Oh No You Didn't

This week's conversation piece at Monday Listicles is 10 "Oh No You Didn't" Moments. Just the title alone, had me laughing.

So here's my list:

10 "OH NO YOU DIDN'T" Moments

1. Washable Marker Incident. When my little girl was about 2 years old, she loved to color...on everything, including herself. So one day, she runs by me with markers in hand, and I stop her to check them out. After reading "Washable" on the barrel (Washable has been my friend since having children), I told her that her markers were fine because they were washable. You'd have to understand how literal minded this child has always been...she took me at my word. A few minutes later, I heard water running down the hallway, and went in search of my mischievous child. I found her "washing" her markers in the sink. All I could do was laugh...and still laugh whenever I think of it. I did say "WASHABLE". 
2. A Mini Hairdresser. Oh the irony that #2 should be about my little girl again. At age 2, and they don't call them "Terrible 2's" for nothing, Izzy decided she needed a hair cut...right before Christmas. She only got her bangs, fortunately, and not her eye, before I discovered her. 
3. Cutting Hair Twice Does NOT A Hairdresser Make. Yes, you guessed it. Shortly before Izzy turned 4, she cut her hair again. This time, she got her bangs, and chopped off a good portion of a piggy(tail). I had to lay down after this one. Hubby still doesn't get why this was so upsetting to me. She is now 5, and her hair has finally grown enough to look normal.
4. A Budding Picasso. This one involves my son. When he was about 11 months old, he got a hold of a Sharpie (Hubby has to take the blame for this along with #2 and #3 for leaving things out where little fingers can get them). It is still a mystery as to exactly what Jack thought the Sharpie was meant for because he stuck it in his ear. Of course, I noticed this right before I was getting ready to leave the house with him for picture day. I was a bit hysterical as I called the nurse. Hey, he was my firstborn, and this is why he has issues. LOL Anyways, the nurse laughed at me. Can you believe it? I was having a crisis situation and the nurse laughs. Turns out, a little baby oil takes Sharpie right off skin. So, this "Oh No You Didn't" is actually about me. 
5. The Third Nipple. Perhaps that title is a bit graphic, but this is the best way to describe it. You have to understand that I had about 6 hours of sleep in a 4 day period around the time my Jack was born. I was having a lot of trouble getting him to latch on during my pitiful attempts at breastfeeding. There was a moment of absolute pride, as the nurse came in to check on us, and I told her that I was finally able to get him to latch on all by myself. She then asked if I'd been able to get him to breastfeed on the other side, and I said no because, heck this was a miracle that I'd been able to get him to latch on at all, and as far as I was concerned he could stay right there for the duration. Bathroom navigation might have eventually become an issue, but again...6 hours of sleep in 4 days...I was entitled to not think straight. So the nurse explains why it would be best if I could get him to latch on to the other side. Okay, lady, but you're going to have to help me. That's when we discovered the third nipple. Ha! I'm giggling as I type this. Apparently, Jack didn't latch onto the "right" spot. Thus, the third nipple. Hey, I know you're laughing, too. Did I tell you he has issues?!
