Just when I think I'm back...

On the 3rd Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

a burst pipe under our kitchen sink!  Along with mold mold mold.  And destroyed pergo flooring. And destroyed cabinets...

Yes, I've been missing in action - I started the 25 Days of Pinterest only to get to day 3 and have my posts come to wet and soggy stop.  We are now completely sealed off from our kitchen and the mold Remediation company has started drying out our kitchen.  We're without cabinets, sink, oven, stove, flooring... if you need it to cook, we don't have it!  So, this has been monopolizing my time along with finishing up orders, shipping orders and, of course, Adam!

I'm hoping to finish up all of my orders and have them ALL shipped by Wednesday of this week so we can concentrate on having lots of Christmas fun!  I don't plan on posting again until after the New Year... When I started this blog, it was a showcase for my QuicKutz Ambassador projects and has evolved over the years.  I enjoy sharing different projects, recipes and ideas but have been struggling with time allotment - blogging takes up a significant amount of time! 

I'm hoping with the New Year I'll be newly organized and can get back to sharing with all of you!

I hope the holidays are very Merry for you and yours.
Andrea

25 Days of Pinterest! Day 2!

Good Morning!

Welcome back to Day 2 of the 25 Days of Pinterest posts!  I hope that you enjoyed Day 1 and felt inspired to do something, even if it was just to look at Pinterest!

Today I'm sharing a seasonal favorite, the Advent Calendar!

{Photo courtesy of twigandthistle.com}

 

Advent Calendars seem to be the big thing this year... and I can see why!  They're a fun tradition that builds the excitement for old and young alike!  I've loved them since I was a little girl and had fun making a few different ones over the years!

 

{Photo courtesy of www.marthastewart.com}

 

One of my favorite things about Advent calendars is that you can really use just about anything, as long as you have 25 of them!  Different sized envelopes taped to the wall in the shape of a tree?  Genius!

 

{photo courtesy of www.designspirationsk.com}

 

I love the simplicity and colors of this one!  And it doesn't look expensive to make, which is a huge plus in this house! Just a few clothespins, a board, number stamps or stencils, paint, decorative tape and some wrapped goodies!

 

{Photo courtesy of www.marthastewart.com}

 

I think this one is my favorite!  It's made from baby socks!  Isn't that cute!  Love it!

 

Last year we did a Book Advent calendar... you can see the posts here and here...  We're going to be doing a mixture of the Book Advent Calendar and Acts of Kindness Advent this year... unfortunately we're 2 days behind, but luckily Adam's still too little to realize that so I think we're safe this year!

 

Here's a fun, simple print and cut Advent Calendar that I made using my Silhouette Cameo!  Take a look!

 

 

All of the little banners are included in one $.99 image download from the Silhouette online store! 

 

 

 

I used red Bakers Twine and cute, red mini clothespins to hang my small number banners.  You can either hang this advent from your mantle or in a frame!  I found the pretty frame at Michael's, it's plain when you buy it, but you can paint it any color you'd like!  I liked the burnt edges and I didn't want to lose that contrast by spray painting it, so I rolled paint on!

 

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

Andrea

 

 

 

 

25 Day's of Pinterest! Day 1

Good Morning!

I'm over at the Penelope Lane Boutique today, talking with the fabulous vendors and ogling all the amazing creations!  If you're looking for a fun and fabulous boutique to do a little Christmas shopping at, come down and join us!

I'm so excited, because today is Day 1 of my 25 Day's of Pinterest!  I'll be sharing different Pinterest projects that I've either been inspired by or straight up copied!  I'm going to include Holiday Decor, Gifts you can purchase or make, Elf of the Shelf ideas, Recipes, Outings/Traditions and more! 

So, without further ado, here's Day 1!

{Photo courtesy of  vosgesparis.blogspot.ca via Pinterest} 

I fell in love with this idea!  I love the simplicity of the star and the rustic feel of the wood.  I believe that they used yard stakes for this star, but I could be mistaken (I looked at two pins that were similar to this).

Here's my interpretation...

I decided that I didn't want to purchase anything for this project, so I walked very nonchalantly, with my hands in my pockets and whistling, past the paint desk in Home Depot and grabbed a few paint stirring sticks maybe a few times... and then I ran!  Okay, that 's a little dramatic, but that's what I felt like I was doing!  The paint stirring sticks are free, but I'm pretty sure they'd frown on anyone taking 10 sticks at a time!  It was like I was revisiting my paint chip days!

