Aspen Trees

I just love Aspen Trees.  This little grove caught my eye, and my imagination.  Can you see anything in the bark patterns?

This reminds me of Bev Doolittle.  Her art is amazing.  One of her pieces is of a man on a horse in an aspen grove.  In the aspen grove are hidden images.   It is entitled Sacred Ground.  How many things do you see?

I hope you all had a magical Christmas.  

Peace,
Kay

Hot Chocolate - sometimes referred to as Mexican Hot Chocolate

O.k., so I'm no pro.  But I think I clearly got the message across!

If you haven't added cinnamon to your hot chocolate give it a try.  You'll love it!

You will Need:
Hot chocolate mix
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Whipped Cream (optional but oh so yummy)
Chocolate shavings (optional but oh so yummy)

As per the directions on the hot chocolate mix, prepare a cup (or however much you want to make) of hot chocolate.    Once the hot chocolate is made, remove from heat and add the cinnamon, vanilla and almond extract.  

For every cup of hot chocolate, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.  If you want a nutty flavor add just a drop or two of almond extract.  Start with this amount and play around with how much you add -- you'll find the perfect amount for your taste buds.

Serve in mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  

Peace,

Kay

WOYWW 185

Hello Wednesday.  The  best day to visit  blogs and check out the creative spaces of some of the most brilliant crafters around (the world).  It all starts at Stamping Ground, thanks to Julia, our hostess.  Join in the fun. 

The realtor came over last Friday and took photos of my place.  If you want to see what my little condo looks like go HERE.  Wish me luck.  Unfortunately, keeping it tidy means that papercrafting and mixed media canvases have taken a back seat (for now).

Here's my workdesk this week.

Yep, I made some Peppermint Bark.  It's super simple and makes the perfect gift for friends that have a sweet tooth, co-workers, neighbors (and my postman is getting some too).  

Here's what I did.

Microwave 1 cup of milk chocolate chips.  Start with one minute, stir, and continue in 20 second increments until the chocolate is nice and creamy.  Spread on a cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper.  Stick in the refrigerator.

Get some peppermint candy canes, put them in a baggie, and hammer them to pieces.  This works quite well in helping de-stress from a day at work.

Using a double broiler, melt one cup of white chocolate chips, stirring as needed.  I tried doing the white chips in the microwave and they didn't melt -- very strange.  Take the cookie sheet out of the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate on top.  Sprinkle the peppermint pieces onto the white chocolate and pat down gently.  Stick the cookie sheet back in the refrigerator.

The next day I used a metal spatula to break up the bark.  It's not supposed to be nice squares so don't fret.

I was able to fill three of these little Martha Stewart boxes and have just a tad bit left over.  I stuck the boxes in the refrigerator until I'm ready to give.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!

As always, I will try my best to visit those that end in the same number as me and also those that visit me (please leave your number).  

Peace,
Kay

Wreaths Across America

On December 15, volunteers—with the help of Wreaths Across America — lay wreaths to honor our nations Veterans.  Thousands of wreaths were placed on national cemeteries throughout the country.  

This is at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's amazing to see.  This was taken on Sunday by a friend of mine.  The new snow adds just the right touch.

 My friend laying a wreath on her father's grave.

We all need to take the time to thank our service members and their families.  Their dedication to home and country is amazing.  

Peace,
Kay 

First Snowfall

Yesterday was a beautiful day.  We finally had a good snowfall on Friday.  It's long overdue and everyone has been waiting for the white stuff to hit the ground.

The realtor came over on Friday and took photos of the condo.  The flyer is made and today I'm putting them out.  Wish me luck!  It's been a challenge to "hide" all my crafting supplies.  Paper crafting has taken a back seat as that's something that usually ends up in a huge mess.

Saturday I started the day off with pancakes.  Usually I have my favorite, huevos rancheros, but for some reason I wanted something sweet.

I had planned on driving around town and taking photos of the beautiful snow.  Once I did that I decided to drive up to the Valle Caldera.  You can read about it's history HERE.  It's absolutely beautiful.  The enormity of the Valle is amazing.

You can tell that it was a little overcast, with the sun peaking out every now and again.

The Valle Caldera is about a 20 minute drive from Los Alamos.  

The trees look like they are dusted with powdered sugar -- just beautiful!

The road was snowpacked in places.  My trusty Honda CRV was a trooper!

Someone wasn't so lucky.  They probably went off the road Friday night before the snow plows and sand trucks had made it out.

Overlooking the valley.  If it were a clear night you could see the lights of Los Alamos and Santa Fe.  Turn your head further to the right and maybe Albuquerque (over 100 miles away).

Unfortunately I didn't see any wildlife.

Peace,
Kay

Light Stringing and Ryan

It's that time of year.  Everyone is rushing about, going in I don't know how many different directions.   I've been trying to get my little place ready to put on the market.  That's been my main goal for months.  The primary thing was cutting back on the clutter.  Now, when you do crafts, you KNOW how impossible that is.  I have (had) yarn in almost every room of the house.  Not to mention all my stamping supplies, my mixed media stuff, etc.  Holy moly.  Between that and books I have boxes!

