Lovin' Magnolia...

Lately I've been colouring a lot with my Copics... and as a result had to add a few stamps to my collection!

I really enjoy the sweet stamps created by Magnoila, and all of the background and accessory images that are created to really help you make gorgeous detailed cards.   In my quest for new stamps, I ran across this on-line Canandian store that sells a good collection of the stamps, and also some of the designer papers that they make which I have not seen in person, but want to get my hands on!     Click on over to the Stamp Shoppe and check it out, their prices seem good and you can get free shipping on orders over $75.00   They have a great collection of card samples too if you need some inspiration.   I loved this Edwin card created by Heidi Downey.   Check out her site 

Erindale T-Ball

First time playing T-ball, first layout in a while... it took 3 days, but I actually really like it.

Used Glitz Design PP, Maya Road Chipboard, Rose Moka red Letter stickers, Kaiser Craft mini stickers,
and an adorable little silver baseball hat charm I bought over at Stamp & Create a few months ago.

Need help matching cardstock and your patterned paper?   Try this site... it has matches for many many of the most popular brands out there these days.

Crate Paper
Cosmo Cricket
American Crafts
Basic Grey
Daisy Bucket
Dream Street
Heidi Swapp
Imaginisce
Graphic 45

Jillibean Soup
KaiserCraft and so many more!  It's quite a lot of fun actually! 

http://bazzillbasics.com/matchmaker/glitz.php

See you tomorrow!

Epson kicks butt.... really!

Wow,  I have to share.... just have to.  Working on some layouts last night, and wanted to do some of the lastest T-Ball photo's of Jonathan.   They are purple, and match some great GLITZ designs paper I had in mind....  of course the photo's are new, so I haven't printed any yet.  No worries.... I'll print at home.  Now normally for me in the past this brought about a huge amount of stress, it never worked, was never easy, and it NEVER looked like  REAL photo's. 

I am so happy, really so impressed.   I've had the Epson Artisan 810 for about 6 months now, used it for a variety of projects, and I know it works great, the software is good, easy to install, good on ink.. and all that, but tonight it just BLEW ME AWAY!   

I used the Epson Premium Photo Paper - Glossy, 4x6,   slid the photo paper into the CLEARLY marked spot in the printer tray, (face down by the way, but it tells you that), pulled up the software and voila, print... GORGEOUS, just GORGEOUS photo's.   I used the BEST PRINT setting, with border and I LOVE them!

Even my DH, who is really into QUALITY when it comes to prints admits they are fab..... Okay, enough of that!  Look at these CUTE pictures.. and you'll see why I just HAD to print them out....

I got the layout mostly completed, and I have a full night of crafting ahead, so I think I'll actually get this one DONE!  Whoo Hoo!  It's been a while.   I'll post asap.

Awesome FONTS... and they are FREE

Was surfing one of my latest addictions last night, FOOD Gawker and ran across someone just like me.. a Foodie and a Scrapbookie junkie all rolled into one!  The difference? Amanda makes FONTS, tons and tons of fantastic HANDWRITING fonts....  you can even have your handwriting turned into a digital font FOR FREE!

I love it.. totally love it! Go check out Amanda's site... grab some fonts, and while you are downloading, check out some of her recipes!  There is one for BLONDIES, that sounds just incredible!  and then, while the Blondies are baking, take a LOOK at her Scraproom...  WOW is all I can say! 

Speaking of FOOD... well, I signed up to get the daily Menu's from Ruby Watch Co.  They sound delicious...wonder what it will be tomorrow?

DINNER AT RUBY WATCHCO

  

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9TH

CHILLED PINK SHRIMP & WATERMELON SALAD

The New Farms’ Spicy Asian Greens Mix,

Avocado, Pickled Red Onions,

 Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

SLOW ROASTED LEG OF LAMB, GRILLED LAMB KEBABS

 WITH BBQ LAMB SPARERIBS

Elmira Tomato, Zucchini & Feta Orzo,

 Roasted Garlic, Lemon & Oregano Pesto,

Cucumber Salad “Tzatziki Style”, Grilled Pita Bread

BLUE ERMITE

Radicchio, Crispin Apple & Raisin Slaw

DETOUR ESPRESSO AFFOGATO

ED’S REAL SCOOP VANILLA ICE CREAM

Bailey’s Caramel Sauce with Chocolate Chip Biscotti

It's Monday....

