Notes from the crystal stairs

Spoils of war and Project life

2012-02-11T15:45:00.001-06:00

I managed to get to the Hobby Lobby sale yesterday 50% of of thousands of scrapbooking paper!
I got Basic Grey Sweet threads and the colorful life featuring Donna Estabrook(DCWV)

I also branched out and got Me and My Big Idea Mambi papers they are truly bright like I like. That's
the project life binder I got but I decided to use some of my Basic Grey

paper(Basic) and Kand Company Tags. The pink flowers are Jolee Boutique's stickers and Tim Holtz acrylic stamps were on sale. too.(Last week Tim Holtz and Jolee's Boutique was on sale. I really got to stay out of this store. Is there a Scrapper's Anonymous? I probably resist the idea of rehab like any true junkie would.. But I can pretend that I want help . My only true justification is that I can use the papers in my art journal. The kids will love these albums later blah blah blah.....) I got the Amber Project Life I am working on the pages and next week I will develop the pictures so consider this my work in progress.

Random Note:Project life

2012-02-03T10:36:00.000-06:00

I am posting this from my friendly neighborhood community college. My apartment is having some technical problems.(the electrician has to come fix the wiring), but that's not what I am excited about. I used the computer at school the other day to order my project life photo album, photo sleeves, and cardstock so it should be coming this afternoon, because I had prime shipping with Amazon so as soon as it gets here I will give my opinion on it. Now I don't have to feel like that kid who gets picked last to play dodgeball! Unitl next time stay gold!

Wellow Moon

2012-01-25T14:23:00.001-06:00

No this is not a mistake. I was trying to teach Joshua about the different phases of the moon. Instead of saying Harvest Moon. I would say Yellow Moon. He would always say Wellow Moon.(We have a speech

pathologist working with him at school.) I think it's cute . He also says money moon instead of quarter moon. I had forgotten what I took these for . I wanted to do a layout that would record this everyday part of our lives, that I am sure I will forget but I don't want them to. My girls don't seem to care one way or the other about the moon , outerspace, baseball so it will be unlikely I mention them in these posts. Of course I will
have feature there likes ,too. Until next time.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Pat's Broccoli and Chicken Stir Fry

2012-01-23T08:28:00.000-06:00

Ingredients
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 tablespoonrsesame oil
1/2tablespoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste, if desired
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon peanut oil, plus more as needed
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons peeled and chopped ginger
4 green onions, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets, blanched

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, rice wine vinegar, light brown sugar,
sesame oil, red pepper flakes and cornstarch. Reserve.

Set a wok over medium-high heat and coat with 1 tablespoon of peanut. when the oil shimmers add about half of the chicken thigh pieces. Stir-fry until chicken is fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer
to aplate and repeat the proccess with the remaining chicken thighs

Add enough peanut oil to the hot wok to coat the bottom. Add the garlic,ginger, green onions and red pepper flakes to taste and saute until fragrant, about 1 1 minute. Add chicken back to pan along with the brocoli florets and stir to warm through. Pour in the reserved sauce and stir until the sauce is thickened and bubbly , about 345 seconds. Transfer to serving and serve.

Variation:
I apologize for taking so long to post but I think this recipe will make up for it. I followed pretty close
except I use the powder form of ginger. I prefer the smell of it and to not be aggravated because I detest chopping ginger root. I loved it I would probably double everything next time , but I served this on angel hair
pasta. Also if you go here you can watch the video that goes with this.

Day in the life of an artist/mama/poet

2012-01-05T09:16:00.002-06:00

"if you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being ,you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life"Abraham Maslow

It's a dawning of a new day time to embrace the creative parts of myself I have been neglecting , like writing poetry and mixed media. I guess I have to figure out a way to include scrapbooking as well. Why does it have to be one or the other ? Why not have all 3? I am just not at peace or content with myself unless I am doing one of those things. This year is definitely going to be interesting

Creative Goals for 2012

2012-01-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

Hello out there ! I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year. I really don't make resolutions. Seems like
I forget about them by the time Valentine's Day rolls around. However if I set a goal I am more likely to try here
are 3

1. Try a new medium (pan pastels)

2. Try a new technique(printmaking)

3. Try a new surface(canvas panel)

I am still going to scrapbook I am planning on trying this in art journaling mostly. Over at Milliande there is
a discussion about creative intentions for the year so you can click the link and check it out . Well I want to
paint or something before the kids come from school. I don't go back to school until 1/17/12. so I want to take advantage of this.

Happy Holidays1 Last post for 2011

2011-12-19T11:17:00.000-06:00

Thank you guys for being patient with me this Fall 2011 semester. I have been crazy busy and would like to
take the next 2 weeks to catch up and eat you know Macedemia nut cookies. I mean half of my creative
adventures are either coffee or chocolate induced. I hoope everyone enjoys their family and loved ones. I will return the first week of 2012.

SEI scrapbook album and Why I scrapbook part II

2011-11-27T07:58:00.000-06:00

This is the front cover of the scrapbook album(Joycelyn) fromSEI but instead of paying the $30 plus shipping and handling I got a 40% off coupon fromHOBBY LOBBY. So I only paid $20 plus tax. Still a whole lot

cheaper and my need for instant gratification was met.As you can see the colors are pretty neutral and they

come with sketches so you don't have to do a whole lot outside of embellishing which is what I will be doing. I find it very ironic that I use to look down my nose at this since I had been scrapbooking for 6 years now
and thought I should be advanced enough to do my own sketches. What I quickly came to realize when I went back to school this semester is that I just don't have that kinda time anymore since I have to actually
bond with the kids in the photos that I am scrapbooking about! Here are the other reasons I try to keep doing this lovely hobby of mine:

Stress release
Self expression
I dread the idea of my kids not remembering the good things
I dread the idea that I may not remember the good stuff
It combines two things I love :writing and photography
I would say that it taps into my inner child or some deep psychological benefit but truthfully it just makes me really happy for reasons I can't quite put my finger on.

So there you have it my new work-in-progress and my reasons to continue going to Hobby lobby.

paper from Die Cuts with aView and Why I scrapbook (part 1)

2011-11-20T17:42:00.000-06:00

I am taking advantage of those 40% coupons from Hobby Lobby and bought this stack from DCWV called

all about me . I have been trying to remind myself why I scrapbook. I am much busier now but I still want to

capture the everyday and maybe even al little of the mundane.This album will be a year in review for 2010 that way I can use the same paper line and it will have a cohesive look. I love that I really don't have to have

a sketch for alot of it it already has journaling spots , a space for the photo, , it tkaes some of the guess work out. I use to be the one who scoffed at album kits, other folk's sketches any little short cut that didn't originate from you. If there was such a thing as being a creativity snob , then I was truly the epitime of one.
Now I realize that I can't endure the thought of letting these goofy moments that my kids seem to have an abundance of, go by without me to preserve them for all time. (Well maybe for blackmail but mostly for laughs). So I will be back with another album kit and some of the other reasons I scrapbook my kids are about to cross over into the mom he hit me zone .

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Coca cola Cakea

2011-11-14T10:06:00.000-06:00

make 15 serving

prep 20 min Bake 35 min

2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup of cola soft drink
2 tablsepoons cocoa
1/2 cups miature marshmallows
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 arge eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cola frosting
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl.
Bring cola , butter, and cocoa to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Gradually stir into flour mixture. Stir in marshmallow and next 3 ingredients. Pour into a greased and floured 13x9 inch. pan.
Bake at 350o for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Spread Cola Frosting over warm cake; top pecans

Cola Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine

6 tablespoons cola soft drink

3 tablespoons cocoa

1(16-ounce)package powered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat , stirring constantly until buttter melts ;remove from heat . Add sugar and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

Quick Cola Cake: Omit first 10 ingredients. Beat 1(18.25-ounce)package Swill chocolate cake mix,1 (10 oz.) bottle of cola soft drink, 1/2 cup veetable oi, and 4 large eggs at low speed with an electric mixer until blended... Beat at medium speed 3 more minutes pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 pan. Bake at 350o

for 45 minutes.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Chicken Tortilla Soup

2011-11-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

Prep 30 minutes. cook 40 min.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4(6inch)corn tortillas, cut 1 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2(32-ounce)containers chicken broth
1(14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes,undrained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained and chopped
10 ounce can greentomatoes with green chiles undrained
1 tablespoon gound cumin
1/2teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup vegetable oil

8 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4 -inch strips
Garnishes:shredded Montery Jack cheese, sour cream

Heat 3 tablespoon of oil in a Duthc oven over medium-high heat. Add tortilla pieces and next3 ingredients: saute'5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add chicken and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil:reduceheat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.
Discard Bay leaf.
Heat1/2 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat: add tortilla strips; and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels To serve, ladle soup in bowls . Top each seving with tortilla strips . garnish if desired.

Variations
I didn't use the bay leaf and it was still a big hit when I ran out of the fried tortilla chips I did decide to bake
them instead which was pretty good,also . I am thinking about making it again this weekend since it's actually
cold enough to enjoy it.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:King Ranch Chicken Casserole

2011-10-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Makes 6 to 8 servings
Prep:35 min cook 5 min Bake:35 min

1 large onion,chopped
1 large green bell pepper,chopped
2 tablespoons,vegetable oil
2 cups chopped chicken
1(103'4-ounce)can cream of chicken soupm undiluted
1(103/4-ounce)can creamof mushroom soup
1(10-ounce)can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4teaspoon garlic powder
12 (6inch) corn totillas
2 cups (8ounces)shreded cheddar cheese, divided

Saute' onion and bell pepper in hot oil in a large skillet over medium -high heat 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken and next 7 ingredients; remove from heat.
Tear tortillas into 1 inch pieces; layer one-third of tortilla pieces in bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Top with one-third of chicken mixture and 2/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers twice.
Bake casserole at 350o for 30-35 minutes.

Variation:
You can substitute low fat soups and baked tortillas if you are tryng to lower fat. Definitely a dish on my
permanent menu since everyone ate it.(My menu is pretty flexible I try new dishes as often as I can but
when I find one that is quick and not to expensive I hang on to it) My older daughter suggested a Mexican
menu for Thanksgiving and I think this is the best idea ever. I will of course share some more traditional recipes for you the blog readers . Look for future posts on the weekend for the next 7-8 weeks for sure. Thank you for stopping by and until next week stay gold!

