Mission Organization- Part 3

I have been cleaning, organizing, somewhat simplifying (my life is never simplified completely) around the house. As I mentioned in a previous post, I tackled my kitchen over my Spring Break Holiday. It took me 2 solid days of cleaning, scrubbing, organizing, donating. I am fortunate to have a walk in pantry in my fairly large country kitchen.

 Here are a couple pictures of my walk in pantry BEFORE I cleaned and organized.

I had similar things in my drawers, cabinets, and pantry. Although it was accessible, it was not organized. I have collected recipes and cookbooks for years. I had them in 3 different places. Now, I have the ones I kept (yes, I did get rid of some) all in one spot. I have organized like things, labeled containers, and used up all the space. I am happy with how things have turned out.

Here are pictures of the pantry AFTER I organized.

I invested in some coated wire shelving to add to my wood shelfs in the cupboards and pantry to add more space for dishes and canned goods. I bought lazy Susan (not pictured) and placed in corners of shelves  where they overlapped. These work great for oils, sauces, bottled items, ketchup, dressings, etc...

 I bought some hanging coated wire shelf drawers on the top of one shelf for popcorn packets and Jello packets. Vertical storage for the plates, platters, and large dishes I use for buffets and parties.

KITCHEN DRAWER ORGANIZATION

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been doing some organizing throughout the house. Last week I decided to tackle the kitchen. I cleaned drawers, cupboards, pantry, closets,  a hutch, above cupboards and inside of the oven. yeah!!!!

Here is a photo showing the "junk drawer" (next to the kitchen phone). I found this drawer organizer at a thrift store ($1.50). You can find plastic drawer organizers like this at TARGET for under $8.00. It is perfect for holding papers, tape rolls, pens/ pencils, scissors, etc...  There is nothing worse than trying to take a message and not being able to find paper and/ or something to write with. With this organizer everything is visible, at your fingertips and accessible.

We replaced a set of knives a while back but did not purchase a knife block to store them in. Personally, I do not like storing knives in a block- they get very dusty and sometimes get food or debris splashed on them from mixing, boiling, preparing at the counter. I found this fabulous knife storage container that adjusts to fit various sized drawers at TARGET. How perfect? Now I don't have to worry about anyone cutting themselves while reaching in the drawer.  Especially now that my kids do dishes.

Here is a photo of the drawer containing measuring cups, spoons, straws, fresh clips, coffee scoops, etc... I found this drawer divider at IKEA for under $3.00.  LOVE IT! Use this type of divider in many drawers throughout my house especially within my craft room (scroll down to bottom of my blog to see more photos).

Spring is in The Air! Blossoming Everywhere

Here are a some details about a couple exciting things going on at STAMPIN' UP!

SPRING  IS BLOSSOMING Promotion dates: April 1-30, 2011

                           http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=791

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming includes two brand-new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

#122367 - $9.95

Four Frames Stamp Set
Wood: #123440 - $20.95

Clear: #123442 - $15.95

Hostess Gift

#125735 - Four Frames Wood Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

#125736 - Four Frames Clear Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

•Orders may be placed either online, in person or at a workshop.


•Customers must spend $20 to be eligible to purchase the Four Frames stamp set and/or the Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper.


•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met.


•Customers will receive the Four Frames and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE if they host a $350 workshop (net sales before tax and shipping).




$5, $10, $15 GRAB BAGS AVAILABLE only while supplies last.

                               http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=793

$5 GRAB BAG= $20  of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$10 GRAB BAG= $40 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$15 GRAB BAG= $65 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.

MISSION ORGANIZATION- FINISHING THE BAKERS RACK

I was on Spring break this past week and started my Spring Cleaning.  I have been on a mission... MISSION ORGANIZATION. Here is one of the first projects I did to organize an often cluttered spot in my kitchen.

 

I have had this bakers rack from a famous Ohio based basket company for many years. I bought the rack and baskets separately and always said I would eventually get the wood shelves for it one day. Well, many years have passed by and I have never bought those lovely wood shelves.

For years I stored a  larger basket on the bottom which covered the bottom part of the rack.  Recently we had to replace our telephones and, unfortunately, our new phones did not have a wall mount ( we should have read the details on the box better).  I needed a shelf to put on the rack to hold the kitchen phone and use as a charging station for cell phones. (now what to do with the ugly phone jack and cord behind the rack?)

I decided to use some cool paper I bought in a tablet, at a local craft store measuring 12 x 24 inches. This paper is not flat/ matte it has a sheen to it (not vinyl).  Its weight is a great for covering items, decoupaging items, and to run through large formatting die cut machines. I especially like it because it can be dusted or wiped clean. The tablet contained 36 various bold designer papers from the HANDMADE line. I chose this subtle green pattern to wrap some corrugated cardboard trimmed to size.

