Helloooooo there! I know, I have once again been missing in action, but I am here today - that is all that matters, right?? I know most of you know how it is to work a good ole 9-5 day job then have to come home and take care of the house too before you can have fun in your craft room right? I usually have time on the weekends to "play" but I have been watching my grandson a little more than usual the last couple of weeks, so he won over my coming up stairs to play! But today, I am soooooo glad I finally got a few hours to myself to play, and play I did!
A few weeks ago I had won a stamp of my choice from The Cat's Pajamas - I LOVE their items. Are you familiar with them? If not, you should definitely go check them out! Anyhoo, when I won I selected one of their cute little penguin stamps called "Good Friends" so that is the set I pulled out today to play with. Before I got started, I went over to The Cat's Pajamas blog here to see what their challenge of the week was. This week it was to include anything "gold" on your project, so I decided to try and play along.
I did not want to prepare a card with this cute stamp, but instead I wanted to prepare a small "gifty" item by making a cover for a pack of microwave popcorn. This is what I came up with:
What do you think? I couldn't help but wonder while I was coloring these little critters what movie they may be watching. Perhaps they are watching the Golden Globe awards that are on tonight and arguing over who is the best dressed?
Well, just wanted to "pop" in and share my little creation. I hope you like it and it inspires you to get inky soon!
Ingredients:
Cardstock: Mind's Eye, Georgia Pacific White
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up Markers, Copic Markers
Other: Close To My Heart Ribbon Slider and Ribbon
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Daily tidbits of my family life and how I am trying to remain an extreme couponer, full time worker, card creator, scrapbooker, crafter in general, wife, mom, and now Mimi!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Together Forever
Tonight someone contacted me and asked me if I could make them a "Congratulations on your Engagement" card for a family member who had just recently became engaged. Being as I do not have that many "bridal" type stamps, this is my "go to" for a Anniversary, Engagement, Love, type card. Not mushy - but CUTENESS I do believe. Plus, using the birds on the card tonight, happened to permit to partake in the challenge going on over at Crafty Creations here. The theme this week was "For the Birds" so my card certainly fit the bill - or is that beak? I know, corny, but its getting late! Here is the card I made:
What do you think? I love this color combination together and I just think those birds are so darn cute together!
Card Ingredients:
Stamp: Stampin Up! Cheep Talk and Fun & Fast Notes
Paper: Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay, Summer Sun
Ink: Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay Melon Mambo
Misc: Dotted Swiss Embossing Folder, Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay Ribbon, Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
What do you think? I love this color combination together and I just think those birds are so darn cute together!
Card Ingredients:
Stamp: Stampin Up! Cheep Talk and Fun & Fast Notes
Paper: Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay, Summer Sun
Ink: Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay Melon Mambo
Misc: Dotted Swiss Embossing Folder, Stampin Up! Bermuda Bay Ribbon, Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Nuts About You!!!
Well, here I sit in Charleston, SC, where it is supposed to be nice and sunny and it is a dreary, 34 degree kind of day with icy rain falling. Can't complain though when the boss man calls and tells you to stay home off the dangerous icy roads! "Craft room here I come!" I exclaimed early this morning.
So, I snooped around the internet and found the weekly challenge going on over at The Cat's Pajamas here and knew I wanted to play along. This week's challenge was using the theme of "Love". It did NOT have to be a Valentine's card, but something showing "love" and I knew the exact stamp I wanted to use. So, I whipped this little baby up:
Do you not just LOVE that little squirrel and his collection of nuts?! Hard to tell from the photo but I used dimensionals to "pop" the squirrel off the little log and then also "popped" a few nuts up on the nut pile for a little 3-D effect.
I hope everyone else is staying warm today!
Card Ingredients:
Paper: Stampin' Up! Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip, We R Memory Keepers Cotton Candy DT paper
Stamp: The Cat's Pajamas Happy Camper
Miscellaneous: Stampin' Up! Dimensionals, Circle and Scalloped Circle Punches
Happy Crafting!
Tina
So, I snooped around the internet and found the weekly challenge going on over at The Cat's Pajamas here and knew I wanted to play along. This week's challenge was using the theme of "Love". It did NOT have to be a Valentine's card, but something showing "love" and I knew the exact stamp I wanted to use. So, I whipped this little baby up:
Do you not just LOVE that little squirrel and his collection of nuts?! Hard to tell from the photo but I used dimensionals to "pop" the squirrel off the little log and then also "popped" a few nuts up on the nut pile for a little 3-D effect.
I hope everyone else is staying warm today!
Card Ingredients:
Paper: Stampin' Up! Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip, We R Memory Keepers Cotton Candy DT paper
Stamp: The Cat's Pajamas Happy Camper
Miscellaneous: Stampin' Up! Dimensionals, Circle and Scalloped Circle Punches
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Saturday, February 8, 2014
"Love Note" to my Favorite Peep
Love is in the air........Valentine's is around the corner. But who says you just have to show "love" to your significant other or children? What about your best "peep" who is always there for you?
Today I wanted to share a card I whipped up to send to a few "peeps" of my own. Like I usually do, I always look out there for a card/sketch challenge and I found one today over at Simon Says Stamp for their Monday challenge. The theme for their challenge this week was "Love note". Like I indicated above. There all kinds of love notes and I felt this one fit the bill!
