses. Our plants that lived are blooming and many of our favorites like the Cat's Whiskers and the ground orchid made it through. They will soon be joined by close to 100 new plants, some of which we have no idea where to plant them...we got a bit carried away. Soon my seat will have a mock orange growing behind it and our pathway down to the gate will be lined on the right side with a short rose hedge backed by tall roses along the fence. And more and more...

_________________

AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SCRAP SCENE today: KnK club is doing a give away. This is one you don't want to miss...a free kit to 3 different winners.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Good food and good friends



After some drinks by the pool, Woody, Kip, Gene and I headed to Paul's Shrimp House here in Tarpon Springs. Woody had been lusting after some calamari and said Paul's had the best. I had the shrimp scampi and it was divine. Hope the rest of gang's food was as yummy as mine. And, as usual, my bra is peeking out of my top...egads! When will I ever learn...do not lean forward. Anyway...good time was had by all.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Scrap Happy



I had such fun doing this layout although I changed it twice and still think I need one more flower somewhere near or under the YOU. I am doing a similar one for Rob and then the one I have in mind for Chris is way too funny. This is one of the few pics I have of my daughter when she (and the other two) are not hiding from me when I get out the camera. I caught her unaware while she was reading the Sunday ads over at our house a weekend or so ago. I put the results of the two different versions on my A Toast to Altered Art blog...I think it was starving to death and feeling lonely! lol.

Have a great weekend all.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Look at this!



This is the May kit from KnKclub.com. Can you believe how beautiful it is? So many pretties in one kit is absolutely amazing. Gerri-anne, the owner, never ceases to amaze me with these kits. Can not wait to start designing with this kit. Watch this spot! lol

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Specialty Papers





I have been hunting for some specialty papers to do a series of ten Art Notebooks as gifts for a gift exchange group of which I am a member. I made a notebook for my blog pal, Cathy (W.O.T.E) and people said just nice things about it that I decided this might be a good thing to make.

Now, I have a basket full of specialty papers in my work room and a shelf brimming with more but a girl can never have too many right? During my search for the hanging rack for my workroom, I looked at Tuesday Morning (love that store) and, while I didn't find the rack there, I did find a 50 pack of assorted specialty papers that will fill the bill perfectly for my exchange project. There are silk papers, something called fading image papers, and some matte ones too but the ones that caught my eye in the pkg. were the shiny ones of course. These are an Oriental series by Colorbok that apparently did not go over well as they were discounted at Tuesday Morning for 7.99 for the 50 pack. There are only 2 that I don't care for much so will put them into the stack forming for a lss garage sale.

I started one of the art notebooks yesterday and will put it up on the altered art blog. All of these will be different. If you are in the exchange group and want to be surprized, don't meander over...but then you won't know which one is yours now will you?

Met up with Gail, a pal from the old CKMB, at Ruban Rouge yesterday. She has been in town with her sisters helping her folks but got time off for good behavior (j/k)and we met up. We shopped and then headed over to Gino's for a nice long chat with a glass of Merlot for me and lemonade for Gail. I met up with her and husband and daughter two years ago when they were in town and to me, Gail has not aged one single day. It was so good to see her again!

Enjoy your day

Monday, April 20, 2009

Found it!





I have been searching for an alternative to push pins in the wall for hanging my altered things and/or mini albums. E and I looked high and low and came upon a couple of 'almost' possibilities. I was starting to feel like Goldilocks: one was too big, one was too small...and then! One was just right.

The white frame around my metallic holder looked so wrong, so I painted it with blacks, browns and coppers...about 3 layers of each. Then I would use a cloth to rub each in before adding the next. Much better. I may add some images of vamps printed out onto canvas paper, who knows.

The frame around the cork board needs to be stained a bit darker but that is a no brainer. What is next is to find a small rod iron table where I can put my Clip It Up. There is a space between the French door when it is folded back and the right closet door where this would fit. That will give me much more work surface. If I can't find the table, I might be considering getting rid of my Clip It Up at the next lss garage sale along with my DreamKuts machine.

As Thoreau said, "Simplify, simplify, simplify".

Sunday, April 19, 2009

New week and two new challenges at KnKclub.com



The first challenge I posted today was to use the paper rolling technique that is seeing a resurrection from a few years ago. My blog pal, W.O.T.E (Cathy) gave me these wonderful papers from Creative Escape and they were just perfect to capture Barb as Lucy. She was so awesome and I only hope I've done her justice!

The second challenge I issued was a countdown one and I'll post more about it tomorrow.

We had a great day today. We rescheduled the supper with the kids and just came in from steaks and veggies off the grill. It is a lovely evening and we've been listening to reggae music drifting up the river from Cap'n Jacks.