Big Picture Classes: When you don't have a photo by Janet Phillips

2011-10-28T07:59:00.002-05:00

One of the suggestions for a layout when you
don't have a photo was to go to the internet and use a photo.(I'm sure Flikr has some images under the Creative common license.)
I think this was a pretty cool idea I had already taken
the kids to see the Smurfs but hadn't thought about lugging a camera with me. So this was an opportunity
to preserve a story that would otherwise be lost. Plus it gave me a chance to use those brads that were shaped like a burger and fries I got from Eyelet outlet
The journaling reads as follows:

I had a bit of a health scare that night . Some unknown symptom. It was hard to enjoy the movie, which is ironic becuz the movie reminded me to enjoy just that! I got the movie stickers fromhobby lobby and the journaling strip was the American Crafts brand..
I can't wait to try that Amy Tan decorative tape that they have (mixed tape). Now that my 8 week class has
started at the local community college, I really have come to appreciate shopping online! The kids seemed way more enthusiastic about the happy meal from McDonalds just another reminder to parents that kids really do enjoy the simple things and it really is the quality of the time you spend with them.

Weekend edition:Birda Mae's Recipe Corner Maple Bacon Oven Pancake

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-05:00

Makes 8 servings
Prep:3 minutes Bake 17 minutes

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups all -purpose baking mix
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups(6ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese divided
12 bacon slices cooked and crumbled

Combibe first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Pour into a greased and floured 13x9 inch baking dish.
Bake at 425 for 12 minutes. Sprinkle pancake with remaining 1 cup cheese and bacon ; bake 3to 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean . Cut into squares , and serve with maple syrup.

Variations:

None really but I will say this was off the chain! I don't normally try new recipes before going to church

because I want the proper amount of time and space in case I have to redo it but this turned out great

as you can see in the picture (This was the first run) After church the polished it of so good I made another

batch. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

I rememeber when series:One time at Magic Mountain

2011-10-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone. I have not forgotten you guys I had to catch the bus to community college to
take care of some things before my class starts next week.(Don't think I am taking late start classes anymore
either but that's another issue)Here is another installment of the I remember series I think this really helps the
journaling portion of a layout so I will finish this series by the end of next month on my grandmother. I will still
continue to the I remember when series but I will focus on my teenage daughter who is graduating from high
school this school 2011-2012 and has been a bit of challenge to scrap her because she detests pictures as if it were a virus you could catch will taking the picture, but any who .I remember one of the occasions I went to
Magic Mountain with grandmother and two other relatives. Magic Mountain was the same amusement park
in conjunction with the Six Flags Amusement parks such as the former Astroworld that we had here in Houston and the current Fiesta Texas in San Antonio . This was my idea of teenage heaven! Funnel cakes,cool rides,hot guys and the occasional concert who could ask for more. My poor grandmother didn't far so well on that Colussus . Looking back on it I am surprised she even got on the ride to begin with she
was a homebody for sure. Anyway her glasses were crooked when she got off the ride. Being the jerky teenager I was I laughed. Actually if we are being really honest I am not the person you want to ride with
on a roller coaster because the more you cry ,scream or plead the name of Jesus the more I will laugh at you
so not a good idea for me to ride with you. Now that she is gone it's one of those things you wish you could
take back but can't. I can say my grandmother loved me in spite of who I was at the time and I will always love her for that!

Random Note:Twinkle Toes

2011-10-14T09:11:00.001-05:00

Aren't these shoes over the top?I am feminine like the next chic but man these put those ruby red slippersfrom the Wizard of Oz to shame.I actually used the 30% coupon I got from McDonald's but all Twinkle Toes category looked like a fairy threw up on them! Well anyway my baby doll likes them so that's all that matters

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Thai Chicken Soup

2011-10-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons green curry paste
6 cups low sodium broth
1(15oz) can coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce, plus more to taste
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
4 oz. thin rice noodles broke in to pieces
2 small chicken breasts (1 1lb)
very thinly crosswise
1 tablespoon fresh lime plus more to taste
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirringoccasionally until softend and lightly browned (about 8 minutes) Add the garlic and curry paste and cook stirring 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk and fish sauce, cover and bring to a boil.

Add the bell peppers and nooodles and simmer uncovered , until noodles are al dente. Add the chicken and boil until meat is no longer pink. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Add more fish sauce if desired.

Variation:
I used red curry paste because that's what I had on hand , green bell peppers instead of the red. The picture is the second batch of this soup I made in the first batch I used chicken thighs and in both batches I used light coconut milk.

Inspiration Corner Amy Tangerine and Karen Gruenberg's blog

2011-10-08T15:03:00.001-05:00

I realize these two blogs may not be the newest but lately they have really been inspiring me.
First Amy's blog I love the way blog itself is uncluttered, bright and funspirited. I discovered this
during the Big Idea Festival that Big Pictures had in August.. I am also looking forward to taking the self
paced class taught by her called "Get Your Creative Juices Flowing" over at Big Pictures. It's only $17
and includes 3 videos but first I have to finish off the other ones I have paid for!

There is also Karen's blog . I am always glad to see another mother trying to fit in writing , art journaling and
scrapbooking into her everyday life. Visutally speaking I am in love plus her schedule is posted so you know what
to expect and when which I think is awesome! There is a trick or treat blog hop going on over there. Her
self paced class "Embracing Imperfection" is free I will use this for a future art journal ( of course it can be
a mini album as well)
Well I have not recovered fully from my overload of Toffee Bars I made last night and the chocolate granola cereal I had this afternoon. (Yes HEB makes chocolate granola cereal) Until next time stay gold!

Teddy Bear Brigrade and in loving memory of my Sony Cybershot

2011-10-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

I finally figured out why I wasn't having any luck with batteries . My Sony cyber shot is in camera heaven

I took these with the Canon IS 3 . I mean I should've been doing that all along but I couldn't just dump my Sony we already had a pretty good relationship and it was easier for me to shoot black and white shots with it.. I
was actually in Frye's Electronics trying to price a new one and I know I am being a little anal retentive but
it really isn't the same. Newer doesn't mean better all the time. I had lost the instruction manual early on with the Sony cyber shot but it

was so simple I really did good without it. As you can see by these photos there isn't anything wrong with
the Canon, I was just getting stuck in my way of doing things and not being open to a new challenge. Now I regret it so I promise myself a new start with the Canon and yes I will be one of those
parents with 2 and 3 cameras. Zaria loves to line these critters up however I can't get her to explain why but I just
wanted to document this "hobby" of hers so don't be surprised when you see the layout.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Herbed rice

2011-09-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

2 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano or thyme
or 2 teaspoons each if you are using dried herbs

Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan:add rice.Cover , reduce hat and simmer 20 minutes or until broth is absorbed, Add the herbs last 7 or 5 minutes.

I have to mention how being born and bred mostly in Texas(although I still feel
very Californian) I didn't think it was possible to have good rice without a truck load of butter or margarine. In the past if I had rice or grits and no butter
I flat out would not eat it. I usually felt like I was being punished. So I am really glad to share this recipe because it was really good. Even the picky eater at it. I also had some fresh Italian leaf parsley and fresh basil and it really made
a nice presentation and went really well with the sauteed pork chops I made that day. Well until next time stay gold

Art Journal page and creativity quotes

2011-09-22T07:21:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share page there of my "Permision To Be Creative Class"(self -paced) I am taking atBig Pictures Classes taught by Courntey Waslh but my scanner is straight tripping this morning. I went back and pulled this Art journal page. I was playing around with the acrylics by watering it down so I could get a watercolor

effect and as you can see I love epoxy stickers,brads and rubber stamps. Here are the quotes Idid for the class:

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination" Henry David Thoreau

"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up"Pablo Picasso

"Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same place" Arthur Koestler

Well I hope this has inspired you today we all need a little extra something-something every now and then.

Birda Mae's Recipe corner:Stuffed Peppers

2011-09-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

6 small to medium peppers red or green ,13/4to 2 pounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon of salt1/2 teaspoon of pepper
2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350o. Cut tops from peppers and remove seeds and ribs, keeping peppers whole. Brush outside of peppers. with 2 teaspoons olive oil.
In a medium frying pan, heat remaining olive over medium heat. Add onion and cook stirring to break up lumps, until it begins to lose its pinkness, 5to7 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove sausage and onion to a medium bowl. Add rice,parsley, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Toss to mix. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff peppers, with rice and sausage filling, mounding top slightly. Place peppers in a 13x9 inch baking
dish. Mix tomato sauce with water and pour into dish around peppers. Bake 45 minutes.

Variation:
I used ground beef in mine I didn't really care for pouring that tomato sauce and water in the pan, but

I got the recipe from the 365 Easy Italian Recipes cookbook. I love this cookbook ,honey, believe me when
I tell you it's the best 4 dollars I spent on amazon it's just that I should have fixed them like Birda Mae use to
she put the tomato sauce in the pepper with the stuffing and they were awesome. My Amazon clicky thing isn't working I apologize that's why I included the image.

Flow (and an art journal page)

2011-09-13T06:54:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days,were creatively speaking , things just seem to fall effortlessly in place?Now this may not seem like a strange phenomenon or even an idea worth bringing up. However, if you are like me,a mother trying to have more than 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to create, it's like trying to finda diamond buried in your hall closet. The odds of that happening seems slim at best.One day this summer,thank the Lord , I found it! . Zaria slept in longer than usual and right about now the time she did wake up , Joshua , who had gotten up earlier than he normally does, actually went to sleep.
I couldn't have asked for a better block of time had I prayed for it! With only one child to entertain/distract at a time I managed to:

make a couple of sheets of patterned paper
make back grounds for my art journal(the above page was one of the results)
Begin a writing project for church
I even had a moment to check out this blog

The last time I flet this good about something related to creativity , is the one time I had more than $35 to spend at Hobby Lobby and they seemed to have a sale on several things I was looking for . However this was better because I didn't have to spend a thing to get the same result. So how do you feel when you get that block of uninterrupted time to create or just be? What was the results?