Finally, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  My realtor is coming over tomorrow to take photos of my place.  I can't wait to have the flyers and get the show on the road.

In the meantime, I thought we all needed some Christmas inspiration.

If you follow me on pinterest you may have noticed that I have a "Hey Girl" board.  Honestly, when I first started pinning these I didn't know who the guy is - just that he's cute and the sayings are great.  This, ladies, is Ryan Gosling.  Now isn't he a doll!!  If you are interested in following me just click on the Pinterest button on the right.  Be warned, it's addicting!!!

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW 183

Happy Wednesday!  It's the day magic happens thanks to our hostess Julia, at Stamping Ground.  If you arrived here from her blog, welcome.  If not, go to her blog and you can hop around as many as 100 desks from all over the world - take a peek into how others create and what they've been working on.

My workdesk has been my comfy chair.  I started knitting a baby blanket.  I absolutely love the colors of this yarn!  Not very baby but it matches the colors of the nursery (jungle theme) and also the mother will be able to use it as a lap quilt when baby gets big.

Although I don't like using acrylic yarn, it is wash and dryable so it's very baby friendly.  I think it will just get softer with every wash.  I just started it and hopefully will have it finished before baby arrives.

How about you?  What have you been up to?  Dare to show your desks?  

I will visit those that end the same number as me and also those that leave a comment (please leave your number).

Peace,

Kay

A Donna Thing Blog Candy Win!

This post is very long overdue.  A while back I won some blog candy from Donna Louise Rodgers.  Visit her blog HERE.  She sent me a lovely package that included the Great Britian lunch bag that many of you commented on my last WOYWW post.

Look at all the goodness!

Notice the lovely stamp on the left - from one of Donna's designs!  How lucky can a girl get.  There were also lots of all things Great Britian, including some cupcake flags!  Some very cool old photos, tags, ribbon.... the list goes on.  The little lunch bag was full of fun!

Sorry the photo is so blurry.

Thank you Donna, for the lovely candy.  I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to write a post about it!

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW - Number WHAT? (o.k 182!)

Holy moly guacamole - I absolutely love Wednesdays and have missed the last I-don't-know-how-many weeks because life has gotten in the way.   It's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted by the lovely Julia at  Stamping Ground .  Grab a cup of your favorite   drink and sit back and relax.  You'll get to visit desks from around the globe. 

I joined Roni over at Ink Stains yesterday to celebrate her Five Year Anniversary.  She hosted a blog hop featuring Altered Altoid Tins.  It was the first tin that I've altered and I must say, I was tickled pink with how it came out.  See the last post if you'd like to take a look.   You can still join in on the hop if you are interested.  There's prizes to be won!!!

So, this is what's on my desk.  Supplies that need to find a home and little snippets from the tin.  You can see the tecnique I used to make room to craft -- push everything to the sides and back!

As always, I will visit those that end in the same number as me and those that leave a comment (please leave your number).  It may not be until Friday by the time I get around but I promise I will do my best!

Peace,

Kay

Altoid Tin Alteration Blog Hop

Hello all.  I'm linking up with Roni over at Ink Stains.  She's celebrating her five year anniversary by hosting an Altoid Tin Alteration Blog Hop.  Happy Anniversary Roni!  Thank you for supplying the Altoid Tin for this project!

This is my first time altering a tin.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do but wasn't sure how it would come together.  First I spray painted the tin turquoise, a nice southwestern color.  I added the little spools to give it some legs.

I've been collecting sayings and thought how nice to have a little treasure box full of positive thoughts. When I have visitors I'll invite them to "Take What They Need."  

I printed out the sayings onto watercolor paper then splattered the paper with turquoise, pink and yellow watercolors.  Once the watercolor was dry I tore around the edges.  

I put "Take What You Need" on the front of the tin, along with a couple of paper flowers.  I used some of the paper that lines the interior onto the front, distressing the paper with TH Distress ink.   I wrapped some ribbon around the bottom and sanded around the edges of the tin so some of the red would show through.

I glued Believe In Yourself on the inside of the lid so that when anyone opens it they'll see it.

I've been thinking about this for a while and for one reason or another never got around to taking the time.  One of the sayings is "Make It Happen."  You can see it peeking out.

Peace,
Kay

Olive Owl

The last time I went to Colorado I told my friend about Pinterest.  I opened up my board called Knitting and Crocheting Love and we were looking at all the pins when Olive caught her eye.  Now, I named her Olive.  Call it quirky, but she's nothing like Olive Oil from the Popeye cartoon.  Nope, Olive Owl is a nicely rounded chic with lots of personality.  

My friend Marion made her for me.  Isn't she just so dang cute!!!

Click HERE for the free Raverly pattern.  Oh, they call their guy Cordell the Owl.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  Mine was low key, just the way I like it!

Peace,
Kay

Old Photos Bring Back Memories

I'm in the process of going through things.  I came across some old photos.  Here are a couple of my favorites.  Can you figure out why?

