think fast

best cookies ever.

Well, for fall that is. I actually hadn't made these in a year or two and I'd forgotten just how yummy they are. And, they freeze beautifully (which is important because it makes a pretty good sized batch). Let's see - molasses, ginger, cloves - what more could want in a fall inspired cookie?

I just "may" have put a little extra frosting on these. It's the tiny bit of lemon in the frosting that kicks these cookies up from "yum" to "wow"!

Molasses Creams

1 ½ C. softened butter

2 C. sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

½ C. molasses

4 C. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

¾ tsp. ginger

½ tsp. cloves

Frosting:

1 ½ C. powdered sugar

3 TBL butter

1 TBL vanilla

2 TBL milk

½ tsp. lemon juice

Directions: In a large bowl cream butter and sugar; add eggs and molasses and mix well. Blend in dry ingredients. Roll into balls, place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Frost while warm.

Give them a try and let me know what you think. They are wonderful with a hot cup of coffee!

Later.

 

falling in love

...with fall. It has finally arrived here in Arizona. At least the part where it's below 100 degrees during the day! But, the nights. Ah, the nights. So blissful - cool breezes, sitting on the patio, driving home from church with all the windows down. Awesome.

Sharing a little bit of fall over on the Pebbles blog - click here for the full layout!

Later.
p.s. Stop by tomorrow for a recipe featuring the best fall cookie. Ever.

joy in upcycling

No, I won't be posting "joy" every day this month, but don't be surprised if it pops up every now and then. I'm feeling it.

I haven't shared news about My Little Clothesline lately. The fall season for clothes buying is in full swing and if you have any kids sized 5T or lower, you really need to be shopping over there. It's owned and operated by my SIL, Lauri. She is super picky when it comes to buying clothes for her site. Everything is gone over with a fine toothed comb. She does have a few things NWT (new with tags - I'm learning this lingo, too), but the majority is gently used. It think it's so cool that she can gather up these cute clothes (all name brand) and resell them for a fraction of the new price.

Here are some of my latest favorites:

The is adorable sweater outfit from the Gap - I've seen this in real life - it's like brand new. I love the lightning bolt. Awesome.

Here's one of my favorites for a baby girl. So soft and pink (also sweater knit). I must be in the mood for fall.

And this cute one? New With Tags -- don't fall in love, I just bought it for my SIL who is due to have a baby girl any day now. (Sorry).

But, you CAN snap up these shoes.

I mean, really. These look like they have never been worn! So super cute.

So, help keep the planet green - Buy upcycled clothes! (hee, hee). I can guarantee you will love the service and bargains you can find at My Little Clothesline!

Later.

swimming for katie

As probably a lot of you have noticed, the last few days has seen a huge outpouring of love and support for Katie Renz. Katie is a fellow crafty gal and stamper who is now battling inoperable gastic cancer. She is a mother to three beautiful children; her story just breaks my heart. You can read a bit more about Katie's trials on her blog. She admits herself that "it's not pretty".

Some fantastic members of our community have rallied around a fundraising effort for Katie and her family. The talented Becky Oehlers has designed a darling clear stamp that you can purchase with 100% of the proceeds going to Katie and her family. There are several other items for sale, also. Please click HERE to see all the cute products.

Of course, you can also simply make a donation, in any amount. Every little bit will be helpful and greatly appreciated.

I used this super sweet stamp on a card myself.

"Keep Swimming" is kind of a motto for Katie and her family. I guess it can really be a motto for all us, right?

Please check out the main informational site right HERE for additional information, including how to get yourself entered into a drawing for a $250 Craft Retreat. How generous is that?

I am only a tiny part of the blog tour - over 125 artists have created a huge variety of stunning cards - you can find Mondays and Tuesdays participants at the main site, too.

