Scent-sational

 Hello fellow hoppers,

I'm so glad you all stopped by!  I got a very special treat this month! I was able to meet AND stamp with the very amazingly talented Melyssa Connolly (Owner and designer for Whimsey Doodles) who has re-kindled my love for copic markers...AWESOME!  I tend to have champaigne taste on a beer can budget...so we shall see how this goes! It was incredibly awesome to play and stamp with Melyssa, Nikki and Joni over at Nikki's house...I have missed stampin' with the girlies!

So join us for an amazing blog hop of the fab new set Melyssa was kind enough to share with us!!!

This set is just too STINKIN' cute!  But seriously, it really is super cute!

Here are just a few of the cards I have made with this set! 

The whole chevron craze is in full swing, so I thought I would use some of this delish paper to match my pretty leaves....Can I just say that it makes a HUGE difference when you have a large number of COPIC markers to color with, I mean HUGE  so if you are just starting out and only have five markers...you need MORE!  I have zero copics, because I sold mine, because I didn't think I knew how to use them...turns out I just need more copics and some practice! (and a great teacher...like Melyssa Connolly!)

 This card is sweet, simple and to the point...sometimes less is more!

I think this might be my most favorite card with this set!  I started off with just the present (going for the CAS card again...and added the "scent'iment" and realized it wouldn't work...nothing to smell and all. So I started to mask, and I stamped and cut out the wrong image...so I had to start again. I was sooo afraid I was going to "jack" the whole thing up when I colored it, but I think it turned out okay! I love this type of card, you know, where the sentiment is revealed when still closed...but it sure is a bear, or should I say skunk to carpture on camera!

Thank you all for stopping by!

I hope you enjoyed the blog hop...now join in the fun and try to win yourself one of these amazingly cute "Scent-sational" stamp sets

Hugs and Happy Stampin'

Silvia

Scent-sational is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 23 stamps and will sell for $24.00.

Would you like to win the new Scent-sational stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, June 30th with the winner being announced during the release party chat

Getting fit...and staying there

Hello bloggers,

I know it's been a while, life has been a whirl wind these past few months and staying balanced has been a challenge. Another school year has ended for the kids and since January, between my husband and I, we have undergone three surgeries. It's been rough and with three kids in school and pre-school one of the things we have let go by the wayside is working out...at least I have!  And now that it's bikini season, I really wish that I hadn't!  But, what's a girl to do, what's done is done and we can only move foward!

I have recently started working out again. One of my favorite sites to workout with had lost it's hostess and gotten a new one (which I wasn't as fond of) so I went seaching... and I have found my beloved Zuzana! I love working out and doing the videos because you can tell she is working hard in the video, she sometimes stumbles or looses her balance, she isn't perfect, se doesn't mind and I love that...plus she has a rockin body that I am striving to achieve!

Here is a link to her bikini body workout #19  Amazin!!!

She has a bunch of workouts, do one a day and keep at it, add eating healthy and you will see results in no time!

Have a great day and sweat a little (or  a lot!)

Silvia

Making Greek Yogurt

So a few weeks ago I saw a post on how to make Greek Yogurt...and since we used to live there I felt immediately compelled to make some! Let me tell you, whenevr tell someone that I make my own yogurt, they really look at me like I have three heads, or maybe one eye, but the process is so simple that I truly wonder why people everywhere don't make their own!

Origional instructions found here: The Little Red House

But I have changed some measurements and

cheese cloth instructions that worked better for me

What you'll NEED

*Milk (I use 1 gallon skim so it's fat free)

*1/2 Cup of plain yogurt

*kitchen thermometer

*2 cup size measuring cup

*Cheese cloth

*Collinder

*Large bowl

*Oven with oven light

*Table Cloth

Now for the fun part!!!

From your one gallon of milk, measure out 1/2 a cup into the measuring cup. Place the rest in a pot and set on medium heat until it boils (small bubbles, don't burn it...trust me the yogurt will not be as yummy with a burnt taste! I know from experience!)

While the milk is warming, add 1/2 a cup of the plain yogurt to the 1/2 cup of milk in the measuring cup. Set aside for now. No need to refridgerate.

Once the milk has boiled, let it cool until it reaches about 100-105 degrees F

Once it's reached the above temperature dump the milk yogurt mixture into the milk pot and stir. Add the pot lid and wrap the table cloth all around it!

Place in oven with the oben light on and wait...for 18 hours, yes I said 18!

I try to make my yogurt around lunch time so that by the next morning it's ready to be strained!

Once the 18 hours are up, you have yogurt! I'm not a thin yogurt kinda girl, it actually grosses me out to thnk about eatting it...so I strain!

I fold my cheese cloth so that it's 4 layers thick and place it in my collinder. I then carefully dump the yogurt into the strainer and then carefully place the whole thing in a large bowl. I let it drain for about 5 hours...dumping the juices every once in a while.