I cut the cardboard 1 inch smaller lengthwise and 2 inches larger width wise for both shelves. I cut the green paper 1.5 inches larger on all sides. I trimmed the corners on bias (diagonal). Wrapped the corners using super sticky adhesive. I finished the edges on under side with wide scotch tape. I am sorry I did not take photos while making it. If you have further questions please let me know. 

 This shelf is located to the right of a long counter, under phone jack, near drawer containing paper and pencils. I use the top basket for holding vitamins and daily medications and the basket on the bottom holds mail/ bills. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

You cannot tell it is cardboard shhhhhhh... its our little secret. ;)

Easy Skillet Beef Strogonoff

Hello, sorry it has been a while since I have posted. I had a computer crash, and after purchasing a new computer and trying to get things set up, I contracted a virus that wiped everything out. I was without a computer off and on for over 3 weeks. Still trying to get things up and running. I am missing my old HP photo processing software. Tying to adjust to the Canon photo stuff. Oh well, it will take time.

I'm back with another semi homemade/ perfect weeknight/ workday recipe.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb  lean ground beef (90% or more)

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1 pint mushrooms, sliced *optional

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbs flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup (reduced fat works)

8 oz sour cream (reduced fat works)

*cooked egg noodles approximately 1 cup per person*

Brown ground beef, onions until just cooked (not pink and onion softened). Drain excess grease. Add  mushrooms and cook until tender.

Add garlic, flour, salt, pepper, soup and sour cream and stir until mixed thoroughly. Do not allow to boil. Serve on top of egg noodles. Garnish with tops of green onions, chives, fresh parsley or other favorite herbs.

 Its not the prettiest dish but it is a good one to fall back on. Both my girls and my husband enjoy it. Its been raining here all day and no sign of letting up for a while- its a good dish to have on a cold damp day like today. I cannot wait until warm weather gets here... we like to grill out nearly everyday. Stay tuned.

My Craft Studio

Here is a photo of my clean space.

SCRAPBOOKING SUGGESTIONS

I will soon be starting another stamp club and the majority of the ladies wanted to do scrapbooks (some are semi seasoned or seasoned scrapbookers and some are newbies). I thought I would so some comparisons and clarifications regarding style and size of the scrapbooks sold by SU! pg 180 in catalog
First, I want to say that I have been scrapbooking for over 15 years. (Not counting some of the books I put together in HS). I consider myself a SEMI- PRO when it comes to this kind of thing. I am very familiar with terminology, machines, design companies, magazines, etc... Stampin Up! has a great selection of scrapbooks and papers to choose from.

We sell books that are similar to those you will find in craft stores, online, and various other retail stores. Our prices are comparable too. We sell 12 x 12 inch Vinyl printed  post bound albums in green leaf pattern, red polkadot pattern, and yellow houdstooth pattern for $19.95. We sell a Natural Linen postbound and ring bound album in 12 x 12; 8.5 x 11; and 6x6 inch size.They range in price from $16.95-$29.95 each. We sell a Red Linen postbound album in 12 x 12 inches at $29.95 and ring bound in 12 x 12 inches at  $26.95 and 6 x 6 inches at $16.95 inches. We sell a Navy Linen album in postbound 12 x 12 inches at $29.95 and Ring bound albums in 12 x 12 inches at $26.95 and 6x 6 inches at $16.95.  Look at the link above to see scrapbooks.
Keep in mind that we sell SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KITS (pg 178-179 in main catlog) that coordinate with our books and make your scrapbooking a little easier. Our papers and embellishments idealy coordinate with our albums. That takes some of the thought process and worries away.

Natural Linen Album coordinates with: Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit, Newsprint Designer Paper, Elegant Soiree Designer paper, woodland Walk Designer paper, Nursery Suite Specialty paper, Sweet and Sour Specialty paper, Lap of Luxery Designer paper, or Blueberry Crisp Designer paper. (All papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Real Red Linen Album coordinates with: Play Date Designer paper, Build A Bear Pawsitively Prints 2 paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Love letter Designer paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Navy Linen Album coordinates with: Blueberry Crisp Designer paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Good Times Simply Scrappin' kit, Christmas Cheer Simply Scrappin' kit (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea and catalog).

So Saffron Houndstooth Album coordinates with: Love Birds Simply Scrappin' kit, Build a Bear Pawsitively Prints2 Designer paper, Play Date Designer paper, Nursery Suite Specialty Paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).

