Saturday, May 23, 2015

April stamp classes "to go" STILL AVAILABLE!

These are my two classes that I offered in April. 

 I've been remiss about blogging about them, however.

Both classes are still available as "classes to go", if you are interested!

April punch class "For the Ladies"

This class is available as an un-assembled kit.

All stamping is done, and all shapes have been punched for you! You just follow the example card to assemble.

Kit cost is $10 and includes three envelopes.

On the third card, I did no stamping except on punched ovals, so you have options if you don't need a "mother" card. (I used this card for Mother's Day!) 
These are beautiful cards to send to the females in your life!

Need masculine cards? The next punch class will focus on the men! 

The class is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM. 

Punch class is $8 for those who attend.
$10 is the "to go" price.

I hope you can join me, or purchase the kit to go. These cards will be ready just in time for Father's Day!

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 April 2/5/15 Class 

2/5/15 classes
cost $15 for 10 cards (two each of five designs).  Envelopes are available optionally (10/$2 dollars).

If you missed the class (or cannot attend) and would like the class "to go", the cost is $20 for all cards made for you, including envelopes.

The April class, as well is this month's 2/5/15 class feature retiring stamp sets and accessories on all cards. (The May class is scheduled for this coming Friday, May 29, at 1 PM and 4 PM)

I will be placing one final order from the current catalog on Friday night!

If you know there is something you have to have and it's retiring please let me know before then. 

The new catalog goes live June 3.

Here are the cards we did last month and I will be posting the May cards soon!


Retiring items featured: Stippled Blossoms stamp set, Beautiful Wings embosslit die
The greeting used on this card is not retiring it's from the butterfly basics set.

Card #2
Retiring items featured: Mosaic Madness stamp set, Mosaic punch, Back to Black DSP, Four You stamp set, Coastal Cabana ink and card stock (this is one of the five retiring In-Colors this year).

Card #3
Retiring items featured: Blooming with Kindness stamp set

Card #4

Retiring items featured: Chalk Talk stamp set (the framelits that match are still in the new catalog), Tape It stamp set

And, card #5:


Retiring items featured: For the Birds stamp set, Hello Honey stitched satin ribbon (Hello Honey is in the 2014–2015 In Colors and they are still available - they just have different ribbon options this year!)



Stay tuned for this week's class featuring more items to retire. Get them before they're gone!

If interested in placing an order, please contact me through this blog or by email before this Friday.







What's cookin'?- Amish oatmeal pie

Here is an easy dessert or any night of the week!

(As you can see, we don't care if it has a pretty crust or not, we still eat it!)


Amish Oatmeal Pie
It fulfills all three of my dessert requirements:

1.  It's yummy!
2.  Simple ingredients, usually already on hand.
3.  "Easy as pie" to prepare!


Are you ready?

Don't blink!
Recipe from: http://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/2015/04/06/amish-oatmeal-pie-recipe/


Mix together in mixing bowl, low speed:

•3 eggs
•2/3c white sugar
•1c brown sugar
•2/3c milk
•2/3c rolled oats (Old fashioned, not quick-cook)
•2T softened butter
•1t Vanilla

Pour mixture into unbaked single pie crust (I just use the store brand, roll out)

Bake on 350° for about 50 minutes or until center is set.

Top of pie is crusty like an oatmeal cookie yet the inside is soft and gooey. You'll notice some "syrup" when you cut into the pie - this is normal and is delicious on top of ice cream!

Original blogger likens this pie to pecan pie. To tell the truth, I haven't had that enough in my life to know. Regardless, this pie is delicious!




Monday, April 13, 2015

April stamp club

This month we are making three projects, highlighting product from the Occasions catalog.

The first project we will do is a berry basket, because we didn't have time to do it last month as I had planned. Instead of adding a handle to make it an Easter- themed basket (as originally planned ), we will just do one that I had made for a friend.
I used the new Berry Basket die for the Big Shot and our coaster board to make it extra sturdy.

Don't forget that you can make the basket just out of card stock or DSP, but if you really need a sturdier basket, take this route! You can cover this with card stock, stamp on it or even emboss the sides with an embossing folder! You can decorate it any way you like, of course, - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

We are also going to make the little plant pick that you see here. It doesn't matter what the basket contents are, it is just so darn cute, SO BE SURE TO ADD ONE! For that, we are using From the Garden bundle:

Speaking of bundles... At April club it is "bundle-mania"!

The next two projects involve two different bundles and I am interchanging elements from each of them: Crazy About You and Petal Potpourri:


The first bundle features the stamp set  Crazy About You and the Hello You thinlet dies. Both are available for purchase separately.

The Petal Potpourri bundle features a stamp set and the coordinating Flower Medallion punch. The punch is also designed to work with one of the flowers in the Crazy About You set!

Here are the cards were making:

This card was inspired by Connie Stewart, and features the technique known as "zen doodle".


And, this card was inspired by Connie Babbert. I love how all the colors from the Gold Soirée DSP are in this card, including the metallic gold!

