New Years Eve Look back at 2012

Can you believe that its the last day of 2012. This year has flown by so fast. It had many ups and downs but what year doesnt.We found out our oldest daughter has a heart problem. Our youngest started kindergarten, we saved 2 more animals, we made it through the end of the world 12-21-12 and Christmas but hopeful 2013 is a great year. I have many things planned for the new year and cant wait to get them going. But today I just wanted to take a look back on 2012 with some family photos and some of my favorite craft projects that I made this year. I will have the orignal links to the post for each of the craft projects.

Origanal Post Here

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There I posted some of the projects that I loved making. Now if you can stomach some family photos mostly of the girls and pets then scroll down. :)

Here is one of our cats Sweetheart.

My girls Katie and Emma after finding the wrapping paper rolls. <3 my crazy silly girls.

Katie already for candy after trick or treating.

Emma.. My silly girl always posing. :)

Ready for school.

One of my geek moments of 2012. Standing next to the dalek with a follow fan of Doctor who. Her corset has daleks all over it. AWESOME!!! (you cant tell but am standing next to the Tardis too (: Cant tell you how happy I was that day. p.s. Dont you love my scraf????

Our other cat Daisy who wouldnt leave the tree alone at all.

The girls decorating the tree. :)

Me and Emma on a train ride at our local mall.

Oh yes dont forget about meeting Wil Wheaton.. He is so sweet and is a uber geek. But its all good Its Wil Wheaton.

And the newest member of the family our dog. Dakota Snow. He is the best dog ever. We just love him. So glad we was able to keep him. (all of our pets have been resuced pets)

 

That was a look into 2012.

Until Next Time

Stay Crafty (and safe)

See you in 2013

Amanda

 

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Happy Friday! Today starts a brand new

Cardz TV Stamps challenge!

CTVS Ch#21 "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

Starts: Friday, Dec 14th @ 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, Dec 20th @ NOON EST

Details: Create a card, layout or craft project for 
CHRISTMAS WITH SNOW, SNOWFLAKES, OR A SNOWMAN

Prize: 1 set of Cardz TV Stamps of the winner's choice

(shop Cardz TV Stamps... HERE)

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Friday, Dec 21st @ Cardz TV

Here's my "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" project:

Card #1 I used the Cardz Tv Stamps "Tiny Tidings" and "Christmas Joy".

Also for this card I  used the Close To My Heart Artiste Cricut Cart which you can find HERE. The snowflakes on the front was the negitive pieces of a card on the cart. The inside snowflakes are cut at 1". I used lindy's stamp gang starburst sprays in Blue Hawaiian Blue,Cactus Gold,and Scintillating Silver

 Card #2 and #3 I used "Tiny Tidings"and "Snow Day"

 

The snowmen on the last two cards are from "Flakey Friends" stamp set from Close to my heart and can be found HERE. This is one of my favorite stamp set I own from CTMH.

I hope you take this weeks challenge over at CARDZ TV. This was a really fun challenge.
Until Next Time
Stay Crafty
Amanda

Want to play with us? You can enter your project below or hop over to Cardz TV to check out what my Design Team Sisters have created and enter your project there!

Emily's Surprise Birthday Blog Hop

Welcome to Emily's Surprise Birthday Blog Hop

 

Hi everyone!! Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate Emily's 13th Birthday! Shh, don't tell anyone as it's a surprise!! We are so blessed that you've joined us today to celebrate the life of a sweet, talented young lady.

If you joined us from Janis then you are in the right place. If not, please go back to Beth's blog so you don't miss out on the wonderful projects that we have for you today.