Real Red Polka Dot Album coordinates with: Play Date Designer paper, Newsprint designer paper, Celebrations Designer paper, Love Letter Designer paper. (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).



Old Olive Leaves Album coordinates with: One great year Simply Scrappin' kit, Play Date Designer paper, Build a Bear Pawsitively Patterns 2 designer paper, Jolly Holiday designer paper, Greenhouse Gala Designer paper, Woodland Walk designer paper, Celebrations, Wicked Fun Specialty Paper (all papers can be seen on pages 172-175 of main idea book and catalog).




Also we sell QUICK ACCENTS (pg 176 in main catalog) to assist in adding the finishing touches onto your pages or other projects.
They coordinate with the albums, papers, as well as some stamp sets.

HIGHJACKED!

Sorry for the long abscense. My computer crashed late last week and I have highjacked my kids' computer to write this post. I ordered a new computer, and  it arrived yesterday. I am waiting for a CAT 5 line to be run to my computer. Its been so long since I have had a desk top- I forgot about a few things when I ordered it. I ran out last night to get keyboard and mouse (what was I thinking?). I'm not sure when I will be up and running again.
Also, my husband is having surgery in the morning. I'm sure my posts will be sporadic. Hope you all have a great long weekend. Hope you all can get out and enjoy some spring-like weather.

What is for dinner tonight? Chicken and Dumplings

I'm back with an easy and yummy recipe. As promised, I will be posting at least one recipe each month to my blog site. All recipes will be easy and perfect for 'busy moms' like me to cook after a full day at work. No need to cook all day to get delicious results-I promise. As I have mentioned before, I consider myself a 'SEMI HOMEMADE' cook. I am just as busy as many moms out there and I know what  weeknights are like.

Chicken and Dumplings is one of my husband's favorite meals. He has always asked, "you cook so many different things, don't you know how to make chicken and dumplings?" To tell you the truth, I had always heard of this dish but, I had never ate it. My mother never prepared this for us as children. I guess I was deprived. I don't know. I have a good friend that makes FANTASTIC chicken and dumplings- she cooks all day. I don't usually have time or patience for that... I like delicious results at a faster pace.

This dish is perfect for a cold evening (much like we have been experiencing in NE Ohio for the last 2 months). It reheats well and is even more delicious the next day.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

6 chicken thighs

2 (10.7 oz) cans of condensed cream of celery soup

1 stalk of celery, diced

1 carrot, diced (optional)

1/8 of a large sweet onion, diced

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups of Jiffy biscuit mix

2/3 cup of milk

In medium soup pot over high heat, combine the chicken thighs with enough water to cover. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain some of the water from the pot,but  reserve 3 cups in the pot. Remove chicken from the pot and allow to cool (place on cookie sheet an din fridge for a few minutes). Add onion, celery, and carrot  into the reserved water within the pot and cook until tender. While veggies are cooking- pull chicken from bones into chunky pieces and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, prepare dough for dumplings baking mix with the milk.
Reduce heat to simmer, add the cans of soup, stir until mixed well. Season with salt and pepper. Drop spoonfuls of dough into pot, cover and cook for additional 20 minutes.

Make dumplings the size you prefer. My husband enjoys large full  dumplings. This part is personal choice.

SALE-A-BRATE GOOD TIMES

Its SALE-A-BRATION time again. Stampin' Up! has had this sale for over 15 years. For those of you that are not familiar, you can earn free merchndise 3 different ways.
1.) When you purchase $50 of merchandise (anything from the main or mini catalogs) you earn a free set, paper pack, button and ribbon package, digital content for digital scrapbooking, or chalkboard decals for use anywhere around the home, from the salabration brochure. You could also pick any set or individual stamp less than $15.
2.) Host a $300 workshop, and pick one of the free items from the main catalog or sale brochure.
3. ) Join Stamin' Up! by becoming a demonstrator during Sale-a-bration and get 15% off your starter kit.Plus get a bonus bundle filled with over $50 free products.

As a Demonstrator we have the opportunity to purchase some of these Sale-a-bration items ahead of time. I purchased one set this year. The Punch Bunch set of 5, seen below. Note this is one of the sets that you can earn for free.

I have made various things with this set, I own all 5 punches that coordinate with this set. That is one thing I love about SU! they do so well developing stamp images that work perfectly with punches. These make for a quick and simple card/ project. Like the one below.

Have I said how much I love the new COLOR COACH #120148. It is a wonderful way to organize your projects, put together custom color schemes that help you express your creativity. Each card includes suggestions for color combinations so you can mix and match colors from different  color collections with ease. I decided to use the Creative Combination (at top of  the card). 