Birda Mae'sRecipe Corner:Scottish Shortbread

2011-08-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

I go this image from here

1 1/2 cups cake flour(not self rising)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
11/2 cups butter(3sticks) cut into pieces and softened

Preheat oven to 325oF. In large bowl, combine cake and all-purpose flours,sugar, and salt. Knead butter into flour mixture until well blended and mixture holds together. (or,in food processor with knife blade attached,pulse cake and all-purpose flours and salt to blend. Add butter and pulse until mixture
resembles coarse crumbs.)
Divide dough in half; with hand, pat onto bottom of tow ungreased 8-inch round cake pans. With fork,prick dough all over to make attractive patterns.
Bake unitl goldne,about 40 minutes. Remove from oven;immediately run knife around edges of pans to loosen shortbread, then cut each shortbread round into 16 wedges. Cool completely in pans on wire racks.
When cool,with small metal spatula,carefull remove cookies from pans.

no variations here perfect just as it is the cake flour really made the difference.

I remember when series:This one time at McDonald's

2011-08-29T08:24:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

My grandmother use to work in cafeteria in HISD, except my grandmother could actually cook. When
she got paid she would take me and a few of my first cousins to McDonalds without fail. I don't care what you make at home it is hard to compete with Mickey D's in a child's mind.I remember getting really tired
of getting Big Mac's every time we went . Even back then I loved variety! So just as Grama(Birda Mae)
was about to order I quickly shouted that I wanted a Quarter Pounder and my cousins followed suit. The
reason this sticks out in my memory is to illustate just how kind-hearted my grandmother was. She did'nt get the least bit upset, didn't yell ,give me the-wait-till-I-get-you-home speech or even give me the look . We all
had Quarter Pounders that day.It was nice to be myself and to have someone honor my preference at 9 it really meant alot to me. Well until next time.

Big Idea 12 day workshop Day 7:Cherish

2011-08-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

I know that looks like notebook paper but that is actually from Basic Grey, brads courtesy of Paper Studios and epoxy word sticker is Creative Imaginations. I really liked her definition of the word. Another word for
cherish is adore,treasure,value or love based on that I wanted to list 5 things I want to cherish more:

Life
Memories
Love
Family
Friends

You can also click the Big Picture Button in the sidebar it will take to Big Picture Classes

Big Picture Classes:Permission to live a Creative Life (Courtney Walsh)

2011-08-22T08:28:00.001-05:00

Good morning. I have some terrible handwriting. This page two of the class project where our instructor asks us to write a letter about any guilt we may be feeling about taking time and space to create. I could really relate
to this over the summer I really had to work to find a moment where I could be creative. School started for us to day so I don't feel like I am depriving my kids of quality time. Here's what I wrote:I use to feel guilty about being creative I didn't feel like I should make anything unless someone else approved it or it was a gift for someone else(I.E a card or decoupage box etc) It's taken awhile ,but I am coming into the realization
that I have to nuture this part of me in order to be a whole, happy mommy and I may never get approval
so I feel better about creating.
This is a self paced course atBig Picture Classes besides the fact that it's just $10 I don't seemto do so well
with a scheduled time. I like to volunteer with different minstries at church ,I am in a play and besides getting
the kids ready for school I am taking a 8 wee course in October so I will have to make this adaptable to my
life right now. The Big Idea Workshop is s till going I really liked Amy Sorenson's word and her blog. I'll be
back I am still working on my mini album

Inspiration Corner :Chrysti Hydeck and Tina Modotti

2011-08-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

today I wanted to shine the spotlight on two female photographers I am truly inspired by

This photo was taken byChrysti Hydeck
I ran across her altered photographs in I can barely describe just how beautiful it was which is why I included a photo . The reason I am so inspired is because this artist has Tourestte's Syndrome,OCD and was diagnosed as bipolar. Stlll she manages to create. find myself referring back to her story everytime I am tempted to feeel sorry for myself because of having limited supplies, or I can't get chipboard. or whateever embellishment I think I need to make my layout or art journal page. I no longer have a valid reason to not create on a fairly regular basis.

The second female photographer I am truly inspired by is Tina Modotti. She started off as an actress, but fell in love with photography. In the 1930's mn re supposed to be housewives they weren't supposed to have a career outside of teaching or nursing much less photography. There is way more to the story the main thing is check out her work. go to google.com/images or better yet go to your publick library she really had a gift especially with abstract images. Well until next week stay gold.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Ravioli with basil and nuts

2011-08-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

1 1/1 cups whole hazelnuts or 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts
1 pound(1 to 1 1/2inch)frozen stuffed ravioli
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves,or 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1/3 cup chopped parsley Grated Parmesan cheese

If using hazelnuts,preheat oven to 350o. Spread nuts outon a baking sheet and raost 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned and dark skins are cracked. remove from oven and rub in a kitchen towel to remove as much brown skin as possible. Wrap ina clean towel and use rolling pin to gently crazk nuts into medium-size chunks.
Cook ravioli as directed on package.
Meanwhile, in a medium frying pan, melt butter over medium -low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir basil and remove from heat.
Drain ravioli and pour into a warmed large bowl. Add sauce and toss together. Pass a bowl of Parmesan cheese on the side.

Variations

! I used walnuts of course and the dried basil with parsely. I think the Italian flat leaf parsely was a better presentation but I will have to make it again with fresh basil it just isn't the same. Lori and James this recipe

is dedicated to you my Californian vegetarian friends!

The Big Idea Workshop(Big Picture Classes)

2011-08-15T06:59:00.001-05:00

Today is the first day of the workshop with Amy Tan as the instructor for the day and the word prompt is
share.There is a template and a prize if you submit your layout to the gallery.Here's the link to Big Idea Workshop and it's free . I also like the fact that you may get to see an instructor's style of teaching just in case

you were thinking of taking another one. I made a little mini album last week so I could just decorate the pages once the workshop started. The cover is Die Cuts With a View and the inside paper is Basic Gray, letter stickers from American Crafts and the epoxy letter stickers were from Creative Imaginations,Acrylic stamp and brads from Paper Studios. Thank you God that this scanner of mine still works. Stay tuned for the recipes I am doing something Italian.

I remember when series:7 up cakes Birda Mae use to make

2011-08-14T06:16:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

I got this idea fromBeyond Blogging Class I want to write the journaling portion of my scrapbook/recipe album
I am making for my grandmother who passed away almost 2 years ago. My grandmother was awesome in so many ways she was down to earth, loving , and kind to name a few things. She is known for her cooking in our family. I would even go so far as to say that the way you knew she was loved was through her cooking. However there was one dessert I began to hate with a passion. That was the dreaded 7up cake. Don't
get me wrong the cake itself was a culinary delight, but I was the one who had to walk in 90o weather to the store up the street from where we lived to get it.
I know it sounds mean but I use to wish she would buy a six pack of 7up rather than have me go almost every other day(sometimes, not every week)
to get one can of 7up. I remember I couldn't wait to go to college so I wouldn't have to do that anymore.
Life is funny though because it was only a couple of years after that I began to really miss her 7up pound cakes!
Grama(Birda Mae) we love you and miss you so much .The world lost some of it's sparkle when you passed
away but you will never be forgotten.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Walnut Shortbread

2011-08-11T14:46:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients

1/2 cup walnuts toasted
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine(1 stick) softened.

Preheat oven to 325o. In food processor with knife blade attached, process walnuts with 1/2 cup flour until nuits are finely ground.
In medium bowl,combine remaining 1 cup flour, sugar, and walnut mixture and stir until blended.
With fingertips, blend butter into walnut mixture until well combined and crumbly. With hand, press dough onto bottom of 9 inch square baking pan.
Bake until light golden, 25to 30 minutes. While still warm,cut into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into6 pieces. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
When cool,with small metal spatula, carefully remove cookies from pan.

I don't have a variation for this it was awesome I will be making these again.

Explore:Shimelle class

2011-08-08T08:15:00.001-05:00

Here's my explore journal I made it closer to a 4x6 size with paper from Die Cuts with a View and
Basic Grey
I am starting late with this class(so to speak I know I can take it whenever but still I feel a little behind)

for prompt two I found this paper from My Mind's eye . We're suppose to use a postcard to write the prompt but I thought it was cuter. It's actually a 12 x 12 sheet so I may use the whole thing or cut it. Here
are the writing prompts:

In all my life I felt like_____ was my greatest adventure
I was my most adventurous when...........
I don't really feel adventurous but one particular moment does stand apart from the rest.

She suggest writing this on a postcard and mailing it to yourself. I love the idea of using a postcard because
it feels less intimadting . You could also write some goals down and mail it to friends totally up to you. Since I am writing this for myself I decided to keep my response private. I should have a few recipes up by tommrow or Wed. I hate to give a specific day then something happens with the kids then I can't . So
I will do my best to have some up by Tuesday. Until then stay gold.

Big Picture Classes:Permission to live a Creative Life by courtney Walsh(self paced)

2011-08-06T15:32:00.002-05:00

I am loving this class so far . I guess I do better with a self-paced course because I can come back to it when I have a moment.I went to Hobby Lobby today and bought a 6x6 album with the 40% off coupon(You don't have to use a mini album for this class you can use metal binder rings which I bought for another project I got the mini album because I could use the coupon) , I am using paper from My Mind's Eye(lost and found) and

Thegirl paperie page one(or in my case the first few) we write our Creative Mantra

Here's my mantra: I give myself permission to eat chocolate,be creative and enjoy the quiet moments, I forgive those who don't wish to support me. I realize that the more I nuture my creativity ,the more I have to

give to my family. I adapted this fromSacred Pampering Principles (It's not a religon just some affirmations

to encourage you to take care of yourself.

We're suppose to include a picture but those batteries I bought from HEB don't work! I will not turn this into a rant about batteries instead I will press forward and improvise until I get some rechargable ones. Don't forget there will be a Free Workshop atBig Picture Classes From August 15-August 26th.I went ahead and signed up today so I wouldn't forget well I am off to either cook or read or eat

maybe not in that order . Until next week stay gold.