Yesterday was Monday, and that meant burger night.  I had planned on making these tasty sounding Greek Lamb Burgers,  but instead had a cold Roasted Chicken Chef Salad and Garlic Cheese bread.  I do plan on making the burgers NEXT week, and though I would share anyways.   I've got quite a collection to try this summer!   Lot's of fun. 

Greek Lamb Burgers

1 pound lamb (ground)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon dill (chopped)
1 tablespoon mint (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
salt and pepper to taste
4 buns (I used whole wheat, or pitas)
lettuce
tomatoes (slices)
tzatziki
feta (crumbled)

Directions:
1. Mix the lamb, onion, garlic, oregano, dill, mint, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form Patties with the mixture.
3. Grill, broil or pan fry the patties.
4. Assemble burgers.

Today was my day off, did lot's of odds n' ends.  Weeded the back yard, and cleaned the kitchen,  made chicken vegetable soup and I may make some muffins.. if I don't run out of steam.

I also booked dinner at this fantastic sounding new restaurant in Toronto.  It's called Ruby Watch Co.  Chef Lynn Crawford (formerly of the Four Seasons) is the owner and chef, and it's sounds, well, fantastic. We're booked in with friends.... June 24th, can't wait. 

We are off  to Little League tonight, ... both Jacob and Jonathan are playing... Tues & Thursday all summer so I've gotta be ready EARLY and I have to make a few cards this afternoon.

I was cruising the Magenta Stamps site for some inspiration, and  I came across this card that I particularly liked.  It can be used for so many occassions.. I'm off to case it!   If you're like me, and often need a "jumping off point, you should think about using SKETCHES.  Many sites have them... here's one from Magenta.

Sticking to a routine!

I'm hoping that sticking to a routine for household and everyday life will allow me more time to play, with my kids, in my garden and in my craft room!     Anyways,  it was Kebab night.. my first test of my new themed menu.... I wanted to start simple, so I went with this Souvlaki Style Lamb, something the kids would all like (I hoped), that was easy to put together (it definitely was) and that would taste good (it did, but would be better overnight).   I served it with coucous with peas and sauteed onions, tzatziki, and warmed pita bread.  Everyone had their favourite part of the meal, but everyone ATE it... so that's a good thing.

After dinner I decided to FINALLY finish this card that I have been working on for DAYS!  It's not even that complicated, and in the end, I wish I had coloured the bear in as if he was a person, so more skin toned, but I wanted to FINISH something for a change.  I got this High Hopes Stamp from a cute on-line store called Stamp and Create, which is run by Lacey Stephens.  She's a GREAT cardmaker, has an excellent blog and runs a nice online store.  I hadn't bought any stamps in a while so I treated myself a while back.  I also ordered some charms and some Shimmerz  Hadn't tried the Shimmerz until tonight, and I like it.  I used the Silver Bells  for the Knights armour, gives a nice sheen, but I wish it had been just a bit more transparent so the colour of the Copics would have shown through more... anyways, here it is... I think it's very "current" with all the How to Train your Dragon stuff that's out these days.

Now, let's see if I can make a LAYOUT to share!

Lara

This n' That

With summer here, I have decided to have a PLAN.. to beat the FOOD funk that I sometimes get into! Have YOU ever calculated how many meals you cook in month? or a YEAR? It's amazing. Anyways, I always make a monthly menu, but for the summer I am trying something different..... Theme nights, and then I am going to collect 12 of each kind of recipe, put them into my Mastercook recipe software, and work my way through those, adding them into my  Google Food Lady Calendar that I created to help me stay on track.    I get bored cooking the same things over and over again, and it's good for the kids to try different flavours too. If you have a favourite Main Course Salad recipe that you'd like to share, I'd love to have it, and I'll send one random entry a Prize pack of scrapbooking supplies! Send me your entry by Sunday May 1st for a chance to win.