 As usual, I put things together in  assembly line fashon.

I stamped the owls, punched them out,  and colored the eyes and beaks with pink and orange colored pencils. I added wiggly eyes to each owl.

I cut 2.5x 5.5 inch rectangle tag from the Pacific Point (blue). I scored the rectangle at 4 inches. Used the  1 3/8 x 5/8 inch oval punch at crease to make opening. I used retired blue DSP, retired Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon, heart to heart punch #119881, 1 1/4 inch circle punch #119861, 1 3/4 inch scallop circle punch.  

Here's a picture of the group.

I placed a bunch of single stamps from various hostess sets into 3 x 10 inch pretzel treat cello bags. The owls from this set are my favorite. I am really digging owls these days.

Here is a baby tag I made using the duck mobile image from the set. I have a friend expecting a boy this Spring. I have rolled a homemade crocheted. baby blanket then tied with a pale yellow tulle ribbon. I tied around the tag with the same tulle. I will place the tag on the front of a gift bag when I give it to her.

Here is a card and box combo I made for the hostesses of my stamp club. I used the  FANCY FAVOR BOX #115965 and attached jute handles to make it look like a gift bag- similar to the one on the brochure page. Again, I referred to the COLOR COACH for this color combination- Celery, Daffodil, and Tangerine. The Color Coach suggested Pumpkin pie but I decided that the tangerine looked brighter/ better with the GREENHOUSE GALA Paper #117167. I filled the bag with various pre-cut tags, ribbons, corduroy brads, and a pencil. I used the new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #121809. We will be making the bag as a make-n-take this weekend at my last stamp club meeting.

Here is the last project I made using this set. I stamped the Happy Birthday image then punched it out using the scallop square punch. I cut out 1 3/4 inch square and pierced around the edges using a piercing tool.

I recycled the box from the Sizzix heart I used for the pop up card in previous post. I cut down both sides and threw away the rest.

I sprayed the acrylic with windex and shined both sides. I layed the acrylic on the Bigz XL Box #2 die and ran it through my machine.

I assembled the box and fastened with 3 mini glue dots.

I wrapped the box with a glitter paper band and added the stamped image, black pierced square, and some polka dot ribbon. Inside I added iridescent metallic filler and some red and silver heart candies (not shown in picture).

I bought the Heart pop-up Bigz XL Die from Sizzix fairly recently. I have always wondered what a pop-up card would be like but I did not want one that looked too complicated. This one looked perfect. After getting it home, I put it to use. It really was easy... and perfect for me. I added another smaller die cut (Sizzlit) and used the XL Heart Punch fom SU to further add details inside. I used the heart template from the Heart Pouch I added yesterday, to the front of the card. I added hand stitches, another heart, and some curled wrapping ribbon. A quick and easy Valentine.

Valentine Heart Pounches

Here is a finished pouch I made from a pattern from SU! demonstrator website. If you'd like the pattern email me and I will get  it to you.

You need to cut 2 hearts for each pouch. Two sided paper works best. Once cut out, score from the middle top to the middle bottom point on both front and back heart. Fold on the crease. Use strong adhesive tape on the lower edges (leave top open).

I stamped the heart images, punched them out, punched out the circle and scallop circle, punched more mini hearts, flowers, and Valentine verses.

Anytime you are making more than one project I always put them together assembly line style. It works great. Get all your things punched, stamped, and ready to go- the assembly will be quick.

I attached the scalloped circle with a pink rhinestone brad (no tape). Then, I glued Happy Valentine's Day verse at the bottom center. I attached I Love You to the side of the heart. I added 1/4 inch grosgrain red and pink ribbon to the front heart (only). I tied the ends of ribbon with a simple knot.

Viola! Here they are, so easy and awful cute. Truly perfect to put some sweets into and hang on the kids' bedroom doors. Co workers' doors, a chair, etc... I have used paper shreds to fill in space. You can toss some pencils, candy bars (full size), candies, stamps, or anything you want. What a perfect little gift.