Inspiration Corner: Blogs that inspire me Made In Brooklyn and Dispatch from LA

2011-08-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

Made in Brooklyn This is one of my favorite blogs simply because it's an everyday person sharing
her creative journey and parenting kids with special needs . A subject that is close to my heart since I am raising
two kids with special needs as well. I like the fact that while she is sharing her life she includes pictures of something she's baking (not a tutorial just pictures of the process). It's almost like you were a neighbor who stopped by while you catch up with her life. The other thing I find refreshing is the fact that there are no Facebook, Twitter icons and that's almost not heard of these days on most blogs. There isn't a push to sell anything . Just a mom who is being herself.

Dispatch from LA I love the art journal pages, the photography and the travel stories to places like Istanbul,Turkey. Sometimes we get to see her students work, too. It's one of those blogs you have to see
so you can enjoy the pure undiluted beauty of it. I hope you get a chance to visit the links and check them out.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Floritine Steak with Mushrooms and Brandy

2011-08-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients

4 boneless beef rib steaks, cuat 1/2 inch thickk, 6 to 8 ounce each
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves,minced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 pound fresh mushrooms such as shitakes, oyster mushrooms ,cepes ro morels sliced
1/4 cup brandy,warmed
1/2 cup canned beef broth
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Trim excess fat from steaks. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
In a onnreactive large frying pan, melt 3tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and oninon and cook 2 to 3 minutes , or until onion is softented. Add mushrooms and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to color. Pour brandy into pan and ignite with a match. Shake pan until flames subside. Add stock, bring to boil over high heat, and cook until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teasoon pepper, and parsley.
In another large frying pan over high heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon oil. Add steaks and cook 3 minutes on one side and 3 to 4 minutes on second side, or longer to desired degree of doneness. Remove steaks to a platter and pour mushrooms and sauce over.

Variation:
Let me say right off the bat I didn't use the brandy because
a) couldn't afford it and
b) I didn't want to set fire to my kitchen and have to be on the 10 o' clock news. (I can hear
Dave Ward from channel 13 now "Mom seeking adventure sets fire to her kitchen when all her
kids wanted was chicken nuggets news at 10!"
I went to Wal mart supercenter and got the red cooking wine and some parmesan risotto out of
t the box and it was on and popping! I gotta tell ya the parsley really did give this dish a really nice
presentation. For those of you in the Houston area if you go to HEB Central Market you can get the
organic ones in a large quantity at a reasonable price. Also I used a sirloin steak but next time I will use
the beef rib steak or a cut of steak that is really thick because it definitely makes the difference!

Explore Online Classe by Shimelle

2011-08-02T05:17:00.000-05:00

I I got this image from here
I feel like I am over dosing on classes! I also feel like this is my last free time before I go back to school
this fall.(I am taking a late start class in October so I have room somewhat while I get the kids up and
ready to go back to school) I felt like I was creatively blocked and at the same time a little resentful of
time I was giving to volunteer activites and not my creative purusits. Of course I won't give my work at church because that fufills me in a deeper and more meaningful way but I feel more complete and whole when
I nuture that side of myself that longs to make something.A good day for me is one that includes art journaling ,scrapbooking and trying out a new recipe. I will use some of these classes for mini albums and this class and
the workshop at Big Picture Classes(Big Idea Workshop Aug 15-Aug27) Si will be getting up with the chickens but it will be totally worth it in the end. Stay tuned for a new recipe!

big picute classes and a layout

2011-08-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

I am finally going to take those classes at Big Picture Classes I am taking Permission to Live a Creative Life by Courtney Walsh(Author of Busy Scrapbooker) and When You Don't Have a Photo By Janet Phillips
since I bought some batteries that were past the expiration date I have some recent memories I would like to preserve that don't have a photo that I would like to preserve so I thought this would be a perfect solution.also

on August 15-August 26th there will be a Free Workshop, featuring 12 instuctors called The Big Idea Workshop and I am looking forward to that one and here's a layout I did collage style.

Art Journal Page and Creative Catalyst 133(Creative Thearpy)

2011-07-28T05:45:00.000-05:00

Wow my hair was actually combed in this picture! All vanity aside I enlargged this so
you could see the detail. I used a metallic champagne colored paint and peach and I really loved the effect of this together, the patterned paper was from Basic Grey and the brads were from Sei. This is actually a 2 page spread but the batteries I bought didn't work so when I get some more mulah I will defiinitely take a picture. Now over at Creative Therapy Creative Catalyst 133 is do you have a favorite or imporant family
recipe and I thought how cool is that . Well I am off on another mommy adventure until next time stay gold.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Frosty Key Lime Pie

2011-07-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:

Crunchy Pretzel Crust or1 package(6oz.) ready to use graham cracker pie crust
2 packages (8 oz. each) creamcheese at room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
1/2 cup Key Lime juice or regular lime juice
1 can(14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Few drops of green food color, if desired.
1 cup frozen (thawed ) whipped topping

Crunchy Pretzel Crust
3 cups small pretzel twists(about40)
1/2 cup(1 stick) margarine or butter,melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Make Crunchy Preztzel Crust (below.) While crust is chilling, continue with the recipe.
Beat the cream cheese,lime peel, lime juice, milk and food color in a large bowl with the electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until smooth.
Pour the lime mixture into the crust. Cover and freeze about 6 hoursor until the filling is firm.
Let the pie stand at room temperature about 5 minutes before cuttting into slices . Serve with frozen whipped topping freeze the remaining pie.

Tip: for a softer texture they suggest putting the pie in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours for a softer texture
but mine was too soft(I used low fat cream cheese) I used a concentrated form of the lime juice and I still
couldn't taste the lime. I mean mine doesn't have to be all twangy it's just that there has to be distinction
between this and cheesecake!

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:English Toffee Bars

2011-07-23T13:33:00.000-05:00

I I got this image fromhere
Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of packed light brown sugar
1/2 plus 2/3 cups of cold butter,divided
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup Hershey's Milk chocolate chips

Directions:

Heat oven to 350oF.
Combine flour and 1 cup brown sugar in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in 1/2 cup butter until fine crumbs form(a few large crumbs may remain). Press mixture onto bottom of ungreased 13x9x2 inch pan. Sprinkle pecans over the crust Set aside.
Combine remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2/3 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then immediately pour over pecans and crust.
Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until topping is bubbly and golden; remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle
milk chocolate chips evenly over top; press gently onto surface. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

I I didn't think using HEB brand chocolate chips would alter this but it did the thing that totally saved it is the
bbutter. I used Land o lakes and it was the best part of the bar!

Annoucement Postponement of Whatcha Makin' Wed

2011-06-29T05:47:00.000-05:00

First of all I would like to thank all the people who took time to share their creativity with I don't feel like I can give that blog hop the time and attention it deserves. I would like to enjoy my kids this summer and
get ready to go back to college myself in the fall.. I will continue to post recipes, layouts , art journal pages etc...
but I will not be doing the Linky List until sometime in the future. Again thanks for taking time to visit me I have learned so much and for that I will always be grateful

Beyond Blogging for Scrapbookers form Shimelle

2011-06-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

I love the fact that I can take this class when I have the time and space to do so . So even though the live class has already run I have access to the prompts,forum and videos like these. I thought this may be useful if you are looking for things to blog about .( Even the best of us get stuck sometimes)
You can still post your projects in the Linky List below and here's the link if you are interested in this or the other
classes at Shimelle. Also on Fridays there is usually a giveaway.

Whatcha Makin' Wed June 14th-17th

2011-06-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

Hello every body thanks for stopping by and taking the time to post with me just
a friendly reminder that the linky list won't be up next Tuesday .I'll pick it back up
June 28th. I have also started Beyond Blogging for Scrapbookers at Shimelle more about that in the
next post.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:e-z chocolate cheesecake

2011-06-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here
I got the recipe from

Ingredients:
4 sections (1/2 oz.each) Hershey's unsweetened
Chocolate Premium Baking bar, broken into pieces
1/4 cup(1/2 stick) butter or margarine;,softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 package (3oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon milk
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 package crumb crust(6oz.)
Additional whipped topping (optional)

Place chocolate in small microwave -safe bowl. Microwave at Medium(50%) 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred.
Beat butter, sugar ,cream cheese and milk in medium bowl until well blended and smooth, fold in melted chocolate.
Fold in 2 cups whipped topping, spoon into ccrust. Cover; refrigerate until, about 3 hours. Garnish with additional whipped topping, if desired.

Whatcha Makin' Wed June 7th-Jun10th

2011-06-07T10:21:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to link up.
1. If you have a recipe, sewing, craft or a room makeover feel free to shar it here.

2. You may post up to 3 entries

3. You aren't limited to recipes, sewing, or crafts etc...that can include cards, art journal pages etc..
but please post the project not a link to your etsy page. Thanks and have a great day!
Please don't forget to include the button or the worded link in your project so we can spread the word and get more people.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Asian Honey Sesame Chicken

2011-06-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

I got this image from Here

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds meaty chicken pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoon Cricsco
2 Tablespoon seasame oil
2 Tablespoon honey
2 green onions
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

Directions:

Rinse chicken pat dry. Combine all remaining ingredients in a large resealable food storage bag. Add chicken. Seal. Refrigerate 4hours or overnight, turning once or twice.
Heat oven to 350oF. Pour 1/2 cup marinade into 13x9x2 inch glass baking dish. Add chicken.
Discard remaing marinad. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temp of 165o.

Variation:
I use chicken wings , increased the amount of honey to 1/4 cup and omitted the green onion
The kids absolutely loved it! I will be making this again with chicken thighs since they are cheaper than wings.
This recipe is linked up to Just Something I whipped up,Mouthwatering Mondays,Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays.Whatcha Makin' Wed

Whatcha Makin' Wed May 31st-June 3rd

2011-05-31T09:45:00.000-05:00

Hello I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Holiday. Here are the rules briefly:

!. Grab a button in the sidebar and post it on your blog.

2. If you would like to post a worded link in your project that 's cool,too.

3. If neither one of the rules are followed the post will be deleted.
You may post up to 3 projects ( 3 of the same type ie recipes or 3 different types
this part is totally up to you) Have fun the list will be open until Friday to give people more time to post

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Strawberry cream cheese cupcakes

2011-05-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

   I got this image from Here

Ingredients:
1 box betty Crocker Supermoist yellow cake mix
1 container (8oz.) sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
3 tablsespoons strawberry preserves
1 package 3 (oz) cream cheese , cut into 24 pieces
1 container(1lb) cream cheese ready to spread frosting
Sliced fresh small strawberris , if desired

Directions

1.Heat oven to 350o(325o for dork or nonstick pans.) Place paper baking cups in each of 24 regular size muffin cups.