Now I say I drain mine for 5 hours, but really I only drain it until I have the desired thickness, so it could be two for you!

You can now eat your yummy yogurt! I usually just add chopped fruit on top and I'm golden, but you can put it in a blender and make it flavored yogurt!

With skim milk, one gallon will make me about 2 lbs of THICK, DELIIOUS yogurt!

Make sure to save about 1/2 a cup of your newly made yogurt to start a new batch!

I have found from experience that the higher the fat content he more yogurt you will get from a gallon. I made it with 2% milk once and got almost 4lbs of yogurt...more bang for your buck, but a little more fat, depends on who you're feeding it to I guess!

Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Enjoy your kitchen!

The quest for the perfect cinnamon roll recipe has ended!

I have been on a VERY long quest for the perfect cinnamon roll recipe...I have tried dozens of recipes...some more time consuming than others...until I have found the PERFECT one. When I say perfect, I mean it is melt in your mouth, soft, flaky, doesn't need anything on top good!

Here are some reasons I like this recipe:

1. it's super flaky

2. it's the softest recipe I've tried

3. it's easy

4. it's fast...about 90 minutes start to finish

(and with me being a last minute mama, this is always a plus!)

So are you salivating for the recipe?

Okay okay I'll share it!

I can NOT take credit for creating this recipe, I found it at allrecipes.com,

but thought others might enjoy it too!

Ingredients
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup margarine, softened
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup raisins (optional, I never use them cuz my kids don't like them!)

Directions
1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in margarine; stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. Add water, egg and the milk mixture; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has just pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.

3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, softened margarine.

4. Roll out dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Spread dough with margarine/sugar mixture. Sprinkle with raisins if desired. Roll up dough and pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal size rolls and place cut side up in 12 lightly greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browned. Remove from muffin cups to cool. Serve warm

Trust me, your family and friends will ask you to make them over and over again...or they will just want the recipe for themselves!

Make, enjoy, Share!

Have a blessed day!

Silvia

And the winner of the earrings is...

So sorry to keep you all waiting...life got in the way of me posting yesterday...life and a dead car battery!

Anywho,

I used a very modern and highly sophisticated method of choosing the winner of my earing give away...I had my year old daughter pick a name out of a hat!!!

Today was picture day...and she looked especially cute for the drawing!

And the winner is...

MEGHANN!!!!

Thank you all so much for playing along...I will do another give away next month for Easter...so be on the look out!

Meghann, please send me an e-mail at mabieme1999@yahoo.com with your address and I will get these out to you asap!

Have a blessed day everyone!

Leap Year FREE EARRINGS!!!

Hello friends!!!

I have decided that since Leap Year only comes around but once every 4 years...I thought I might indulge in a giveaway!

These earrings you see bellow will be FREE to one lucky!

What's the catch? There is none! Simply leave me a comment by midnight tonight (2/29/2012) and one lucky persons name will be drawn and these stunning sterling silver and swarovski pearl earrings will be mailed to them promptly! The ear wires are hand forged by me and the pearl is wire wrapped by me as well. Comes with a nice little gable box...in case you want to give it as a gift!

So what are you waiting for? Leave a comment!

What: hand made .925 Sterling Silver and swarovski pearl earrings

Cost: FREE just leave a comment

Thanks for stopping by!

Silvia

P.S. You can check out my other items at http://www.mabiejewels.etsy.com/

And help me spread the word!

I've been featured!!!!

I am EXTREMELY honored to say that some of my jewery has been featured in Bitter Sweet Zine Winter issue on economic empowerment. I was also very blessed with being asked to participate in their Pop Up Shop in Washington DC! What anmazing treat it was for me to meet so many young professionals and help spread the word on my little buisness! This magazine is distributed throughout Washington DC and you can check out the Zine on their website here!

Here are a few of my pieces!
Keep reading to find out how you can give back to the community too!

Bitter Sweet is all about helping the community, I feel priveledged to have been asked to participate! Because of Bitter Sweet I learned about an amazing organization called S.O.M.E (So Other Might Eat) I was blessed to be able to fill a shoebox full of goodies for someone homeless in the DC area (when I say goodies, what really mean are essentials. Tooth brushes, toothpaste, shampoo conditioner, undies, hats, gloves, scarves...and my girls picked out a few toys and trinkets as well) I am really liking what SOME is all about and sice it's almost Valentine's I am going to be running a special! I want to share the LOVE with everyone!

I will be donating 20% of the total sales from Anything Sold in my Etsy Shop, Mabie Jewels, from Now Until Feb 14th when you leave the word SOME in the notes to Seller at check out!

Please consider making a purchase, you will get something beautiful, handmade int he USA, and you will also give something to people in need, FOOD!