Mon: Burgers: Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, Brook.... you get the idea!
Tue: Sandwich and Salad or Sandwich and Soup
Wed: Kebab Night
Thu: Pasta Night
Fri:  Main Course Salads
Sat: Sausage and Grilled Veggies
Sun: Mexican Night; Fajitas, Tacos, Nachos, Enchiladas, Burritos..etc.


Bean and Cheese Quesadilla's

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 can black beans, drained and lightly mashed
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 package whole-wheat tortillas -- (10 count)
8 ounces reduced-fat pepper Jack cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
Extra salsa for serving (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion
and green pepper and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in
beans, salsa and chili powder. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place over
medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
Spread 1/3 cup of the bean mixture and 1/3 cup of the cheese evenly over
the tortilla. Sprinkle some of the cilantro over the top. Place another
tortilla on top and cook 1 minute. Press gently with a spatula and turn.
Cook for 1 minute or until browned.

3. Place quesadilla on a baking sheet and keep warm in 200° oven. Repeat
with the remaining ingredients to make four additional quesadillas. Allow
skillet to cool slightly if it becomes too hot.

4. To serve, cut each quesadilla into quarters. Serve 3 quarters to each
person (there will be 2 leftover wedges for non-dieters to enjoy)

While I'm in the organizing mood.... I thought I would share with you THIS fantastic paper organizer from Boxed Treasures. They are located out in Alberta, and they make these incredible, sturdy, alterable and yes, they can make CUSTOM pieces to help us all get our scrap spaces looking beautiful, but more importantly, organized and functional. There was one was on display in the Canadian Scrapbooker Booth at Scrapfest, and it's currently living at my house (YES). It looks awfully nice filled up with all those shades of card stock.. can you say PRETTY!  This picture is of the larger version.....I have the smaller one with 11 shelves!  It fits perfectly onto my built in shelves in the scrap area and it makes me happy.   These are really really sturdy units.... so even though the shipping might be a bit high, I think they are totally worth it.

That's it for today, I do have a card ALMOST finished, if I am lucky I'll get to it tonight and I'll be able to share it tomorrow.  So many things to do, so little time.   

A little of this and a little of that

Have you ever wished you could just spend the days scrapping, relaxing, no cooking, no cleaning, with a bunch of good friends?  I sure do.... often, and I think that a CRUISE would be awesome... so look what I found! 

Crop n' Cruise - Canada's Scrapbooking Cruise - this winter, in the Caribbean!

If you have a group of you that want to travel together, you are eligible to win a free cruise.  Go check it out....  I've heard some great things about the classes and the goodie bags!     



Now, back to some Scrapfest chatter....  when I wasn't teaching or in the booth, I spent some time in the very crowded Stamping Bella Booth....they had a great make n' take, and some fantastic new releases.  I really love Billboard Bella... I didn't see her, but I'll have to make a trip and pick myself up one.  She's so versatile.... love it!   This card was designed by Jeanie and was posted on the  Bella Blog..... there is some great inspiration on both blogs, so if you haven't been, grab a coffee and settle it!  It will definitely put you in a stamping mood.    Sure makes we want to ink up the Rubbah' as the Bella Babes would say!


I'm also getting organized for some Fall assignments I have for Canadian Scrapbooker... lots of cool articles coming up and the latest webisode is online too!    If you've never submitted, you SHOULD.. we love to see layouts from readers... love love love it!  Just check the submissions pages for the current calls and send in a photo - that's it, easy! 

Off to my scraptable... lots of design ideas floating around in my head... I need to get some of them sketched before I forget!

Lara

My oh My.....Scrapfest chatter

Wow, what a weekend, what a show, what great people!   Scrapfest was a blast, busy, crazy, and a ton of fun.  I got to see so many friends,  and check out so much cool product that I didn't see at CHA this January as sadly I couldn't go!   I especially loved sharing some time with my great Canadian Scrapbooker Team Members... Connie and Cathie A....  not long enough, but we'll do it again soon.