I LOVE these "Who's That Girl" stamp by My Favorite Things and am bummed to learn they have retired that entire line. I only have a few of them from this collection, but glad I at least have a few. Fingers crossed they will eventually bring them back!!!
So - who are you sending a love note to this month?
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: George Pacific White, SU! Real Red, Classic Black
Ink/Colors: Memento Black Ink Pad, Copics E00, SU! Real Red, Sahara Sand, Daffodil Delight, and CTTMH Black
The "sentiment bubble" is simple a square piece of white cardstock that I used the corner rounder to make the edges rounded since I did not have a punch that size.
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Today I wanted to share a card I whipped up to send to a few "peeps" of my own. Like I usually do, I always look out there for a card/sketch challenge and I found one today over at Simon Says Stamp for their Monday challenge. The theme for their challenge this week was "Love note". Like I indicated above. There all kinds of love notes and I felt this one fit the bill!
I LOVE these "Who's That Girl" stamp by My Favorite Things and am bummed to learn they have retired that entire line. I only have a few of them from this collection, but glad I at least have a few. Fingers crossed they will eventually bring them back!!!
So - who are you sending a love note to this month?
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: George Pacific White, SU! Real Red, Classic Black
Ink/Colors: Memento Black Ink Pad, Copics E00, SU! Real Red, Sahara Sand, Daffodil Delight, and CTTMH Black
The "sentiment bubble" is simple a square piece of white cardstock that I used the corner rounder to make the edges rounded since I did not have a punch that size.
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Friday, February 7, 2014
Like freebies?
Do you like freebies? Well then you should join us over on facebook today for a Freebie Frenzy! My friends over at Spectacular Expo Events is hosting this event for small businesses and my personal little store, T&J Creations is one of the participants as well. Freebies will kick off at 9:00 a.m. (eastern time) time and continue throughout the day.
Oh - - it's 9:00 a.m. already! Gotta run!
Have a happy day!
Tina
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Mini Cupcake Treat Holder for TCP Tuesday
Hello everyone! I been MIA the last few days here at the blog, because I dived into digital scrapbooking over the weekend and have finally pulled myself away to catch some air!! I have been fighting the temptation to try it for years thinking scrapbooking should be done by hand. But, there are just so many hours in the day and after realizing I have not scrapped ONE page since my grandson was born - - - 7 MONTHS AGO - - I figured I best get busy attempting it or he would be graduating college before I even got his first birthday pics in the scrapbook! Anyhoo - back to today's topic......
I was over on the The Cat's Pajamas website being nosey and came across a few things. First thing was a "Tasty Treat Cupcake Holder". Anyone that knows me at all, knows my favorite food group is cupcakes, so of course I had to open up that link and take a peek to see what it was and how to make it. Then, I saw that this week's challenge on their blog here, was to create a project that included a cake, candle, or present image on it. So......of course, I had to make this cute little cupcake holder!
If you look on their website, I pretty much made mine look exactly like their example! I did not have any of the tools they said to use however, so I had to get creative with what tools I did have, but it worked for me. And the image is also the same, but it just happened to be perfect for this project and is one of my all time favorites so it just worked out to be a copy, for the most part. (At least I am admitting it!!)
I think these would be very cute for any type of small treat really, not just mini cupcakes! I am planning on making up a few these for some gifts over the next few weeks for sure!
Ingredients:
Paper: CTMH Sweet Leaf, SU! Pretty in Pink
Images: TCP Smells Like Cake
Color: SU! Markers - Daffodil Delight, Green Galore, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue and Real Red; ZIG Candy Pink, CTMH Black stamp pad
Other: SU! Scallop Border Punch, SU! Oval Punch; Corner Rounder, CTMH Blush Polka Dot Pink Ribbon, Misc buttons
Happy Crafting!
Tina
I was over on the The Cat's Pajamas website being nosey and came across a few things. First thing was a "Tasty Treat Cupcake Holder". Anyone that knows me at all, knows my favorite food group is cupcakes, so of course I had to open up that link and take a peek to see what it was and how to make it. Then, I saw that this week's challenge on their blog here, was to create a project that included a cake, candle, or present image on it. So......of course, I had to make this cute little cupcake holder!
If you look on their website, I pretty much made mine look exactly like their example! I did not have any of the tools they said to use however, so I had to get creative with what tools I did have, but it worked for me. And the image is also the same, but it just happened to be perfect for this project and is one of my all time favorites so it just worked out to be a copy, for the most part. (At least I am admitting it!!)
I think these would be very cute for any type of small treat really, not just mini cupcakes! I am planning on making up a few these for some gifts over the next few weeks for sure!
Ingredients:
Paper: CTMH Sweet Leaf, SU! Pretty in Pink
Images: TCP Smells Like Cake
Color: SU! Markers - Daffodil Delight, Green Galore, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue and Real Red; ZIG Candy Pink, CTMH Black stamp pad
Other: SU! Scallop Border Punch, SU! Oval Punch; Corner Rounder, CTMH Blush Polka Dot Pink Ribbon, Misc buttons
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
You Rock!