So, I took 5 paint stirring sticks and I sanded them down to try to get the orange Home Depot a little less noticeable.  I then glued the sticks together in a star shape.  I used Gorilla Wood Glue and just did a little dab where they connected - wipe off the excess glue with a damp cloth.  I then clamped them together at each glued point and let them dry over night.

The next day I used Killz Primer - Odorless - and did a few coats on each side making sure the Orange Home Depot was completely gone.  I let this dry over night.  I then grabbed my can of cream spray paint (again, odorless) and did 2 coats of paint on each side. I let this dry again overnight.

I had a package of battery operated white lights that I typically use on my mantle so I wrapped them around the star, popped in a few batteries and BAM!  A fun, FREE (if you already have a strand of battery operated lights) Christmas decor!  You could really paint the star any color or use colored lights on the star, it's up to you!

Afterthought - I wanted my star to look a little more rustic, so I ended up sanding the edges a little to show the wood underneath.  I like it a lot more now.  I also added some greenery, ribbon and a few jingle bells and plan to put this on our front door.

Have a great Saturday!  See you tomorrow!
Andrea

Almost back! Penelope Lane and 25 Days of Pinterest

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by!

I wanted to let everyone know what has been going on and when to expect my return!

I've been having a fantastic time at all of the boutiques, the Queen Bee Market was great... I walked out with 2 primitive signs from Salty Bison and a few orders from Bubba's Basics and a special something for my sister's birthday gift.  I also met a lot of fantastic ladies and became better aquinted with others!  I also resisted the urge to steal borrow Angelas sweet little guy, Preston, and smoother him with kisses!

So, I have my last boutique of the Season this Saturday, here's the info:

Penelope Lane Boutique

I'm really looking forward to it!  I've made some pretty cute, if I do say so myself, Santa Sacks...

 

They're roughly 18"x22" and each one is a little different.  I've also sewn up some fun Chevron stockings, and am crossing everything that I can cross in hopes that the fabric I orderd 3 weeks ago comes in so I can make a few chevron Christmas Tree Skirts! 

 

Here's a 12"x24" Primitive Christmas sign that I made and L-O-V-E...

 

 

I've also been working on more of the NEW Chevy Crossbody Bags - I debuted them at The Queen Bee Market a few weeks back and they sold out, so I made a few more and a few more fun color combos! 

And last, here's a super cute Advent Calendar that will be at Penelope Lane...

 

Is there a better time to buy an Advent Calendar than on the 1st of December?

I'll also have tags, more Christmas Primitive Signs (a glittery Stag - what can be better?), Knit Head Warmers for $10 (knot and flower styles available), the usual Pillow Covers and more Chalkboard vinyl shapes, globes, wooden signs, the prettiest Christmas REVERSIBLE Table Runners and more!

So, I hope I see you there BUT if I don't, check back in on the 1st because I'll be starting my 25 Days of Pinterest!  Do you remember that from last year?  Here's what it is...

I take a project that I've been inspired by from Pinterest and either create something different from the idea or just flat out copy it (I always include my source!) and then I share it with you!  EVERY DAY from the 1st of December to the 25th! 

I hope to see you Saturday!  Either in person or in cyberspace!
Have a great night!
Andrea

I'm Taking Off... And a Boutique List

Good Morning!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm going to be taking off the next few weeks in preparation for 5 Handmade Boutiques plus the normal Mommy stuff!  Phew!

My sweet sister texted me the other day and asked how I have time to do "all of it" - I feel like if she saw me (unfortunately she lives 10 hours away!) every day, saw the unwashed hair, how often I DON'T shower, the state of my house, the state of my business "office", the amount of products waiting to be photographed and uploaded to my shop, the list of emails that go unanswered for days, the hamper of laundry, the pile of dirty dishes, her crazy-smart-mouthed-yet-adorable nephew that acts out whenever he's not getting enough attention and the "to-do" lists that are strewn all over the house because I constantly lose them(!) she may reazlize that I actually do NOT do "all of it".  Just a moment of total honesty.

Here's my schedule in case you're in the mood to see some pretty amazing handmade products, start your Holiday shopping or just say "hi"!

.......................................................................................................................................................................

Bella Boutique
Thursday, November 8th 9 am-1 pm
Newport Mesa Church
2599 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa

FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION!
Over 25 Vendors!  Across from the Sugarplum Festival - that right, you get 2 boutiques in one location!  Sponsored by MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers)

For more information, please visit:
www.BellaBoutique2012.wordpress.com

........................................................................................................................................................................

Fellowship of the Pass Craft Fair
Saturday, November 10th 8am-2 pm
Fellowship in the Pass Church 
650 Oak Valley Pkwy, Beaumont, CA 92223
951-845-2693 - Office

FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION!
Come out and support local small businesses and vendors!

