Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

Yesterday when I was in the store I passed a display that was geared towards making s'mores but my thoughts jumped to chocolate covered marshmallows. So I got a bag and today gave it a try. As with anything that you do for the first time there is always a learning curve. I used Wilton's Candy Melts which I know after a disaster trying to make cake pops, shortening must be added to thin for easy dipping. This time I also decided to melt the candy in a small crock pot I have instead of the microwave as that too was a disaster.

 

My candy melts turned out great. Smooth and easy to dip. I melted them on high then turned the temperature down to warm. I did have to turn the temperature back up to low as the chocolate started to get thick after a while. 

 

My learning curve this time was when it came to adding a drizzle to the top. I tried using the candy decorating bottles.  First the large one but the pour spout was too wide (top row and part of second row). So I switched to the smaller decorating bottle and that was better but still not the effect I wanted (part of second and third row). Then I came up with the idea of using an icing bag and just cutting of a very little bit for the melted candy to pipe through. That turned out much closer to the effect I was going for (bottom two rows). Plus next time I think I'll put a metal cookie sheet in the freezer to get cold and then place my dipped items on the wax paper & cold cookie sheet. That would help the chocolate set quicker especially on a hot day.  I did put them in the refrigerator when done to set the chocolate and of course had to give one a try. They turned out great!!  I think I'm getting the hang of using the candy melts.

Cupcakes

I got an Wilton oversized cupcake pan recently but haven't used it. I decided Wednesday night to give it a try. I wasn't sure how many cupcakes one cake mix would make so I ended up making 6 extra oversized cupcakes. I now know that one cake mix will make 8 to 12 cupcakes depending on how full you fill the well. I filled mine way up and got cupcake explosions.  The cupcake is half the size of the plate.

  But as you can see by my grandchildren, it didn't matter. They loved them and that's all that counts.

 

Took this landscape picture this morning when I went for my morning walk. We had rain all day yesterday and last night. The clouds were really low on the mountains and had a fuzzy look. I took this with my cell phone. I need to start making sure I have my camera with me all the time so I can get really good pictures but the cell phone doesn't do too bad.

Photos for June --

Something Green

From a High Angle

From a Low Angle

Something Blue

Something Pink

Clouds 

Food

Architecture

Landscape

Flower

Church Steeple

Night Photo

Fruit
Currently Reading
A Favorite Thing

Since I got a project completed I get to mark it off my Bucket List. Now on to the next project.

Bucket list for June -- 
Embroider my clothesline flip-flop t-shirt
Finish Americana Wall Hanging
Catch up my "Project Life" journal
Scrap Cake Pop Baking page
Scrap Carl's Ice Cream page
Finish Paper Bag Christmas Album
Spice cake balls
Orange cream cupcakes
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Breasts
Pizza Poppers

But before I can really dig into something I need to get some work done. Right now I'm working from home until my Explorer gets out of the shop. I needed to get some work done on it. I love my Explorer and it is very special to me. It was a surprise gift by someone that I loved and was exactly what I had been wanting for a long time. It wasn't new but it's perfect. 

I also have to get things done around my house as my son Brian is coming up for a visit. He'll be here Saturday night and staying until Tuesday. I am so excited to see him. He was here just after I moved so now he gets to see my townhouse now that it's "put together". I started putting up shelves in my scrapbooking area last night only to find that the screws I bought for the tracks were too long. Now I have to go get new ones. I have shelves to put up in my sewing room too. I want to get all of that done before Brian get's here. I also have to hang up the decor for my second bathroom and make pretty for him. I haven't done that for the simple reason is that I use that bathroom as a storage room for tubs that has my sewing and craft stuff. The bathroom is in the spare bedroom that's now is my sewing room so why not make it more utilitarian for my need? Lol. I just have to move the tubs out and set in the corner of my sewing room for Brian to be able to access that bathroom.

Christmas Paperbag Album

I know that these albums have been around for a long time but I am always behind on what's "all the rage". I was looking for ideas and found these so thought I would give one a try. This was so easy and quick to make. I'll be doing more of these in the future. For such a little album there is a lot of room for pictures and journaling. I made all the tags and pull-outs to be double-sided.