6. The Eye Roll. My daughter is already quite sassy and has perfected the eye roll already. In fact, she was pretty good at this by age 3. A few months back, we were sitting at the dinner table, and hubby reprimanded Izzy for something she did. This was followed up with the eye roll...at age 5. Hubby was not impressed, for lack of a better description, and quickly said "Don't you roll your eyes at me, young lady!" About mid-roll (second round), his meaning caught on. Suddenly, there Izzy sits, staring up at the ceiling. Of course, we both know why this is, and when hubby asked her what she was looking at, she says "The light is burnt out." LOL Quick thinking, but wrong conclusion. The light wasn't on. Oh, she's a handful, all right.
7. Growing Boobies. Izzy is so not going to like me one day for this one. <Insert Evil Laugh> Around the same time frame, a few months back, Izzy made a recent discovery of bras. She would find one of mine, wrap it around herself and run through the house with her mischievous giggles. Since someone was coming to the door, I made a mad dash for it and retrieved it just in time. A little while later, we were getting dressed up for an occasion, and Izzy asks me if she can wear a bra, too. I explained to her that she wasn't big enough for them yet, and gave her the typical response of not growing up too fast. She then squeezed her chest together and says "Look Mama! I'm growing boobies!" Oh my....
8. I'm Sexy and I Know It. Last Fall, I was dropping my son off to school one morning, and since it was early, he wanted to play outside with his friends. After securing his backpack in his locker, I stuck my head out the door as the bell rang to remind him to ride the bus home. I overheard Jack and his friend singing "I'm Sexy and I Know It". Um...we don't even listen to that kind of music, so I was surprised to hear him singing this...at age 6, no less.
9. Rolled Up in the Paper Towel. Hubby reminded me of this story recently. Back when he was about 5th grade, I think, he had this teacher that was also a Pastor. Needless to say, this teacher could be interpreted as being fairly religious. Hubby had this idea to roll up a Playboy centerfold in the paper towel dispenser. You can guess who found it as they went to wipe their hands. I don't even want to guess how he got his hands on a centerfold at that young of an age.
10. Charlie's Angels. When I was about 5 years old, I remember watching this Charlie's Angels episode where the car door opened up as it was travelling at a high speed down the road. One of the girls fell out of the moving car. Being a curious 5 year old, I thought about this for some time, and tried to figure out how such an incident didn't kill or seriously injure the actress. But, also being the more safety-conscious of the family (brother was anything but), I decided that if we were going to re-enact this scene, it should be done at a much slower speed. So one day, I devised myself a plan (always loved that line from "One Piece At A Time") that I was going to give this a try. But of course, it made more sense for my brother to be the guinea pig. At that particular time, brother seemed resistant to my idea, so I did what any big sister would and pushed him. Now, mind you, mom was pulling into the driveway when I decided that brother and I were going to be Charlie's Angels. Right after he "fell out" of the car, I jumped right behind him, but miscalculated my timing, and I hit the mailbox post, while he rolled into the ditch in the soft grass. I blame this part on him because he cost me seconds when I had to push him out. *Giggle*