So, what did I love?  LOTS!   I got to meet Kimmie, from the every so sassy Kraftin Kimmie Stamps when she stopped by the booth.  I've been quietly stalking her blog for a while now, checking in to see what her incredibly talented DT is up to and what new MUST have stamps she has released.   This latest release just about reached out and GRABBED me.  Dragons... perfect for some layouts I want to  make of my son Jacob's How To Train a Dragon Birthday.
Kraftin Kimmies Dexter, Card designed by Andrea Murdock.

What else?  Oh, I loved the new printable canvas that was being demonstrated at the Stix 2 Anything booth.  You just put the "canvas" into your printer (inkjet or laser), and you get a gorgeous, textured photo that you could use to sew with, stretch to make a wall hanging, or use it on a card or hybrid scrapbook  layout.  The product is not showing on their website, but they do have full list of stores in Canada that carry their products. Can't wait to get some to play with... just have to get some more INK for my PRINTER!        I also need to restock on the PVC glue, and some more GLITTER.  Copic makers, glitter, flower soft and glue.. what more can a girl ask for?    More tomorrow, so many great people and projects out there! 


Happy scrapping....
Lara

Spring is in the air...

Spring is definitely here... we are insanely busy, which is always how it is in April for us!  Jacob had his 10th birthday party, went to his first NHL hockey game, and got a puck at the game.. a real one.. what a thrill.
The Easter Bunny came, we went to Kitchener to visit with family, 
cooked an Easter Turkey with all the trimmings, and I started Spring cleaning.  My clothes closet is almost done and the kids are next on the list.  I also started to clean up my scrap space.... AGAIN, to try and somehow get it organized... I'll keep you posted on how that goes.  I think a Garage Sale is in the line up for May and there will definitely be some scrappy stuff in there.  I even have some older Creative Memories things to sell off.

Scrapfest is almost here.. and my instructions are done and the prep work sent out to all the students.  I'm pretty pleased.  The kits are all started, and boxes of sponsor product is arriving daily!

If you're taking the class, be excited to know that we have sponsorship from: myStampBox, The Robins' Nest, & Big Dawg Promotions for the Pieces of Me workshop.   There will also be a prize pack, from the best Scrapbooking Magazine ever.. Canadian Scrapbooker... of course! 

Speaking of the best Magazine ever, you need to hop on over to the website and check out some of the new and cool things that we have going on!   Webisode #2 is up and running.. great fun projects for you to try.
Then there is the contest... where you can win some really cool Spellbinders Products and don't forget to check out Sue Sykes - Hands on Photography online course... Sue will also be teaching at Scrapfest and she has just a few spots left if you are interested in learning how to take your photography skills up a notch!

If you're interested in what goes into the making of the magazine, or just curious about what Jackie (our fantabulous editor) does in a day.. check out the new blog....  Canadian Scrapbooker Backstage Pass.

Phew, that was a lot to catch up on.. and now I am off to Scrapbook.  I can actually see the surface of my desk, and I found some really cute paper in my stash that I want to play with tonight...  I'll show you the results tomorrow!

Happy Easter everyone.

Lara

Webisodes for your Viewing pleasure.

New from Canadian Scrapbooker... Webisodes, featuring Editor Jackie Ludlage!

Learn some cool stamping techniques, and create a sweet Mothers Day card while you're at it.  It features some of our favourite manufacturers,  We R Memory Keepers,  ColorBox (Stylus and Ink),  Nikki Sivils and more.

Now while  we are on the subject of Tutorials... you might want to check out this one.

Photoshop for Cooks!
If only it was that easy to get dinner made every night! http://vimeo.com/9338549

So if you are a foodie, and a scrapbooker,and a photoshop kinda girl, this might entertain you.. it did me.

I got the link from DH who hooked my onto this kinda cool Craft site.  http://craftzine.com/projects/  it's not just for scrappers, but for all kinds of crafters.  Take a peek when you have some time.