Well, since we are "snowed in" here in Charleston, SC spending more time in the craft room! So you "northerners" can get a good laugh at your southern brothers and sisters, I have attached below a photo of our "winter storm" below:
Yep, that was all we got last night! Of course we do not know how to drive on "icy" roads and since the temperature is still in the 20s here, the town has just about completely shut down. No complaints here - I am in my craft room, crafting away!
I decided to check out a new sketch challenge today over at CAS(E) this Sketch. CAS stands for "Clean and Simple" which is pretty much how I roll. :) Means basically one or two "layers" on your card and simple on the embellishments. The sketch they provided for this week is this:

I turned the sketch sideways and instead of putting sentiment to the bottom (or to the left) of the image, I added some hard metal eyelets to keep with the "hard metal" feel of my card. Here is my card:
I can see this card being given to a teenager for a birthday or even on a special day for a "job well done" whether that be for bringing home a good report card, or helping out around the house, or whatever. Not my normal color combinations or format, but I think it turned out CAS(E).
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Images: Stampin' Up! Extreme Elements, Friends Rock
Ink: Stampin' Up! Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Close to My Heart Black
Other: Stampin' Up! Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Yep, that was all we got last night! Of course we do not know how to drive on "icy" roads and since the temperature is still in the 20s here, the town has just about completely shut down. No complaints here - I am in my craft room, crafting away!
I decided to check out a new sketch challenge today over at CAS(E) this Sketch. CAS stands for "Clean and Simple" which is pretty much how I roll. :) Means basically one or two "layers" on your card and simple on the embellishments. The sketch they provided for this week is this:

I turned the sketch sideways and instead of putting sentiment to the bottom (or to the left) of the image, I added some hard metal eyelets to keep with the "hard metal" feel of my card. Here is my card:
I can see this card being given to a teenager for a birthday or even on a special day for a "job well done" whether that be for bringing home a good report card, or helping out around the house, or whatever. Not my normal color combinations or format, but I think it turned out CAS(E).
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Images: Stampin' Up! Extreme Elements, Friends Rock
Ink: Stampin' Up! Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Close to My Heart Black
Other: Stampin' Up! Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sold! - Congratulations
Well......I am getting lots done tonight since the weather is so cold and everything closed down, so spending some quality time in the craft room working on personal cards that are overdue! Hopefully tomorrow will be another "Snow Day" and I can perhaps work up a batch of birthday cards to have on hand for the upcoming weeks/months!
Well......I decided to participate once again in the Your Next Stamp monthly challenge since you can enter as many times as you want. And....simply because I can not get my mojo going tonight, I needed a sketch that would accommodate my image and this one worked!
I had a friend who recently sold her home so when I came across this image in my pile to color, I thought it would be perfect to send her a little "Congratulations on the sale of your home".
Basic card, but gets the message across perfectly I do think!
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Summer Sun (retired)
Designer Papers: Close to My Heart Laid Back Paper Pack (retired)
Stamp: Stamping Bella (not sure of actual stamp name)
Colors: Stampin' Up Watercolor Pencils
Ink: Stampin' Up Rich Razzleberry
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Well......I decided to participate once again in the Your Next Stamp monthly challenge since you can enter as many times as you want. And....simply because I can not get my mojo going tonight, I needed a sketch that would accommodate my image and this one worked!
I had a friend who recently sold her home so when I came across this image in my pile to color, I thought it would be perfect to send her a little "Congratulations on the sale of your home".
Basic card, but gets the message across perfectly I do think!
Card Ingredients:
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Summer Sun (retired)
Designer Papers: Close to My Heart Laid Back Paper Pack (retired)
Stamp: Stamping Bella (not sure of actual stamp name)
Colors: Stampin' Up Watercolor Pencils
Ink: Stampin' Up Rich Razzleberry
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Praying for you.........Sympathy Card
Well....here in Charleston, South Carolina where it is normally sunny and warm, it is a brisk 32 degrees and the forecast is predicting SNOW! Yes.....snow. We have not had snow here since 2010. So, as you can imagine, the town is in panic mode and shutting down all around me. I did not frown too much about it, because that meant I got to leave my "day job" at 1:00 to get home before freezing roads, cook dinner early and get in the scrap room!
As many of you may know, a dear friend of ours, who was only 19 years old, passed away earlier this month after a decade long battle with brain cancer. He fought the fight from the beginning and passed away still fighting and believing. He was an inspiration to not only those who knew him personally, but had a large following not only around the United States, but around the globe due to the way he lived his life fully and head on.
Erik was a HUGE Clemson Tiger fan (college here in South Carolina for those that are not aware) and at his funeral services and Celebration of Life he had asked before he passed, that anyone attending wear those Tiger fighting colors of Orange and Purple. So......when creating this card today for his parents I immediately pulled out those colors. I know....not traditional "sympathy" card colors, but very appropriate in this instance I felt.
