Pink Christmas Card and a Recipe

Aloha!  No,  I'm not in Hawaii...just wishing. There is a snow storm on it's way this afternoon and as I ponder how cold it's going to be when we go to Dawson's basketball game tonight (at least it's not an outdoor football game!), I can't help but think how nice it would be to be lounging on a beach in Hawaii instead.  On the positive side, we need the moisture so I won't compain to loudly.

I liked this card that I shared last week so much that I decided to make a variation on that one to put on a gift to a friend.  This is what I came up with. I love the color combo (Cotton Candy, Pear, Lagoon and White Daisy) and it makes me feel sunny and happy just looking at it.  I will just put it on a wire dangling in front of my face when the snow storm hits this afternoon to keep me sunny and happy inside.  Yes, I'm feeling silly today.  The supply list for the card can be found at the end of this email.  All products are Close To My Heart.



I also mentioned a couple of days ago that I would share my stuffing recipe from Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that I sort of made it up as I went, so I'll do my best on measurements. I LOVED how it turned out.

Karen's 2011 Thanksgiving Stuffing:
1 Box (the kind with 2 bags inside) of pre-seasoned dried bread (or cornbread) for stuffing
1 stick melted butter
2 C. chicken broth
1 lb. ground sausage (browned and drained)
1 large fuji apple (washed and sliced with the skin on)
1 bunch of green onions (cleaned and sliced thinly)
5 stalks of celery (rinsed and chopped)
cracked black pepper to taste

1. Put seasoned dried bread (crumbs or squares) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Brown and drain sausage and add to the bread.
3. Melt butter in frying pan on the stove and cook celery in it until it becomes slightly see through (I know what that's called but I can't for the life of me think of the word.  I'm blaming pre-snow storm brain freeze).  Add as much cracked pepper as you'd like.
   
4. Slice apples and onions and add them to the bread
   
5. Pour the butter and celery over the mixture.
6. Add chicken broth and stir until moisture is thoroughly mixed in and distributed evenly.
7. Stuff turkey and cook inside turkey, or put in 9 x 13 pan and cook approx. 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  You may need to add a bit more moisture if you don't cook it in the bird.  You may also want to cover it with foil while it cooks, it depends if you want your stuffing moist (if so, cover it) or if you like it a little crispy on top (if so, don't cover it).

Voila!  It was DELISH!

CTMH supplies used on the Christmas Card:  Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, White Daisy Cards and Envelopes, Cotton Candy Cardstock, White Daisy Cardstock, Pear Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Flurry Dimensional Elements, Blue and Green Sparkles, Hodge Podge Color-Ready Alphabet, White Daisy Pad, Blush Pad (rubbed on Snowflake), Pearl Paint (painted over blush snowflake for shimmer), 3D Foam Tape.

Thanksgiving Festivities

I know I have been MIA for awhile. I have just been enjoying time relaxing with family over the holiday weekend.  I hope you have been fortunate enough to do the same.  I thought I'd share a few photos (click on any photo to see it larger) from our family weekend to start the week. Enjoy! We sure did.

Daysha and I found this cute red, glittered snowflake for $5. We added a ribbon to hang it with and some Pearl Opaques (glued on with Liquid Glass) from Close To My Heart and...voila: beautiful and very inexpensive Christmas door hanging for her and Easton's little home.

Close up of Easton and Daysha's snowflake.

Dawson's place setting

What's Thanksgiving without some football?

Dawson chillin' while waiting for the turkey and all the fixin's

Dan and I are a cooking team on Thanksgiving. He does the turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy, and I do the rest. As you can see (see shirt tail) he is not the cleanest of cooks.  How does gravy get on the side of your shirt while you are cooking it anyway?

Daysha making a goofy face while playing "Words with Friends" with Kori (who had Thanksgiving with her own family in Chicago. Darn! Why do kids have to grow up and move? I think it should be a law that they have to stay within 100 miles of their mommy!)

Me, stirring Dan's gravy masterpiece while he mashes the potatoes.