Hope that big fat bumble bee comes back to sup on my lavender tomorrow...fella, have I got plans for you! Click click...think kodak moment!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Adventure time







Poor E! About once every six weeks or so I plan an 'adventure for the two us. I find something in the paper that sounds fun and that we might not have done before. Today was the day. About 2 wks ago I saw this festival advertized and thought it right up our alley...Latin jazz, big horns, some salsa!

So, after a leisurely bike ride through town, we showered, changed, gathered up sun screen and water, plugged in our GPS, Sweetie Pie (yes, I name all electronic devices...they are more user friendly that way) and headed to Vinoy Park in St. Pete.

The day was perfection! The breezes of Tampa Bay were devine, the music hot and sultry and the beer icey cold. We watched a small sail boat race off the Pier, engaged in some primo people watching and enjoyed each other's company.

A swim before supper (bay scallops and sauteed brussel sprouts with pancetta and scallions in creme fraiche and we subbed a lot to keep this lo cal)topped off the day.

Wish you could have joined us! Don't you just love a good 'adventure'?

We had a blast today...

details and pictures to follow...right now the pool is calling my name LOUDLY

Friday, April 17, 2009

Happy Friday one and all

Didn't get much scrapping done yesterday. E was working on the platform for the charcoal grill which we keep on the lower lawn and I just vegged most of the day. I've been reading a biography of Liz Taylor and WOW! She was married 4 times before she hit 30...guess I had thought she was older than that then.

South Beach is coming along nicely. Not wanting carbs nearly as bad as the first day and am down 8lbs. so far. That is what I love about SB...you get incentive to continue. Both E and I need to take the weight off to reduce the stress on our feet and on his heart. In my opinion, there are only two reasons to lose weight: health and because you personally want to feel better. We are attempting to slim down a bit for health primarily but I really like having more energy for biking and kayaking and walking.

We love each other enough to do this for our health. Wish us luck

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Keep this under your hat!



I was playing with my G45 papers yesterday and just knew a couple of the sheets would be perfect for the picture of Janet, Kip and myself in the hats from Retro Rosie's. This was such a fun layout to do and I have an idea for the three single pictures as well. Hope to get to it today.

I am going to miss the Ruskin crop. E and I made plans for the weekend before I realized that the crop was the same day. There is a festival in St. Pete in Vinoy Park and the jazz is on Sat. So, we'll trot ourselves down there with our folding chairs and enjoy an afternoon of music. Don't have too much fun without me, you wild gals in Ruskin.

Tomorrow night I am heading to a Mary Kay event hosted by my blogger pal, W.O.T.E. I have needed a concealer and the company has a couple (one new) that I want to try. See you tomorrow night, Cathy! (if you live in the Tampa area and are interested, you can go to her blog...listed on the left...and let her know!)

Enjoy your day.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Color Challenge at KnK




Sat. at KnKclub.com, I posted a couple of challenges. The color challenge was one that I love to do. I found these combos in a Coastal Living magazine or was it Martha's Living mag last year. When I find color combos I like or are different, I tear them out of the mag and put them into a folder. I do the same with ads. This is my choice of 3 colors from the combos which was the challenge. I have been wanting to scrap these pictures of Goofy drinking out of my water glass that I put next to my bed at night.

The words at the top read: We always knew that Goofy loved ice in his water but we never knew he also preferred a glass until we caught him drinking out of mine (Feb. 09).

Thanks for looking.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Another find!




For the longest time, I've kept my tools in a big tote I found at Jo's. It was roomy and spacious and I loved it. On Linda's (Hilltop Memories)recommendation, I went to K-mart and bought a turner for a micro wave and the bag revolved. Then my love affair with my tool tote started to fade. The handles got caught on the Crop0dile or my big scissors, resulting in some snarls and ouchies. I could never find anything in the bottom of the bag and to unzip the bottom where I kept my adhesive replacements was a nightmare. It was great, however, for getting everything to away crops!

Fast forward to yesterday. I had been looking for a replacement for this and finally
after trips to TJMaxx, Bit Lots, JO's and Mike's, I gave my favorite store, Home Goods a shot. And there it was...my tool holder for my desk top. The color of the wood is just a shade darker than the cabinets in my workroom, it takes up about half the space the tote did and, while it does not spin, I can reach all my tools. I love the little card holders that match the box I am using to hold my pens. That was a mark down at TJMaxx and I am now wishing I had gotten the other one they had too.

So, for about 20.00 I now have a pen holder that looks cool (just slip my little tote into the box) and a tool holder that look great and actually work! Yeah! It is the simple things, ya know?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Scrap Challenged






These are the Easter 09 pictures...lol. Now there is a scrap challenge if I've ever had one.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!







