Harvest Happiness Card

This is my 2nd post for today.

After finishing a book that left me emotionally spent ("The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak...I highly recommend it {Thanks, Kristine W. for recommending it to me!}), I needed a little creative time. I only had a few minutes before it was time to get ready to go to Dawson's football game , so I did something very simple. Sometimes simple is good.

I used sketch #131 from CardPatterns. I also used the Dreamin' L2 Paper Pack from Close To My Heart, as well as these other Close To My Heart products: Harvest Happiness Stamp Set, Dreamin' MyStickease, Mocha Opaques, Bronze Glitter Gel (painted on thinly with a paint brush on the leaf), Chocolate Waxy Flax, Spray Pen, Goldrush Stamp Pad, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Cocoa Marker (to outline the leaf), Cocoa Reinker (mixed with water in the Spray Pen).

See you later, everyone. I'm off for some Friday Night Lights. GO, Springville High School Red Devils!

My Tannon

Tannon is now half way through his 2-year mission for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...the "Mormons") in Malaga, Spain. He was recently transferred to San Fernando (in the province of Cadiz, along the southern coast of Spain) and made a Zone Leader. We are so proud of him and the sacrifice he has made to serve the Lord for 2 years of his life. We miss him so much and are so happy that we get to see him again in ONE MORE YEAR!

The picture at the top is of a recent Zone Leader meeting he attended. Can you find him? Hint: count 8 from the left and there is my handsome boy!

Here is another photo of Tannon and several other missionaries working in the city of Malaga (Tannon is the one on the far left).

And, lastly, I thought I'd share a little excerpt from a recent letter. We live for our weekly email letters. We only get to talk to him twice a year (on Christmas and Mother's Day) so those weekly emails are precious to us.

Tannon said, "Missionary work is where it's AT! Nothing is cooler (except maybe football...just kidding). I've never been happier in my life. It's just awesome to work hand-in-hand with the Lord to bring the gospel to others. We work so hard every day and I love it!"

Oh, how I miss this kiddo!

Card with Cricut Flowers

You can click on any image in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

I've been meaning to share this beautiful card for some time, and just keep forgetting. This card was made by the Close To My Heart Art Department and accompanied one of the gifts that CTMH gave me at Convention a couple of months ago. It beautifully showcases one of the flower types that can be easily made with the brand new CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. Gorgeous, right? Right!
CTMH products used: Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack, CTMH/Cricut Art Philosophy Collection, Clear Sparkles, Cocoa Ribbon, Cocoa Stamp Pad, Chocolate Alphabet Small.

You can shop for these and other great CTMH products on my website, 24/7!

Birthday Layout

Happy Labor Day!

I shared a little bit about my birthday a few days ago, but I finally sat down and made a layout about it today. I was canning salsa all day today and just needed a little creative break. This is what I came up with.

I was inspired by the sketch at Creative Scrappers this week (#172) and the color challenge at Heart 2 Heart Challenges (choose your own favorite color combo). I really liked the sketch on Creative Scrappers, especially because I was only planning on doing a 1-page layout for this project. I am in love, and have been since 8th grade, with pink and green together (remember those preppie days?). I especially love them paired with black and white. Thanks to Heart 2 Heart Challenges (a great CTMH Challenge site!) for helping me choose my color combo for this layout. I used the Close To My Heart colors of Blush, Hollyhock and Pear.

Here's a little close up of the flowers and journaling. You can click on this photo to see it larger and in more detail.

Close To My Heart products used: Black Cardstock, Silhouette Creative Basics Paper Pack (retired), Sophia L2 Paper Pack, Licorice Opaques, Dimensional Elements Numbers (retired), Black Stamp Pad, Round Sponge, Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint, Stardust Glitz Glitter Gel, Corner Rounder, Sanding Kit.

You can order these, and so many other wonderful products on my website...24/7!

Guess Who's Coming to Grandma's House...

Yep, you guessed it...DACI! I can't wait.

Rick has some business here in Utah in about a week and will be here for 4 days, AND he's bringing Daci with him to visit us. Daci will stay with Rick's parents for half of the time and with Dan, Dawson and I the other half. We are so excited. I just wish Kori could come too!

This picture of Daci makes me laugh every time. She is being silly, as usual. This kiddo is so full of spunk and mischief. It's enough to just about put her parents over the edge, but just perfect to make grandmas laugh and laugh.

It's a good thing I have TONS to keep me busy this week while I wait for her arrival.

Salsa Time!

If you have been a follower of my blog for very long, you know that this time every year is SALSA canning time! Even if I didn't feel like it one year, I could not get away without doing it. My children and husband would NEVER let me miss. They love our salsa. Tannon calls it "the nectar of the gods." He is begging me to send him some in Spain. Are you kidding me? It would cost $65 to send 2 quarts. Do I really love him that much? I'm still debating.