I used a paper pack I bought at Joann Fabrics. It's from My Minds Eye called O Christmas Tree.  I am finding that I'm using more paper packs than I used to. They make coordinating papers so easy for layouts and albums.

Lazy Day

I've not gotten a whole lot done today. I went to the pool yesterday with my next door neighbor and even though I used lots of sunblock, I got burned. Mostly on my back, back of my legs and chest. I'm pretty sore today and moving around hurts. So I'm using my sunburn as an excuse to have a lazy day.  But even at that I've been doing a lot of planning.  My work schedule is about to change to where I will have more time to do things so I am looking forward to that. I also managed to get my sewing room almost completely organized. Except for a couple of wall shelves I'm set in there so sewing will be on my menu again. I still have my list of projects I want to get completed. I need to dig out my list that I made before I moved, revamp it and get started on completing it.  My scrapbooking area is almost complete. Again a couple of wall shelves and I'll have that done. But both areas are in shape to be utilized so I'll start to be productive. There are several cooking/baking items on my June Bucket List that I'd like to get done. I've been wanting to try these recipes for a long time and I can't think of any time like the present. 

 Bucket list for June -- 
Embroider my clothesline flip-flop t-shirt
Finish Americana Wall Hanging
Catch up my "Project Life" journal
Scrap Cake Pop Baking page
Scrap Carl's Ice Cream page
Finish Paper Bag Christmas Album
Spice cake balls
Orange cream cupcakes
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Breasts
Pizza Poppers

I have started working on a new Paula Vaughan Cross Stitch titled Sunflower Romance so even when I'm laying around watching TV I still have something to do. Here's a picture of the pattern. This one will take me awhile to complete as there are a lot of light colors and it is difficult to work on using lamp light.  My plan is to get framed and hang in my living room.

The last six months have been really hectic. First I moved the beginning of October and my commute to work was a three hour a day round trip. Then my son came up for a week visit and we had a blast. After that Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to catch up to me before I knew it. The middle of January I was laid off and then the end of January sent to work in Portsmouth, VA. For six weeks I stayed down there and was only home on the weekends. Middle of March I finally came home for good and was off work for about a month. I then picked up some work driving a truck for an asphalt company here in the Valley and that kept me pretty busy. Now I'm back to working at my original position helping out with a VDOT project. Many changes for me in the last seven months and when you don't handle change very well it's difficult. But the Lord has helped me "roll" with it and I'm doing better than I would of without His help. So be on the look out for more posts and projects. I have a lot of catching up to do.

Tomorrow my Explorer has to go into the shop for work. Needs a joint in the front drive shaft replaced, my exhaust system replaced and four new tires. I'll be without transportation for a couple of days but I'll be working from home so that won't be an issue. I've needed to get those repairs done for awhile so I'm glad that I'll finally be able to get them taken care of. 

I'm planning on stepping up on my photography too. I've been taking pictures to document my life. A modified version of Project Life but I"m not doing a photo a day. Just photos for the week. I've got the photos but I've only got pages done up to February. Another addition to my "Bucket" list. But I would like to do a 30 day photo challenge -  just not make a scrapbook out of the pictures. I've found several lists of ideas of what photos to take. I want these to help me get better at photo taking. So I've created a list that combines ideas from several lists. I'm not going to take these pictures in any order.

Photos for June --

Something Green

From a High Angle

From a Low Angle

Something Blue

Something Pink

Clouds 

Food

Architecture

Landscape

Flower

Church Steeple

Night Photo

Fruit
Currently Reading
A Favorite Thing
 

As I complete items from my "Bucket List" I'll post pictures of them. This will help me keep motivated. Motivation is something I have a difficult time with. But keeping a list and putting a line through an item when completed is very satisfying and motivating.  Let's see how it works for me. 

Already started marking off my Photo List.

Photo of the clouds. Looks like a storm may be making it's way toward us. We've had rain several days a week for the last couple of months. I know the farmers are glad to have the rain for their crops.

It's been awhile -

Don't Assume: Ask God - Ask God what is causing you to be emotional and be willing to face any truth He revels.