Thanks for stopping by and consider getting a subscription to Bitter sweet, they ROCK!

Hugs!

Silvia

Valentine's Day bake pops

I only have one picture...these little guys were consumed pretty fast! But they sure are yummy! They are simple to make too!

Simply bake your cake pops

Dip them in Chite Chocolate and roll in colored sugar sprinkles...voila!

Gorgeous pink and white bake pops!

Thanks for stopping by!

Silvia

MFP January Blog Hop Day 4

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are:

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19

You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Before I show you my prjoects, I just want to say thank you to you all for visiting my blog! It i with a very very sad heart that I say, this will b my last post as a Senior Design Team member for Marks Finest Papers! With 3 kids, volunteering and keeping up with a house and husband who works shiftwork,it is extremely hard for me to keep up woith the required 10 projects a month. MFP has been absolutely AMAZING to me and I am sooo sad to be leavng :(

So, if you know of anyone looking for a DT member and only require 3-4 projects a month...I'm your girl! Also, please stop by from time to time, I will still be posting lotsof cool stuff! At least I hope you think it's cool!

And here are my projects!

Project one: a super cute heart garland that I have hung ver my mantel...I let my four year old pick the colors and pattern...I think she did a great job! Supplies: heart punch, varried colors of cardstock, stazon ink, sweing maching

Project 2: These pocket hand warmers have been all the rage lately and I had to try my hand at tem...I made a whole bunch, some machine stitched and some hand stitched...the hand stitched ones look so much cuter than the machine stitched!!! BTW, I think I need a new Stazon Jet black ink pad...mine is cracked and keeps drying out! GRRRRR

Aren't they sooo stinkin cute? I hand staitched these almost all the way closed and then added some rice to the inside, I used jasmine rice because I like the way it smells when it's heatedin the microwave! Yo canalso add come lavander or other yummy smelling grasses! Simple put these in the microwave for about 45 second to a minute and then place them in the coat pockets of your little ones...or your own!

These little darling hand warmers make fantastic little Valentines Day gifts for your kids and your kids teachers...and with the felt being a quarter a sheet...pretty inexpensive too!

Supplies:

Felt

embroidery floss

needle

jasmine rice

stazon ink

stamps

Now go, check out the rest of the DT's awesome projects!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia<---- you are here
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Thank you Marks Finest Papers for the AWESOME oppertunity to work with your amazing stamps!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stampin'

Silvia

MFP January Blog Hop Day 3

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are:

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19

You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

And here is my project!

Again, I was aiming for simple, I wanted to let this gorgeous image speak for itself! Here is the low down, cut backgroud paper to 4x6. Cut white cardstock (MFP's white cardstock is the thickest, nicest, wonderful to color on cardstock that I have EVER used...EVER!) to 2.5x4.5 and stamp the image and sentiment in black. I then got out my handy dandy aqua brush and ink pads and colored this baby the old fashioned way! Dipping and coloring! YEAHHHH BABY!!! So I was thinking that before I give this little bit of home decor to someone I'm going to write a little note, something like, "This is my way of saying..." or if you choose to use the word "Hi" instead you can write something like, "Every time you walk by, thinking of me saying..." Corny I know, but to be honest...I LOVE corny!

So there you have it...day 3's project! Tomorrows is SUPER cute, so come on back! Can I just say that I love you guys! I do, it's true!

Now go, check out the rest of the DT's awesome projects!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia<---- you are here
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stampin'

Silvia

MFP January Blog Hop Day 2

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!


This month's New Stamp Set Releases are:

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18

Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20


Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

And here is my card!

So I went the traditional card route today, but come back tomorrow and Friday, I have more 3D stuff up my sleeve!

This card was super fun and super easy to make. I started with some texrtured vanilla card stock from MFP and stamped that adorable image of the girl and the horse. I then cutout some prtt paers usng my big shot and dies ad lined them all p. Now I must tell you, I ran out to dimentionals, I know shame on me, shocker of all shockers, BUT I do have a TON of coasters, the super thick ones, so I used that behind my pretty paper to raise up what I needed! Clever, clever! Anywho, I then took the left over piece of coaster and cut it into a little flag shape and stamped the words in the mtching ink. You know this is a simple card, but I do love it. Sometimes simple is easiest! Now hop along! enjoy the rest of the ride!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia <---- you are here
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Happy Stampin!

Silvia

MFP January Blog Hop Day 1

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17

Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Here is my project:

I know it's not a card, but I thought you all might like!

You see that little tiny stamp set name with 2012 on it?

Well I simply cut off the 2012 and thats what I used!