2.In a large bowl, mix cake mix, sour cream oil water and eggs with spoon until well blended(batter will be thick.) Divide batter evenly amon muffin cups (about2/3 full).

3. In small bowl, stir preserves until smooth. Place 1 piece of cream cheese on top ofe each cupcake, press into batter slightly. Spoon1/4 measuring teaspoon preserves on top of cream cheese in each cupcake.
4. Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched in center(some preserves may show in topos of cupcakes.) Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

5. Frost cupcakes with frosting. Just before serving, garnish each cupcake with strawberry slices. Store covered in refrigerator.

I got this recipe from  I got it for 8 bucks from the half price book store. My copy wasn't used apparently they get new books as well. I was anxious to try something from this cookbook.
In my haste I forgot to put the sour cream and probably added to much water. Dont buy sugar free
preserves , either because it makes a difference my cupcakes looked like a hot mess! I apologize about
last weekI found out at the last moment that my son had two award cermonies and while I was pleasantly surprised I discovered how disorganized I have gotten since I am doing this(blogging) and work with 2 ministries at church. Just because I have the Wonder Woman theme song on my playlist doesn't mean I really
am a superhero. All that to say I will post the linky list this Tuesday, but starting June 211st I will take each
3rd Tuesday off so I can get the time and space I need for my family, friends, church, and those creative dreams that seem to get pushed to the back burner..

This recipe is linked up to Just Something I whipped up,Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table, and Whatcha Makin' Wed.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: 3 cheese pasta bake

2011-05-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

I got this image from Here
Reminder: Whatcha Makin' Wed will resume next week my sweetie is getting better but is still home from school.

Ingredients:

1(16 oz.) package ziti
2 (10 oz.) containers refrigerated alfredo sauce
(8 oz.) container sour cream
(15 oz) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Prepare ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pot
Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with spoon half of mixture
into a 13x9baking dish
Stir together ricotta chees and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish.
Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer, sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese. Bake 350o for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

My love of epoxy stickers

2011-05-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

Here are the fruits of another Hobby Lobby Sale! I love epoxy stickers they were 50% off so I bought as many as my budget would allow
and they are by creative imaginations. The pattern paper is Basic Grey(Two Scoops) and the for the journaling I used the Sakura Souffle pens. Unforunately my cutie pie on the right is sick so I will have to postpone Whatcha Makin' Wed. until May 24th,2011. I apologize for the inconvience but I will still post a recipe this week but she will be out of school until Wed. so bare with me while I'll try to get some things together.

Bonus Recipe:Texas Style Enchilada Casserole

2011-05-13T12:40:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here
Ingredients:

1 pound ground chuck
1/2 medium size red onion chopped
1(4oz) can diced green chile
12(6inch) corn tortillas, cut in 1 inch pieces
1(103/4 ounce) can mushroom soup
1(21/4 ounce can sliced ripe black olives
1 cup mild enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 8oz block sharp cheddar cheese
Toppings shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook first 3 ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink . Drain Well
Place beef mixture in a large bowl. Stir in tortilla pieces, next ingredients, and 1 cup cheese, spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11x7 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 cup of cheese
Bake at 400o for up20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Variations:
The second time I made this I left out the red onion it was a little too "twangy" for me I used light sour cream(I strongly recommend Daisy I went generic the first time and boy did I regret it) , replaced Rotel for
the green chiles and used reduced fat cheese . I am making this again tonight I just love the fact that there is
no layering or rolling.! (Sorry took me so long to get back y'all but I hurt my back yesterday and I am feeling better today)

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Spinach Ravoli Lasagna

2011-05-10T12:24:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:

1(6oz) package fresh baby spinach throughly washed
1/3 cup refrigerated pesto sauce
1(25 oz) package frozen cheese Ravoli(do not thaw)
1 cup(4oz.)shredded Italian six cheese blend

Preheat oven to 375o
Chop spinach andtoss with pesto sauce in a medium bowl.
Combine Alfredo Sauce and vegetable broth, spoon one third of Alfredo Sauce mixturew(about1/2 cup) into a lightly greased 2.2qt or 11x7 baking dish . Top with half of spinach mixtute. Arrange half of ravoli ina single layer over spinach mixture . Repeat layers once . Top with alfredo sauce
Bake at 375o for 30 minutes .Remove form oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Variation:
My kids would probably not eat the pesto so I didn't include it . I forgot about the broth but I don't think they noticed. Normally I use a light alfredo (Ragu) but this time I went for the gusto and used Classico Roasted Garlic Alfredo and it actually made me feel like I was enjoying Mother's Day.

Stop by tommrow for the bonus recipe and this recipe is linked up toTempt My Tummy Tues,Tuesday Night Supper Club and Whatcha Makin Wed.( see the post below if you'd like to link up)

Whatcha Makin' Wed May10-13

2011-05-10T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone I hop everyone had a great mother's day and I can't wait to see what everyone made this week.
A few things:

1. Grab the button in the sidebar

2. A worded link is accepat;ble(I.e www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

# If Rule number 1 and 2 are ignored the post will be deleted. You may post up to 3 projects
they don't have to 3 recipes, 3 craft project or 3 sewing (Unless you just want to do it that way)
As lon as it's family friendly and not your etsy page post here

Black and White Wed & Wordless Wed

2011-05-04T07:24:00.000-05:00

Well it's that time of the week again . Here I just discovered Phixr. pretty simple photo editing, unlike paint.net you dont have to download it. Paint.net is very similar to Adobe Photoshop Elements but without
the cost and there is also Photoscape which is totally different from Photoshop elements so I guess it's a matter of preference. Don't forget you can post your projects here until Friday morning and this
photo is linked up withBlack and White Wed,Wordless Wed,Wordless Wed,but with words and Whatcha Makin' Wed

Whatcha Makin' Wed May3-May6th

2011-05-03T07:51:00.000-05:00

Good morning all you creative people!
I decided to put this up a little early but I will have the Linky List open until Friday morning to give people a chance to link up. So if you have a new recipe,(old recipe)sewing project , roommakeover, photos.whatever you made by hand you are more than welcome to post it here! Briefly I will go over the rules:

1. Grab the button in the sidebar, you may post it in your sidebar this is acceptable.

2. If you already have alot of things in the sidebar or if you are like me can't stand alot of clutter on my
blog. You may post the link in your project post with or with the rest of the Linky parties listed in your
title bar(I.e. www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

3. Completely ignoring rule one or two will result in your post being deleted. You may post up to
3 , three similar or 3 different projects that part I leave up to you guys. No etsy pages.
Enjoy your day and I am looking forward to seeing what you guys made this week.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine

2011-05-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Here I go again with Cajun food! This segement of my blog is named after my grandmother(Birda Mae) who passed away November '09. So from time to time I will post something creole or cajun since this reminds me of her I felt like this was the best way to honor her memory but keeping the tradition of good cooking going.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 14 oz can fat free , less sodium broth
6 oz. uncooked linguine
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and devined
11/2 tablespoon butter
1 8 oz package pre sliced mushrooms
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
2 teaspoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup half and half
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley.

Directions

Combine 1 cup water and broth in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Break pasta in half add to pan. Bring mixture toa boil. Cover,reeduce, heat , and simmer for 8 minutes. Add shrimp to pan. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until shrimp is done:drain.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms and pepper to pan; saute 4 minutes or until moisture evaporates, Add flour seasoniong and salt to a pan; saute 30 seconds. Stir in half and half, cook. 1minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Removefrom heat. Add past mixture and parsley to pan, toss.

Varation:
I omitted the flour and broth and bell pepper . I substitued Ragu' Light Parmesan sauce and frozen sweet peas so I wouldn't have to chop anything. Plus I don't think my kids would've ate the bell pepper. Also I forgot the
linguine and used good old spaghetti since I have like a gazillion of them in my pantry.This recipe is linked up to Just Something I Whipped up,Mouthwatering Mondays,Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Night Supper Club and Whatcha Makin Wed

Recent layout: Family

2011-05-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

I was really happy about incorporating all 3 of my favorite colors, orange, hot pink, and yellow as well as use up some supplies I already had on hand. The epoxy stickers were from Sei(mimosa) and everything else Paper Studios. Here's what the journaling says"What can I say ? All you really have in the end is family. Through our ups and downs family is the one constant(in life)" These relatives are my first and second cousins. I have to say if it wasn't for I wouldn't get as much scrapbooking done.I also have to acknowledgeBig Picture Scrapbooking I took the free class about letting go of perfection I am going to review the info since I have been a perfectionist for a long time when it concerns my scrapbooking I feel like it's helping me.

Black and White Wed. & Wordless Wed, but with words

2011-04-27T07:26:00.001-05:00

I finally got a chance to resize and do some photo editing in picasa and picnik I think this one is alot
easier than Adobe Photoshop elements. I have a free trial I downloaded from Cnet. Also in case I forgot to mention I finally found a photography magazine that I actually like. Sometimes the ones I would see in
the bookstores where so technical it felt like I was in way over my head.Here's the one I found that is approachable and not too bad on the subscription price,either. Go here if you want to check this out.
This photo is linked up with Black and White Wed.,Wordish Wed(with Supermom) and Wordless Wed but with words. Don't forget to
link up your photos or projects in the post below this one.

Whatcha Makin' Wed. April 26th-April 28

2011-04-26T09:59:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter, I had to do a safety check on my kids's candy or atleast that's the story
I am going with this year!Well I can't wait to see what everyone came up with this week.. The rules are as follows
1. Grab the button in the sidebar I haven't changed the domain name yet so you can post it in your sidebar
or post.

2. I realize this is a big bright button that may not fit with your blog design and that's why I am o.k
with a worded link in the post(i.e. www.scrapaddict4sure.com is cool,too) I personally don't like a cluttered
blog, so I am not offended when people put the link.