Once I pulled out the colors, I had a hard time trying to decide where to go from there - after all was a very tough card to make for me. So, I set my sights online and came across the Sketch Saturday challenge #294 this week and thought that was the perfect place to start! If you create cards, please come over and join in the fun! The sketch to follow this week was as follows:

Based on such, this is the card I came up with:
The tree image is "popped up" with dimensionals and then the sentiment is also "popped up" on top from the tree base. I am very pleased how it turned out and I think Erik would be happy with it too. The inside sentiment reads: "Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart". If you would like more information on this awesome young man, or need some inspiration in your life, please feel free to go to facebook and follow his page "Prayers for Erik Simao". It will do your heart good!
Ingredients for this card:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie, Lovely Lilac (retired), and Whisper White
Stamps: Stampin' Up! Thoughts and Prayers (retired)
Ink: Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie
Other: Stampin' Up! Stampin' Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
As many of you may know, a dear friend of ours, who was only 19 years old, passed away earlier this month after a decade long battle with brain cancer. He fought the fight from the beginning and passed away still fighting and believing. He was an inspiration to not only those who knew him personally, but had a large following not only around the United States, but around the globe due to the way he lived his life fully and head on.
Erik was a HUGE Clemson Tiger fan (college here in South Carolina for those that are not aware) and at his funeral services and Celebration of Life he had asked before he passed, that anyone attending wear those Tiger fighting colors of Orange and Purple. So......when creating this card today for his parents I immediately pulled out those colors. I know....not traditional "sympathy" card colors, but very appropriate in this instance I felt.
Once I pulled out the colors, I had a hard time trying to decide where to go from there - after all was a very tough card to make for me. So, I set my sights online and came across the Sketch Saturday challenge #294 this week and thought that was the perfect place to start! If you create cards, please come over and join in the fun! The sketch to follow this week was as follows:

Based on such, this is the card I came up with:
The tree image is "popped up" with dimensionals and then the sentiment is also "popped up" on top from the tree base. I am very pleased how it turned out and I think Erik would be happy with it too. The inside sentiment reads: "Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart". If you would like more information on this awesome young man, or need some inspiration in your life, please feel free to go to facebook and follow his page "Prayers for Erik Simao". It will do your heart good!
Ingredients for this card:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie, Lovely Lilac (retired), and Whisper White
Stamps: Stampin' Up! Thoughts and Prayers (retired)
Ink: Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie
Other: Stampin' Up! Stampin' Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sketch Challenge with Your Next Stamp
Hello everyone! Over the weekend I stumbled upon another stamp company called Your Next Step. They do a monthly challenge so I decided to participate. I do not have any of their stamps yet, but they are nice enough to let anyone play along in their challenges! If interested, please go over to Your Next Stamp and play along! This is the YNSFFC08 - January 2014 Sketch Challenge.
In going through my stamping supplies this weekend, I also came across a brand new stamp that had never been inked up so my goal this weekend was to put this bad boy to use. This challenge was the perfect time to do it! Here is the card I came up with:
This color scheme is way out of my norm, but I thought it turned out rather cute, and I am pleased with it. I stamped the first pear with Certainly Celery right on my white cardstock. I then stamped the dotted pear with Old Olive on scrap white and cut it out and popped it up to give the card a little dimension. Listed below are the products used.
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Sahara Sand, Old Olive and Basic Black
Stamps: Studio G
Ink: Stampin Up! Black, Old Olive and Certainly Celery
Other: Stampin Up! Stampin' Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
In going through my stamping supplies this weekend, I also came across a brand new stamp that had never been inked up so my goal this weekend was to put this bad boy to use. This challenge was the perfect time to do it! Here is the card I came up with:
This color scheme is way out of my norm, but I thought it turned out rather cute, and I am pleased with it. I stamped the first pear with Certainly Celery right on my white cardstock. I then stamped the dotted pear with Old Olive on scrap white and cut it out and popped it up to give the card a little dimension. Listed below are the products used.
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Sahara Sand, Old Olive and Basic Black
Stamps: Studio G
Ink: Stampin Up! Black, Old Olive and Certainly Celery
Other: Stampin Up! Stampin' Dimensionals
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sorry for the loss of your best friend........
How is everyone doing here on the 2nd day of the New Year? Kept (or broke) any New Year Resolutions yet?
I wanted to keep on my "roll" of creating (two days in a row - new record pretty much!) so I went over to My Favorite Things for their weekly sketch challenge to get some inspiration. Lucky for me, it was a rather basic sketch that would work for any kind of card, and a sketch that I will likely turn to again and again. Here is the sketch they gave:
Since I have had the fear of losing a dear pet of mine weighing heavy on my heart the last few weeks, I decided I would do a Pet Sympathy card tonight. Luckily, my "Karma Sue" has hung in there and seems to be improving somewhat. However, I am sure there are others out there that treat their pets as family members as well, and when they do lose a pet would appreciate receiving a note of comfort. This is what I came up with:
The sentiment at the bottom corner reads "a dog wags its tail with its heart". I stamped the dog as to be "fading off" the page, but showing that a dog will wag his tail to the very end. The inside of the card simply reads "So sorry for the loss of your best friend." . I have provided an "ingredient list" at the bottom of the page of the materials used in making the card. It is very simple, but sweet card I think.
Ingredient List:
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip
Designer paper: Paper Adventures "Susie Muise Paw Print on Pink
Inks: Stampin Up! Basic Brown
Stamps: Stampin Up! D is for Dog
Happy Crafting!
