Human Approved Puppy Chow

Hello peeps.  I've been quiet for too long.  I have been doing a bit of crafting but then I took a nose dive at work last week and have been on the mend -- no knitting for me and I can't use my right arm without some pain.  Drats.

The last few years I have made a snack called Puppy Chow to give out at Christmas.  It's addicting and VERY good!  I thought I'd share the recipe with you.  You'll also find lots of variations of this recipe on pinterest.

Oops.  Scanning cut off a bit.  Add powdered sugar and seal bag and shake it up.  Do a little happy dance to get cereal well coated.

I should mention that you need to let the melted mix cool a bit before pouring over the cereal.

I make mine in the microwave.  It's so easy peasy and you'll love it - especially if you like peanut butter and chocolate.  I use the creamy peanut butter.  I'm also notorious for not following recipes, especially after the first batch.  I've found that one box of Chex cereal is a little over 8 cups.  I'd break this down to make two batches - it's easier to get the cereal coated with the good stuff evenly.  One batch I actually forgot the butter and honestly, I couldn't tell a difference.  

Chocolate chips are easy to melt in the microwave.  White chocolate chips is not.  If you want to try making this with white chocolate please use a double broiler!  Just say I learned from experience!!!

Enjoy!
Kay

WOYWW - Dresser Finished!

Hello peeps! It's WOYWW hosted by our lovely leader, Julia.  Visit her at  Stamping Ground.  People from all over the world link up for this party.  Beware, it's addicting!

I finished the dresser.  I love it when the candles are lit.  The turquoise color with the red knobs really came together nicely.  I already owned the table runner and it's perfect!  I've started filling the drawers with goodies.

Can you believe this was that ugly yellow dresser?  And I LOVE yellow!  If you want to see what it looked like before the paint job  go HERE.



My desk is not nearly as messy as in weeks past.  I've been dying clothes pins using Rit Dye.  I've made turquoise and red so far.  I'm loving how they turn out.  I might make some ornaments out of some of them - stay tuned!

Here's a close up of the red ones.  Love them.  They are a much deeper red in person.


Below are the turquoise ones.  Do you see a trend here?  First the dresser and now clothes pins!

















And finally, here's three fingerless mitts that I knitted from the same skein of Noro yarn.  Isn't it funny how they all look diffferent?  (Robin - let me know which two you want.)


As always, I will visit those that end in the same number as me and those that visit me (please leave your number with your comment).  It might be a few days before I'm able to visit, but will, promise!

Peace,
Kay

(p.s. this layout looks great on my little netbook - who knows what it's going to look like when you look at it!)

Wish

Hello peeps.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.   I didn't get caught up in the chaos called Black Friday.  The whole shopping frenzy is kind of sad to me.

Can you believe that today is December 1!  I'm amazed at how this year has flown by.  I'm not one to make resolutions because I usually fail (and badly).  The first year I had my blog I chose a word to focus on for the year - didn't really do that this year either.

When I saw this card in my pile it kind of stopped me in my tracks.  Wish.  Just one word that has so much potential. What will your wish for 2014 be?

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW 233 - In the Midst of a Mess

Hello peeps! It's WOYWW which is hosted by Julia.  Visit her at  Staming Ground.  It's so much fun.  Lately I've been struggling with stash envy....

My workdesk is still covered high and has nothing that says "happy crafter" on it! There's some drawer knobs, tape, paint can opener, pottery, candle, papers, drop cloth, yarn, tags, address book.... Yikes!

My home is very colorful.  My living room is painted two shades of yellow.  Growing up my bedroom was yellow (carpet, walls, you name it) - does that mean I'm still a kid at heart?

I found this dresser at the thrift store for $10!  It's nice and narrow and fits perfectly between my living and dining room.  Can you tell what caught my eye?  Yep, it's yellow.  Oh, but I have other plans.  

I painted it turquoise!  I bought the drawer knobs at Hobby Lobby on clearance.  As you can see it's not quite done.  I put the drawers in so you'd see what it will look like.  The top middle drawer needs a missing piece of wood.

I need to paint the three drawers with another coat of paint and put the knobs on.  I'm also thinking of picking up the red color of the knobs and do a bit of distressing.  Then guess what I'm going to do?  Fill it with craft supplies!  I'm so excited to get this project done.