3. If rule 1 and rule 2 is completely ignored then I will have to delete the post and I really don't like doing that
blog hops are suppose to be fun and a chance to learn from each other. Also link to your project not your
etsy shop( IF you have a etsy shop on your blog that's different)

4. If you sew,cook, have a DIY project, crafts, art journals, or love photography you may post up to
3 projects( 3 of the same or 3different that part is up to you) So stay gold and thanks for stopping by.
Oh I almost forgot I post Bonus Recipes every other week so I can post my art journal pages, scrap books, or photography.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

2011-04-26T08:56:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 pound medium shrimp
1 pound ham(preferablely smoke) cubed
1 pound Kielbasa,andouille, or chorizo sausage sliced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 large celery stalks diced
1 green or red bell pepper
1 large onion diced
11/2 cups long grain rice
1 16 oz can dice tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup choppped parsley

heat the oil in a large, heavy stockpot over high heat and add shrimp. Cook stirring constantly until the
shrimp curl and just begin to brown,about 3 minutes remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon.Add the ham and sausage to the stockpot and cook stirring frequently until broth are well browned about 15 minutes. reduce heat to medium and add garlic, celery, bell pepper and onion. Cook stirring frequently, until tender, about to minutes. Stir in the rice, tomatoes,broth,salt, cayenne pepper, and half parsley.Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes or until the liquid is almost absorbed. Stir in the shrimp. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed 3-5 minutes more.

Variation:

I used frozen sweet peas in place of bell pepper, and omitted the ham to save time and money they enjoyed

. I always have a soft spot in my heart for creole cooking since I have relatives from both sides of my family

that still live in Louisiana..I will make this again . I am linked up toJust Something I Whipped up,Tempt My Tummy ,Tuesday,Tuesday Night Supper Club, Whatcha Makin' Wed and Mouthwatering Monday

Bonus Recipe:New Orleans Beignets

2011-04-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:

1(1/4-oz)envelope active dry yeast
11/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
6 to 7 cups breadflour
vegetable oil
sifted powdered sugar

Directions:

1.Make the yeast mixture. Combine yeast, 1/2 cup warm water,and 1 tsp granulated sugar,in a bowl of a heavy duty stand mixer. Let stand 5 minutes. Add milk, eggs,salt and remaining granulated sugar.
Form a dough. Microwave remaining 1 cup water until hot, stir shortening until heated. Add to yeast
mixture. Beat at low speed, gradually Add 4 cups flour until smooth. Gradually add remaining 21/2 to 3 cups flour, beating until sticky dough forms. Tranfer to a lightly greased bowl turn to grease tip. Cover and chill 4 to 24 hours.
Roll and cut. Turn dough out onto a floured surface, roll to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into 2 1/2 inch squares.
Fry until golden, Pour oil to depth of 2 to 3 inches into a dutch oven heat to 350o. Fry dough in
batches 2 to 3 minutes on each side , Drain on a wire rack . Dust immediately with powdered sugar.

cheryl 's fave's

2011-04-25T11:14:00.001-05:00

1. Spring I love everything about it and the fact that people are already barbequeing!

2.Turtles candy ( chocolate,pecan and carmel all in one candy what's not to love?)

3.Scrapbook shopping onlineI have a wishlist of items I a going to buy and this mostly clearance items
Hey this sister is on a budget.

4. www.photoargus.com I just discovered them and already I am in love I feel like I am learning something

5Sei I realize there isn't anything new about them either but they also have a clearance section .(Go to shop online link from there click clearance and you can browse pretty quickly)
Stay tuned for this week's recipe.

Whatcha Makin' Wed April19-21st

2011-04-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

good morning all you creative people! I know it looks like alot of changes but I will basically be keeping
everything else the same(Linky list, recipes,art journaling and scrapbook etc...) I just wanted this blog to fit my
personality more actually this was the original name so since I still like it I am going to keep it! I really do celebrate creativity in all it's forms. Speaking of which , you are more than welcome to post up to 3 projects
( 3 of the same or 3 different it's up to you as long as it's family friendly) Recipes,photos, art journal pages,home
decor, sewing etc.... you may post it here. Here are the rules

1. Grab the button in the sidebar it will still link back to the blog.

2. If you already have alot of things on your blog you may post it
on your sidebar or a worded link is fine with me also(www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

3. If you don't post the button on your blog or the worded link I will have to delete
entries which I really don't like to do but it isn't fair to people are kind enough to follow the rules. Thank you
guys for being patient with me as we make this transition . Also If anyone has a problem with posting an entry please let me know so I can make adjustments if neccesary. Thanks guys

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Easy Peach Cobbler

2011-04-19T07:34:00.000-05:00

I couldn't wait anymore for that hint of cinnamon, the bit of crust and the sticky sweet peaches. Peach cobbler
has always been one of my favorite desserts.Birda Mae,my grandmother that passed away, was the queen of
baked goods. Especially peach cobbler. Of course I still miss her ,but atleast I have memories of her in the
kitchen making this . I hope you enjoy the following recipe, I found an easy version that I think you guys will like,also. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all -purpose flour
2 cups sugar divided
1tablespoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup milk
4cups of fresh peach slices
1tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg(optional)

Directions:

Melt butter in 13x9inch baking dish
Combine flour,1cup sgar,baking powder,and salt;add milk,stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter.(do not stir)
Bring remaining 1 cup sugar,peach slices,and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly pour over batter (do not stir) sprinke with cinnamon , if desired.
Bake at 375o for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve cobbler warm or cool.

Variation:
I used canned peaches, and I didn't have any lemon juice but I thought it came out pretty good , I will definitely be making this again .(with the lemon juice, of course!)
this recipe is linked to :Tuesday Night supper Club,Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays,Mothwaterin'Mondays andWhatcha Makin' Wed.

OMG A LAYOUT

2011-04-18T13:42:00.000-05:00

I know this was the intent of this blog to actuall be able to share a scrapbook page, but this more of my cooking /artj journal adventures with some randomness thrown in becasue I enjoy it this way!. The sticikers aren't Paper
Studio brand everything else on the layout is. I had caught that sale at Hobby Lobby and here's another place you can get Scrapbook items on Clearance stay tuned check back here Tuesday 4/19/11 for the recipes. Stay gold.

Friday Favorites April 15,2011

2011-04-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Favorite recording artist of all time:Prince Rogers Nelson born June 7,1958 .The world didn't recognize this musical genius until 1984 when at one point he had the number one movie,album and single at same time! I can honestly say I was a fan before that he was a cute genius besides they just don't make 'em like this anymore!I am also a huge fan of L'oreal makeup because it's made by the same people who make Lancome. (Why pay more for the same thing?)My favorite online scrapbooking class:shimelle the new class, Beyond Blogging Satrts Monday April 18th. I love the fact that you don't have to start with everyone else. Flexiblity in this area is key.I also don't feel pressure or that I am falling short somehow if I don't crank out a certain number of pages.

I love this flavor of Ben and Jerry's it actually has a hint of cinnanom and some crust, truly up there with chocolate for me! Last but not least is Pablo Picasso because just like Prince he is multi talented. For me he is visual arts in terms of painting, photography, sculture, and if I am not mistaken even printmaking. Well I will post a project soon but I will try to post my favorites every Friday have a great weekend and stay gold.

Whatcha Makin" Wed'April 12-14,2011

2011-04-12T07:32:00.000-05:00

Good morning fellow creative people I am early because I have to go do some Easter Shopping and
with public transportation being what it is I couldn't be sure if I would get back here by noon so I putting it up
early.I am looking forward to seeing what you guys made this week just real quick here are the rules:
1. Grab the button form the sidebar.
2. a worded link or link in the post is acceptable as well(Ie. www.scrapaddict4sure.com)
3. You may post 3 different projects or 3 similar projects . They don't have to be recent it's up to you.
4. If the button isn't posted in you sidebar or a link in your post I will delete it I am a very flexible person
but I just don't think it's fair to the people who are kind and generous enough to link back to me.

Thanks for taking time from your busy day to link up!

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Honey-Pecan Chicken Thighs

2011-04-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

I got the image from Here
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
8 skinned and boned chicken thighs
3/4 cup honey,divided
3/4 cup Dijon mustard divided
2 garlic cloves minced
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Instructions

Combine first 4 ingredients, sprinkle evenly over chicken in a shallow dish.
Stir together1/2 cup honey,1/2cup mustard and garlic; pour over chicken
Cover and chill 2 hours.
Remove chcken from marinade, discardingmarinade. Dredge chicken in pecans; place on a lightly greased rac k in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.
Bake at 375o for 40 minutes or until chicken is done.
Stir together remaining 1/4 cup honey, remaining 1/4 cup mustard, and curry powder, serve sauce with chicken.

My variation:
I used whole pecans which I thought more looked better in general and I forgot to put the
curry ! Ironically my pickiest eater liked this I thought the mustard was too tangy. So I
will try it again with regular mustard .
I am linked up toTuesday Night Supper Club,Tempt my tummy Tuesdays,

I got this recipe from this book no shock I should work for them or something.

My intentions;To be Cooked List for 2011

2011-04-12T07:21:00.000-05:00

I noticed there weren't a lot of cooking challenges out there so I decided to challenge myself.
I love food from the south as well as italian, chinese and mexican. I don' want to lose that spirit of
adventure by getting stuck in a rut. So by posting this I hope to hold myself accountable and just have fun with it
so without further blah blahing her it is

To be Cooked 2011
1.peach cobbler
2. tea cakes
3.salmon croquettes
4.shrimp creole
5. beingets
6. enchilada casserole
7. sopapillas
8. chile renos
9.risotto
10.eggplant parmesan
11.chicken florentine artichoke bake

Here are my two favorite places to find new recipes My recipes(from the Southern Living,Cooking Light, Health, Sunset and Real Simple Publications) and Recipe (Better Homes and Garden) I will repost this next month about this time just to see how far I got

Cheryl's Favorite'

2011-04-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

I want to make this blog a little more personal by sharing some of my favorites.
One of my favorite jazz artists
Najee I got my copy used and OMG it was not scratched at all !

I love this album I wore this out and will have to get this again.

