an american crafts share

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Just wanted to pop in quickly before the Nook blog hop that starts tomorrow (!!), and share a layout I created using Garden Cafe.

I couldn't resist the paper leaves from the Amy Tangerine line, the colors were perfect:)

Supplies: Autumn Cider Paper (35519) -Nightfall, Orchid Bistro Paper (35533) - Garden Cafe, Lily's Bakery Paper (35534) - Garden Cafe, Lavendar Grill Paper (35535) - Garden Cafe, Magnolia Market Paper (35536) - Garden Cafe, Cafe Iris Paper (35541) - Garden Cafe, Printed Variety Tags (77256) - Bits, Hello Kale (53248) - Thickers, Fabric Brads (85567) - Elements, Paper Leaves (77258) - House

Thanks so much for looking! I am looking forward to seeing the pictures of all the kiddos dressed up for Halloween:)

a few things...

We have been getting over the sickies and getting ready for Halloween over here. This week has flown by and I am wondering where it went?!

I just wanted to post a quick couple of things...

The winner for my Ormolu challenge is posted over HERE, thanks to everyone that played along:)

Also, some fun fun FUN is going to be going on soon at the Nook.

 You will get to learn more about the new and old design team members, see some never-before-seen-creations, get tons of inspiration, win some prizes, prizes, and MORE prizes, have tons of fun, and we will be announcing a new challenge;)
Just in case you missed it in the banner...we will be giving away 10 Nook kits, hip hip hooray!
I hope you all will come out and play!

The Nook is also doing another card/layout kit/class, just in time for the holidays:

The kits will start shipping November 1st and the class will begin on November 12th. You can snag yours HERE.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend:)

"vintage" a

Lately I have found myself hunting through older photos to scrap...mostly from the time period when I was pregnant with K. I know there are many great pictures/stories that I haven't gotten around to yet, especially because when I was pregnant with K, it seems like the creativeness in me was not functioning;) Here is one layout I did using a photo during that time period, and the story just makes me smile:

a close up of the journaling:

Love it. She totally doesn't believe us when we tell her she used to say this, but I have the blog post to prove it;)

Some more detail shots:

I loooooove that flower button. I want a million of them:) I used the October Nook kit (filled with yummy My Mind's Eye) for this page, as well as cardstock from my stash and the October kit add-ons.
Don't forget about my offer for signing up for a sub. to the Nook;)

The next layout features a photo taken only a month after the one above. My little helper baking with me...we both know the reason she helps though (to this day, ha!):

K has now caught on...as soon as he hears the mixer on, he comes running for a taste;)

Some detail shots:

I used American Crafts Garden Cafe line here. I am sooooo so in love with that thicker font. One of my faves, for sure!

Supplies: Poppy's Pub Paper (35542) - Garden Cafe, Magnolia Cafe Paper (35536) - Garden Cafe, Sunflower Deli Paper (35531) - Garden Cafe, Orchid Bistro Paper (35533) - Garden Cafe, Rose's Kitchen Paper (35540) - Garden Cafe, Cafe Iris Paper (35541) - Garden Cafe, Eclair Cucumber (53226) - Thickers, Garden Cafe Glitter Buttons (85563) - Elements, Garden Cafe Medium Jewel Brads (85565) - Elements, Savor (42210) - Remarks Books, Delish (70073) - Flair, Printed Variety Tags (77256) - Bits

Have you gone through your older photos lately and discovered any gems?!

new ormolu goodies, a giveaway, and a challenge

Kaitlin released some new goodies last night and they are sooooooo incredibly lovely. That girl totally outdid herself this time. Check out some of it:

Fact or Fiction Flair

Fact or Fiction Flappers Have I mentioned that Flappers are my favorite Ormolu product?!

But I have a feeling these are gonna give them a good run...

Fact or Fiction Trims & Charms

Twine? Love. Charms to hang from twine? Loooooove.

Were you thinking about doing a December Daily? Here are some perfect goodies for this projects.