As always, I will visit those that visit me (please leave your number in your comment) and those that end in the same number as me.  Keep in mind that it may not be until the weekend before I have a chance to visit - but I will, promise!

Peace,
Kay   

Creative Gift Wrapping

Hello peeps!  October is a busy time for me with lots of birthdays to celebrate.  

I was getting ready to mail a package that included a birthday present.  Like all things paper, I just love some of the paper napkins that are available.  

This is the second time that I've used a paper napkin for wrapping.  Underneath the gift is the package of napkins.  I find them at Tuesday Morning, a discount store in Santa Fe.  I think they are all over the United States but am not sure. 

In the next photo you can see the beautiful pattern when the napkin is unfolded.

I have another idea for these napkins.  I just don't know if I have enough of them.  It will be an interesting experiment, to say the least!

What about you?  Do you have a special way of wrapping?  I know some people attach a little charm to the bow -- I LOVE this idea.

Peace,
Kay  

WOYWW 231

Happy Wednesday!  What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday is the perfect way to celebrate the middle of the week.  Our hostess is Julia from Stamping Ground.  For those of you that haven't experienced this yet get ready.  Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and begin the blog hop.  Beware, you might get addicted!

 

A few weeks ago (my how time flies) I had some watercolor pencils out; they are the Derwent Watercolour set.  I thought of ordering the Inktense Pencils but didn't.  They might be my next purchase.  I'm happy with these but could use a bit more drama!  Now, really, who needs more drama???  ME!!!

I've been knitting up a storm.  I've knitted three cowls and some spa cloths.  Here's one of the cowls.  This one went to a very special friend.

This was knitted in the round.  The yarn is bamboo - so soft!

I hope everyone is having a great week.  Like always, I will visit those that visit me (please leave your number with your comment) and those that end in the same number as me.

Peace,
Kay

Arts and Crafts Fair

Hello peeps.  Halloween has come and gone - and not one ghoul or goblin stopped by!  Drats.  At least I bought the mini Snickers and oh, how I LOVE those!

Today I went to an Arts and Crafts Fair.  It's the one I did last year that totally wiped me out and I wasn't even going to try to do it this year.  There were some of the usual vendors along with some new ones.  I met up with some great creative friends and made some new ones.

My favorite soap is the India Spice.  It smelled so great.  She's a regular at the Craft Fair.  The name of her company is Earthgift Herbals and her website is www.earthgift.com.  

Next up is Andrea.  She and her daughters are the "3 Eclectic Divas."  They have a fun assortment of jewelry, photography and accessories.

I met Lori at the Craft Fair this year.  She and her husband have a gallery in Santa Fe called Steven Boone Gallery.  You can visit them at Steven Boone Gallery.  She has a combination of jewelry and some great little oil paintings.  I love the rooster.

Someone else I met this year is Monika Kaden.  She's such a lovely person and exudes warmth and friendship.

Here she is with one of her necklaces.  They replicate the "Dancing Saint Francis on Water" statue at the Saint Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  She also makes beautiful pottery.

And finally, my knitting buddy Stephanie.  I just love this lady.  She's my go to queen of all things knitting.  She sells finished items, along with yarns, some that she dyes herself!

I had such a wonderful time.  I love the see what others are creating.  It helps feed my creative soul.

Peace,
Kay

Let Them Eat Quiche

Hello peeps.  It's getting a bit chilly here in the southwest.  This is the time of year that I enjoy cooking.  It makes the house seem so warm and cozy.

A friend of mine shared her quiche recipe with me and I thought I'd pass it along to you (thank you Alyce!).  Like most everything in New Mexico, it has green chili in it.  You may be able to find frozen green chili at your local grocery store.  

Ham and Cheese Quiche

3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
salt/pepper
1 cup chopped ham
1 cup chopped green chili
1 cup grated cheese
1 9" pie shell 

Beat eggs with milk, salt and pepper.  Add ham, cheese and chili to the egg mixture.  Pour into the shell.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Let stand several minutes before serving.  

I modified the recipe a bit (not to mention that I didn't measure anything).  I didn't use any salt and  I used canadian bacon instead of ham - is there really a difference?  I used a Pilsbury pie shell - much easier than making it myself. 

Yum!  The next one I make will have spinach and crispy bacon broken up into bits.   

Peace,
Kay  

WOYWW 228 -- Stapming and Coloring

Happy Wednesday!  Today is week 228 of WOYWW (What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday).  This huge blog hop is the brainchild of Julia at Stamping Ground.  Beware, you might get addicted!