I finally got to use my Party Pennants Bigz die for the Big Shot, too!

This stamp club is full, but if you are interested, I will be beginning the Summer Stamp Clubs soon. Summer clubs run June, July and August. Each club has three participants who agree to purchase $50 of catalog merchandise  each month.

That is usually easy to do because we have a new catalog coming out in June!

In fact, the retiring list will be announced earlier than ever before-  April 17 - so, stay tuned!

REMINDER: accessories on the retiring list are available only until supplies last! Don't forget that on the retiring list this year will be the In Colors 2013–2015 (Strawberry Slush, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Baked Brown Sugar and Coastal Cabana)
If you need any of the ink refills, more card stock, etc. in these colors, don't wait until the last minute!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What's cooking? - Easter brunch

I'm playing catch up again!

I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm not organized and/or energized enough to do a daily blog. Thousands do, but I'm not one of them.

And I've had to ask myself, why even do a blog?

Well, the answer is simple: I love what I do and I like to share what I'd love! (that should sound somewhat famaliar for those of you out there who are Stampin' Up! demonstrators, as it comes from our "Statement of the Heart")

But it fits, you know?

I love to stamp and I'd love to cook.
I want to share fabulous recipes that I found with all of you. I also like to make things with my Stampin' Up! products!

I am now starting my 19th year as a demonstrator! Can you believe it?

Over time, my dabbling in this direct sales company has waxed and waned ... completely evolving over time ... changing the way I do things to suit my needs, my life.  

I've made so many fantastic friends through this endeavor I never want to give it up- even if it means just doing the bare minimum and sales each quarter. 

Right now I know I'm not very active with my Stampin' Up! business, but I know I can pick up the pace when I'm able to and/or if I want to. That's the beauty of it!

But I digress...

I have been cooking and stamping but not blogging! 

So for those of you who subscribe to email notifications, I'm sorry for their irregularity, but it will probably always be that way.

A friend recently told me that she loves to read my blog because it sounds as if I'm saying it right then/ she can hear me say it. I feel that it helps to bridge the many miles between us. I hope you feel that way too!

You know when I am excited about something, (be it a recipe or something to do with stamping) I want to share it with you! It's a way to keep in touch with all of you even though I may not see you on a daily basis.

And, if I make some new friends/followers along the way… even better!
--------

Now… Where to begin.....

How about in the kitchen?

This past Sunday my husband had to work, so I opted to serve an Easter brunch instead of our traditional Easter Sunday dinner.

Here is a picture of our table and what I served (counterclockwise starting from the top right, behind the flowers):

(* recipe to follow...)

• Apricot-yogurt muffins*
• fresh fruit 
• potato-crusted quiche (see recipe at:
• crustless tomato-spinach quiche*
• deviled eggs
• mini cheesecakes decorated to look like nests
• mac and cheese "muffins"*
• sassy tailgate sandwiches*
 Cadberry egg crescent rolls*

And, yes, they were only five of us.

I've come to the conclusion that I know how to cook for the 4 of us ..... or 40 -there is no in between!  I always cook too much food on holidays even when we don't have company or it's just us (or like in this case, one of the boys' friends).

That's alright - we like leftovers!

For each food that has a star (*), I will either give you the recipe or the link to the recipe that I followed.
------

1) Apricot – yogurt muffins
(my favorite new recipe of the bunch!)
These muffins are not too sweet and very moist, bursting with the flavor of apricots! They would be perfect if you host a tea party!
Here's the link: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/apricot-yogurt-muffins/


2) Crustless Tomato – Spinach Quiche:

• In a large sauce pan sautĂ© a bag of baby spinach, 1 cup grape tomatoes, and two cloves minced garlic in 2T olive oil. (spinach well wilt; tomatoes may pop)
• Pour mixture into a pie plate and top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together: 4 eggs, a dash of nutmeg, salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup half and half.
• Add to pie plate; sprinkle with more mozzarella (up to 1 cup).
• Bake at 375° for 30 to 35 minutes until top is golden brown.
• Let cool 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

3) What do teenage boys like? Macaroni and cheese that you can eat with your hands, of course!

These Mac and Cheese Muffins are individual servings cooked in a muffin pan. They feature a bottom crust made of Ritz crackers, butter and cheddar. Boursin cheese spreads adds a "not-your-run-of-the-mill-Mac n' Cheese" depth of flavor!
Here's the link: http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/08/18/mini-mac-and-cheese-pies-and-a-virtual-baby-shower/


4) "Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches"
Seriously, I can't believe that I don't have this on my blog already (and I do not know how to make the font larger again)! And, maybe I do I just can't seem to find it, so here it is again! 

I have made this recipe so many times and we love it!
The slider sandwiches are perfect for feeding the masses at a lunch or just watching a football (or hockey!) game.