This is a little fine silver heart charm that I made from PMC (precious metal clay) I molded it, then I cut it and stamped it with the Love Remains stamp from the set. I scuffed it up some and then fired it. After firing I scrubbed, buffed, polished and then I dipped it in liver of sulpher (can you say stinky!) and then I polished it one last time and punched a hole, added a jumpring and through the chain it went! Super cute right?! It can be found here in my etsy shop!

I love how it turned out!

Now hop along and see what other pretty things my fellow DT members have made!

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia <--- you are here
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers


Thanks for stopping by!

Silvia

Love a little

Hello there!!!

Todays fun post is a super cute little Valentines Day necklace I've created out of PMC. PMC is precious metal clay that once it has been fired is .999 fine silver! Super fun stuff to work with! I got out one of my fun cuttlebug embosing folders and pressed it into the clay when it was still wet. I then placed it on my handy andy candle warmer to dry and about minutes laer it was ready for sanding and firing..then comes all the buffing scrubbing and adding patina follwed by mor buffing anf scrubbing! When its all said and done...it looks like this!

On the back of this little cutie I hand stamped the word LOVE...there is enough space that I can stamp and I and a you or U to make it say I LOVE U!

This little cutie sells for $29 and gets delivered to you for FREE with pretty tissue paper and a little box ready for gift giving!

You can check it out here in my ETSY SHOP

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back tomorrow for Marks Finest Papers Release Blog hop!!

Blessings to you all!

Silvia

Preious Metal Clay Pendant Necklace

This is a very unique piece. It is a cog with a cross in the middle, the whole piece measures approximately 27mm in diameter and hangs from a 2.5mm ball chain necklace that is 20 inches in length.

The cog and cross were hand shaped and cut by me out of PMC (precious Metal Clay) and is now .999 sterling silver. I then fired the piece and added all the bangs and dents...because when God works in us he doesn't take away our past, he uses it for His glory!

The cog and cross symbolizes how God works in our lives and is a reminder that God is always at work in our lives..with what we see and do everyday. Every decision we make, every reaction to the situations around us!

Let this piece be a constant reminder of your thoughts and actions in our walk with Jesus Christ!

This necklace is available for purchase in my etsy shop here

If yo have any questions please contact me!

oo Shirts...pretty awsome...

If you as me!!!

So I have started making Jewelry, just casually, I sell mostly of it on facebook and esty (http://www.mabiejewels.etsy.om/) I don't sell much, just enough to keep me supplied in creative goodies! Now, I sometimes go to farmers market and craft fairs to sell my wares...tought I might look a little more professional if I had some T-shirts with my little name on them. Well I stumbled upon this awesome company called OO Shirts online and I am nothing but pleased with them!

I'm not very computr savvy, so I dont know how to make a logo or cool graphic, but at OO Shirts it was easy peasy to make a professional looking t-shirt (if pofessional and t-shirt can even be in the same sentence together!) Now the printing was cool, but the even cool part was that I could place writting on he front nd back of the shirts...for fairly cheap!

This is my shirt...pretty cool right?

Now all the ease of ordering and yadda yadda is all well and good, but how does the shirt feel? Will it shink? Is logo or print going to go all wonkie on me? Let me tell ya, it's super comfy and fits pretty true to size. I have worn my shirt and washed it several times, the shirt didn't shrink and the print still looks amazing! I am in LOVE and highly recomend ooShirts

Lastly, but cerainly still very cool, is the fact that you can design your shirt and you might not be ready to order...n0 worries, they store your designs in their data base...and you can even have multiple designs stored at once...sooo COOL!!!

Now go...check them out...if you like what you see, order a shirt or 20!

Thanks for stopping by,

Silvia

MabieJewels

Want to win a FREE SLR Camera?

Up for grabs is an incredibly wesome Cannon 5D Mark II camera body PLUS a one year mentorship from My Four Hens Photography!

I just signed up and you can too!!!!

PLease go to My Four Hens Photography to enter for your chance to win!!!

Hurry, contest ends January 17th!!

Good Luck!

Silvia

Monstrous Jeans

Hello hello! Hope you are all having a fantastic new year!!! 2012 is going to be fabulous...I can feel it! I have some super cute jeans to show you today!!

My 7 year old is really rough on his jens...so winter is here and he has a couple holes in the knees, I didn't want to buy him new jeans because I know he will have a growth spurt soon and I didn't want all that nasty cold wind getting in the holes...easy solve...spend less than $5 on supplies an fix the hole...the cool way!

Felt in red, white, black and light blue (for the eyes, hard to see)

First, cut a large enough piece of red felt to place inside the jeans and glue down. I used Eileens ok to wash fabric glue. Instructions say to wait 7-10 days before washing. I used a generous amount of glue!

Then add the teeth.

Followed by the eyes!

Once everything was dry, took about 2+ days, I used a sharpie marker to dot the eyes.

DS was anxious for the glue dry so he could wear them to school!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Crafting!

Silvia