And now you see why #1 through #8 are purely our fault, and why our children have issues. It's that pesky apple falling from the tree thing. P.S. No one was seriously harmed in the making of these events.

Casandra

Artbooking in August #4

Welcome to Week #4 of Artbooking in August! Are you ready to get creative? Let 35 Close To My Heart Consultants inspire you. This is a circular blog hop, so if you get lost along the way, please visit Adeline Brill's blog here, and you're sure to get back on track!

If you arrived here from Michelle's blog, you're on the right path.

Sadly, this is the last week of the blog hop. Can you believe September (and SCHOOL) is just around the corner? Well, today, I want to share a mini album I created using many cuts from our fabulous Cricut cartridges. I made this sweet baby album for my cousins. They are expecting their first child together, and of course, you can guess from the pink what they will be having.

The base pages were cut using the Artbooking cartridge at 8", using Real Dial Size and the photo mat 1, shift image found on Page 59. These pages were cut to fit into our new Kraft 3-ring binder Album. 

Recipe: 
Paper: Sophia (retired), Chantilly, Avonlea (retired), Hooligan's (retired), Mistletoe (retired), Veranda (retired), Sweetheart (retired), Frosted, Babycakes, Huntington, Stella (retired), Claire (retired), Surf's Up, Florentine (retired), Smoothie CS, White Daisy CS, Chocolate CS, Creme Brulee CS, Garden Green CS (retired), Gypsy CS, Lagoon CS, Cranberry CS, Chocolate CS
Stamps: The Boo Crew (retired), Love Life, Elemental WOTG (retired), Love You Forever (retired), Whoo's Your Valentine (retired), Flakey Friends, Little Reminder (retired), Mistletoe WOTG (retired), December 25th (retired), Tommy WOTG, Zoology, Trinity Alphabet, Sensational Season (retired), Makin' Waves (retired), Baby Love (retired), It's Your Day (retired), Little Princess (retired), Art Philosophy
Inks: Smoothie, Pear, Goldrush, Desert Sand, Chocolate, Cranberry, Olive, New England Ivy, Black, Sunset, Hollyhock, Cotton Candy
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Artbooking, Sponge, Glue Pen, Prisma Glitter, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, 1 Hole Punch, Corner Rounder
Other: Sophia Assortment, Veranda Stickease, White Embroidery Floss, Chocolate Embroidery Floss, Bitty Brads (retired), Liquid Glass
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Now, hop on over to Gina's blog to see what beautiful project she has in store for you.

Casandra

10 Favorite Meals

Good afternoon. I decided to play along with this week's Monday's Listicles. Food...the way to a man's heart. Ha! Least, that's what I've always been told. I'd say it seems to be true, too. Hubby loves my cooking; especially when he gets home from work and it's on the table. 

We have many favorites at our house, and we change the dinner menu up often, more so now that we are on a new budget which means that the new norm. is eating in instead of dining out.

10 Favorite Meals

1. Beef Roast with Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. My little girl still calls this "Roast Beast". Love it! The mashed potatoes have sour cream, shredded Colby jack cheese, chives, butter and salt, and russet potatoes work best. This is one of those rare dishes that I "eyeball" instead of measure. We usually get 2 to 3 meals out of each beef roast. Great for budget!
2. Chicken Alfredo. I used to make my own Alfredo sauce from scratch using Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, butter and milk, but it's so expensive to make it that way, so we've recently found that we like the Meijer's brand of Alfredo sauce. Oh, and I use tarragon on my chicken when sauteing. 
3. Tater Tot Casserole. Fry up ground beef loosely, layer in bottom of casserole dish, top with Cream of Mushroom soup, add tater tot layer, and top with shredded cheese. I bake this at the recommended temperature for the tater tots, which is 425 degrees for about 22 minutes. My son asks for this regularly.
4. Eggs, Bacon and Bagels. This is a great quick-fix meal when we're in a rush, or late getting home.
5. Waffles (or Pancakes) with Sausage Links. We make our pancakes and waffles from scratch. For the pancakes, during my son's egg allergy years, we used to substitute applesauce for the eggs. Surprisingly, they still turned out good. When we make the waffles, we have to make up a crushed strawberry topping and add whipped cream for my daughter. This is her personal favorite.
6. Steaks and Diced Potatoes. Hubby recently discovered this awesome marinade by Kikkoman. It adds a light seasoning without a completely different flavor, and is not loaded with pepper. I'm sharing the link here, in case you'd like to try it for yourself. It's very good and makes the meat so tender. For the potatoes, we peel, dice and add Lawry's Season Salt and butter and fry them up until tender and golden.
7. Spaghetti with Garlic Toast. I use Angel Hair Pasta only. I discovered this years ago at a spaghetti dinner. Anyways, I cut bacon into pieces and fry it, then add it into my spaghetti, along with shredded cheese and spaghetti sauce. Sadly, I have never learned how to make my own, so Bertolli's Five Cheese is what we use. The kids love spaghetti with garlic toast. Hubby is not a big fan of spaghetti, so this is only allowed once a month. I love to sprinkle cheese on top of leftovers and bake it in the oven the next day. 
8. Hamburger Stew. This is a dish that my mom used to make when I was growing up. You fry up ground beef loosely, add beef broth, sliced potatoes and cook until the potatoes are tender, then add a can of green beans and heat for 5 more minutes and serve. This dish takes about 35 minutes to cook, depending on your heat. It is pure comfort food and great on cold winter nights.
9. Lasagna. I make mine with cottage cheese, Bertolli Five Cheese Sauce, Shredded Cheese, Bacon (pieces), Sausage and Ground Beef (crumbles). LOL Yes, you really just read bacon. It's really very good. Sometimes, I serve it up with breadsticks that I top with mozarella cheese and parsley. 
10. Pizza. This is probably on every one's list. The kids and I love it, but hubby isn't as fond of it. You may have already guessed that he is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. We end up making ours 4 different ways each and every time. For hubby: pepperoni, ham, bacon and mushroom. For son: pepperoni, ham and bacon. For me: Ham, bacon and mushroom. For daughter: Cheese Only.