Today's hop includes:

Amy Heller
Jackie Pedro
Julie Masse
Kecia Waters
Sandie Dunne
Susan Liles
Latisha Yoast
Laurie Schmidlin
Lisa Arana
Lisa Henke
Lisa Silver
Lydia Fiedler
Lyn Bernatovich
Lynette
Maria Gurnsey
Meg Craig
Melissa Bickford
Michelle Woerner
Mona Pendleton
Niki Estes
Robyn Weatherspoon
Sarah Jay
Sarah Martina Parker
Savannah O'Gwynn
Stephanie Washburn
Susanna Boyd
Tobi Crawford
Julie Lacey
Kim Kesti
Shemaine Smith
Danielle Lounds
Debbie Carriere
DoBea A.
Fran Gumprecht
Geny Cassady
Gina K.
Holly McMillen
Jak Heath
Javablustamper/Jacquie
Kimberly Crawford
Jeanne Streiff
Trudy Sjolander

Amazing, right? Be amazing yourself by donating what you can to Katie!

Later.

finding joy

I don't know if it's the change in the weather or what, but I'm feeling so much more excited and energetic lately. It's awesome. I've also determined that October is going to be a month all about "finding joy". I'm pretty sure it won't be too hard to accomplish.

Today I'm sharing a mother's joy. It's certainly in my heart every day. Last night I was visiting with my SIL Rachael and she told about a conversation she just had with a brand new Mom. This Mom was married a little later in life and just had a beautiful little daughter. This new Mom told Rachael, "I had NO idea. I really had no idea how much you can love someone and how having a child changes your whole life."

Isn't that the truth? Her statement made me a little weepy. (Uh oh, baby fever? Hee, hee).

I also want to share this Mom's joy.

It's another SIL, Kelly. I've shared a few photos of Jamison before, but this picture struck me as particularly special. Maybe because Jamie is a special little guy - he was born with Down Syndrome. He's not yet two years old, but he has brought such joy into our lives and if you take one look at Kelly's face, you can see for yourself.

We are going on a Buddy Walk with Jamison and would love if you could help support his fundraiser for Down Syndrome Network. Just click HERE and you can read Jamie's page and perhaps donate a few dollars. Any amount would be awesome -it goes directly to the DS Network in Jamie's name. We'll be walking in the ASU Homecoming Parade - as a family of alumni, this is going to be great!

Thanks so much for spreading the joy!
Later.

winnerday

I'm thinking I need a whole blog post dedicated to winners, today!

First of all...the winner of the Hero Arts stamp set and copy of Holiday Cards & More is:

Posted by: Bobbi-Lynn | September 28, 2011 at 02:23 PM

And...the two winners of the spot in Cooking Up Cards are:

Posted by: kim b | October 01, 2011 at 06:01 AM

Posted by: Meghan | October 01, 2011 at 07:50 PM

So much fun! I will contact you gals with details. Oh, and why not post a card today, also? I think it is quite appropriate!

Later.

 

world card making day 6

Can you believe our little holiday has been around six years? I can't. I am not surprised that it has grown into such a popular day, though. What better way to spend the day than making cards? Especially cards you create for someone special. Love that. Check out the World Card Making Day Blog for lots of information on the WCMD contest, the blog tour and more!

I have two cards to share today. But first, I want to talk up our brand new class at Big Picture Classes: Cooking Up Cards.

Betsy, Teri, Allison and I put our noggins together and came up with a fun concept in card making. We each created our own "recipe" - a card, all the ingredients, the instructions and such. Then, we traded recipes and created all new cards for each other. It was SO much fun! We then put all the ideas, instructions, etc. together in a self-paced class for Big Picture Classes. It's been a joy to work with the sweet gals over there. Please take a peek at our class description. We think we have something to offer the beginner AND the more experienced card makers out there.

And the BIG giveaway? Yep, two spots in our class! If you win, you will have access to the class, the Card Kitchen Gallery and even a Bonus Handout with recipe boxes that each of us decorated. Yay! So, leave me a comment about whether you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate or advanced card maker and I will enter you to win!

I'm posting this "You're Special" card for a more boyish look today. I'm kind of diggin' the vintage flair this one has.

And here is a little sweetie because "You Always Do the Nicest Things".

Happy World Card Making Day!