Tina
I wanted to keep on my "roll" of creating (two days in a row - new record pretty much!) so I went over to My Favorite Things for their weekly sketch challenge to get some inspiration. Lucky for me, it was a rather basic sketch that would work for any kind of card, and a sketch that I will likely turn to again and again. Here is the sketch they gave:
Since I have had the fear of losing a dear pet of mine weighing heavy on my heart the last few weeks, I decided I would do a Pet Sympathy card tonight. Luckily, my "Karma Sue" has hung in there and seems to be improving somewhat. However, I am sure there are others out there that treat their pets as family members as well, and when they do lose a pet would appreciate receiving a note of comfort. This is what I came up with:
Ingredient List:
Cardstock: Stampin Up! Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip
Designer paper: Paper Adventures "Susie Muise Paw Print on Pink
Inks: Stampin Up! Basic Brown
Stamps: Stampin Up! D is for Dog
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
You're Simply Sweet . . . Valentine Card
Well, it is here...... 2014! I am bound and determined to get more crafty this year since I have missed it so I figured what better day to start than today! I used the MoJoMonday blog to help me get started with a layout. Then, I just recently joined a card swap group and this month we are to swap Valentines/Love/Wedding cards. So.....when I put the two ideas together, this is what I came up with:
It has a simple sentiment of "Happy Valentine's Day" on the inside. The "ingredient" list for the card is below. My "mojo" is slowly coming back and I will hopefully be able to "scoop up" my creative side back to the surface sooner than later!
Hope everyone has a great 2014!!!
Ingredient List:
Stamps: My Favorite Things - Who's That Girl - "Here's the Scoop"
Paper: CTMH More To Adore Paper Pack (retired)
Inks: SU Chocolate Chip, CTMH Parchment, SU! So Saffron, Lavender Lace, Blissful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Pretty In Pink
Embellishments: CTMH Bitty Brads
Happy Crafting!
Tina
It has a simple sentiment of "Happy Valentine's Day" on the inside. The "ingredient" list for the card is below. My "mojo" is slowly coming back and I will hopefully be able to "scoop up" my creative side back to the surface sooner than later!
Hope everyone has a great 2014!!!
Ingredient List:
Stamps: My Favorite Things - Who's That Girl - "Here's the Scoop"
Paper: CTMH More To Adore Paper Pack (retired)
Inks: SU Chocolate Chip, CTMH Parchment, SU! So Saffron, Lavender Lace, Blissful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Pretty In Pink
Embellishments: CTMH Bitty Brads
Happy Crafting!
Tina
Labels:
CTMH,
Heres the Scoop,
MFT Stamp,
MOJO326,
SU!,
Valentines Card,
Whos that Girl
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Product Review: Dr. Scholls For Her Comfort Insoles
Guess what day it is? Yep, that's right - it is Happy Hump Day Wednesday! Gotta love that week is half way over already for sure.
As some of you know, in the last week or so I received a box of goodies from Influenster with various products inside that they asked me to try out, sample, and give them provide them with feedback of my honest opinions. Well, inside that box, Influenster provided to me on half of Dr. Scholls a pair of Dr. Scholls For Her Comfort Insoles. I thought, well that is nice, but didn't get too excited, I mean how can you get excited over insoles, right?
Well - - let me tell you - start getting excited! Honestly, I did put off trying them because I immediately noted on the package it said for sizes 6-10. Really? The same person that wears a size 6 can wear the same insoles of a size 10 person? Well, that told me that it was a "size 10" insole and I was going to have to cut it down to size and who's got time for that? If I had simply taken the time to read the entire package upon receipt, I would have noted that it said "no cutting required" and it is true. Somehow, someway, you just slide them in your shoe and they work! Maybe it's magic, I don't know, but who cares how it works, it simply worked and fit perfectly in my shoe.
I wear flats to work all the time and, like some moms, instead of treating myself to new shoes all the time, I tend to treat the other family members to stuff before I treat myself. As such, my flats tend to get "flatter and flatter" on the insoles, ie. less comfortable. Let me tell you - I slipped the insoles right in my "flattest" of flats and Oila! - it was like I had new shoes on my feet!
The gel-like material made for a "cool sensation" on my feet which was nice. They also had gave extra support and cushion right where I needed them. I was also worried before trying them that they would "take up room" in my shoes and make my shoes tight and less comfortable. They did not! Again, not sure how they didn't but they didn't.
Usually after working all day long I immediately come home, throw my shoes in the closet and slip on my comfy slippers before I start cooking dinner, etc. Honestly, the last three days of wearing these insoles, I have not bothered to slip into my slippers until after dinner, cleaning the kitchen, taking care of dogs, etc. etc. They are that comfortable!
Do you have uncomfortable shoes or are on your feet all day? Try and pair of Dr. Sschools for Her Comfort Insoles and let me know what you think. I don't think you will disappointed.
Friday, September 27, 2013
PRODUCT REVIEW: Annie's Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese
I was sent a cup of Annie's Homegrown Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese microwaveable cups to try out and test by Influenster on behalf of Annie's Homegrown. When I first opened my box of goodies to try and saw this product, I was like "Oh no, that is not going to be good." The reason I said that is because I am not one to eat "microwaveable meals" nor am I know to eat "organic" or any other "healthy food" for the most part. LOL But, I had a job to do it and I was going to do it well!