Merrymaker Package Tags

Merrymaker Number Tags

Merrymaker Advent Flair

Merrymaker Storytellers

Do you love it?! You can check out the rest of the new stuff HERE. Ali Edwards is doing a giveaway for a gift card to the shop, so RUN over there now and leave a comment for the chance to win:)

Something else cool, Kaitlin will be adding one of these buttons:

to all orders that are placed over the weekend. I think it is so cute and seriously, so perfect for a December Daily! Have fun shopping!

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I had a page up on the blog earlier this week:

I have a little challenge going through next Tuesday and if you play along, you could win a $5 gift card to the shop:) Check it out HERE.

 I hope everyone has a great weekend!

baked potato soup

As soon as cool weather makes it's entrance, it is all about soups, stews, and chili. I love the idea of making a big pot of something and it lasts for almost a week. One of my favorite soups has always been baked potato soup. But, when you add in the bacon, cheese...and whatever yummy toppings you like, it can turn into something not so healthy. When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to make it. A simple base of baked potato and chicken stock, seasoned with salt and pepper, and you can add all the toppings you like:

You can see I like a lot;) But I don't feel quite as guilty since it is not a cream-based soup;)

This is really simple...

All you need is a 5 lb bag of potatoes, a carton (buy the bigger size) of chicken stock, salt+pepper, and whatever topping your like: green onions, bacon, cheese, sour cream, etc.

1. Bake the potatoes...use what ever method you normally use.

2. When they are cool enough to touch, scoop the flesh out of the potato. I usually save 2 or 3 and cut them into bite-size chunks. The rest, add into a blender/food processor with a bit of the chicken stock and blend until smooth. You may have to do a couple batches depending on the size of your appliance.

3. Transfer the puree into a pot and heat over medium high heat. Throw the chunks of potatoes in there and add enough chicken stock until the soup gets to the consistency you desire. When the soup is heated up, season with salt and pepper.

4. Ladle into bowls and top as desired!

Enjoy!!!

Source: Baked Bree

nook october projects+an offer

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Seems like stuffy noses and sore throats are taking over our household here:( It always amazes me how fast we pass things on to each other.

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Before I share my October Nook projects, I want to give ya'll an offer. From now until the end of November, if you sign up for at least a 6 month subscription to My Scrapbook Nook, e-mail me HERE and let me know. Then I will randomly draw 4 names to send 5 card kits to. I made up a bunch awhile back for giveaways, and here is a perfect opportunity to give some away!

Here is an example of 6 that I made, just so you have an idea of what you could be receiving;)

Sooooo, what do you think?! These are just some of the ones I made up, but they all have this much stuff packed in them.

If you want to have the chance to receive 5 card kits, just remember to sign up for at least a 6 month subscription to the Nook and e-mail me and let me know you did so. Oh, and remember that you have until the end of November and that I am giving away 4 sets of 5 card kits;)

A little more incentive...if you sign up for a 12 month subscription, you will get your 13th kit free;)

*And* if you are wondering what will be in November's kit...it will be filled with this collection:

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SO now on to my October Kit projects:

I made this for the one page layout class...so you can hop over here and see how this page came together step by step.

Here is a little close up of the journaling:

Some oldie pictures of Miss A. She looks so teeny to me here:) This was before K was ever even in the picture;)

and a quick, simple card that I love:

I've got another layout in the works, and I think I get one more out of the scraps;) I am hoping to fit in some scrap time tomorrow night after kiddies are in bed, keep your fingers crossed for me that the sickies leave soon;)

american crafts nightfall cards

I had some cards go up of the American Crafts blog yesterday. When I received my assignment for October, I was so thrilled that it was using Nightfall. That was my very favorite collection released this past CHA (although...word on the street is that Chap is making it's way to the design team, and that maaaaay take Nightfall's place!).

 You can see individual pictures of the cards+a supply list HERE.
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It looks like cooler weather (for FL!) is in the forecast next week, and I am soooo glad! We finally got a few decorations up last weekend and I am thinking more pumpkin bread is in order. A trip to the pumpkin patch needs to be taken, K's halloween costume has been ordered, and if A ever makes up her mind, hers will be too;) Love this time so very much!

Please come back this weekend to visit me, I have an offer and some more Nook October projects to share;)

today

Today I am so glad to be off work for a day (gonna take awhile to get used to standing 8 hours straight!)...and that Shaun is off.