Ready to eat!  My stuffing, which I will very un-humbly tell you was the best ever, is not in the photo. I think I'll share the recipe later this week.

Easton, ready to dig in!

We are thankful, although I think (know) Dawson was being a little bit sarcastic on his #3!  See our placecards from my last post. They will go on the front of a pocket for each person. In the pocket there will be a photo of the person and their 'thankful' list.  How's that for planning my layout ahead of time?  I hope to finish the layout and share it this week.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving relaxing, eating good food, and being grateful for our many blessings. It was hard not to have Kori, Rick and Daci here from Chicago, but with Kori on bed rest until the twins arrive, travel was out of the question for them. It was also bittersweet to not have Tannon. As you know, he is serving a 2 year mission in Malaga, Spain.  He'll be here next year though. In fact, we are down to 9 more months.  WOW!  Here's a little photo he just sent me of him and the little boy of a family he is teaching the gospel to in Spain. He looks so happy!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

Thanksgiving Place Cards and a Layout Idea

Yesterday, I sat down and put together these little place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner and thought I'd share. I'm so excited for tomorrow and all of that yummy food, time with family, and football!  I plan to do a layout of Thanksgiving afterward. One of the things I have planned for this layout is that I will take a photo of each person and I have a little card for them to fill out of things they are grateful for.  On the layout I will make a pocket for each person that is labeled with the front of the place cards (how's that for double duty) and inside the pocket will be their gratitude list and the photo of them at the dinner table on Thanksgiving.  Cool, right?

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. One of the MANY things I have to be grateful for in my life are all of you who take the time to stop by and read my blog. I especially appreciate those of you who take the time to comment. 


CTMH products used: So Grateful Stamp Set, Font Stamp Set of your Choice for each person's names (I used one that was a special set available only in August), Colonial White Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock, Olive Stamp Pad, Autumn Terracotta Stamp Pad, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Watercolor Pencils (I just used the grey one to shade the pumpkin and stem and leaf), Licorice Opaques, Corner Rounder, Chocolate Ribbon (on sale for 33% off!).

You can purchase any or all of these products on my website, 24/7...even on Thanksgiving!

Christmas Card (Joy) and a Recipe

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I enjoyed a weekend of relaxation and football.  My son, Easton, played in his last college game of the year for Southern Utah University. They were in Flagstaff, AZ on Saturday taking on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.  We won 27-24. YIPEEEE!  Easton had a good game (3 catches) and we felt he had a wonderful Freshman season. Unfortunately, they didn't make the FCS playoffs, but they did finish the year with a winning season. Easton had 23 catches for 304 yards, that's an average of over 13 yrs. per catch. Pretty darn good for a Freshman receiver, don't ya think? I love this photo of him (in red, #88) after a catch in a game earlier this year.  Darn that guy who caught his foot and tripped him up!

Now on to some artwork and a recipe...

I made this 'joy' card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") using the following Close To My Heart products: White Daisy Cardstock, Cranberry Cardstock, Pear Cardstock, Flurry Dimensional Elements, Milepost Shapes, Hodge Podge Color-Ready Alphabet, Blush Stamp Pad (to sponge snowflake pink), Pearl Paint (painted over the pink snowflake for shimmer..hard to see in the photo), Clear Sparkles, Spray Pen (filled with a tiny bit of water and white acrylic paint to spray splatters and to paint the milepost shape star), 3D Foam Tape.  You can order any or all of these products on my website, 24/7.

And now the recipe....

PEDERSEN POTROAST (from Karen Pedersen)

Keep in mind that measurements are approximate. I think, for most families, averaging about 1/4 - 1/2 lb. of meat per person would be plenty. I am usually feeding a bunch of big guys and I usually choose a roast that will average about a lb. per person. That way, if there are leftovers, we can make roast beef sandwiches or even beef burritos the next day. So, choose what you think works for your family.