So, I took this little cup to work for my lunch this week to give it a try. It probably didn't hurt it had that cute little bunny starting at me on the package, you know I am a sucker for furry, four legged cute creatures to plug me along.
Anyhoo - more about the product. It was easy to make, simply tear off the plastic cover, remove the packet of cheese mx and fill with cold water to the "fill line" . . . didn't even need a measuring cup to measure my water, how easy is that!? Then mix it up well....this is where I started getting more worried because the water looked a little "grey". Well after reading the package I realized these were "wheat" and "organic" noodles which probably is what resulted in that appearance. I plugged forward and heating it up as directed for two minutes. When the microwave buzzed, I added the cheese mix and stirred and let it sit for another minute so the cheese could melt and get all ooey- gooey and then I went for it. And............surprise............. it was actually pretty darn good!
The cheese melted all nicely, not clumpy or "powerdy" tasting. It actually had a really nice "butter flavor" which I actually loved. It was just the perfect size for a nice small lunch or snack. I will definitely try them again. I am thinking the kids would really like the White cheddar flavor.
Have you tried it? Leave a comment below if so and let us know what you thought!
(NOTE: Providing this product by Influenster in no way, shape, or form swayed me in my review of this product.)
So, I took this little cup to work for my lunch this week to give it a try. It probably didn't hurt it had that cute little bunny starting at me on the package, you know I am a sucker for furry, four legged cute creatures to plug me along.
Anyhoo - more about the product. It was easy to make, simply tear off the plastic cover, remove the packet of cheese mx and fill with cold water to the "fill line" . . . didn't even need a measuring cup to measure my water, how easy is that!? Then mix it up well....this is where I started getting more worried because the water looked a little "grey". Well after reading the package I realized these were "wheat" and "organic" noodles which probably is what resulted in that appearance. I plugged forward and heating it up as directed for two minutes. When the microwave buzzed, I added the cheese mix and stirred and let it sit for another minute so the cheese could melt and get all ooey- gooey and then I went for it. And............surprise............. it was actually pretty darn good!
The cheese melted all nicely, not clumpy or "powerdy" tasting. It actually had a really nice "butter flavor" which I actually loved. It was just the perfect size for a nice small lunch or snack. I will definitely try them again. I am thinking the kids would really like the White cheddar flavor.
Have you tried it? Leave a comment below if so and let us know what you thought!
(NOTE: Providing this product by Influenster in no way, shape, or form swayed me in my review of this product.)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Bacon Cheddar Chicken Salad (and Beer Bread!)
Because I am always on the go and there is always someone else looking in the fridge for something to eat, the other day I decided to put together a large batch of chicken salad to keep on hand for those "refrigerator grazers" - you know the ones! This chicken salad has become a popular treat in my house and I hope you will enjoy it too!
Ingredients:
2 T Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise (hubby prefers Miracle Whip when I make it just for him)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (I use canned chicken to make this up in a jiffy - sometimes use 3 cups)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
Green Onion, sliced
Simply combine all ingredients, mix well and chill. Spread on your favorite bread or simply enjoy with crackers or celery sticks for a nutritious snack!
Our family particularly likes it served on Tastefully Simple Beer Bread. To make a more "sturdier" bread for sandwiches, I simply add 2 eggs to the mix before baking. As you can tell from the picture below, someone could not even finish making their sandwich before taking a bite! Yummo.......
Enjoy!
Tina
If you would like to order any Tastefully Simple products or see what others products there are available in that product line, please feel free to go over to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker. Or, if you would like, please feel free to come join the fun on my family's facebook business page for more recipes, tips, giveaways and more!
Ingredients:
2 T Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise (hubby prefers Miracle Whip when I make it just for him)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (I use canned chicken to make this up in a jiffy - sometimes use 3 cups)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
Green Onion, sliced
Simply combine all ingredients, mix well and chill. Spread on your favorite bread or simply enjoy with crackers or celery sticks for a nutritious snack!
Our family particularly likes it served on Tastefully Simple Beer Bread. To make a more "sturdier" bread for sandwiches, I simply add 2 eggs to the mix before baking. As you can tell from the picture below, someone could not even finish making their sandwich before taking a bite! Yummo.......
Enjoy!
Tina
If you would like to order any Tastefully Simple products or see what others products there are available in that product line, please feel free to go over to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker. Or, if you would like, please feel free to come join the fun on my family's facebook business page for more recipes, tips, giveaways and more!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Twice "Baked" Potatoes
Well, yesterday was our 4 year wedding anniversary. Since a weeknight and not payday yet, we decided to put off a "date night" until the weekend and just stayed at home with daughter and new grandbaby. I figured dinner should be more than a frozen pizza or hot dogs tonight, so I went through the pantry to see what I had I could try and - lo and behold I had some red potatoes raising their little hands to be used, so tried a new recipe and boy am I glad I did! I swear these little suckers tasted like something I cooked on for hours and something you would find in a fancy-shmancy restaurant! But they are EASY and FAST!