I was in second grade.  Guess I decided to give myself a new "do" for picture day.  The funny thing is my mom didn't straighten it out!  Can you imagine what the teachers and photographer thought?  And look at that grin.  I mean, how proud could a little girl be?!?

This is me looking at my Grandma's collection of curios.   No wonder I love little knick knacks.  I came by it quite honestly.  Oh look, my bangs aren't exactly straight in this one either! 

My mom was the youngest of nine.  My parents lived not too far from my mom's parents and we'd go over there on the weekends for family dinners.  I was lucky enough to have plenty of cousins to play with.  There was an old chest out in the garage that had sheer curtains.  My cousin and I would put them on and wear them as flowing skirts and run around the yard.  Meanwhile, my Grandma would be making a feast.  Her specialty was pies - any kind of fruit pie.  Her crusts were so flaky and perfect!

I also remember the HUGE catfish that my Grandpa would catch.  I still love catfish to this day.  My Grandpa worked in the oil fields and had a tip of one of his fingers missing.  I would rub that finger like it would grow back!  They always had M&Ms for me in the top dresser drawer.

How about you?  Do you have any favorite photos of your childhood?  What memories do they bring back?

Peace,

Kay

WOYWW - Arts and Crafts Fair

UPDATE -- I think I fixed the photo issue.  Double drats.....

I've missed the last two WOYWW and really missed you all.  I'm glad to be joining this week.  This is the biggest and best blog hop.  It all starts at Julia's at Stamping Ground.  Rather than post my desk, which is rather boring, I thought I'd share some photos of my booth at the Arts and Craft Fair.    

I sold one of my She Art canvases, some of my cards (both stamped and photos) and my knitted dish/face cloths.  I did not sell one scarf or cowl!  It was a warm day so maybe that didn't help people think of winter weather.  I sold some of the necklaces and my painted clothes pins!  I can't tell you how much I enjoy painting those silly things! 

Can you believe that this table cloth is crocheted?  And I found it at the local thrift store!  What an absolute beautiful find.

The day started with me sleeping through my alarm and waking at 8:00 a.m.  The craft fair started at 9:00 a.m.!  Holy moly.  I'm so glad that my friend, Lisa, had offered to help me set up.  If it weren't for her I would have had a MAJOR problem!  I was given a corner booth (after being told that I wouldn't get one) so I didn't bring my second table.  Luckily Lisa ran to my storage unit and picked it up!  On that table I displayed my She Art canvases, my little necklaces and my stamped cards.

I took these photos with my phone as I forgot my camera as I was running out the door.  Luckily I figured out how to download them onto my computer!  Yay!!

As always, I'll visit those that end in the same number as me and those that visit me and leave a comment.  Please leave your number as it really helps me find you!

Peace,
Kay

Popcorn - for dinner?!?

Have I ever told you that I love popcorn for dinner?  Especially while watching one of my favorite reality t.v. shows - The Amazing Race.  I found an easy recipe on pinterest to make your own microwave popcorn.

You will never have to buy microwave popcorn again! Add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels to a brown paper bag, fold the bag over twice then heat in a microwave — folded side down — for about 2 minutes. THAT’S IT! Fresh popped popcorn without any fuss, ready for you to flavor as desired or eat completely bare.

Another popcorn recipe that I heard about recently was on the Dr. Oz show.  They said to cook your popcorn in coconut oil.  Evidently coconut oil is pretty good for you.  Click here to go to the recipe at Dr. Oz's official website.   

Update on the Arts and Craft Show:  I did o.k.  I plan to write a post soon.  Unfortunately I forgot my camera but did take photos on my phone -- now to figure out how to download them to my computer.  Stay tuned.

Peace,

Kay

Hello Elephants

Last year I went to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  This little baby elephant was born 3-4 days before our visit.  What a little cutie!  If you go to their site they have a live elephant cam - how cool is that!

Now, I don't know about you, but playing in the mud reminds me of great childhood memories!

Peace,

Kay

Pumpkins Galore!

I've been busy.  I'm in the process of trying to get my little condo in order to put on the market.  I also have the Arts and Crafts Fair next Saturday.  Yikes.  I'll be posting photos of my booth next weekend.  I decided not to do a dry run -- hope that doesn't come back to haunt me.......... haaaa

I needed a break from the chaos.  The town had lots of fun activities for kids.  There was a pumpkin "bob" at the local swimming pool.  Kids would swim out to collect their pumpkins.  Then off to the carving frenzy.    The pumpkins were set up around 4:00 p.m. so I went to see what kind of carving I could find.  Oh wow.  Lots of fun stuff!

My friends Susie and  Sydnee carved some pumpkins.
Sydnee (in photo) carved the one on the right.

Can you believe this cute little girl carved the throwing up pumpkin!

I didn't make it back to the pumpkin glow.  I can just imagine how great it looked!

I hope you all have a great Halloween filled with ghouls and gobblins!

Peace,
Kay