INGREDIENTS:

• Sirloin Tip Roast (it's worth paying the extra for a good cut of meat, at least I think so.  I choose a roast that averages about 1 lb. per person {see above})
• Red Potatoes (I usually do 2-3 per person)--wash and cut into 4ths (you can leave the skin on or off)
• Carrots (I usually do about 3 per person)--wash and peel and cut into pieces (see photo)
• Celery (I usually do about 1 stalk per person)
• 1 large onion
• 1-2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• Cracked pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Steps 1-5

Step 6

Ready to serve

1. Wash and trim roast and pat dry.  Place in a lightly greased casserole dish (I prefer casserole dishes to a roasting pan with a lid. I'll explain a little later.
2. Sprinkle 1-2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix over roast (I generally do 1 packet for every 3-31/2 lbs. of meat)
3. Add potatoes and carrots and celery.
4. Quarter a large onion and place on top of meat
5. Sprinkle everything with cracked pepper
6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. This is the secret. Be sure to run your fingers along the edges and seal it tightly. This will insure a very tender roast that just falls apart when cut.  That's how we like it! A roasting pan with a lid lets in too much air.
7. Cook at 275 for approx. 5-7 hours (if my roast is between 3-4 lbs, 5 hours is plenty. If it's a 7-8 lb. roast, I usually cook it more like 7.  Hint: If you like your potatoes and carrots a little bit firm, leave them in much larger pieces.)
8. Remove foil and serve. The meat will just fall apart.  Yum!  Enjoy!

Home Decor Item: November Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart

How stinkin' cute is this little home decor item made with the fantabulous November Stamp of the Month?  VERY stinkin' cute!

This darling project was made by my friend and team member, Susann Eaton. Susann is SO talented and I thought this little decor items was genius - not only is it darling, but it only used 4 products.  SIMPLY beautiful!  She stamped a 4" x 6" black piece of cardstock with the "Cherish the Day" stamps in White Daisy ink (hint: to dry your ink faster, use your heat gun) then put this in a little black frame. The sparkles were applied on top of the glass in the frame. Did I mention Susann is brilliant? Oh yeah, I think I did. ;0)

CTMH products used:  November Stamp of the Month ("Cherish the Day"), White Daisy Stamp Pad, Black Cardstock, Clear Sparkles.

As you probably already know, you can get the Stamp of the Month for only $5 with a $50 order (before shipping and tax).  If you are shopping on my website, you will be prompted to choose if you'd like to add it before you check out.

Also, don't forget that during November only, if you spend $25 in stamp sets (Stamp of the Month not included), you can get the beautiful "Holiday Wishes" stamp set for only $5.  Bargain, baby! I love this set, especially because it coordinates with the wonderful CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.  If you are shopping on my website, you will be prompted to choose if you'd like toadd it before you check out.

Both of the stamp set images you see here are the carrier sheets. The actual size of the carrier sheets is 6" x 6". 

You can read more about the Stamp of the Month and the "Holiday Wishes" specials here.

Christmas Layouts: December Play Group ("Believe")

It's not too late to sign up for my December Play Group classes (in person or long-distance, or host a class of your own...I need to hear from you no later than Tuesday, November 23 if you want to participate).  We will be making three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts that will give you a head start on scrapping this year's (or last year's...lol) Christmas photos.  Here are the layouts (click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail). I've shared the details of the class, the kits, and how to participate after the photos. If you are not familiar with my Play Group classes, scroll down the left side of my blog until you find the section called "Play Group Information" and read away!  Enjoy!

Side Note: I'm thrilled to say that my photos from last year are already scrapbooked so that is why these layouts don't have photos on them yet.  They are patiently waiting for this year's photos.

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Layout #1: Christmas Time (layout designed by the CTMH Art Department)

Layout #2: Christmas is a Gift (modified from layout designed by the CTMH Art Department and based on the "Levitate" pattern in the CTMH "Magic" scrapbooking how-to book.)