Participant Blog Line up:

1. Beth ~ http://motherandaughterdesigns.blogspot.com

2. Shawnee ~ http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com

3. Rachelle ~http://creationsbyRachelle.blogspot.com

4. Lucy ~ http://love2createitall.com

5. Christine ~ http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/

6.Miranda ~ http://www.nanasscrapspot.com

7. Mickie ~ www.littlescrapcorner.blogspot.com

8 Ellen~ http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com

9. Connie~ http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

10. Suzanne - http://www.zannieberry.blogspot.com

11. Ashley~ http://bloghopprincess.blogspot.com/
12. Janis ~ http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/

13. Amanda~ http://craftsbyamanda.blogspot.com

14. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

15.Anita ~http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com

16. Jennifer~http://craftycardgallery.blogspot.com

Sponsor info:

• Beth McGee~ Cricut Cartridge "Jubilee Celebration"
• 5 Digi Stamps~ Eureka Stamps : http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
• Digital copy of "Creations by Crafty Card Gallery Issue 2" ~Sponsored by our own Jennifer Restivo.
• $10 gift certificate for Close to My Heart products ~ sponsored by Lucy Kelleher, Close to My Heart Independent Consultant: http://lucyk.ctmh.com

 

To be entered to win, you MUST leave a comment on every blog in the hop.

Then you need to "like" each of the sponsors blog pages (Beth's, Jennifer's, and Lucy's) including each of the blog hop participants pages.
Next, head on over and visit the following (below) sponsors Facebook pages/stores and post a comment you are from the blog hop & thank them for sponsoring the hop!

• Eureka Stamps @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eureka-Stamps/222208756121?fref=ts

• Jennifer Restivo @ https://www.facebook.com/CraftyCardGallery?fref=ts

• Close to My Heart with Lucy Kelleher - Independent Consultant @ https://www.facebook.com/LucyK.CTMH

Here is the card I made for Emily. I kept is simple and fun. I hope she likes it.

For my card I used papers from DCWV and from my stash. The cupcake is cut from the Close to my heart Artiste cartridge and I used one of the stamps sets that came with that cart. I also used one of the stamps sets that came from the Art Philosophy Close to my heart cartridge for the happy birthday.

Emily- I hope you have a wonderful birthday. It was so much fun making you this card. Enjoy your day and this wonderful year. "Follow your dreams and reach for the stars." Happy 13th Birthday.


Thank you for joining us now head on to the celebration stop Lori

Until Next Time
Stay Crafty
Amanda

Cardz Tv Challenge "To Die For"

Happy Friday! Today starts a brand new

Cardz TV Stamps challenge!

CTVS Ch#20 "To Die For!"

Starts: Friday, Nov 30th @ 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, Dec 6th @ NOON EST

Details: Create a card, layout or craft project using 
DIE CUTS FROM YOUR MANUAL OR ELECTRONIC CUTTING MACHINE

Prize: 1 set of Cardz TV Stamps of the winner's choice

(shop Cardz TV Stamps... HERE)

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Friday, Dec 7th @ Cardz TV

Here's my "To Die For" project:

I made a gift card holder using the Close To My Heart Artiste Cartridge and Cardz Tv Stmaps Set "Christmas Joy" (all cut sizes will be listed under the photos)
 

I think this has to be one of my favorite cuts from this cart. If you dont already have this cart please think about it. You can pick it up HERE.

 

Recipe for the gift card holder

Card was found on page 59 and is cut @5 inches

Mat was cut @ 4 1/2 x 3 and I cut 4 of them.

The inside mat was cut @ 4x2 1/2

The brown strip was cut @ 1x3

Santa and bag was cut from Paper Doll Dress Up and everything is cut @3 inches and can be found on pg 72.

Both sayings are from Cardz Tv Stamps set "Christmas Joy" and can be found HERE

Thank you for stopping by today.I really hope you take the challenge with us this week at Cardz Tv.

Until Next Time
Stay Crafty
Amanda

Want to play with us? You can enter your project below or hop over to Cardz TV to check out what my Design Team Sisters have created and enter your project there!

CTMH ARITISTE BLOG HOP

If you are here for Cardz Tv Challenge 19 "Scene It" Click HERE

 

Thank you so much for joining us today for the CTMH Artiste Blog Hop! There are only 7 of us in this hop, so I hope you'll be able to stop at all our blogs to see the projects we've made to inspire you!!  