I try to can between 50 and 60 quarts per year. Yep, my family averages a quart per week. Craziness! I just finished 30 and need to do another 30 next week.

My wonderful father-in-law (who is a MASTER gardener, see produce photo above) shares all the ingredients with me (except for the sugar, salt and vinegar, Silly. Those don't grow in the garden!) each year and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I tried making it one year with produce I bought at the store, and even once from the Farmer's Market, and it didn't even come close. If you are not a gardener, the best way to get your produce is to find a farmer who has a stand by the side of the road. You know that these are freshly picked and didn't ripen off the vine.

I shared my recipe last year, but I thought I'd share it again. At our house, we like our salsa kinda sweet and hot (I like it much hotter than everyone else, so I have to make some batches a little more mild). I have indicated the amount of sugar, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar that I use in my recipe. If you don't want it quite as sweet, you can decrease the sugar and change the apple cider vinegar to regular vinegar.

Karen Pedersen's Salsa
single recipe makes 5-6 pints or about 3 quarts

24 large tomatoes

Wash and scald tomatoes. Peel. My family likes smooth salsa so at this point I gently puree the tomatoes in my blender, but this step is not necessary. Cut in quarters if you are not pureeing. Cook for at least 1 hour in a large heavy pot. Skim off juice while cooking.

Chop the following by hand or food processor. I puree these too, not until it is totally liquid but until it is a nice thick and smooth paste. Be sure to wear gloves while doing your jalapeno peppers. If they are good, hot ones they will blister your bare hands.

2 large white onions
1 sweet red pepper
2 large green peppers
1/2 medium sized garlic clove, minced
2-4 jalapeno peppers (I love my salsa HOT so I use at least 4 of the hottest peppers I can find. If you leave your seeds in it will be even hotter. I leave the seeds in.)

Mix this in the tomato mixture in the pot and cook down another 45-minutes - 1 hour. The longer you cook it the thicker it will be, but it will also make less salsa.

Then add:
1 Tbs. white sugar
2 Tbs. brown sugar
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
6 tea. salt

Cook again for another 30 minutes. Fill bottles and process* for 10 minutes to seal.

Note from Karen:
*I have never processed my jars in the 15+ years I have canned salsa. If you turn them over right after putting your lids on, they will seal from the heat. I just lay out several layers of towels on my kitchen table and turn my jars upside down there and leave them over night. I have never not had a jar seal.

September Close To My Heart Specials and Stamp of the Month

Happy September! As always, a new month comes with new stamps and specials and this post will explain them to you so you can plan your CTMH purchases around them this month.

You can click on any photo in this post to see it larger and in more detail.

1. Did you know that September is National Stamping Month? Of course Close To My Heart wanted to celebrate with something special, so they created their very first DOUBLE stamp set that you can earn for FREE this month. The stamp set is two "D" size stamp sets (a "double D" if you will) put together in one envelope, called "Pair-a-Phrase". It's full of fun designs and sentiments for almost any occasion. During the month of September, if you spend $75 (before shipping and tax), this stamp set is yours for FREE! FREE I tell you. That's MUCH less than you would pay a plastic surgeon for a DOUBLE D, and so much less painful. Oh, heavens! I crack myself up!

The cards you see at the top of the post are cards that I made using the "Pair-a-Phrase" set (supply list at the end of this post). I've also included a close up of one of the cards and a photo of the entire set for your viewing pleasure.








2. September Stamp of the Month: I think this set is full of creative possibilities and full functionality for every day needs. It's great for cards, invitations, tags, and MORE! It's called "Limited Edition", which I find a bit funny because to me, the possibilities with this set are UNLIMITED.

You can purchase this set during the month of September only in one of two ways:

• Spend $50 (before shipping and tax) and get it for only $5
• Purchase it for $17.95
  

I made this card using "Limited Edition" and the new Sonoma papers. The supply list is at the end of this post.

Ordering Helps:

• To order either or both of these stamp sets, just go to my website and click on Shop Online.
  
• If your order totals $50 (before shipping and tax), you will qualify for the Stamp of the Month at $5. If your order totals $75, you qualify for the Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set FREE and the "Limited Edition" stamp set for $5. You'll be prompted to add them before you finish your order.
  
• If you just want to purchase the Stamp of the Month at full price, you can type "Stamp of the Month" in the quick search box on the left side of the shopping page and it will come up and you can click "add to cart".
• There is a link on the side of my blog to view the current Autumn/Winter Idea Book if you want to go shopping!

Pair-a-Phrase Basket Cards products used: Pair-a-Phrase Stamp Set, Universal Backgrounds Stamp Set, White Daisy Value Pack Cards and Envelopes, White Daisy Cardstock, Black Cardstock, Black Stamp Pad, Watercolor Pencils, Art Philosophy CTMH/Cricut Cartridge, Corner Rounder, Sunkiss Yellow Cardstock and Goldrush Pad (for background on yellow card), Crystal Blue Cardstock and Dutch Blue Stamp Pad (for background on blue card), Blush Cardstock and Cotton Candy Stamp Pad (for background on pink card), 3D Foam Tape.