Though this one didn't make the official Top 10, I had to share a funny with you. My little girl loves grilled cheese sandwiches, but she calls them "Girl Cheese", and will ask each time I make them, if I am eating a "Boy Cheese" or a "Girl Cheese". It's and inside joke that no one ever gets unless we explain it to them.

P.S. Mashed potatoes used to be my nemesis. It's not mom's fault, really, that she never taught me how to cook. What I learned, is mainly from hubby's teachings, cooking shows, recipes, and good ole trial and error. Mashed potatoes used to be mostly error. LOL While cooking isn't my first passion, I enjoy it well enough. There is a certain pride that goes with providing meals for your family, and as you may have guessed, I love to make casseroles and one-dish type meals. I'd rather be spending my quality time with my family or in my craft room than slaving over a hot stove. (Shh...it's our secret.)

Casandra

Artbooking in August #3

Welcome to Week #3 of Artbooking in August! Are you ready to get creative? Let 35 Close To My Heart Consultants inspire you! This is a circular blog hop, so if you get lost along the way, please visit Adeline Brill's blog here, and you're sure to get back on track!

If you arrived here from Michelle's blog, you're on the right path.

So far, I've shared a layout and a card with you. Today, I would like to share a pillow box and a card that I made using cuts from the new Artbooking cartridge.

For the pillow box, I cut the overlay image (Page 40) at 1 1/2" twice. For the sentiment shape, I again set it to Real Dial Size and cut at 2" in Lagoon, and 2 1/4" in Black. 

Now, for the card, I used the same icon image, set to real dial size and cut at 1 3/4". 

Recipe:
Paper: Laughing Lola, Black CS, White Daisy CS, Lagoon CS
Stamp: A Chocolate Affair
Inks: Black, White Daisy, Chocolate, Smokey Plum
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Heat Gun, Craft Tray, Glue Pen, Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Other: Sparkle Flourish, Clear Sparkles, Clear Embossing Powder

I am entering my card into the Deconstructed Sketch #114 Challenge.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Now, hop on over to Gina's blog to see what beautiful project she has in store for you.

Casandra

Tommy Workshop

This marks the first of two posts I have to share with you today. Last night, I feverishly worked on my layouts for today's Tommy Workshop. I've gotten into the habit of making layouts with the pictures on them. The journaling and titles aren't always completed at that time, but getting the pictures on is really the big step for me.

So here they are:

Recipe: 
Paper: Tommy, Outdoor Denim CS, Cranberry CS, Honey CS, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS
Stamps: Cricut Artbooking, Tommy WOTG, Laughing Lola Cardmaking WOTG, Trinity Alphabet, Pinwheel
Inks: Cranberry, Outdoor Denim, Honey, White Daisy, Black, Desert Sand, VersaMark
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Heat Gun, Craft Tray, Cricut Art Philosophy
Other: Cranberry Baker's Twine, Tommy Assortment, Tommy Complements, Artisan Durable Studs, Holiday Red Ribbon, Foam Tape, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Outdoor Denim Embossing Powder

I was amazed at how many of my pictures taken recently actually worked with this kit. At first glance, it screams nautical, but the colors work well with most pictures. 

I would like to enter my layouts into the Bon Voyage Challenge over at H2H. If you'd like to participate, make sure to do so before August 31st. Have a happy day!

Casandra

Artbooking in August #2

Welcome to Week #2 of Artbooking in August! Are you ready to get creative? Let 36 Close To My Heart Consultants inspire you this month! This is a circular blog hop, so if you get lost along the way, please visit Adeline Brill's site here, and you're sure to get back on track!