Trusting in God - Joyce Meyer 

So many changes has happened since I last wrote. I no longer am working in Portsmouth, Va on the Midtown Tunnel Project. Just too far away from home but even so I met someone who has become a very close friend - Harmony. She is the only part of not being in Portsmouth that I miss. Finding a friend who is genuine, smart, caring and shares the same beliefs is difficult to find and I treasure her. Harmony writes the most wonderful poetry and so very talented. I am hoping that one day she will decide to publish her poems. I would be the first in line to purchase a copy of her book but of course I would expect an autographed copy. :) 

For a time I wasn't working but I've since gone back to driving a dump truck until the consulting company I work for finds me another position. It has been really great for me to be back driving. I am keeping my skills fresh and at the same time getting the opportunity to learn the Valley. I really love being over here. The atmosphere is so much quieter than over along the Interstate 95 corridor. And being so close to my grandchildren is priceless. The Lord has blessed me in all areas of my life. I have found that I can't live any part of my day without His help. It is so nice to not have to worry about everything - just do what I can do and let the Lord do the rest. My life although it still has "upsets" is much more relaxed and peaceful now that I have learned how to "toss my care" over to the Lord. 

I have been working on some projects and been getting out and doing some things. I'll add those in a later post. I have pictures of some of the pages I've done but need to take some time to post and add descriptions. But I will start with what I did yesterday and show my pictures from that. Hal (my son-in-law's dad) and I spent the day yesterday going to some of the caverns here in the Valley. Hal and I have been friends for over 15 years and enjoy going and doing the same things. I enjoy going to places by myself but sometimes it's really nice to have a sight-seeing buddy to share stuff with.  Yesterday we visited the Skyline Caverns in Front Royal and then the Shenandoah Caverns in Mt. Jackson. Both were nice but I think we both enjoyed the Shenandoah Caverns better as that location did have some other exhibits to see than just the caverns.

Pictures from Skyline Caverns --

 

Reflecting Pond

 

Shenandoah Caverns in Mt. Jackson --

 

These are called "Bacon Formations" as they resemble slices of bacon.

 

 

 

 

 Main Street of Yesteryear - many different animated window displays. The one that I really liked was the telling of Cinderella and going to the ball.

American Celebration -- many displays of parade floats that have been used in Rose Bowl Parade, Inaugural Parades and many other events.

 

The Yellow Barn - a mix & match of parade floats, vintage vehicles and other type of displays. Also had wine tasting and country home decor for purchase. I particularly like these to sayings. 

 

 

When I get a chance I'll add some descriptions for parade floats that I've shown. They have really interesting history. 

 

Got another one

Do you believe God has the power to help you, and that since He has all wisdom He knows exactly what to do and when to do it? Lean on Him completely, trust Him to give you the strength to do what you need to do, while you wait on Him to do what only He can do.

Trusting God day by day -- Joyce Meyer

I'm slowly working on getting myself caught up. This is the first week that I began working from home.  Less hours but I don't have to deal with unemployment so that's a big plus. And the fact I don't have to get up early, drive an hour & a half one way and get to work when I want is the best deal I've had. A full 40 hours would make the job perfect but as it is, this is close to perfect. 

I'm still somewhat behind in my scrapbook challenges and I've not touched my sewing room to get unpacked and organized. But I have gotten my scrapbooking area almost completely organized. All that's left is getting stuff that's still in boxes and putting away. I've got all my shelves and cubes put together and placed.

I worked on my Smash book too but I'm not going to post pictures of that. I'm using that as a mini Project Life 2013 book.  I'm going to see how I like doing that. Everywhere I read others are raving about it so why not?  I had sort of started on one several years ago but major life happened and didn't finished. I'll see how I do this year. 

I did get a layout done for the scrapbooking challenges I'm in. I think it turned out really good. The challenges are really making step out of my creative box and do stuff that's mine.  I'm moving away from the page kits I used to get all the time and I am now doing my own. The page kits will still be my "go to" for crops since easy to transport and just add tools and I'm set. But here at home, I'm working on more of my own and it feels really great.