And a quick layout I did... It featuers myStampBox Stamps, Tattered Angels Mists, Prima Flowers and Scenic Route Papers... I sure will miss my Scenic Route Papers!    I know it's a fall photo/layout, but I kinda like how it turned out.. and I love the photo of my friend Sheila's daughter Joelle in the pumpkin patch! 

I have lots of new layouts to share... just no time to take photos.  Maybe tomorrow, though we are in Hockey Playoff Season at our house so it's pretty crazy around here these days.

Canada Wins....

 Okay, so my kids are amazing!  At only 9,7 & 6 they are all Olympic crazy!!  They were downstairs in the play room on Thursday night watching the Hockey game  when the suddenly appeared in the family room to proudly display THIS creation.... INCREDIBLE!

CANADA WINS GOLD it's all LEGO and they did it all themselves.   We took it to school the next day, and they are proudly displaying the Canada Wins portion in the office window for all to see.  We'll add gold on Monday as the Women have one, and hopefully the Men too =)

Since it's HOCKEY day at our house with practices and games for the kids AND of course Canada vs. USA we're having appetizers, and  ribs for dinner.  It's all done and ready to go, so that means I get to SCRAP!  Yep, I'm gonna do it..... really.

I also ran across this fantastic sounding recipe and do you know.. I have all the ingredients in the house... I may just have to try it out!   A love martini  can only enhance scrapbooking right?

Love Martini

1 strawberry

1 1/2 oz. coconut flavored rum

1 oz. peach schnapps

2 oz. cranberry juice

Remove stem from strawberry. Slice strawberry and cut a small "v" in the top of each slice to create a heart shape. Place several ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and add the rum, schnapps, and cranberry juice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the strawberry slices.

Serves 1

 

Now, speaking of Scrapbooking, I did manage to print out some photo's on the the Epson Printer.  I'm still learning the in's and out's of it...so many options.  I love some of the software that came with it, like the photosheet which let's you drag and drop photo's onto an assortment of layouts, choose the page size and then save it as a .jpg to print out.  I'm NOT loving my microsoft printing wizard as my printing software, so I have to go and play with photoshop and JASC Paint Shop pro next time I have some spare time (HAHA).

I just popped over to the Epson site and I see that this printer won an Editors Choice award... cool!  I know i like mine a lot. 

I did finally manage to make and scan this card to give to Jacobs' fantastic Librarian Mme. Lazoda who helped him organize his Fund Raiser for Pennies for Peace which was part of his Language Arts studies this year.  They did a used book sale at the school, collected used books from the kids at the school and then sold them over three days.  They sold between 250-400 books and raised $482 for their project!  Nice work! 

If you're curious, the card uses:  Stamps from Stampin' Up, Felt Flowers from American Crafts, Queen and Co. Sequins, October Afternoon Butterfly Die Cut and Scenic Route Patterned Paper.  It came together pretty quickly once I actually SAT down at my desk.

Ready for something Delicious?

By now you may have figured out that in addition to be addicted to all things scrapbooking, I love to cook, especially things my kids will like!

I found the recipe for these COOL Stuffed Pancakes on that fantastic Once a Month Mom's Website. It's a cherry filled pancake cupcake.. you bake them and then freeze them. Take out, microwave, then split open and serve with a little butter and syrup - YUM!

Here's the recipe! Thanks to Tricia for sharing this with me!


Stuffed with Cherry Pie filling, these babies are a fantastic breakfast that even a young child can prepare.  Just microwave and eat, my 6 year old can get these for himself and his brothers!

Ingredients
2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 stick butter
12 tbsp Cherry Pie Filling (try other things like Nutella, assorted fruit jams, or mascarpone with cinnamon) confectioners sugar for sprinkling
maple syrup for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously coat the bottom & sides of a 12-muffin tin with butter. Make Bisquick pancakes per instructions on the box. Fill each cup in the muffin tin half-way. Add 1 tbsp of filling to the middle of each muffin, then cover with the remaining pancake mix. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven, place on serving dish & use a flour sifter to sprinkle with sugar. Serve with warm syrup.
Serves 6



Now, wanna hear about something else really cool? How about a Crop for Haiti? Well actually it's a Crop for Haiti2, and it's this Friday.

