Slow-Cooker Chunky Chicken Chili recipe

Just found this recipe and thought I'd post.  Haven't posted in a long time.  Hope to soon...................enjoy.

Slow-Cooker Chunky Chicken Chili recipe

Spankin new blog!

So my good friend and partner in crafty crime, David, has started a blog!  

Welcome to the bloggy world!

Stop by and visit to wish him luck and offer any tips you may have. 

Here's to a long blog life!

by dem...

Whooo's Your Valentine? National Papercrafting Month: January 2013

Love this kit for only $10 with a qualifying order of $35!   Can you stand it!?

Close To My Heart Advent Calender 2012

      I had to share the advent calender that my niece (and I) made from the kit that Close To My Heart sold this year. It is really nice and will be a great family tradition for years to come. Great job Amy!

 

Thanks Close To My Heart for such great products!  I look forward to making may more things in the coming years.

 

4 You With Love: Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 6 - Button Ball O...

I just wanted to share a great idea from a fellow blogger, Marilyn at 4 You with Love. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 4 You With Love: Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 6 - Button Ball O...: When I was a kid, I remember getting these beautiful ornament making kits where you use pins to secure sequins and beads on a Styrofoam for...

Clearly the Best: The Magic of Monograms (S01E09)

Ink It Up!

Uploaded videos (playlist)

Great stamping tips using Close To My Heart markers.  They come in a set of two (shades that match and blend well together).  A set of two are only $5.95!

Great techniques for stamping.

Buttons!

I had to share this site because it is just too stinkin' cute!  It is all about buttons and how to repurpose them.  This is a link for a tutorial for an elephant button pic.    Thanks Dot for a great site.

Busted Buttons

September 2012: National Stamping Month

What a great special!!!

You can find this at my Close To My Heart  site. 

Thanks, Cathy

Another great time at the Scrap-A-Way Retreat!!!

How much do I love going to the retreats???  Way too much!!!   OMG!  We just keep having more and more fun every time I go---is that possible? 

I had 3 more great table mates:

From left: Catherine, Paula, Zaria and me.  It was PJ night---you get more 'croppin cash' for wearing your pajamas Saturday night.  And everybody knows that more cash is better to win prizes with.  I won a Cricut cartridge holder!   yay

I'm holding it there.  And yes that is a chenille robe and purple pj's--they have little owls and say--what else--'night owl' on them.  I bought them just for this event!

Everyone at our table won something--so nice when that happens.  Catherine won the Cricut!!!   She never had one and did not know how to use it---so much fun to have and she'll get the hang of it.

I made a few 2-page layouts and my own small 'smash' book, 

 and covered a small 'suit case' like case.

Here is the inside to get a hint of what it looked like on the outside--only more tattered:

 It looks good.  I have to embellish it more and do the inside.

And here is one page layout that I did in my favorite theme...

Notice the bottom pic I lifted what is called a 'Flip Flap'.  Way cool.  You stick it too your pages to add more space for pictures.   Maybe someday I will actually bring pictures with me....lol.

They are in two large Rubbermaid containers in (what was) the living room---my son has claimed it right now until he finds his own place---praying daily for this event--but I can't get to them.  Oh well.

Any way I had a wonderful time and looking forward to January in Mystic.  And seeing my scrappin' friend Linda.  It will be fun, fun, fun!

Update:  I received my kit from Close to my Heart.  There are really nice things in here and I can't wait to have my first 'gathering'.  You can check out my website in the mean time  Close to my Heart  and email me if you have any questions.

Thanks

....justwannacraft,CathyM

Project Inspiration 2012 Autumn/Winter Idea Book: Home Decor

Here is a fun video of one of the great products we offer at Close to my Heart.  Really great products and so much fun!

A few good things....

Good Morning!

I am told I have some catching up to do on this blog so here goes....

Where to start....actually this probably won't be in any chronological order...sorry...just more ramblings.

I am going to the Scrap-A-Way retreat in Leominster!  --Next Friday actually.  Unfortunately not with my 'retreat' friend Linda.  (I hope you are getting better Linda and hope to see you again soon.) 

It promises to be a good retreat.  I actually got a nice surprise while trying to decide if I would actually go or not---I WON a free day!!  It was on their 'Spin to Win' game online.  I won the 'Grand' prize of being able to go all day Saturday...well that just wouldn't do.  So I turned it into the weekend for almost half price---nice!!   And I am going to be taking classes to (re-)learn to use my Cricut (and new Copic markers) with Cara Miller.   Who, I just found out lives 15 min away from me and sells these neat learning tools called "Whispers".  They are index cards that make using your Cricut or Gypsy easy!!!    I can't wait!

I went shopping the other day.....I haven't been to Joann's in a while, sooooo....

I bought a couple of things.  Actually I did very well.