I stamped Spooky Owl and started coloring -- that's the part that I really enjoy.   But I'm having an issue.........

I'm going to have to figure out how to color this stamp.  Who wants orange pumpkins and orange leaves?!?  I might add a splash of purple for the leaves; what do you think?  Any ideas?

Here's a photo I took in town on Monday.  Some of the leaves have turned to a beautiful yellow.

As always, I will visit those that end in the same number as me and those of you that leave a comment (please leave your number).  It will be Saturday before I'm able to visit but I will, I promise!

Peace,
Kay 

Fall Is In the Air

I'd like to welcome my newest follower, Ria!  We've been visiting eachother and I'm so honored to have her as a follower.  I hope you enjoy the journey!

Fall is finally in the air.  I actually wore shoes that required socks yesterday.  Today the morning is nice and brisk (66 degrees) and I couldn't be happier.  I've seen hunters/gatherers in the yard.  My little space is a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  You can visit them HERE.  It's an honor to be a part of this amazing group.

Hello Mr. Bee
This photo was taken last week.
They are still around - I spotted one by the Silver Lace today.

I love all my little lizzard friends.
This photo was taken a few weeks ago.

A tribute to Tulip, my little birdie that passed last year

I haven't seen the hummers for about a week now

I put Poppy's leftovers in the feeder in the backyard.
Even the chipmunks and squirrels are grateful!

The blooms have left the honeysuckle vines.
This photo was taken a few weeks ago.

Fall leaves with a deer antler.
Photo taken today.

Did you know that both deer and elk drop their antlers every year?  They start the process of growing a new set every year.  While they are growing there are blood vessels that are in the antler.  They have what is called "velvet" covering the antler during it's growing season.  Once the antler is done growing (they get bigger with age and nutrition) the "velvet" will start falling off.  The deer helps by rubbing against trees.  The antler calcifies and at this point is considered dead bone.  I don't think any pain is felt during this process.  

Russian Sage doesn't look like this anymore.
This photo was taken a few weeks ago.

The Russian Sage has lost most of it's blooms.  It's lighter in color and I'll be trimming it back this weekend.  It's amazing how fast this plant grows and spreads!  

I am going to try to blog a bit more frequently.  If there is a government shutdown that will affect me, so I may be having a lot more time to do things in a week or two.  I hope it doesn't come to that though.

I hope you have a wonderful day!  

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW 227 and Hump Day!

I'd like to welcome my newest follower, Karen.  Thank you for joining me on my blogging journey.  And welcome to WOYWW!

Today is the day -- celebrated for many reasons, one being Hump Day.  Here it is New Mexico style.

Camel Rock in Tesuque, New Mexico

The number one reason is WOYWW hosted by Julia at Stamping Ground.  Creatives from around the world give us a peak into their spaces and, if we are lucky, we get to see what projects they are working on.  To join in the fun hop on over to Julia's place.  You'll be hooked.

I've continued to work in my closet (very slowly).  I've kept my promise and haven't thrown things back in to get them out of the living room.  Here's a quick peek into the closet.

And here's the desk.  New stamps with some Halloween paper, a knitted bracelet, a knitting pattern and a Christmas card I made last year.

I'm not much into Halloween except handing out candy to kids.  This year, for whatever reason, I decided I will make some cards.  Well, really, I know the reason.  I saw this adorable stamp and had to have it.  

I fell in love with the little clown.  The sentiment is exactly how I've felt for a while now.  I'm on a carousel and can't get off!

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

Peace,
Kay   

WOYWW 225 - Progress Made!

Hello peeps!  Welcome to WOYWW (What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday).  For those of you that don't know about WOYWW it's the brainchild of Julia at Stamping Ground.  Thanks to her we get to visit desks from all over the world.  People share what they are working on and what their desks look like.  

I made some progress in organizing my supplies.  I put in another one of the cd shelving units.  They are perfect for this closet; they are narrower than regular bookshelves. 

Here's the before photo:

I've made some progress.  I'm taking my time and not just throwing things back in.  

As a bonus, here's the living room (staging area).  

As always, I will visit those that end in the same number as me and those that visit me.  I think I was successful in doing this last week; if I missed you, I'm sorry.  It may not be until the weekend before I get around to you but I promise I will!

Peace,
Kay