I am the first stop in the blog hop and am so happy that you are here. Everything in the hop has been made with the wonderful Artiste Cart that you can ordrer HERE. I cant wait for everyone to see what wonderful things everyone has made today.

Here is the blog line up:

1. Amanda @ Crafts By Amanda ( Thats Me)
2. Amy @ Love To Crop
3. Elaine @ Expressions By Elaine 
4. Janis @ Pause Dream Enjoy 
5. Lucy @ Love 2 Create 
6. Shawnee @ Blessed On The Bright Side
7. Stacey @ Stacey's Creative Corner

For my project, I wanted to show you this...
I made this box for christmas. I am going to be putting in little candies in them. I think I might make mints this year and make these boxes to put them in. I cant tell you how easy this box was to fold up and create in a matter of mintues. This is the best cartridge to have I think.

Recipe for project
Box is on page 37 and is cut to fit the page which is about 4 1/2 inches. I used the white dasiy card stock from CTMH.
The tag is also from the Artiste cart and is on page 35 and is cut at 3 inches. Than stamped with the Very Merry Christmas stamp set in Topiary ink color.
The rosette can be found on page 77 and I cut it at 1 inch.
the pattern paper is from DCWV christmas stack.

Item numbers for items from CTMH
White Daisy Card Stock #1385
Very Merry Christmas stamp set #S1210
Ink pad Topiary #Z2155

Please head over to AMY and see what beautiful project she has for us today. Love To Crop.

Until Next Time

Stay Crafty

Amanda.

CTVS Ch#19 "Scene It"

Happy Friday! Today starts a brand new

Cardz TV Stamps challenge!

CTVS Ch#19 "Scene It"

Starts: Friday, Nov 16th @ 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, Nov 22nd @ NOON EST

Details: Create a card, layout or craft project with a 
SCENE FOR THANKSGIVING OR CHRISTMAS

Prize: 1 set of Cardz TV Stamps of the winner's choice

(shop Cardz TV Stamps... HERE)

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Friday, Nov 23rd @ Cardz TV

Here's my "Scene It" project:

I used Cardz Tv Stamp sets "Fall Fun" and "Christmas Joy"
 

 

The Card is a A2 size card and the paper is from my stash. The cricut cuts are from the Christmas Noel cart (It was a free download when I got my Gypsy almost 2 years ago.) On the front of the card is the saying from Cardz Tv "Fall Fun" set and the inside has the saying from "Christmas Joy".

Until Next Time

Stay Crafty

Amanda

Want to play with us? You can enter your project below or hop over to Cardz TV to check out what my Design Team Sisters have created and enter your project there!

Food Journey- Nov 4th-10th

This post is a day late but yesterday was a fun and amazing day with the kidos. We got to go to a bakery and decorate cakes for girl scouts. :) Anyways here is the menu for this week.

 

Sunday- Hamburgers and potato bake

Monday- Festive Chicken w/Rice

Tuesday- Tacos

Wednesday- Spagetti w/ garlic bread and salad

Thursday- Roast Chicken w/mashed potato and green beans

Friday- Eat Out

Saturday- Pork Chops w/rice and peas

 

There is my menu for this week. :)

 

Until Next Time

Eat Great

Amanda

Happy Friday! Today starts a brand new

Cardz TV Stamps challenge!

CTVS Ch#18 "I'm So Thankful"

Starts: Friday, Nov 2nd @ 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, Nov 8th @ NOON EST

Details: Create a card, layout or craft project for Thanksgiving

Prize: 1 set of Cardz TV Stamps of the winner's choice

(shop Cardz TV Stamps... HERE)

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Friday, Nov 9th @ Cardz TV

Here's my "I'm So Thankful" project:

The card measurments
Card is A2
Red mat is cut at 4 x 5 1/4
The brown mat are cut at 4 1/4 and 3 3/4
The yellow mats are cut at 4 and 3 1/2
The leaf is cut at 2 in.
All Cuts are from the Art Philosophy Cart
The Leaf is on pg 34
The mat is Shape 7 on pg 37

For this card I used both Close to my Heart and DCWV papers. The inks I used was ala mode by hampton art and Tea dye distress ink
I used the leaf stamp from Close to my heart that cames in the bundle with the cart. I Also used of CARDZ TV STAMPS SET FALL FUN for the sentiment.