If you're in the Kitchener/Waterloo area or Mississauga and don't mind the drive, you should think about heading out to this Crop. It's being run by the fabulous Karen Ellis of Go Scrapping, and the folks over at In a Pinch Designs. The crop is only $20.00 and the money is going to be donated through the Canadian Red Cross to ensure that the government matching is in place. Now how cool is that! So why not GO SCRAPPING, and help a child in need....

I haven't scrapped much lately, but I did just receive a COOL box full of goodies that have me wanting to play.  I got some papers and embellishments from the very talented Nikki Sivils. If you haven't had the chance to see her stuff in person, you should check out her website. Whimsical, Retro, Romantic, Cool, Fun, she's got something for everyone.
We recently got new furniture and redecorated, and I think this line will work perfectly to record the event!
There are some really cute stamps too, that I am dying to play with and colour in with my Copics... tune in tomorrow and see what I've come up with!

Diamonds are a girls best friend....

No, I didn't get any diamonds for Valentines day, but I did get some nice chocolates and a beautiful Aquamarine Ring I had been coveting... my Sweetie is so good to me!

Now I did discover some really cool diamonds... for scrapbooking!  Have you seen these?  They are new from Robin's Nest, the brilliant and wonderful people who make all those fantastic DEW DROPS! There are so many colours now it's Crazy, and you just WANT them allll.. (well, I do anyways) and even though I have a good collection it's just NOT enough.. okay, wait, back to the diamonds.. they made DIAMOND SHAPED DEW DROPS!  How cool is that?   and the colours are fantastic! they make me smile.....

Of course they make paper, fantastic glitter paper, I have a stash of that too.... Going to pull some out tonight to work on a cut Easter Card... and yes, I know it's only February, but I love the paper and Easter... so I may as well PLAY.

If you're coming to my class at Scrapfest, you'll be thrilled to learn that they are sponsoring our class...so get prepared to have some FUN!    I only have FOUR spots left, so head on over and register now if you want a spot!

I have other sponsors in the works, the kit (which is currently all over my studio) is looking fantastic, and you will have a chance to enter a contest to.....a Dimple? Don't know what a Dimple is? Wait and see.... I'll let you know tomorrow.

LaraB

It's almost here....SCRAPFEST 2010!!

Okay, well it's not quite HERE.. but we are getting ready and boy is it going to be FUN!   The VIP crop looks fantastic, the classes... well, all of them look GREAT and yes, okay, I am TEACHING there too!

Set aside April 16 & 17th for a weekend of cropping, shopping, make n' takes, classes, chatting and well, having fun!  Book a hotel, stay the weekend.. I am... and I can't wait!

Last I checked, there were only 8 spots left in my class... Whoo... that was fast!  Guess I'd better get working on that eh?  No just kidding, the album is done, I just have a few tweaks to do to some of the custom PDF's and well, then, I have to KIT it all!  Yep.... I precut, presort, pre-do as much of the boring stuff as possible, and that leaves more time for us to get all MESSY!

I can't wait.... I hope you'll join me at class, but if not, I'll see you at the crop, or in the Canadian Scrapbooker Booth.... on Saturday!


Lara

More things I love....

Can you believe it? A blog post, two days in a row? Shocking I know! AND I actually baked last night... after I made the double batch of chili, and we had dinner, then kid baths/showers.... I got out the ingredients to make Skor Toffee Bars - I love anything Caramel or Toffee!

I even took photo's but my SD card is giving me fits, and keeps saying it's not formatted when I put it into my card reader *argh* I'll share when I get it fixed! Anyone have a recommendation for a really GOOD SD card? I find these cheap ones are pretty flakey!

TOFFEE CRUNCH BLONDIES

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) golden shortening
• 1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 cup (550 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) milk
• 1 1/4 cup (300 mL) CHIPITS® SKOR® Toffee Bits, divided
• 1 cup (250 mL) CHIPITS® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan.