This is last fall when my son Brian was here from Atlanta and we went to a pumpkin patch. Picking the "Perfect Pumpkin" is a very big deal and must be done with care. 

I also got Week 1 done for Project 52 Challenge.  I've got 2 more weeks to go to catch everything up. I've got to find a way to get organized and keep current.  Laura is doing Project 52 so we will be doing this together. She will keep me motivated.

 

Getting stuff done

No matter what you are going through in life, you can trust God to be with you. Think about your current situation and find your "nevertheless". Say it out loud to encourage yourself by finding the positive in every situation.

Trusting God Day by Day -- Joyce Meyer 

I've been working on this layout all week - still have the journaling to add.  I completed this for the Scrapbook.com challenges I signed up for.  Meets Volume Scrapping 2013 (goal of 50, done 6), January Cricut, January PageMaps Sketch #5 ( done 2 of 5) and January Four Categories (done 1 of 4).  I'm feeling really good about doing these challenges. I've really been motivated do get these done. Now that I'm off work until March I can really concentrate on getting projects done. 

The fireworks are die cuts from Out on a Limb Scrapbooking. I added glitter glue to give some punch.  The title is the technique I tried out several months ago using glitter mist and Cricut Word Collage and sharpie.  I think it turned out really well.

Meeting Challenges . .

Psalms 62:8 tell us we can trust God at all times because He is our refuge. A refuge is a safe place where we can rest from busyness and worry. Take time to stop and let Him be your refuge.

 Trusting God Day by Day -- Joyce Meyer

I've been working on the Scrapbooking Challenges I signed up for on the Scrapbook.com website. Here's what I've gotten done so far -

January Cricut  Challenge = 2 out of 3 done

Volume Scrapbooking Challenge = 5 out 100 (10%) done

January PageMaps Challenge = 1 sketch out of 5 done

Project 52 Weeks = Week 1 planned but not done. Week 2 still have no

    idea. Only have one picture to work with.

I redid the ladybug layout I posted last week. I just didn't like how the scallop out of the ladybug paper looked.

  And I got a Winter layout done of June's first experience with snow. She was so excited. June spent most of the time running around and trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue.

 

I've been working on updating my Gypsy. It's been awhile since I've done so and it's taking a long time. It's messing with my scrapbooking. :(  I'm just going to have to work on what I can and make notes of what I need to design and cut out. So off I go to work on more pages.

 

Scrapbook Challenge done

I joined the Scrapbook Challenge that's on Scrapbook.com and committed to completing 50 pages for 2013. I also joined the January PageMaps challenge. I'm not sure about that one but I'll see how it goes. I can use any pages I do for the Volume Challenge for the PageMaps so I can "double dip". I did a 2 page layout today. One of the page kits from OutOnALimbScrapbooking.com so I've completed my Volume Challenge for this week.

I also got most of my house cleaning done, two movies copied and did some freezer cooking. I made a batch of lasagna sauce and made lasagna and stuffed shells.  I got the recipe for the sauce from AllRecipes.com. The recipe was easy and so good. I'll definitely be using that again.

Happy New Year!!

If God wants you to have what someone else has you can trust Him to bring it to you, but first you must be happy with what you have and do the best you can with it.

Trusting God Day by Day -- Joyce Meyer

 

 

I am glad to be able say that I am completely content and happy with what I have and my life the way it is. I have grown so much in just the last year. I'm not where I should to be but I'm not where I used to be. God has blessed me so much over the last couple of years. His grace, mercy and loving-kindness is new everyday. I am blessed to be able to see that in each day. Last year was great and 2013 will be even better. The Lord is a God of restoration and I am seeing Him keep His promises. Thank you Lord, You are a awesome God!

 

I decided that I need to have a push to keep me on track to get my scrapbook pages done.  So I found a challenge forum that will help me stay focused and motivated. I've decided to commit to 50 layouts for the year - that's one layout a week. In reading the messages I see where a 2 page layout is counted as 2 pages so that will help me. I usually do 2 page layouts so I may be able to complete my goal.  It's the Volume Scrapping Challenge at Scrapbook.com. I'm really excited about doing this. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted on how well I do.

