Menu Monday

So, we ended up making everything on the menu last week, only it took into the weekend as well, because we ended up with frozen pizza one night and chicken nuggets another.  That’s what 6pm meetings do to me!  I’ll give you a brief review of the new items we tried below, but first, here is this week’s line up.

Monday- leftovers.  Since I cooked both Saturday and Sunday, I’m taking tonight off and cleaning out the fridge.  I will, however, be making this Banana Bread.  I’ll let you know what I think of it next week.

Tuesday- Smoked Sausage with potatoes and green beans.  Another meeting, so this is an easy crock-pot meal.

Wednesday- Spinach and Salmon Frittata, with banana bread (assuming there is some left) and fruit.

Thursday- Grilled Turkey Italian Sausage.  This is a new menu item for us, but it was on sale, so we’re giving it a try.

Friday- Strata.  This is a recipe shared by a friend, and I have made it many times.  I’ll try to get some photos and share the recipe next week.

As for last week, this Creamy Tomato Pasta was delicious.  Everyone had seconds, including the 3 children I was feeding that night.  I added portabella mushrooms, which let me slide by without meat for the evening.  Hard to do in this house…

This Chicken Broccoli Bake was ok.  I can’t rave about it, exactly, but everyone did eat it.  It seemed a little bland, so I’m thinking about what I can do to jazz it up a little bit next time.

I’m behind in project sharing too, so hopefully this will be a full week on the blog.  See you soon!

~Alyssa~

Graphic45, Clearsnap, and Art Institute Glitter Blog Hop!

Want2Scrap is teaming up this week to bring you tons of inspiration using Want2Scrap, Graphic 45, and Art Glitter products!


After you check out the projects here, head to the Want2Scrap, Graphic 45, and Art Glitter blogs, to find out what the talented members of their Design Team have in store for you today!


This was such a fabulous combination of products to play around with!  First up I have a little glitter tutorial for you.  Glitter can be a little tricky to work with, especially if, like me, you hate having it flake off all over the rest of your project.  So, here’s the 411 on how I apply mine.


I started with one of the new CHA releases from Want2Scrap.  This is the “Forever” Word from the Girlfriends Chipboard Words.  First, I applied a nice thick coat of Dye Ink from Clearsnap.  This ink takes a little longer to dry, which is what I need for this project.

Then, while it was still wet, I applied a liberal coating of Stamp N’ Bond Adhesive powder.

After I shook off the excess, I got my glitter ready.  This Art Institute Glitter is very fine and has a lovely layering of color within the glitter.  I used my heat tool set melt the Stamp N’ bond, then poured the glitter right on to the wet, melted adhesive, and tapped it down a little with my fingers. 

You can see here what a lovely coat of glitter I got on my chipboard… and I’m happy to report that a week later, there’s still no flaking. 

After my glittering was complete, I pulled out my Graphic45 Le’Romantique paper, and created this layout.  Yes, it’s 8.5x11.  I’m trying that size here and there- I love how much easier it is to store those pages in albums.


It’s a great combination, isn’t it??
Be sure to check the Want2Scrap blog every day this week for more project inspiration! We have a Want2Scrap prize to give away to one lucky commenter! Also, make sure you pop over to see Elise Durenberger today.  She has another awesome project to share with you.


Thanks for popping by!  Go glitter something.
~Alyssa~


P.S. You'll have another chance to win by commenting Want2Scrap Facebook Page this week.  Just tell them you joined in the hop!

Want2Scrap™ Products used:
Chipboard Sentiments “Girlfriends”
Nestaboard Petite Scalloped Circles
Sleek Strips Pearls- Le Crème
Partner Companies:
Graphic45 Le’Romantique
Art Institute Glitter “Antique Rose”
Clearsnap Archival Dye Ink Queue

Menu Monday

I don’t know about you, but it really inspires me to cook and to try new recipes when I see other’s posting about what they’ve made.  Besides stalking following all my friends on Pinterest, I also regularly visit Tasty Kitchen, Closet Cooking, and several other fun sites.  So, I’ve decided to start my own Menu Monday, as inspired by Melanie Bauer (I’ve tried more then a few recipes after reading her real life reviews).  If you enjoy reading about what other’s are cooking up, stay tuned on Mondays.  If not, just pass by this blog, and we’ll be back to crafting on Tuesday. 

So, without further delay, here is this week’s plan:

Monday: Creamy Tomato Pasta.  We have lots of tomatoes from the garden right now, so no time like the present!  I got this one from Melanie, and pinned it straight from her boards.

Tuesday:  Whole Grilled Chicken with grilled veggies.  No recipe for this, it’s just a chicken and veggies on the grill with lots of herbs.

Wednesday: Tacos

Thursday: Chicken Broccoli Bake from JustGetOffYourButtandBake.com

Friday: Pizza Bites (cause Friday just needs pizza, and these are awesome.  I make my own dough, though.)

I’ll let you know how they turn out nest Monday.

Thanks for coming by!

~Alyssa~

Ready, set, write!.

Up today on the Pretty Little Studio Blog, my take on the newest Inspiration Challenge, 

You can see the inspiration, and play along to win a Gift Certificate HERE.

TFL!

~Alyssa~

The Cutest 2

This was my son’s “official” 2 year old portrait… taken, as it happened, when he was nearly 3.  Sigh.  Oh well, it turned out pretty cute regardless.  I used the July “It’s My Party”  Little Black Dress Kit for this layout, and it so happens, there are boy pages to be had in this kit too!  Check out the kit HERE.

Other then a sheet of cardstock and some paint, everything here is from the kit.  Those big numbers are a classic favorite I’ll be using for a LONG time!  They were the glue that brought this kit together, and let me just say…  “YUM.”

Thanks for coming by!

~Alyssa~

Video Tutorial!

I created a video tutorial with the July Little Black Dress Kit, and it’s all about how I constructed this Mini Album:

Here’s the video!  Enjoy it, and be sure to check out this colorful kit HERE.

~Alyssa~

Such Joy

I love watching my kiddos find joy in the little things!  That’s what I was celebrating this this layout, up now on the Want2Scrap blog.

Check out the details, and learn more about my technique HERE.

~Alyssa~

It’s My Party!

It’s My Party is the name of the July kit at Little Black Dress, and I think it is aptly named. 

I enjoyed this colorful kit- not a muted tone in sight!  My first project has been revealed, and it’s this little card I made.  I like how it turned out (it’s made from photo corners), even though the twine pulled away from the place it was supposed to be just before I took the photo.  Oh, well, wouldn’t want to give you the impression I am perfect (ha!).

You can see more about this kit and get one for yourself HERE.

I am busy working on my scraproom (my first ever!) and it’s close to being finished.  Hopefully, I’ll have pictures and more projects to share very soon!

~Alyssa~

You Take My Breath Away

It’s time for CHA Peeks!  The newest releases from Want2Scrap are fantastic- you will just love them!  Here’s a little peeky at one of my CHA booth projects featuring some new releases.  Can you spot them?  (hint: There are lots of Sneak Peeks on the Want2Scrap Facebook Page).

Keep your eye on the Want2Scrap Page for more details! You’re going to want these as soon as they hit the store!

Have a wonderful weekend,

~Alyssa~

Tag Book Time

It’s time for another tutorial at Pretty Little Studio!  Today I’m showing you the steps I used in making this little tag book for my daughter:

Head over to the Pretty Little Studio Blog and check it out HERE.

~Alyssa~