Today I was happy to be lazy this morning and snuggle with my stinkers on the couch and watch them make messes and play.

Today I made our week's worth of bread and the smell of it baking is delicious.

Today Shaun and I celebrate 7 years of marriage. It hasn't always been easy, and right now we are experiencing extremely hard financial times, but I am so very glad I am on this roller coaster of life with him.

Today (and everyday) I am grateful for the family member that are helping us get through these tough times.

Today I am thinking about what Ms. Kenner will tell me at our very first parent/teacher conference tomorrow morning.

Today I put finally put away the mountain of laundry that has slowly taken over our love seat this week.

Today I am trying not to think of what needs to get done this week and I am planning on a scrappy marathon for Tuesday to try and knock some of it out. I've got so many ideas for projects in my head...so little time...and energy.

Today Aislynn asked Shaun what the history of America was and it was interesting to hear him explain it;)

Today I really want to put Halloween decorations up...but I feel like I have met my productivity limit today;)

Today Aislynn says she wants to be a bat for Halloween. Today. It has gone from a zombie, butterfly, heart, princess, pumpkin, and a pirate.

Today is the season finale of Breaking Bad and I can't wait! I have a feeling it will be a great episode and leave a cliffhanger for next season, which will be the final season (booooo!).

Today I started editing pictures from the last 2 weeks (which unfortunately isn't very many...gotta start picking up the camera again!) and this is my new favorite:

Love that look of delight!!!

What are you up to today?!

ormolu sale!

Kaitlin is making space for some awesome new Ormolu goodies (seriously can't wait until she reveals the new stuff-she has totally outdone herself this time!!!) so it's time to have a sale! Here is a peek at some of the goods that you could snag at great prices:

Negative Days of the Week tags

Soft Petal Packaging Tags

She also has a great sale on some digital items for $0.50, that will be retired after a week. Check out everything on sale HERE.

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I have a couple cards to share:

This was made using a card sketch by Jessy for a challenge on the Nook's card forum. I also used the September Kit for this. I love that butterfly. 

I made this card using the October kit and made it for the October Color Challenge on the Card Forum. This challenge runs until November 7th, and one lucky gal will receive a $5 gift card to the Nook. So come on down and play along;)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

things are a changin'

The magical day has happened. When we in FL, wake up and the weather is cool...to us it feels freezing, but that could just be that we are wanting to throw on sweaters and put away our flip flops like the rest of the country has now for weeks. We will still get some upper eighties days, but I am almost certain our version of Fall is here...yippee!! Besides the weather, other things are changing around here too.

I am starting a new job, just part time, and we are able to work it so that Shaun will be able to stay home with Kieran while I am working and Aislynn is at school, so I am thankful for that. I will be working in a cute kids store a couple miles down the road. I feel a bit anxious about it...not because I think it will be hard or that I won't like it...just about the change in our lives. But this is something we have to do, it will help our finances tremendously, so that is good.

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So with that change, I will be blogging more sporadically until I get in the swing of things. I am totally abandoning my daily themed posts and going more with the flow. I have lots of fun news to share with you in this post regarding the companies I am lucky enough to design for, so here goes!!!

The October Kit from My Scrapbook Nook is here and it is beautiful! I'll admit I was a little scared to cut into it at first, but now that I have, I don't want to put it away...anyone know how to add a few more hours in the day?!

Here is one layout I have completed using it:

You can get your kit here!

In other Nook news, My Scrapbook Nook is now on pinterest! Yay!! So excited about this! So make sure you upload your kit creations into the gallery, because you never know what will get pinned;) ;)

The Nook also has a limited edition card kit class right now, filled with My Mind's Eye Lost and Found II.  Here are a few peeks at the kit:

The fabulous Danni Reid is cooking up instructions for her sample cards, which are sure to be lovely coming from her!!

You can get the kit+class here, for $34.95, and a little birdie says there are not very many left, so what are you waiting for?!

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 In American Crafts news....oh, I am soooo excited about this one...they have purchased the retail part of Studio Calico. You can read more about this adventure here!!

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I think that is all my news for right now, lol! I'll be back tomorrow with some Ormolu news;)