 



Count down to New Year . . .

I've gotten some stuff done today - ok maybe not a lot. I got a coffee mug yesterday that has a picture of a guy in a hammock with the statement "I intend to do very little today and so far I'm on schedule". I thought I would give the idea a try. :) 

I did get another 2 page layout started today but couldn't finish cause I need a couple of pieces of cardstock. It's a cookout layout.  I've got to go to the store tomorrow so I'll pick up the cardstock then.

I did start working on another layout and got it almost done. It only needs a title but I don't know what I want. I used a Scrapbook Generations sketch again and paper pad. This layout I'll use for June. 

 



 

I used the Cricut Cartridge Elegant Edges for the scalloped die cut on the left. It is a great cartridge. A lot of versatility. I already have ideas running around in my head for other projects to use it on.  My daughter Laura loaned me her Epiphany Crafts epoxy round punch for the three embellishments that I put on the right page. Love that punch. 

 



I'm going to change the die cut I've put on the left page. I'm not thrilled with how it looks. I'm going to redo the top scallop die cut but without the holes in it. I think it will look better. I'll post a picture when I've changed the layout. Probably not until tomorrow. It's getting late and I'm trying not to get into the habit of staying up late.

 

I'm going to set the goal to complete one layout a week. I've been looking for a scrapbook challenge website but haven't found any yet. I would like to participate in a challenge with others to help motivate me. I'll keep looking I know there one out there somewhere.



Time flies - -

Today and Every Day . . .

Love God, Love Yourself and Love Others. And don't forget to love out loud.

Love Out Loud - Joyce Meyer

Wow!! The holidays have passed by so fast. Seems it was only yesterday that it was Thanksgiving.  Christmas was fabulous.  Christmas Eve Laura, Carl & the babies came down to spend the day but the weather had different ideas.  It started snowing here. But the kids did get to ride their bikes for awhile.  Grayson wasn't too sure about his new bike since it's larger than the one he's used to. However, after he got over his initial concerns he was off flying down the sidewalk yelling "Look at me Nana, I'm going so fast!". June didn't quite get the concept of peddling but since the snow had started she was more into chasing the snow flakes than peddling. It was June's first snow. After playing outside, we all came back in for hot chocolate. Even though they didn't stay for the whole day as planned the time I spent with them was great.

Christmas Day Laura had everyone at her house for dinner.  She did such a wonderful job on cooking. Made everything from cooking the ham, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and so much more. Laura's house is small but it didn't feel crushed with everyone there.  We were a total of 10 and there was some shuffling around each other & eating in shifts but it was fun.

Tonight I'm cooking dinner - I'm thinking stuffed shells - and having New Year's Eve dinner. To make easy on Laura, I'm cooking here then taking it up to her house. I'm getting some Sparkling Cider so even the kids can toast in a New Year. We'll be toasting well before midnight cause none of us could stay up that late. I can't remember the last time I stayed up to usher in the new year. Whether I'm awake or not, it will happen. :)

I have been doing some things to get myself organized.  I've not really worked on my sewing room. It's still filled with boxes. But I have been working on my scrapbooking area.  In my bedroom I have an alcove that is a perfect area for my scrapbooking. I've been slowly acquiring the organizing cubes that A.C. Moore & Michaels have. They are wonderful!! When I'm done I'll post pictures. As with all organizing projects it is a work in progress.

I did get a scrapbook page done today. I used a sketch from Scrapbook Generations. I love their sketches.  I've bought all the books that they have published.  Makes doing my own pages so much easier.

Here's the sketch I used =

 

My pages =



I don't have a title on this one yet. I've not decided what I want it to be yet. After I get pictures and journaling on it I may not even put one on it. That's what so great about scrapbooking, there's no wrong way.

What I love about these sketches is I have quite a few page packs and they work great with these sketches because the page packs coordinate. Takes the intensive thinking out of the process.  Sometimes I like to use a pre-done page kit especially when I go to a crop. They're ready to go, all I have to do is make sure I have my tools with me. But then there are times when I want a more creative process but not too intense. That's when I use the sketches, page packs and add embellishments that I create. Then there are other times when I want to create a page from scratch and do it all.  For once I have figured out a way to have my cake & eat it too. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Next time you work hard and finish a big job, take time to celebrate!