Coupon Codes and Savings

Hey, just came across some deals and thought I'd share them with you. I don't know about you but, I love to shop. More than shopping I love to save money while shopping. Even better, I love FREE things. In the midst of getting ready for a scrapbooking retreat I go on in February, I processed 250 photograghs for 2010 and 2011. I got 50 of the photos FREE. Yeah! Along with this I also got a FREE 8x8 inch photo book, a FREE 5x7 inch photo card, and FREE shipping. Total savings was over $40.00. Hurray!!! I love it. Right now they are offering 20-50%  off Valentine merchandise, free shipping on orders over $25.00, and free photo cards. Here are a few of the codes to use during checkout:

FREE 8x8 photo book JNGK6EWWACCPNJGCGR
FREE (10) 5X7or 5X5  photo cards 4RFF9896F2MB7CZCUB
FREE (1) 5x7 photo card CARD4U
FREE shipping on orders $25 and over SHIP25 

Spend $50. at Archivers and earn 50 free 4x6 photo prints through Shutterfly

Here are some more deals I came across:

1. BORDERS.COM  offering 20% off list price of 3 items (exclusions apply). code BORD2327M. offer ends January 30, 2011.

2. 365HANGERS.COM  has  designer clothing already 70%  off and now are offering another 10%  off by 1-31-2011 use code allyou365

3. JUSTEYEWEAR.COM updating eyeglasses or sunglasses with 2011 styles at 15% off entire purchase by 1-31-2011 use code 4ALLYOUMAG

4. ORGANIZE.COM offering 20% off one item while working on your resolution for getting organized. They carry over 23,000 typesof home storage and organization cubbies. Code ALLYOU20. Offer ends January 31, 2011.

5. ALWAYSFIT.COM is offering 25% off gifts for a mom, sister or girlfriend that is just the right size. Code 25ALLYOU. Offer ends February 1, 2011

6. SPAWEEK.COM is offering e-certificates for spas around  the country. 25% starting january 1st. Offer runs through February 14, 2011. Code ALLYOU

7. JOCKEY.COM is offering 15% off the no panty line promise panty. Offer ends February 15, 2011. Code JKYLUXE

8. OMAHASTEAKS.COM 67% off the Celebration Collection plus 2 free gifts. Visit omahasteaks.com/AllYou to redeem, or dial 1 800 960 8400 and ask for coupon code 45609GTK

9. KIRDEVRIES.COM unusual gifts, hard to find gifts, crafted gifts. 15% off entire purchase plus free shipping. code kir957. Offer ends 3-20-2011

Happy Shopping... I'm sorry but I am having trouble getting each website to link.

MINI TAG BASKETS WITH TEMPLATE

 Here are a couple mini cards with baskets that I made from the Filled With LOVE promotion (see previous post and link to see more). The baskets measure 3.5" wide x3.5" deep x4.5" high. The template to create this can be found here. http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/IBC10_pg55gotTreats.pdf
It really is simple  to make. If you tweak the size of the template you can make large enough to hold 4 mini milk cartons  made using the SU! exclusive Sizzix Bigz L Die # 117310 seen here: http://www.sizzix.com/product/1916 . Any questions or orders feel free to contact me through my email or order directly through stampinup.com here:
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=503 or page 209 in the Idea Book and Catalog.
Material:  Love Patterns DSP #124156, Ridinghood Red cs #111348, Pretty In Pink cs #100459, Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder #117335, 1.5" Scallop Edge Square Punch #119884, Full Heart Punch #119883, and pink tulle.

FILLED WITH LOVE CARD SAMPLES

Here are a couple cards I made using the FILLED WITH LOVE SU! Promotion containing; stamp set, papers, and free buttons. This stamp set contains many solid image stamps and some cute verses. I feel solid images work best on clean line card layouts. I tried to keep both the cards simple and sleek.

Material: Pink and red polka dot pattern from Love Patterns DSP #124156, Filled With Love clear mount stamp set #121154, Pretty In Pink CS # 100459, Ridinghood Red CS #111348, Whisper White CS #100730, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink #101301, Ridinghood Red Classic Ink #111836, Wild Wasabi Classic Ink #109014, 1" Circle Punch #119868, Bitty Buttons #118761,  Itty Bitty Shapes Punch #118309, Scallop edge Border #119882, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch #119854, Pretty In Pink 1/4 Grosgrain Ribbon #109032, Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon #109052, and  misc. Red and White baker's Twine.

Keep checking back this week, I have other samples of various things I have created using this stamp set, misc sizzix die cuts, rub-ons, box and pouch templates. All using this fabulous SU! DS papers and coordinating cs. I guess you can say I've been "in the mood for love"  

Filled With Love Bundle

Just a reminder that the Filled With Love Bundle Promotion ends January 24, 2011. You can choose wood or clear mount Filled with Love stamp set, Love patterns paper (only available right now, not in catalog), and get a package of Bitty buttons #118761 ($4.95 value) for FREE.

#124380 Wood Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $32.90
#124381 Clear Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $26.90
#124156 Extra Love Patterns Paper $9.95