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Collective Journey's Lets Wrap Up Christmas
Sunday, November 11th
1755 Orangetree Lane, Redlands CA
Silhouette Demo 11am - 4pm
(909)793-2200

I'll be doing a Silhouette Demo all day!  If you're signed up for Let's Wrap Up Christmas, please stop by my little table!  You can look at all of the fun items you can create with Silhouette Products!


..........................................................................................................................................................................

San Francisco Solano MOPS Holiday Boutique
Wednesday, November 14th 6-9 pm (I'll be here!)
Thursday, November 15th 9:30-noon
San Francisco Solano Church
22082 Antonio Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

..........................................................................................................................................................................

The Queen Bee Market
Friday, November 16th 4-9 pm
$5 Entrance Fee
Saturday, November 17th 9 am-3 pm
$2 Entrance Fee
 Sheraton Carlsbad
5480 Grand Pacific Drive, San Diego CA

Over 50 Vendors with AMAZING products, everything from Children's products, Jewelry, Home Decor, Holiday Decor and Products, Accessories and so much more!  There is a Crafty Girls Night Out on Friday night with a ton of fun make-n-takes sponsored by Basic Grey and so many more!

www.thequeenbeemarket.com
Find The QBM on Instagram #QBM

........................................................................................................................................................................

Penelope Lane Boutique
Saturday, December 1st 9am-3pm
Old Ranch Country Club
3901 Lampson Ave, Seal Beach CA
 $1 Admission, FREE PARKING

Over 50 Amazing Vendors with tons of Holiday Decor, Accessories, Holiday Gift Items, Hair Products, Paper Products, Jewelry and so much more!

http://penelopelaneboutique.blogspot.com/

.........................................................................................................................................................................

If you mention this post at ANY of these boutique, you'll get a little goody! 

Thanks for understanding!  I've been struggling with time management - lack of time management for everything that is important in my life (Family, Home, Business) and I feel like posting is the best time-fiend to do away with until after the crazy boutique crush!  I'll check back in periodically to share new items, but that's it for now!  My family and sanity thank you for your understanding!

Have a great few weeks!
Andrea

 

Fall means... soup! Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Good Morning! 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

It's been fall for a little while and, even though we live in So. Cal and Fall is really more of a myth, fable, urban legend than something that happens, I decided to take advantage of the cooler temps (80's-90's - burrr) and made... soup!  Yep, SOUP!

I googled "Chicken Tortilla Soup" and saw a recipe by Ree Drumond aka The Pioneer Woman so I printed it out and got all excited...

Here it is!  It was so yummy, the photo doesn't do it justice so let me share Ree's photo...

There it is!  That picture does it just, so now here's the recipe so you can go out, grab all of the ingredients and prepare this tonight!  You'll be happy you did!

Chicken Tortilla Soup by The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 cup Diced Onion
• 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups Hot Water
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
• 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
• 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
• _____
• FOR THE GARNISHES:
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Diced Red Onion
• Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.
Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)

Have a great night and eat some soup!  Tonight, Albondigas is on the menu!  I'll give out that recipe soon!
Andrea

PS - I'll be at The Saddleback Covenant Church Market this Saturday, November 3rd so please stop by!

Pinned Up Monday!

Good Afternoon!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Today I'm sharing a banner that I created for the Page's From the Heart Die Cut Club project this month!  If you've seen any of my past projects, you know that I LOVE to take box dies and make them more scrapper/card maker friendly... and this months project is no exception!

Here's what I was originally inspired by in Pinterest...

x

{marthastewart.com}

{heatherjslife.blogspot.com}

 

 {etsy.com}

 

So, I was going to go down this road and wanted to use the following dies...

 

Pie Box                                                       Feathers Die                      Nesting Turkey

 

But I also knew that I had to use this die...

 

{Leaf Punch}

 

 So I cut out the pie box first and put it together.  I cut another one out, hoping that it would fit as a lid to my original box... it didn't.  Hmmm - what to do, what to do!  I know, turn the pie box into a banner!

So, I cut out and assembled 6 pie boxes from tan cardstock.

 I then traced the triangle of my metal die onto patterned paper- the one that is the floor for the box. I traced inside of the cutting edges so that my triangle would fit inside the box.  I cut each one out and glued them to the inside of my box.

I then used my Diesel Font and die cut "Eat Pie" and used dimensional tape to adhere them to the inside of the pie boxes.

I stringed the pie boxes together so that they would hang.  I then tied on different lengths of bakers twine and hung the different "fall" elements from it that I'd die cut, like the feathers, turkeys, leaves...