Loving Out Loud -- Joyce Meyer

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Today has been a laid back day. We didn't do a big family get together this year. None of us really wanted to do that. We all just wanted to chill out on our own. Except for tonight. Laura talked me into going to Black Friday sale at Wal-Mart then Kohl's tonight. A family affair - except for no Brian. It'll be Laura, Carl and me. We already have our plan of action - what we want to get depending on when goes on sale and who is getting what so don't miss out on something. I feel like we are going on a mission. I guess in a way we are. I'm meeting Laura & Carl at Wal-Mart early so we can do recon on the store. I've not done Black Friday in so long. This is going to be so much fun!!  Maybe next year Brian can be here for it. I think this should be the start of a new family tradition.

But I didn't just lay around all day.  I did complete another page kit.  One a day, remember? So here's the one I did today.

One more down and so many more to go.  Lol.

I let you know how tonight goes.

Motivated

So I decided to get motivated and start working on some page kits.  I finished one I had started a couple of weeks ago.  I love the page kits from Out On A Limb Scrapbooking.  The kits have high quality paper and everything is cut out.  All I have to do is chalk the edges and put together.  Great for when I want to do something crafty but don't want to put a lot of creative effort into it. Sometimes I get so caught in making pages "perfect" that I end up making the process complicated and don't get finished. So here's what I got done today.  All I have to do is add the pictures and my journaling.

How cute is this?

I figure if I do a page kit a day by the time I get back to work in the spring I may have them all done. Or close to it.  I've collected quite a few.  They are very addictive. :)

Update

When you're tempted, remember : Don't delay, Pray right away!!

Love Out Loud - Joyce Meyer

Just thought I would post an update.  I'm still here but it's been a hectic time since I moved.  Trying to unpack and organize.  Found out I was being laid off by the end of the year for the winter. My son, Brian, came up from Atlanta for a week's visit and that was great.  We went to Monticello in Charlottesville and the Dulles Smithsonian in Chantilly. Got lots of fabulous pictures. We spent time with my daughter and grandchildren.  Lots of family time.  Not long after that Hurricane Sandy came through but didn't affect where I'm at too much other than lots of rain.  However the storm that come through West Virginia hit my mother hard and she lost power.  Since she has limited mobility and lives by herself, off to WV I went to get her.  She stayed with me for almost two weeks then returned home. Whew!! It's been busy. 

 I still don't have my sewing/craft room unpacked and organized. The rest of my house is almost done.  I just need to do a few minor readjustments here and there.  I've not gotten any of my projects on my bucket list done but don't think even if my sewing room was done I'd of been able to work on anything.  The good thing about getting laid of for a couple of month is that I will have the time and energy to get all of my house stuff done. And projects done.  I am so looking forward to that. 

Moving Day is almost here!!!

Lord, help me to enjoy Your blessings, but not to hoard them or think too highly of them. Help me to use them to bless others.

Loving Out Loud -- Joyce Meyer

Moving day is tomorrow.  I still have some stuff to pack but I'm almost at the end point.  I am so excited!!  I will be just down the road from my daughter & grandkids.  How sweet is that?? I'll still have the 3+ hours commute a day for work but at least I'm commuting from a place closer to my family instead of further away from them.  I'm going from an apartment to a townhouse but probably just about the same room.  I'm currently in a apartment complex that was built back in the '70s and the idea of smaller apartments mean more to renters hadn't come about yet.  I'm still going to downsize what I have as far as my sewing & crafting stuff.  I didn't realize I was such a good organizer until I had to start packing my sewing room and found all the stuff I had tucked here & there.  Wow!! I was amazed.  I'm also excited because I won't have to carry groceries up three flights of steps since now my kitchen is on the ground level.  A large eat in kitchen with lots of counter & cabinet space.  And with family close by I'll have plenty to come & eat all that I cook and bake.  I'm already making my list of what I want to start cooking.  Here's outside of my new place.