Ingredient List:
Size B Red Potatoes (these are the smaller mid size potatoes, kind of around size of an egg)
Tastefully Simple Onion Onion Seasoning Blend
3 T mayonnaise
3 T sour cream
4 oz shredded mozzarella
2 oz shredded parmesan
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
First thing you are going to do is cut your potatoes in half crosswise. Then using a melon baller or spoon, scoop out a small well in the potato (about 1/2" deep) and line potatoes up in pan (see picture below) I used Pampered Chef's Small Ridged Baker. Since these are made in the microwave, be sure to use a pan small enough to fit your microwave and spin while in there.
Sprinkle potatoes with a little Onion Onion and then cover with parchment paper and microwave 9-12 minutes until potatoes are done (Soft when poked with a knife tip).
While potatoes are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheeses and 1 1/2 TBSP of Onion Onion. When potatoes are done you are going to fill each well with the filling.
Recover potatoes with parchment paper and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes to get cheese all melty and warm.
Remove potatoes and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon. I would also sprinkle these with some chopped green onion but my bare fridge did not have any to use last night.
And Enjoy!
Let me know what you think!
Ingredient List:
Size B Red Potatoes (these are the smaller mid size potatoes, kind of around size of an egg)
Tastefully Simple Onion Onion Seasoning Blend
3 T mayonnaise
3 T sour cream
4 oz shredded mozzarella
2 oz shredded parmesan
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
First thing you are going to do is cut your potatoes in half crosswise. Then using a melon baller or spoon, scoop out a small well in the potato (about 1/2" deep) and line potatoes up in pan (see picture below) I used Pampered Chef's Small Ridged Baker. Since these are made in the microwave, be sure to use a pan small enough to fit your microwave and spin while in there.
Sprinkle potatoes with a little Onion Onion and then cover with parchment paper and microwave 9-12 minutes until potatoes are done (Soft when poked with a knife tip).
While potatoes are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheeses and 1 1/2 TBSP of Onion Onion. When potatoes are done you are going to fill each well with the filling.
Recover potatoes with parchment paper and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes to get cheese all melty and warm.
Remove potatoes and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon. I would also sprinkle these with some chopped green onion but my bare fridge did not have any to use last night.
And Enjoy!
Let me know what you think!
Labels:
Microwave Cooking,
Pampered Chef,
Potatoes,
Side Dish,
Tastefully Simple
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
PRODUCT REVIEW: Microwave Pasta Boat
Well, it's Tuesday! How is everyone's week going so far? I could use a do-over but no since in wishing for that so we will just plug along as always.
Today I wanted to share with you a product that I stumbled across that is WONDERFUL! It is one of those "As Seen On TV" items that you always wonder if it works or not.....well it DOES! And if you know me, you know I am picky about things so when I say this works, it works!
It claims to make "Perfect Pasta Everytime" and so far for me it has! You can make all kinds of pasta in it, not just spaghetti noodles. It also comes with a little steaming rack to steam veggies, but I have never used it. You simply throw your pasta in the pot, fill with water to the line indicated (depending on amount of servings you want to cook) and slap that puppy in the microwave and in about 20 minutes you have perfectly cooked pasta! I saw on some reviews that people said 20 minutes is too long to wait for pasta, but I don't know about you - but it normally took me a good 5-10 minutes to boil my water and then another 10 minutes to cook my pasta which by my calculator took about 20 minutes that way as well. This way I simply throw it in the pot, put in microwave and walk away and forget about it. Works for me!
The handles on the side even allow you to measure your regular spaghetti noodles to determine how many servings you are cooking if you are not cooking an entire box. I have cooked spaghetti noodles, elbow noodles and penne and all have turned out perfect based on the time it tells you in the little instruction book to cook it.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook pasta and not heat up your stovetop, I would give this a whirl!
DISCLAIMER: I was not given any product by any company to review for free or otherwise. I purchased this item on my own and liked it, so thought I would share with everyone else that may be in the market for such a thing or wondered if it worked.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week!
Tina
Today I wanted to share with you a product that I stumbled across that is WONDERFUL! It is one of those "As Seen On TV" items that you always wonder if it works or not.....well it DOES! And if you know me, you know I am picky about things so when I say this works, it works!
It claims to make "Perfect Pasta Everytime" and so far for me it has! You can make all kinds of pasta in it, not just spaghetti noodles. It also comes with a little steaming rack to steam veggies, but I have never used it. You simply throw your pasta in the pot, fill with water to the line indicated (depending on amount of servings you want to cook) and slap that puppy in the microwave and in about 20 minutes you have perfectly cooked pasta! I saw on some reviews that people said 20 minutes is too long to wait for pasta, but I don't know about you - but it normally took me a good 5-10 minutes to boil my water and then another 10 minutes to cook my pasta which by my calculator took about 20 minutes that way as well. This way I simply throw it in the pot, put in microwave and walk away and forget about it. Works for me!
The handles on the side even allow you to measure your regular spaghetti noodles to determine how many servings you are cooking if you are not cooking an entire box. I have cooked spaghetti noodles, elbow noodles and penne and all have turned out perfect based on the time it tells you in the little instruction book to cook it.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook pasta and not heat up your stovetop, I would give this a whirl!