My absolute favorite TV Show this took the place for Ugly Betty in addiction to

Senor Chang rocks! Ken Leong is hilarous actually he's a Dr in real life he definitely don't need this job
must be nice!
and This was one of my favorite novels by Toni Morrison. I hear that she actually taught
at Texas Southern University way back in the day

I got this image from here
I swear this is my absolute all-time favorite dessert bar none! My grandmother that passed away(Birda Mae)
was the best cook and this was one of her best desserts I swear this is the year I will start making this.
Well tune in next week where I wll share some other things I think are great

Whatcha Makin' Wed April5th-7th

2011-04-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

Good morning all you crafty people out there. Thanks for taking the time out of your
busy day to link up. If you have recipe you can't wait to share, or thoese new curtains you sewed or
maybe you just want to show off your kids pictures.You are more than welcome to post up
to 3 projects( 3 of the same type or 3 different ones, your choice) We celebrate creativity in all it's forms.
(Family friendly of course) I ask that you please:

1. Grab the button on the sidebar

2. A worded link in your project is acceptable(www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

3.Last week I ended up deleting the posts that didn't do this I just don't think it's fair to
the others who do take the time out to do this. I know we get busy and sometimes we forget
but after a certain amount of time if either of the first rules aren't being followed then I will have to delete again
and I much rather spend my time admiring you guy's projects! So lets have fun with it today.

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:5 minute Double Chocolate Pie

2011-04-04T07:53:00.000-05:00

I got this image from Here
Ingredients

11/4 cups milk
2 packages(4-serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 tup(8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping thawed, divided
1 Keebler Ready crust Graham Pie Crust

1 In large bowl beat milk and pudding miz with wire whisk for 1 minute,(Mixture will be very thick.) Whisk in half of whipped topping . Carefully apread in crust .

2. Spreadremain topping over top
3. Garnish as desired. Enjoyu immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variation:
I put the whipped topping at once which is why mine looked terrible! I was tooo embarrassed to take a picture but not to shame to eat it . My kids loved it of course . I would try a regular pie crust next time I thought this taste better with cheesecake or key lime pie.

This week I am linked up to:
Mouthwaterin' Monday,Tempt My Tummy,Hearth and Soul,Tuesday NIght Supper Club, Whatcha Makin' Wed andFull Plate Thursdays

Black and White Wed:Long Road to China

2011-03-30T16:09:00.000-05:00

I am finally able to participate! I am still learning how to take Black and White photos on the Canon

but as long as my Sony works we can do this! Actually I plan on doing a series. The women's
writer's and artist's group may have an exhibition coming up this will be my motivation to stay focused!

Art Journal page; from A year in an art Journal prompt

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-05:00

I was trying to link this with Whatcha Makin'Wed. but the image was too big. If anyone else has had this experience please let me know I may have to switch to the other linky tools. This prompt is from a few months ago but I just recently finished I used the champagne paint to give it a metalic sheen the scanner really doesn't give it much justice. Every 15th and 30th there is a new prompt You can go check it out by going here
Note: If you link up with me and don't post the button or a worded link then I have deleted the entries it really
isn't fair to everyone else that did.

Whatcha Makin'Wed March 29th-31

2011-03-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Good morning fellow crafty people
It is so to be back. I am already thinking about making calzones and southwest tilapia. Now of course those things don't go together but the more I stopped by to see whae everyone was cooking the hungrier I got!
So please feel free to post up to 3 recipes or 3 different projects, if you don't cook alot please dont feel
left out if you sew, make things with modpodge, make art journal pages, take really cool pictures of
your kids you can post it here. I have several different projects going and I thought it would be nice to
have a place you can share all your creative adventures whatever they may be (As long as it's family friendly)
Just a few things however:

1.Grab my button in the sidebar.

2. You can also post a worded link is acceptable i.e www.scrapaddict4sure.com

3. You may post past or present projects in case I forgot to mention and have fun

Birda Mae'sr Recipe Corner:Shrimp Scampi

2011-03-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients

3/4-1 pound medium size fresh shrimp, shelled and deveined
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon green onion minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons minced parlsley
1/4 teaspoon lemon peel
dash of Tabasco(optional)

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel and set aside.
Melt butter in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Stir in green onion,oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Cook until bubbly. Add shrimp to pan and cook, stirring occasionally until shrimp turns pink(4-5 Minutes)
Stir in parsley,lemon peel and Tabasco.
Serve with rice.

This recipe is linked up with:Hearth and Soul,Tuesday Night Supper Club,Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays,Hunk of Meat Mondays,Whatcha Makin'Wed,and Full plate Thursdays

Bonus Recipe:Fettuccine Alfredo

2011-03-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh fettuccine
1/4 pound sweet butter(unsalted),softened
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
black pepper(optional)

Cook the fettuccine in plentyof boiling salted water until al dente, or firm to the bite,about 2 minutes drain.
Have ready a large warm bowl with the butter in the bottom, cut inot small pieces. Add the fettuccine immediately after draining; add the cheese and toss well. Serve at once. Add black pepper if you desire.

Shimelle Blogging for Scrapbookers Prompt 5:Pictures

2011-03-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

Every time I look at this picture I am reminded of the best pasta dish I had . Next door to Nino's is
a place called Vincente's and they serve the most authentic Italian food ,definitely not commercial like
Olive Garden. It was a combination of Shrimp Scampi and Fettuccine Alfredo and I know this sounds
really rich but it was the creamiest thing and loaded with Butterfly Shrimp so for this week's recipes
I wanted to share a Shrimp Scampi recipe and Fetuccinne Alfredo(of course I don't have the recipe
of the dish I ate but I believe it will be close enough!

You can go here if you would like to find out more about the class and today we are on prompt 6.

Layout and why you shouldn't by adhesive chipboards from Paper Studios

2011-03-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a recent layout. I love the color combo. I really miss my kids at this age I was working full time ,at the time ,and I just dont feel
like I enjoyed them as much as I would have liked to. Honestly I recently rediscovered the photo but for the life of me I really can't remember where we were going that day. This is the reason why I scrapbook more so I can remember and my children can have
some tangible proof of how much I love them. Everything I used for this layout except the Pattern Paper was Paper Studios Brand
I don't think anyone should buy adhesive chipboard letters that don't stick! I had to put more glue on the back because the letters
would fall off but other than that I am pretty happy and content with the layout.

Shimelle Blogging for Scrapbookers:Prompt 3 Favorite Things

2011-03-24T08:06:00.000-05:00

Go here to check it out

Good morning I just wanted to share Prompt 3 which was list some of your favorite things so
here's a few of mine:
1. Paper Corner Rounder- I rarely create a scrapbook page without this and the Paper
Studio version is very inexpensive.Hobby Lobby carries that brand and you can order online.
2.TjMaxx-as far as retail stores this is still my absolute favorite I am wearing a Liz Clabourne top
I paid like 5 bucks for!
3.Chocolate- I have n't met a form of it I don't like Hershey's kisses, coffee creamer, Twix candy bar etc...
now don't get me wrong this isn't all day everday but whatever they put in chocolate makes me
incredibly happy .
4.Inspiration Everywhere This is Michelle Rydell's blog , she does alot of Scrapbooking, Art Journaling etc;;
she is a Design Team Member of Scrapping The Music and always has different projects to share. You should really check her out.
5 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath I am intrigued by the fact that women in the 50's had such limited options
in terms of what they could do with their life it was expected of them to be a wife, which wasn't a bad
thing , but the main character clearly wanted a writing career and that fact that it wasn't supported by society
is interesting. Today in the this century the only thing stopping woman from a writing career would be her own doubts, not pressure to conform . Well I'll be back to share later in the meantime stay gold.

Whatcha Makin' Wed Mar22-24

2011-03-22T10:31:00.000-05:00

Hello it's great to be back! I am looking forward to seeing your projects whether it's home decor, sewing, your favorite recipes, scrapbook layouts ,etc.... whatever you do please share with us here..I can honestly say
I actually don't to make a grocery list until after I see everyones recipes ! Just a few reminders:

1. Grab my button in the sidebar.

2. a worded link such as www.scrapaddict4sure.com listed in your
post is acceptable ,too.

3. You may post up to 3 projects ( 3 different or similar projects) and can
be a project from months ago. That's ok ,too. (It just has to be Family Friendly)

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner: Lemony Sour-Cream Cookies

2011-03-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

First of all I apologize about the last few weeks . Funny thing about AT&T they will cut you if you
get to far behind. I resolved that issue but there was alot of miscommunication and technical difficulties,but
I don't want this to look like a rant against them (they do still have good customer service). On to the
recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoon butter or margarine softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
1/2teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.Grease two large cookie sheets. In small bow, combine flour,baking soda, and salt.
In large bowl, with mixer at medium spee, beat butter until creamy,Gradually add sugar , and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in sour cream, lemon peel, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture until blended.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoons,inch apart , on prepared cookie sheets. Bake until cookies are set and edges are golden,10 to 12 minutes
,through baking; Cool to cookie sheets on wire rack 1 minute. With wide metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire racls to cool completely.
Repeat with remaining dough.

Variation:
I squeezed lemon juice into the dough instead of adding the lemon peel because I wanted to really be able
to taste the lemon not just have a hint. I actually had to squeeze quite a bit to taste it but this is just my
preference. Also this was different from the other Sour Cream Cookie(see 1/6/11 post for that recipe) ,in the fact that it didn't have
a cake like texture which I like better but the taste was pretty good . Stay tuned for the linky list.
I am linking up with the following:Hearth and Soul,Tuesday Night Supper Club,Tempt My Tummy

Shimelle Blogging for Scrapbookers Has started!