Layout #3: Celebrate the Season (layout based on the "Final Act" pattern in the CTMH "Magic" scrapbooking how-to book)

In December we will be using the fun, bold and festive kit called "Believe" for our three 2-page 12" x 12" layouts.

If you want to participate, I need to hear from you no later than Wednesday, November 23. You can call or email me at 801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com.

Class Dates and Times to choose from:
Thursday, December 1, 7-10 pm (in Pleasant Grove, UT)
Tuesday, December 6, 10 am -1 pm (this class is in American Fork, UT)

You can also host this workshop in your home (in Utah) with your friends during the month of December and earn FREE hostess rewards (free CTMH shopping spree!) while you do it. If you are interested in doing that, please contact me (801.360,9896, pedermom@aol.com)

You can also participate in this workshop long-distance. If you choose to do so, just add $5 to the cost of whichever kit you choose for the extra shipping.  I suggest if you are participating long-distance that you at least order the "Better Kit".  If you participate long distance, I am happy to stamp for you since you probably won't have the stamp pads and alphabet stamp (unless you order the "Best Kit"). That is my little gift to you if you participate long-distance.

Remember, in order to attend, you only need to purchase the Basic Kit. Anything above and beyond that is totally up to you. This month, I suggest you consider the Better Kit. The few items I've added there make a huge difference to your pages. If you already have any of the items in the Better or Best kits, just bring them with you to class.

Believe Play Group Shopping List

Basic Kit

• Believe WOTG Packet (includes "Believe" Level 2 Paper Pack, Workshop Stamp Set, Mini-Medley Accents-Olive, Dimensional Elements-Stars, Instructional Brochure, 2 extra sheets of White Daisy Cardstock)
• 1 extra sheet of Sweet Leaf Cardstock
• Karen's Cutting Guide

 
Subtotal: $31.55
Total with shipping and tax: $35.04

Better Kit (I recommend this kit!) = Basic Package + the following items:

• Holiday Pockets 
• Believe MyStickease
• Blending Pen
• Finishing Files
• Round Sponge
  

Subtotal: $51.60*
Total with shipping and tax: $59.18
Best Kit = Basic Package + Better Package + the following items

• Trinity Alphabet
• Holiday Red Stamp Pad
• Topiary Stamp Pad
• Black Stamp Pad 

Subtotal: $97.30*
Total with shipping and tax: $111.61
*At this sales level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) for only $5!

Call or email me to place your order and sign up for a class, or to schedule a class of your own for this workshop in your home with your friends and earn FREE Close To My Heart products (801.360.9896, pedermom@aol.com).

You can purchase these and other wonderful Close To My Heart products on my website, 24/7.

Happy Veterans Day!

This is my 2nd post for today so be sure to scroll down to see the card I posted earlier.

This is my dad, LeRoy Overstreet.  I just thought I'd share this photo of my favorite veteran in honor of all of the men and women who do so much to make and keep this country what it is. I'm grateful for their sacrifices daily.  Happy Veterans Day, everyone!

Snowflake Card

Yesterday I actually sat down and played in my art studio a little just for fun. This is a card that I came up with.  I really like it. I hope you do too!  It is a standard size card (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") and it's kind of hard to see in my photo, but the colored snowflakes are shimmery and all of the little gems are rhinestones and also shimmery.

Close To My Heart products used:  White Daisy Value Pack Cards and Envelopes, Grey Wool Cardstock, Flurry Dimensional Elements, Hodge Podge Color-Ready Alphabet, Bling Assortment, Clear Sparkles, Blush Stamp Pad, Lagoon Stamp Pad (both stamp pads were rubbed directly on the dimensional element snowflakes to color them),  Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint (mixed with water in the Spray Pen to spray over snowflakes for a shimmery look), Spray Pen, Sand Paper (I used this to sand the Grey Wool Cardstock after running through the Cuttlebug {see below} to sand the tops of the polka dots).

Non-CTMH products used:  Cuttlebug with a polka dotted plate.