DISCLAIMER: I was not given any product by any company to review for free or otherwise. I purchased this item on my own and liked it, so thought I would share with everyone else that may be in the market for such a thing or wondered if it worked.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week!
Tina
Monday, July 29, 2013
Fiesta Meatballs
Finally pulled out the crockpot and put it to good use over the weekend! Glad I did because these meatballs were a HIT. Well.....except for my daughter who over the last few months has decided anything with "flavor" is "HOT" and spicy. I personally don't like much "spice" to my food either, but I think these were delish and had great flavor! First gather your ingredients:
Enjoy!
Tina
Need to order the Tastefully Simple spices featured in this recipe? Check out www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker
Ingredients:
1 lb frozen meatballs, thawed (I actually doubled the recipe at the last minute and used one bag thawed and one not)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
1 1/2 T Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Dip Mix
1 1/2 T Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic Seasoning Blend
4 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese
You simply throw all the ingredients in your Crockpot (except for the Cheese), stir together and cook on Low for at least 2-3 hours, but can cook for up 8 hours. Would not recommend much longer or meatballs may get too mushy and fall apart.
Right before you are ready to serve, sprinkle the meatballs with the cheese and replace lid until cheese is melted.
And Enjoy!!! You could eat these over pasta, enjoy as appetizer bites or simply eat alone. Or, perhaps put on a hoagie bun for a meatball sub!! YUM. I may have to try that next time.Enjoy!
Tina
Need to order the Tastefully Simple spices featured in this recipe? Check out www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker
Friday, July 26, 2013
Healthy Lifestyle Living - Grilled Ceasar Salad
Yes, me and the hubster are in our mid-40s and although we have tried the "dieting" thing over the last several years, nothing ever sticks because we never do it "together". Three weeks ago I announced I was changing my eating habits and within 24 hours the hubby jumped on the boat with me. It is sooooo much easier when you are both heading in the same direction! Now to get the kids "on board" and we will be doing something!
Last weekend I decided I wanted to break down and try a "grilled salad" like I had been hearing about. No - I don't mean a salad with a slab of grilled chicken on the top, but I mean an actual "grilled" salad! Well, since I do NOT even touch our grill, that means I had the idea, but hubby had to implement it. He is good at it, as long as I give him the recipe and instructions, he doesn't mind at all pulling that baby out the garage and grilling away.
So......this is what we ended up with. Looks delish?
Easy Peasy!!! To say the least! See below for the recipe I threw together using my favorite Tastefully Simple products!
Ingredients:
Romaine Head/Heart of lettuce
Olive Oil
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
Black Pepper
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
Parmesean Cheese (grated)
Plain Bread Crumbs
Slice Romaine in half lengthwise keeping the end intact.
Drizzle Olive Oil on lettuce (both sides) along with seasoning with Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper
Place lettuce cut side down on piece of foil on grill. (medium to high heat) and Grill for 2 minutes. (If you want a more "charred" lettuce with grill marks you can place directly on the grill grid.)
Flip lettuce over and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon, Parmesean Cheese and Bread Crumbs (in that order) and grill for another 2 minutes.
Drizzle with Ceasar Salad dressing and Enjoy! - - The salad is tasty enough to even enjoy without the dressing!
Let me know what you think!
Tina
Last weekend I decided I wanted to break down and try a "grilled salad" like I had been hearing about. No - I don't mean a salad with a slab of grilled chicken on the top, but I mean an actual "grilled" salad! Well, since I do NOT even touch our grill, that means I had the idea, but hubby had to implement it. He is good at it, as long as I give him the recipe and instructions, he doesn't mind at all pulling that baby out the garage and grilling away.
So......this is what we ended up with. Looks delish?
Ingredients:
Romaine Head/Heart of lettuce
Olive Oil
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
Black Pepper
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
Parmesean Cheese (grated)
Plain Bread Crumbs
Slice Romaine in half lengthwise keeping the end intact.
Drizzle Olive Oil on lettuce (both sides) along with seasoning with Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper
Place lettuce cut side down on piece of foil on grill. (medium to high heat) and Grill for 2 minutes. (If you want a more "charred" lettuce with grill marks you can place directly on the grill grid.)
Flip lettuce over and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon, Parmesean Cheese and Bread Crumbs (in that order) and grill for another 2 minutes.
Drizzle with Ceasar Salad dressing and Enjoy! - - The salad is tasty enough to even enjoy without the dressing!
Let me know what you think!
Tina
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I'm back......and I have gone from Mom to "Mimi"!
Introducing Carter Joshua born July 3, 2013 at 8 lb 6 oz and 21" long. He is a keeper for sure! He has made me transform from "Mom" to "Mimi" and I could not be happier! (Photo taken by Chasing Lilies here in Summerville, South Carolina. If you are looking for a local photographer, I highly recommend them!)
I have been out of the blog world for a little over a year with lots going on, but am ready to get back into it and share all the wonderful things going on! Lots of family updates, trying to lose weight and get healthy and perhaps try out that "running thing" again. Would love to share my new business of Tastefully Simple and all my recipes that go along with that and much more! Hope you stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
