2011-03-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

I got my prompt for the first class so far these are the only online scrapbooking classes I like because they are

A) Very inexpensive

B)Very good info given

C)Even if you have missed the class you can still get the prompts but this time I am on time with everyone else

so go to this link she is awesome don't miss out

Whatcha Makin'Wed 8-10

2011-02-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

Good morning to all you creative people out there I would like to thank everyone who posted.. Last Wed. because of the weather, we had rotating power outages from 10-45 minutes, actually my power went out 3 different times. All that to say that I wasn't able to comment on posts like I normally ,do but thanks for stopping
by this week. I don't do themes per se. I believe that you may have more than one project you would like to share and you are more than welcome to post here. If you have a recipe, sewing project , redecorating project
whatever you made don't be modest . You are more than welcome to share hear.
A few things
1. Grab the button in the sidebar
2 . A worded link in your project( I.e www.scrapaddict4sure.com) is acceptable
3. Mixed mdeia, photos,art journals are welcome also I don' like to be a meanie
but if there is no Button in the post or sidebar or atleast a worded link in your project I may have to delete the
post. I just don't think it's fair to the people who do take the time to do so.
4. You may post up to 3 projects (previous projects are ok, too)

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-02-08T08:35:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup firmly packed sugar

2 large eggs

2 1/2 cupas all purpose flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter and peanut butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs beating well.
Combine flour, soda, and salt in a medium bowl; add to butter mixture beating well. Stir in vanilla.Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and chill 3 hours.
Shape into1 1/4inchballs; place 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375o got 7 to 8 minuyrd. Remove to wire racks to cool.

This recipe is linked up to

Hearth and Soul,Tuesday Night Supper Club,Tempt myTum,my

OMG a layout!

2011-02-08T07:29:00.000-06:00

Hello everybody I am getting over a flu that had me laid out yesterday! I know this is a blog about cooking, scrapbooking and art journaling .( I use the term scrapbooking loosely) but here is the proof I actually do scrapbook! Colorful Creations has a mist challenge. I am still working on mine and there is always WriteClickScrapbook they have some printables and some things you can download for Valentine's week.
I am baking something now so I'll be back shortly with a recipe.

Gasp! A scrapbook layout

2011-02-08T06:54:00.000-06:00

I know this blog is named the scrapaddict4sure but I 've been thinking of renaming it top the chocoholic who makes things becauses
that seems to be more accurate! I am getting over the flu so I thought I post this to prove that yes I , Cheryl actually makes layouts , when I am not art journaling or looking for flimsy excuses to eat chocolate!Except for the letter stickers(Basic Grey) everything including the brads, paper were from Paper Studios. I really don't think the aide in this shot wanted to be in this photo which I find Hilarous! I thought that episode of Glee was really good except I really didn't expect the bully to actually join Glee club. I will be back with a recipe!

Whatcha Makin' Wed. Feb1-3

2011-02-01T08:47:00.000-06:00

If you are the crafty diva in your family then you are in the right place, post links to your recipes,room makeovers,scrapbook pages,photos, what ever you made this week you are more than welcome to post up to 3 projects

Random Note: my real life

2011-02-01T08:36:00.000-06:00

Obviously this was back at Christmas My cord wasn't working but I had to take pictures,This was the Be an angel(where they give Christmas gifts for children with special needs) she had already finished face paintin

Whatcha Makin' Wed 25-27

2011-01-25T12:18:00.000-06:00

Good morning all you happy creative people in the blogosphere. If your friends and family members think you
are their version of Martha Stewart, or it's no big deal to you to have more than one project going on or even if you just want to share one ,you are definitely in the right spot! If you have recipes, photos, art journals, sewing projects, room make overs you are more than welcome to post up to 3 projects here.
A few things, however.

1. Grab that Linky Button in the sidebar.

2. If you have a lot of things on your blog (I know I hate clutter even on a blog) then
feel to post a worded link in the post with your project i.e www.scrapaddict4sure.com.

3. Have fun, don't be modest , creativity is celebrated in all it's forms here.
(Mixed media, photos, , and cards etc... are welcome, too. I dont want to leave anyone out.

Birda Mae's recipe Corner:Cranberry nut muffins

2011-01-25T09:33:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 egg, beaten

1. Heat oven to 400oFe. Grease bottoms only of 12 muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and, salt; mixwell.

2.In small bowl, combine milk, oil and egg; beat well. Add to flour mixture all at once;stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.(Batter will lumpy.) Divide batter evenly into greased muffin cups..
3. Bake at 400o F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. cool 1 minute; remove from pan. Serve warm.

Variations
1 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup -3/4 cups walnuts.
or Add 3/4 acups of chocolate chips with flour. Before baking , sprinkl batter in cups witha a combination of 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

This is what I call breakfast! This was the perfect compliment to my Brazilian Blend coffee! I love this plate I got it for a dollar at theHome Goods Store last month . Home Goods is a store affiliated with T J Maxx and Marshall's. So if you have been in the section of those stores that sell dishes,rugs etcc...just picture a store like this but multiplied by 4! The plate is from Portugal how cool is this! Proof positive that I am not a person who is hard to satisfy!
This recipe is linked up to:
Hearth and Soul,Tempt My Tummy,Delectable Tuesday,Tuesday Night Supper Club and Whatcha Makin'Wed

Layout flashback:Remember when?

2011-01-21T13:41:00.000-06:00

This is a layout of my 2nd child hard to believe that's been 6 and half years ago. What's even harder to remember is my scrapbooking style before Creating Keepsakes. I hadn't discovered them yet. I always like taking pictures , holding on to momentos and not wanting to forget
those small moments that I take for granted . I wished I had journaled what I was thinking and feeling because I dont remember great details. Zaria was still scratching herself in the face so that's why she has socks on in the lower half of the layout. I was about as happy as any really tired mother of a newborn could be. I love my child of course, but that's all I recall being totally exhausted . Well going forward I will be sure to a write more even if it's just for those everyday moments. I also miss this style of mine (Whatever you want to call it. I did take Art history and African American Art in college. My favorite artists are Picasso and Romare Bearden both artists are great at collages and I believe that was my influence at the time.

Random Notes :It's about time!

2011-01-21T13:21:00.000-06:00

I took this last month this is me at the M.O Campbell building where they host the "Be an Angel" as you can see they actually had baby goats,llamas,Santa, and fingerpainting. since I caught the bus up here I did'nt stay long but was very glad I came.(That's not my child on Santa's lap I missed that part by the time I got there)

Whatcha Main Wed Jan 18-20

2011-01-18T11:49:00.001-06:00

Hello all you creative people If you are looking to post links to your recipes,room makeovers, craft, and/or sewing projects. Then you are definitely in the right place. Feel free to post up to
3 projects. Just a few things:
1. Grab my button in the sidebar.

2. a worded link in your project is acceptable( I e. www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

3. If have photos, art journal pages, mixed media projects you are more than welcome to post as well.
I would like to thank everyone who links up with me every Tuesday I don't know how to describe how much that means to me. If this is your first time stopping Welcome ,take a look around and I hope you will make this
a regular stop!

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Blondies

2011-01-18T11:25:00.000-06:00

I got the image from here
The recipe is from

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla exttract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups pecans ,coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350o F. Grease 13" By 9"baking pan. In a small bowl, combine flour baking powder, and salt.
In 3 -quart sacucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove form heat. With wooden spoon, stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Beat in eggs,until well blended. Stir in pecans. spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake until toothpick inserted 2 inches fro edge of pan comes out clean,about 30 minutes.. Do not overbake. Blondies will firm as they cool. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
When cool, cut lengthwise into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces.

Variations: I didn't add the pecan to cut a few grams of fat. The texture of these were good and moist. Mine were were a little flat but I will make these again because the kids totally demolished them. I am
Linking this recipe to Hearth and Soul, Delectable Tues,Tempt My Tummy Tues,Whatcha Makin'Wed

Whatcha Makin' Wed Jan 11-Jan13

2011-01-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Good morning fellow creative people It's that time of the week where you can show off your latest recipes,
photos,home decor or home decor projects...... Whatevery you are making as long as it's family friendly
you are welcome to post here. If you have more than 1 project you may post up to 3 . You don't have to be
Modest, Show me whatcha working with ! I only ask a few things one:

! Grab my button in the sidebar.

2. You may post a worded link i.e(www.scrapaddict4sure.com)

3. Mixed media, scrapbook layouts and art journal pages are welcome ,too.

Have fun.

Bonus Recipe: drop sugar cookies

2011-01-10T10:04:00.000-06:00

I got this image from here

Ingredients:
11/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspooon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine(1 stick) softenened
1 cup surgar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 3500.In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg
and vanillauntil blended. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture just until combined scraping bowl with rubber spatula .
Drop dough by heaping teaspoons, 2 inches apart , in tow ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until edges are browned , 10 to 12 minutes, rotating coookie sheets between upper and lower oven racks halfway through baking. with wide metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Repeat with remaining dough.

I aint gone lie I didn't do any of that rotating stuff I wasn't feeling well( still dont feel great) but I thought

what the hey I'll bake them( the kids something .Neeedless to say they weren't my best not that the recipe

was difficult I just wasn't feeling it. I ordered my cord from Amazon so as soon as I get that I can go back to

posting my own pictures of cooking adventures!

This recipe is linked to Hearth and Soul,Tuesday Night Supper club,Tempt My Tummy,Mouthwatering Mondays,Delectable Tues and Whatcha Makin'Wed

Birda Mae's Recipe Corner:Stir fry Pork and Cashews

2011-01-10T08:35:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:
1/2 pound boneless pork loin, cut into , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 tablespoons stir-fry sauce
1 Tablespoon Frozen orange juice concentrate,thawed
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup dry roasted or unsalted cashews
hot cooked rice
Orange slice optional

Stir together first four ingredients
Stir-fry pork mixture in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet 4 to 6 minutes; stir in cashews
Serve porkand cashew mixture
immediately over rice with ,if desired, orange slices yield servings.

Note: To serve 4 use 1/3 cup stir-fry sauce, 1/4 cup vegetable oil and double all other ingredients.

Variation: I have made this with pork loin, but I made this Friday with pork chops and let me tell you
they taste just as good and the pork chops were on sale(actually so was the cashews!) I ordered a usb
cord from Amazon so I should be able to upload my own photos again

Christmas art journal page

2011-01-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

This was just me having fun with some leftover scrapbooking supplies. The paper and the rub ons are from Paper Studio. The lace
I got from Hobby Lobby(You know my second home!) the brads where from Sei(Claire). I mixed some metalic pearl white

with green tea shade this scan really doesn't do justice to the metalliac sheen but I like it any way . Ijust wanted to capture the spir of the day and relax a bit whick I did. I will try the art journaling from the blogs in my sidebar. I am working on my mantras from the daily art journaling here
Hey you are supposed to enjoy the process. The sour cream cookie recipes is two post below this one. Thanks for stopping by.