• Start with a package of Kings Hawaiian rolls. Slice the whole "unit "in half, dividing the tops from the bottoms, and put in a 9 x 13" baking pan.
• Spread one half of each bun with chive & onion flavored cream cheese (you will use a whole 8 ounce tub).
• Layer 1 pound of deli ham slices on the bottom half of buns. Top with 1 pound of deli Swiss cheese slices. Put the tops of the buns on.
• Pour over the tops of the buns a mixture of: one stick melted butter, 1T Worchestershire sauce, 1/2 T dried minced onion, 1/4 c grated or Parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

5) Cadbury Creme Egg crescent rolls

Yes, you read that correctly! The ultimate in brunch decadence!

• Freeze 8 Cadbury creme eggs for at least one hour.
• Using Pillsberry (or similar brand of) refrigerated crescent rolls, roll up one frozen egg per triangle, starting at the wide and and ending with the point.
(Since the chocolate eggs milk and burst during baking I found it helpful to do these two things: 1) USE PARCHMENT PAPER so as to avoid stuck on caramel 2) pinch each Crescent closed to "dam up" some of the leaking caramel while baking.
• Bake according to temp and time on crescent package; until crescent rolls begin to turn golden brown.


YUM! 

I hope you'll find opportunities to try a few of these new recipes- no need to wait until next Easter!


Thursday, March 19, 2015

What has Danielle been up to?

I have really been remiss in posting things on my blog lately, I know!

Gee, you would think that I haven't stamped OR cooked in over a month.

Not so!

I have oodles of pictures I have taken of delicious food that I have cooked! I promise to share recipes with you! (crab Alfredo, cauliflower "mashies", chicken thighs in a lemony butter sauce...)  BEWARE - it may just happen in a late night, no-sleep bombardment!

And, stamping....

I have been busy!

I'd like to share with you a few projects that I have been working on over the last few weeks:

A gift of thank you cards for a friend that just retired.
One of our wood mount stamp cases worked perfectly to house all cards and matching envelopes! The silver foil paper really added extra elegance to the envelope liners!

St. Paddy's Day treats....

At the end of the rainbow you will find a pot of gold…

Aren't  these just darling?

I made about eight of them (punch art at its best!) Besides giving them to my own boys, they were handed out to their friends (all high school-aged boys) and they were well received. The Skittles did not last long!

A gift for a student going abroad....

This one is a work in progress.

 I am meeting this friend on Sunday of this week so I have just a few more days to finish!

I bought the scrapbook kit called So You from the Stampin' Up! Occasions mini catalog. 

I did take some creative liberties with the front cover using a stamp from Adventure Awaits (also from Occasions mini).


The album itself shouldn't take me much time to complete, however. The kit is designed with acetate/transparency overlays for each picture page. You stamp on it with white Staz-on ink, and simply place a picture behind it!

Here is one  page I made with a piece of DSP behind it (from the Adventure Bound pack).
(Love this paper, especially for masculine purposes!)

I can't wait to complete this gift and give it to him!

I've already ordered a second one intended for my younger son who's going to Costa Rica this summer.

Perfect gift!!!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Spring punch class "to go"!

Who's ready for spring?
ME! ME! ME!

Because we still have so much snow outside and parking is limited at my house, I have decided to only offer classes "to go" during the month of March. Hopefully April will bring better weather and lots of visitors to my stamp classes!

If you would like to purchase this un- assembled card kit, here are some things that you should know...

• kit cost: $10 (includes paper supplies for these three cards, envelopes and postage!)

• With the exception of the cloudy/ sunshine card I have decided to not stamp sentiments on the bunny card or daffodil card . By doing so, you can make it whatever you want… "Happy Easter", "happy spring", "happy birthday ", ... whatever!

These kits will be available for purchase until March 31. Just email me/leave a comment below. Once payment is received I will mail your kit. Cash or check only, please.

A big "thank you" to the following stampers that inspired me with their creative originals: Julie Davison, Mackenzie Fuchs, and Karen at kraftingwithKaren.blogspot.com!




Monday, March 2, 2015

FREE GIFTS IN MARCH!!! (PART TWO)

To make March an even more exciting month, I have decided to offer my own special along with Sale-a-Bration (from Stampin' Up!)!

Please read this post:
http://dandyspandy.blogspot.com/2015/03/free-gifts-in-march-part-one.html?m=1 for all links that you may need and pictures of my first eight stamp sets that I have decided to part with.

This is part 2, so stamp sets numbers 9-16 will be shown here.

Once I have received confirmation of your order, you may choose which stamp set that you would like free. You can either email me (at Dandyspandy@sbcglobal.net) or leave a comment below.

Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can get the set out to you!

RETIRED SETS OFFERED AS A FREE GIFT WITH A $50+ ORDER DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH:

9.  Build a Blossom - GONE! Thanks Carole M.!
10.  Vintage Verses-GONE! Thanks, Nancy M!
11.  You're Lovely
12.  Wishing You - GONE! Thank you, Kathy P.!
13.  Vintage Vogue - GONE!!! Thank you, Debbie M.!
14.  With All My Heart - GONE! Thanks, Tricia B.!
15.  World Treasures - GONE! Thank you, Ronnie and Nancy!
16.  Heart of Christmas

Ok, let the games begin!

And, thank you!