2. In large bowl, beat shortening and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs until creamy.

3. In medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture with milk.

4. Stir in 1 cup (250 mL) of the toffee bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spread evenly in baking pan.

5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle evenly with remaining toffee bits. Let cool. Cut into bars.

Makes 24 bars.

Speaking of delicious...It's time for CHA 2010 winter and that means lots of new DELICIOUS products to drool over. Sadly, I'm not going this time.. but I'll be in Chicago I think! Anways, so far, this releases from Cosmo Cricket is one of the best things I've seen so far.. It made me REALLY want to get my hands on some that's for sure!

Check it out.... http://www.cosmocricket.typepad.com/

And while we're talking about Scrappy things.. You really should head over the Canadian Scrapbooker website...

Have you checked out our new Hands On! Photography blog ( http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/blog )? Each month, we post a new tutorial, discussing photography terms and techniques – we also encourage you to submit your photographs taken, using the current tutorial for the opportunity to have your submission published on our blog and to be entered into a random draw to win a great prize!

Our January tutorial and challenge this month discusses the photography term, depth of field. You can read the tutorial here (http://blog.canadianscrapbooker.ca/2010/01/09/january-assignment-depth-of-field/ ).

We’re looking forward to seeing your work!

A few of My Favourite Things...

Wow, it's 2010... and what a busy January I've had! So much has been keeping me busy that I obviously haven't had time to BLOG!! and I'm not even going to try to "catch" up!

I've been sorting and cleaning, and organizing.. and trying to find a BALANCE in life, between work, family, scrapping and ME time.. (ha, not sure that that is).... As I began to think, and sort and think some more.. I found that there were some things that just make me HAPPY.... Scrapping things.. and not scrapping things.. so, for my first post of the year, I thought I would SHARE, just a little of Lara's FAVOURITE things (too bad I'm not Oprah or Ellen and can't give away one of each of these eh? I'll do a little each day so it doesn't get too LONG to read.

1. Barbapapa Mugs! Yep, I used to read these book when I was little, and when we went to France with the family we found a store that sold the books. My MOM got me some MUGS for Christmas, and I LOVE THEM... make me smile, everyday =)

2. A full Freezer.. okay, so call me crazy, but I LOVE having a freezer (or two) filled with good food for my family. It makes dinner time so much easier AND leaves more time for homework, playtime and well, STUFF! I ran across this fantastic site.. Once a Month Mom that planned out a huge Once a Month Cooking session that I did last weekend! It's fantastic, and I highly recommend you give it a look! http://www.onceamonthmom.com I did the January Menu (well almost all of it) and we are happily eating our way through our freezer!

1. Eggwiches - so GOOD
   
2. Buffalo Chicken Pasta
3. Unstuffed Mexican Shells
4. Chicken Taco Wraps
5. Freezer French Toast Stick

These are just a few things that we've tried so far. The month is young and I am so excited to do another cooking session!

3. My new EPSON ARTISAN 810 Printer.. Oh ya baby, this thing is amazing! It's actually so great that it got my HUSBAND to vaccuum? What you ask? Well, you see, it's a new tech toy, and it's WIFI and it does so many cool things and was so easy to get it up and running that he was in a GREAT mood! The day after he installed it, I came home to a clean house.. and a happy hubby! It's a 5 in 1, with Wi-Fi®: Print / Copy / Scan / Fax / Ultra Hi-Def Photo and I think it MIGHT cook too! Seriously though, for photo's it will do a 4x6 in 10 seconds and they are NICE and I just found out that EPSON has a scrapbooking specific paper for those who are digi scrappers too - also COOL!

The best thing, it's not ridiculously expensive.. here's the link to Epson if you want to check it out.

Okay off to finish cooking my double batch of chili.... yes, I'm stocking up on that too! and if I'm lucky I'll get the kids into bed early and I'll get to scrapbook.... lots of fun projects floating around in my head today!

Lara