Craft With May

Valentine’s Day is one week away. What the what?!?! How did that happen?

Well my house may not have decorations, and I might not have the class Valentines done, but I am going to embrace all things hearts and love this week.

First up we baked our Valentine cupcakes. I found these heart shaped liners at target – LOVE! We made some for our firefighter friends + other specal friends as well. I just used the seasonal cake mix + coordinating frosting so it was fast and easy.

I believe in focusing on LOVE in general – not just romantic for this holiday. That’s how I was raised and how I continue to celebrate as well. I don’t do pricey gifts or expensive dinners. No, instead love all around is the focus and I hope to bring you some inspiration of all kinds this week here on the blog.

Happy love week!

I’m always inspired by the things Bakerella comes up with, and always lust after the cake-y goodness too. After all – I’m not allowed that caloric goodness very often. Her attention to detail makes my creative heart sooo happy. Last night her post made me smile and was so timely I had to share –

Are you ready for some football? 

I told Jason I’ m happy either way. I mean – these are the two best symbols in the NFL – and two teams I’m totally down with too.

photo credit of course Bakerella & post is here: http://www.bakerella.com/are-you-ready-for-some-footballs/

Photo masks & frames are straight up fun.

Especially when you have cute models wearing new skirts from Target. Lil B, by the way, is really into putting her hands on her face when you try to take her picture. It’s a phase, and I’ll capture it until she moves onto something else. 🙂

Most of my masks come from Katie Pertiet (the two above) or Rhonna Farrer (below). They’re digi goddesses that rock my world. Hey – they design it, and it’s easy to use. what’s not to love about that? Ok so it still freaks my bean that I can just hit a button and my photo will mesh with the decorative mask… I mean… it’s so COOL!

I also used an overlay from Jen Allyson on the above photo. One of my goals in 2010 is to take more “whole body standing” shots. I want to capture even more of the girls and get the full picture.

This weekend should be full of rainy day picture opportunities, fun, and of course Superbowl food. I’ll catch back up here on Monday morning with a new post and more fun…

A woman stopped me at Starbucks this morning & said “you’re a scrapbooker” and handed me a flier for her company that does local crops. *I* am a total spaz and assumed she recognized me (or Becca) from on-line and that’s how she knew me. I didn’t even think about the fact that I was wearing THIS t-shirt. (duh me)

Anyhow it was a good thing I was walking out of starbucks wearing the above t-shirt when I did because she gave me info on her business Scrap Again.

There is one March 13th I’m going to sign up for in Vacaville, CA. Any locals in? I think it’ll be fun and it’s at a nice hotel right off the freeway (and very near Starbucks, Sonic, and more). Plus the restaurant they have cater lunch is a good one. LOVE new scrappy discoveries!

Speaking of crops, I am looking at venturing out into teaching & crop hosting at stores again. I haven’t done any events in nearly two years, but I want to explore that possibility once more. If there’s a store you’d like to see me teach at please do let me know – I’m feeling really excited at the possibility of doing some in-person stuff again!! 🙂

mflaum (at) comcast . net is my e-mail addy, or you can leave info in a comment here.

Happy Crafting!

I don’t like mustard. Or onions. Yet I’ve come to appreciate both on my turkey sandwiches in the last few months. *kapow*  that’s the sound of my mind being blown. This sandwich that I’m sharing is my ideal lunch (except the bread pictured – not ideal). You can make it cold, but warm is much better. Here’s what you need to gather:

Turkey, cheese (I like havarti or sharp cheddar), avocado, lettuce (butter is best), grilled onions, deli mustard (grilled onto 1 side of bread), dill pickle, and some sourdough, french bread, or a nice crusty roll of some kind

Cucumber, bacon, and tomato have all made appearances on my sandwich, but the stuff listed above is crucial. I load up on turkey (low cal/fat) and lettuce. Skimp on the high cal stuff by just using small amounts and enjoy. You so do NOT need mayo for this. LET IT GO. So just get out a nice skillet and grill the bread (with mustard on the one piece! it’s so good that way!) along with the onions. Then stick the cheese & turkey on (open face) and broil until hot. Then add your veggies and enjoy.

It’s so good. It really is best with a crusty roll that’s soft & squishy on inside – not too dense a bread like the one I’m having in the photo.

It’s pure comfort lunch, and I can make it sized to fit my diet too. It’s rare to get that much flavor & fun without blowing my calorie intake for the day. If you make one – enjoy.