Want to play with us? You can enter your project below or hop over to Cardz TV to check out what my Design Team Sisters have created and enter your project there!

...

Until Next Time
Stay Crafty
Amanda

Cardz TV "Fall-O-Ween Fun" Challenge

Happy Friday! 

Today is the beginning of a brand new challenge over at Cardz TV!

Cardz TV Stamps Design Team Ch#17:

"Fall-o-ween Fun"

Starts: Friday, October 19th 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, October 25th, Noon EST

Details: Create a HALLOWEEN or FALL card, layout, or craft project.

Prize: 1 set of Cardz TV Stamps of the winner's choice

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Friday, October 26th @ Cardz TV

Here's my FALL-o-ween project I made 

featuring the brand new stamp set,

"FALL FUN" by Cardz TV Stamps:

"FALL FUN" Cardz TV Stamps I so love this stamp set. The Pumpkin is paper pieced. all the patteren paper is DCWV Harvest Gathering paper. Cardz TV Stamps really does make crafting fun and easy. This card is a 3x3 inch card. I do believe the yellow mat is 2 1/2x2 1/2. The rosette is cut at 1x10 I think. Sorry I dont remember and cant find the paper I wrote the info down on. I have a video on the rosette which can be seen HERE

 

Here is the inside of the card. I used the same mat as on the front. I also added the white stich marks on both the inside and outside of the card.

 

I hope you have be inspired to take this challenge this week at Cardz Tv. I cant wait to see what everyone makes. Thank you for stopping by and please head over to Cardz Tv.

 

Until Next Time

Stay Crafty

Amanda

Food Journey- Oct 14th-20th menu

 

Can you believe that its already half way through October. Wow this year is flying by. Last week was a great week here and hopefully this week will be just as good. This week is pretty laid back so I hope to spend sometime in my craft room when the kids are in school. As far as dinner plans for the week the theme is easy. Nothing that am making is hard this week. So I can enjoy my week.

 

Here is the plan for this week.

 

Sunday : Ham and mashed red potatoes

Monday: Soup beans

Tuesday: Pork and rice

Wednesday: Hot Dogs and Hambugers(grilling out)

Thursday: Cheesy Pasta

Friday: Chicken nuggets and french fries

Saturday:  Poor Mans Soup.

 

Until Next Time

Eat Great

Amanda

Food Journey- Crock Pot Honey and Spiced Pork Loin

I hope everyone had a wonderful day. It was a good mid weekday for me. It was a chilly fall day. That is going to be followed by a down right cold night. Its going to be in the 20's here. BRRR!!! Let me get to the main reason for this post.

 

Today I made a new recipe and am so glad I did. Today I made a Honey and Spiced Poin Loin. The best part of this dish is it was made in my crock pot. Oh yes I said Crock Pot!!!! I love my Crock Pot. I dont know what I would do without it.

 

Just look at this.

 

Would you like to know how to make this.

Heres what you need

A Pork Loin (this was about 2 1/2 lbs.)

 

You also need salt, peper,honey,dijon mustard,ginger,cinnamon, and cloves.

 

 

Mix all the spices, honey and dijon together in a bowl so it look like

 

Then pour it over the pork.

 

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-5.

 

 

Would you like to have the recipe for this... OF COURSE YOU WOULD...

 

Honey and Spiced Pork Loin

(could be used for pork chops too)

 

2 1/2 Pork loin

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 Cup Honey

4Tbsp Dijon Mustard

1 tsp. Ground Ginger

1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Ground Cloves

 

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-5

 

This is a WINNER in my house. I will be making this again..

 

Until Next Time

Eat Great

Amanda