And there you go!  A single and cute fall banner... I'm thinking that this would be perfect next to the kids table! 

And just remember, think outside the pie box!
Have a great day!
Andrea

Queen Bee Market!

Good Morning!

Thanks for visiting me today! 

I've been busy this week preparing for the Queen Bee Market down in Aliso Viejo and working on new papercrafting samples... anyone interested in Christmas cards?  A December Daily album?  What about a Simple Stories Christmas album?  Well, if you are, please keep visiting me for sneak peaks!

Today I wanted to share the happenings with the Queen Bee Market!

The Queen Bee will have tons of fabulous vendors... some of which I've had the pleasure of meeting and now calling friend!  Here's just a few of the many!

Allora Handmade

Creme De La Gems

My Cupcake

Penelope Lane

Baby J

 

Earth Cookies

 

Saturday Morning Pancake

(Ron Swanson- Parks and Rec -Pot Holders are going to come home with me!)

 

The Lil Cupcake

Vessel

and ME!  Kutz. Paper. Scissors

 

 

I'll be debating the NEW Pouf, NEW Reversible Table Runners perfect for Fall and Christmas along with new Pillow Covers fabric patterns and I'm hoping to have the NEW Cross Body Chevy Bag!  Phew!  I'd better get off the computer and get to work!

Hope to see you here!  And NO, it's no longer 1 month away, try 2 DAYS away!

 

Have a great day and I hope to see you there!

Andrea

Monster Mash Banner with Lifestyle Crafts QuicKutz Dies!

Good Morning!

Thank you for stopping by this morning!

Today I'm sharing a fun, Halloween banner that is super kid friendly... they would probably enjoy creating it with you!

I made this banner for Pages From the Heart Die Cut clue using Lifestyle Crafts QuicKutz dies!  Here's what I used...

{QuicKutz Doily Rosette}

 

{QuicKutz Diesel Alphabet}

 

{QuicKutz Build-A-Monster 4x4 Die}

 

 

I wanted to make a fun banner with the silly face elements, so I cut them out of different colors and tried to find something that they would fit on and look good...  I was looking through and my stash and found the rosette die, which seemed like a great face backdrop!  Here's what I came up with ...

 

A fun little banner!  I cut 5 of the rosettes from the black paper and then glued the green circles on all of them.

 

I then started making my silly, monster faces on 2 of the faces.  There are endless possibilities with the build-a-monster die!

I die cut "BOO" from Diesel and glued those letters onto the remaining green circles.  I then glued black bakers twine onto the back of the rosettes to attach them all and hang.  My only suggestion is to string the twine through the holes in the rosettes, your banner will hang better!

Hope you enjoyed this fun little banner.  My little boy has been asking to make one with just the monster faces!  Have a great weekend!

Andrea

New Products!

Good Morning!

Thanks for taking the time to visit today!

Today I'm sharing some fun, new products that I've been working on!  I've shared them at the Penelope Lane Boutique and the Sew Funky Handmade Market - and I just cannot get enough of them! 

Here's the NEW Chevy Bags!

{Brown Chevron with Rust Accents}

 

Each bag is fully lined with coordinating fabric - there are 2 pockets inside, the corners are reinforced.  I LOVE these bags and have to constantly remind myself NOT to keep them for myself!

 

{Navy Chevron with Teal Blue Accents}

 

 

{Navy Blue with Currant Accents}

 

{Village Grey Blue with Teal Blue Accents}

 

{Yellow Chevron with Navy Accents}

 

{Navy Blue Chevron with Mustard Accents - at Sew Funky!}

 

I have a few other color combinations, I did a fun Grey Chevron with Mustard Accents, a Brown Chevron with Green Accents and more!  I love figuring out the different color combos for these!

 

And, if you're still wanting more Chevron, why not introduce it into your child's room or baby's nursery?  Chevy Bears!

 

{Girly Blue Chevy Bear with a NEW Typograph Sign - Family Routine}

 

{Black Chevy Bear with NEW Charcoal Grey Ikat Cover}

 

{Red Chevy Bear with the NEW Chalkboard Globe!}

 

I also have new table runners... they're waiting to be photographed, but they're so fun!  They're double sided so you can get more than one pattern/occasion from each runner!  I also ordered more fabric (can we say "ruffles!") to create more fun pillows and runners with!  Oh, and I'm working on a new pattern for floor pillows and Poufs (cross between a pillow/seat/ottoman), so stay tuned for more products!

 

Check out the shop for more products!

 

Have a great Wednesday!

Andrea