When the kids were little, we'd go all out for Easter: the new outfits complete with gloves and hat for Kristen and a little bow tie for Rob, Easter baskets with a toy or stuffed bunny, hidden eggs decorated the day before and candy galore. Since the kids are now in the 30s, we've scaled back a bit. E did eggs yesterday and I helped color some of them. Our color dye package had the traditional colors and the metal dipper I remembered but came without the decals (that often did not adhere) or the egg holder bands...bummer! E got some candy but not tons as we start South Beach (again) tomorrow and will send the remaining candy home with the kids (our son in law, Chris, will eat anything! We love that about him!)

I've had the bunny collection in increasing numbers for the past several years. This year, I could not find one that called out to me so the numbers remained static. The ceramic bunnies on the table are about 6 or 7 years old and when I saw them in a store, they made me laugh so are now part of our Spring decorations.

We haven't hidden eggs since Kristen was 20. E lured her into an Easter egg hunt for plastic eggs he hid around the condo both inside and out with the knowledge he has put a penny in one egg, a nickle in another all the way up to a twenty dollar bill. That egg hunt went fast!

The kids are due over around one or two ish and we'll eat a non traditional Easter supper of turkey (no one cares much for ham but E and I) and side dishes. Meanwhile, the pool is warm enough to swim so we may indulge a bit.

Hope your holiday whatever it may be is a joyous one filled with family and friends and fun.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Anyone else use ads as sketches?




Two of my favorite magazines to get ads from for inspiration are Southern Living and Coastal Living. I also use these two mags to get ideas for color combos along with Martha Stewart's. This is an ad I found last year and this is my version of it. I kept it way simple (a new twist for me, what?) as I think the pictures should take the stage front and center! That is my pal, Kip, taking the photo in the right lower picture and these were all taken on Anna Maria Island last weekend. Thanks again for the invite Janet dear! and for the ride, Kippy!

I posted this challenge at Knkclub.com along with a color challenge. When I get that one done, I'll post it too. Thanks for looking and if you want to take the challenge, please help yourself to the ad!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Collecting goodies






These are some of the goodies I have been collecting lately. The orange sheet music and the lace are from Retro Rosies in Bradenton Fl. where Kip, Janet and I went last Sat. Janet got a scoop of cool vintage buttons and Kip and I got sheet music and split some lace (isn't is lovely?). I also found this neat photo holder and just had to have it. I adore the little name plates and can't wait to play with this.

The rest of the pictures are of the goodies I ordered from one of my all time favorite on-line flea market and ephemera sources, Manto Fev (http://www.mantofev.com/. Sara has the best customer service ever. I am especially excited about using the little lighter on the Smokin' Hot Mama's layout I have planned for the picture we all took with our cigars on the cruise! The pen nibs are so divine, I am glad I ordered a bunch. And the little French perfume bottles are so lovely as well.)

A bit more cleaning in here and I'll be ready to play. I did a reversible tag yesterday but need to add a thing or two before I am ready to put it up.

Have a great Good Friday all.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Updating a bunch of stuff

and cleaning here in the work room. I have a couple of things in the works so stay tuned to this channel! lol

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

My last two reveals for KnKclub.com




I posted these on the site yesterday. Both use the amazing Bisous.biz product by Suzanne Q. I have been smitten with her work and her designs for quite some time now and have scads and scads of her papers and chipboard. The "Cheers" layout is of two of our dear friends, Kelly and Jill. Jill was my student teacher back in the day and is now a principal. Kelly is just so cute! It has become our tradition on our last day at our beach time share for all of us to get calamari (except me as I'm not a big fan) and toast each other and our week together. That is what that layout is about. The other layout "I heart Rock" is about Kip's stepdog (her ex Woody's dog Rock)with whom I have fallen in love. If we ever get a dog, it has to be one like Rock. He had climbed into my van and looked so comfortable behind the wheel I thought he'd just drive me home! This dog has personality plus!

Cable was out for what seemed like eons this morning: no tv, no phone and no internet. Even the paper guy was a no show. We worked crosswords to pass the time. Off to finish up some fun projects for Genuinely Jane Studios. Have a great day!

Monday, April 06, 2009

More pictures from Retro Rosie's Vintage Shop






My favorite has to be Janet in her stylin' swim cap and Jansen swim suit! There is a fantastic one of Kip in a huge pink 'garden party' hat that I think she is putting up on her blog. Be sure to scroll down for some I posted yesterday and check out both Janet and Kip's blogs for even more of our day of fun.

I've seen a sneak peak of the upcoming KnK kit for May and it will blow your socks off. My second reveal went up today on the site and I'll post my last two layouts here tomorrow. This May kit has been a delight.

I am almost done with a cute project for Genuinely Jane Studios: a beach pail and shovel mini album and I am also making plans for a 3 piece fish set and can't wait to get started on this one as well. Watch this space!