Limited Edition Card products used: Limited Edition Stamp Set, Sonoma Level 2 Paper Pack, Smokey Plum Stamp Pad, Desert Sand Stamp Pad, Corner Rounder, Art Philosophy CTMH/Cricut Cartridge, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Bling Assortment, Round Sponge.

Get These Mojo Monday Cards From Me For FREE!

Would you like me to send you one of each of these cards for FREE? Well, you've got to act FAST. This offer expires at midnight on Wednesday, August 31 (MDT).

I made these cards using the Mojo Monday Sketch #206 from this week, and using the darling "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set (see #6 below)

Here's how to get a set of these cards FREE from me:

1. Go to my website: http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com
2. Click on the catalog link in the lower right hand corner and pick out some goodies to buy. Make your list and check it twice!
   
3. Go back to my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) and click on "Shop Online"
4. Place an order of $70 or more (before shipping and tax)
5. Add the DARLING "Wicked" August Stamp of the Month ($17.95 value) for only $5 (you'll be prompted to do so before you check out)
6. Get the "A Typeface" stamp set ($6.95 value) for FREE with the "Extra, Extra" special that goes through midnight MDT on August 31 (Wed. night). You will be prompted to add this before the end of your order.
7. Get the "Pair-a-Phrase" double stamp set ($35.90 value) for FREE with the "National Stamping Month" special. This special goes through September 30, but if you want both the "A Typeface" stamp set and the "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp sets for FREE you have to order before midnight (MDT) Wednesday (Aug 31). You will be prompted to add this before the end of your order.
8. That's it! I will check my online orders after midnight and if you ordered and took advantage of both specials, I will send you one of each of these cards for FREE, as a special gift from me, on top of the already GREAT deals you got. When you spend $75 (before shipping and tax), you end up with over $130 in merchandise with these specials!

CTMH products used: Lucky Level 2 Paper Pack, Lucky My Stickease, Pair-a-Phrase Stamp Set, Black Stamp Pad, Watercolor Pencils, Blue Button Assortment, Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Cricut/CTMH Art Philosphy Cartridge, 3D Foam Tape.

Out of Commission, But Never Fear: Kindle is Here!

Dear Bloggin' Peeps,

I have done something to my back and can't do much standing or sitting. My bed and I are best buddies right now. I might not be able to post for a day or two. Hopefully it won't take any longer than that to be back to my obnoxious posting self!

I hope you all had a great weekend. It was my birthday on Saturday and I got spoiled! Luckily, my back didn't start hurting until early Sunday morning. Is there some sort of warning I should have read about that obsessing over a brand new Kindle that might explain my hurt back? I got one for my birthday on Saturday (I'm in LOVE! Thank you, Tracey Mason! I think I am now your slave for life.) and am already obsessed. Maybe my back just tried to give me an excuse to read that brand new Kindle. Note to self: explain to back that I'd rather feel guilty for reading than to have a valid excuse like this one.

I even have the CUTEST hot pink Kindle cover (thank you, Koribug!). THANK YOU to everyone (Dan-the-Man included who spent all day Saturday taking me to all my favorite places!) who made my birthday so special, with cards, gifts, Facebook comments, emails, lunch dates, and phone calls. I love you all! "Back" (oh, I crack myself up!) to bed I go. I'll be back to bloggin' before you know it. I'm counting on it!

Layouts and Cards Made With The Brand New "Believe" Collection

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost 5 days since I last posted. Where does the time go?

Today I thought I'd share some projects I made recently for a reward that 5 of my team members earned from me after completing a sales and recruiting challenge I issued. I am so proud of these five women (Lynette, Pam, Kris, Chrissy and Lucia) and the great job they are doing with their Close To My Heart businesses. I used the new "Believe" kit. Here is a photo of the finished display (feel free to click on the photo so you can see all the projects larger and in more detail). It includes a two-page 12" x 12" layout, two standard cards, and a 5" circle card, as well as a paper-swatch sample square of each of the papers in this kit. I used my new CTMH/Cricut "Art Philosophy" cartridge on every one of the projects, including the shaped papers and snowflakes in the layout, the circle card and snowflake cut-out on that, the shapes on the Santa card, and the shapes on the holly berries card. I love this cartridge and how it fits with so many of our stamps, as well as offering so many great shapes and borders that work great with almost any project! In fact, if you click here you can see all of the over 700 shapes and images on this cartridge.

I love this fun, bright and cheery kit for Christmas-time this year! You can purchase it, and so many other fun, quality Close To My Heart projects on my website, 24/7!