Today just happens to be my birthday, so this hop is like a birthday present to me! I've had a pretty fantastic weekend filled with fun adventures and rare quality family time. One of my favorite things about the weekend was getting to finally meet a consultant friend that I've only ever talked with on the phone and through e-mail/Facebook. She is such a treasure to have for a friend. On top of that, I even received extra surprises of not one, but 3 birthday cakes! Wow, huh? If you were here, I'd share with you. Really, you'd be doing me a favor! LOL 

Okay, enough birthday chatter! You surely didn't come here for that! :)

If you arrived here from Michelle's blog, you're on the right path. Today's cards were inspired by Pinterest. Love that site!

Hexagons were cut at 1 1/4", page 66. Circles were cut at various sizes 2", 1 1/2", 1", 3/4", and 1/2", page 83.

Recipe:
Paper: Proplayer, Outdoor Denim CS, Sunset CS, White Daisy CS
Stamp: Casual Expressions Occasions 
Inks: Slate, Black, Barn Red
Tools: Cricut Artbooking, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Sponge, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
Other: Tulip Brads

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Now, hop on over to Gina's blog to see what beautiful project she has in store for you.

Casandra

Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book is Here!

The highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book is here! Check out the image below to see the front cover.

Isn't it fabulous? The designs in this book are even better than the last. Wait, is there an echo? LOL I know I say that every time, but it's true! 

For the month of August, we have a SWEET promotion for you! Yes, you! Click this link to see the images that come with this yummy stamp set.

August is an especially sweet time to shop — when you place an order of $50 or more during August, you’ll receive the August Stamp of the Month set, A Chocolate Affair, FREE! This D-size stamp set, with a retail value of $17.95, includes 16 images and sentiments that will have your friends salivating over your chocolatey layouts and cards. Make every project a treat with this must-have set.

I would like to show you two examples of my favorite products from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Idea Book.

Cricut Artbooking Bundle

Make It From Your Heart Volume 2 Pattern Book

If you would like to place an order, please contact me or go to my website where you can order products 7 days a week, 24 hours a day from the comfort of your own home.

Have a great day!

Casandra

Artbooking in August #1

Are you ready to get creative? Let 40 talented CTMH consultants inspire you with their creativity this month. Each Monday in August, these ladies will be posting artwork to their blogs and you can follow their blogs or set your alarm to make sure you do not miss a post!

If you arrived here from Michelle's blog, you're on the right path.

I created a scrapbook layout featuring the overlay items from Page 80 of the Artbooking cartridge. I set my Real Dial Size button and cut at 9" for the left page, and then cut the overlay item for the right page at (shift) 4 1/2", again using the Real Dial Size button. The stamped images were created using the stamp sets that come in the Artbooking bundle.

Recipe:
Paper: Back Country (retired) Sarita, Huntington, Colonial White CS, Outdoor Denim CS
Stamps: Artbooking
Inks: Outdoor Denim, Barn Red
Tools: Cricut Artbooking, Glue Pen
Other: Back Country stickease (retired), In Color - Adventure Dimensional Elements (retired)

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Now, hop on over to Gina's blog to see what beautiful project she has in store for you.

Casandra

Merry Monday Anything Goes Christmas Card

I joined a card/project swap this past month and just finished up my cards for it, so I thought I'd share it with you. It also works for the current challenge over at Merry Monday "Anything Goes Christmas".

Recipe:
Paper: Frosted, Crystal Blue CS, White Daisy CS
Stamp: Look To The Light
Ink: Twilight
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Scallop Border Punch, Sponge Dauber
Other: Red Shimmer Trim, Aqua Dots, MIFYH Volume 2
(All supplies by CTMH)

I've never used the shimmer trim before and have to admit that I love the self-adhesive backing, and how it lays flat, making it perfect for mailing.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Casandra