Thanksgiving Card: Close To My Heart's November Stamp of the Month

I am loving the November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day). I created this standard (4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card was created using it, the Roxie Level 2 Paper Pack and our wonderful Milepost Shapes.  Click here to find out how to get this awesome stamp set.

New Website Address and Facebook Fan Page

Hello, faithful blog readers. I have two important things to tell you about today.

#1:  My Close To My Heart website address will be changing shortly. The new address works now so I suggest you change it in your bookmarks and records right now. The new address is:  www.ctmh.com/leavealegacy.

#2: If you aren't already aware, I have a Facebook fan page in which I share fun blurbs and projects several times per week. I'd love to have you "Like" my page if you haven't already. The link is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Pedersen-Close-To-My-Heart-Independent-Consultant/168965289828951


Thanks so much for your support of the business and creations I love sharing with all of you!

Thanksgiving Card: CTMH November Stamp of the Month

This little goodie was made using the Close To My Heart November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day) and the "So Grateful" stamp set. I love both stamp sets (both are shown here in this post. Carrier sheet actual size is 6" x 6" on both stamp sets) and was happy with how the card turned out. I think I might even make some place cards for Thanksgiving that look similar.

As always, you can click on any photo in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

Don't forget that you can get "Cherish the Day" during November only. Click here for more details on how to get it, then head to my website and start shoppin'!




CTMH products used:  November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day), So Grateful Stamp Set, Roxi Level 2 Paper Pack, Smoothie Stamp Pad, Smoothie Marker,  Black Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Round Sponge, Watercolor Pencils, Red Ribbon Collection, Licorice Opaques, 3D Foam Tape.

I thought I'd close with a cute photo of my son, Dawson and his date last night to MORP. MORP  (prom backward) is a girls' choice, casual dance at our high school.  How cute are they, anyway?

November Close To My Heart Specials

Sorry I'm a day late and a dollar short getting the Close To My Heart specials for November posted. I have been sick for the past several days and am finally up and around. I went and taught a scrapbook class on Tuesday and then came home and crashed. I am so glad to be feeling a little better.

Since we are already 3 days into November, I'm sure you are wondering what the heck is happening this month with Close To My Heart and their awesome specials. Well, I'm here to tell you!


There are 2 wonderful specials for November:
1.  Holiday Wishes
2.  November Stamp of the Month (Cherish the Day)
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1.  Holiday Wishes:  During the month of November, if you spend $25 on stamp sets,  you can purchse this BEAUTIFUL stamp set, which coordinates beautifully with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection for only $5 ($17.95 value!). As you can see in the photo, this set is so elegant and looks so gorgeous when used with the cricut cartridge.  It's a must have!  If you are ordering on my website, then you will be prompted to add this set at the end of your order if you have spent $25 in stamp sets. Easy, peasy, lemon squeazy!

2.  November Stamp of the Month:  As always, CTMH has created a wonderful stamp set for their Stamp of the Month program.  I love this one for so many reasons. It's great for birthday cards, anniversary cards, scrapbook layouts, and so much more.  The layout you see at the top of this post was created using this stamp set.  As always, you can click on the photo to see it larger and in more detail.

I've included a little photo of the stamp set for you.  The actual size of the carrier sheet is 6" x 6".

I love that each of the months are represented and include a little bubble to stamp a date in!  Each month stamp coordinates beautifully with the ticket image on the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Collection too!

You can get this stamp set in one of two ways:

• you can get one for $5 for every $50 you spend (before shipping and tax. You'll be prompted to add it at the end of your order if you are ordering on my website. )
• you can purchase it for it's full retail price of $17.95 (use order #S1111)

CTMH Supplies used on the layout at the top of the post:   November Stamp of the Month, Roxi Level 2 Paper Pack, Roxi MyStickease, Cork Color-Ready Letters, Licorice Opaques, Milepost Shapes, Spray Pen, Black Reinker (mixed with water in spray pen to color milepost shapes black), Black Stamp Pad, Corner Rounder, 3D Foam Tape.

Here's to a wonderful November!