I loved this set and it was nicely on sale.  I also bought some things for my Smash Book collection: a label maker, some washi tape and some stickers--also on sale!

At Michaels' I bought some yarn to work on a baby blanket that is taking way to long--not because it is remotely hard but I just can't get going on it!

Oh, and.....I went to the Great Pottery Race.....uh, I mean Bennington Midnight Madness a couple of weeks ago  (which happens every year on the 3rd Thursday in July----mark your calenders NOW) and did get a REALLY nice find.  Jay's Hallmark Store has 50%---50% off the whole store!!!  Did I mention they are also an art supply store? 

Do you know what these are?  Copic Markers

They were 50 % off!!!   I am also taking a class at the retreat to learn how to use these too.  They are the latest in alcohol, blend-able and refillable markers that act like watercolor paints.  I can't wait to learn how to use them.

Also got these stamps in the mail the other day from Crafty Steals.   I love to order from them as they usually have great buys--too many for my wallet--lol.  These were all only $11.99--free shipping!

And one last thing --second to last thing for now....  I stopped in a LYS on my way home the other day after having breakfast after work with my friend, David.   I never get to stop there because it is never open when I normally go by.  I am so glad I did.  It is a really nice shop---- Metaphor Yarns.  I couldn't leave with out buying something......really?!

  And because one of the skeins I bought was the last one of that colorway, she gave it to me for half off!   I didn't even ask.  That's nice....And the best part is that they are 'crochet' friendly.  I'm sorry, but almost every LYS I have been in--and I've been in quite a few--are knitting snobs.  Not them!  There was a lot of 'model' projects that were shown in crochet.  And the owner, I think her name is Meta, was very friendly.  They have classes and 'drop-in' times also.   {Not to mention that they are in the same building as a quilt shop--I'm sorry I do not have their name but (and I did not go in--thank God as I would still be in there!) they are BEAUTIFUL--from what I could see in at the door.}

And lastly.....drum roll please........

As of a few hours ago I am officially a Close To My Heart consultant.   I have been wanting to take my paper crafting to the next level and I think this is it.   Actually that is what sold me.  That they are a 'papercrafting' company that helps you to preserve your memories.  They have been in business for 25 years selling scrapbooking and stamping supplies.  But more importantly showing people how to preserve memories/photos by offering their  fabulous 'Idea' books and lessons on how to use what they sell.   I can't wait to start getting my 'Start with Heart' videos weekly.   I should get my 'kit' by next week.  Not to mention I now get a nice discount (my 'commission') on everything I buy for me---Sorry Rosann (my previous consultant and Scrap-a-Way owner).

And for signing up this month I will also get... a really nice tote for free.

How can you go wrong?  I can't wait to get it with my kit.

So there is my update for now.  So much more to say and post but it is late (early for some) and I am going to bed.  Working the next 6 out of 7 nights---ugh and then scrapping!!!  Be well

....justwannacraft,CathyM



Warm Weekend off....

Good Morning.

I am relaxing a bit with my breakfast and contemplating the day.  Breakfast of Special K and blueberries.  Love that.

I did a lot of work in my 'side' room yesterday--I call it that because it doesn't have a name yet.  You know, like 'the game room' or 'the family room'.  It is a little side room I keep my moose stuff (I have a small collection of (small) moose things--kind of cute),

 my misc books--kid books, Christmas books, --misc books, (still needs more tidying up), and love that 'The Cat' found a home,

 and my Avon and Melaleuca. 

 I have been selling AVON for almost 32 years and Melaleuca for 5-6?.  The Melaleuca is mostly for me --not too much stuff but the Avon takes up one corner of the room and now that I have the card table set up there it won't be all over the house!  (I also moved and unloaded other boxes in that room so there is much better floor space, although it still needs a bit more TLC in there.)

So after taking these pictures I forgot what I was getting at----semi-senile moment there--anyway........

Today......

I am going to do a little more in that room but mostly work in my dinning room---at least that is what I thought is was a year ago, but alas, it has turned into ??? dump room  (my son moved back home about 2 months ago--need I say more?)

And I need---need to get into my craft room!!!  It is soooo calling me (bad names, I think, for not staying in there and cleaning it too!).  I also have to make at least 3 baby squares (I'll post a pic maybe of those---I don't want my niece Amy to see too much of it--lol) and maybe make Marilyn proud by Kool-Aid dying some yarn today.  The days are way too short and too hot!  I love the heat but really!?

Oh the room name.....the Avon room sounds limiting, the moose room--too much, how about The Library?  Nice...

The Library is it.

Be well and stay cool

....justwannacraft,CathyM

Musings and Ramblings

Hello there.

I have been (humbly) nominated for the

 Versatile Blogger Award

from my new friend Marilyn Clark over at 4 You With Love

I say humbly as I blog ever so sporadically and the other folks nominated blog probably daily with tutorials, tips, recipes, etc and wonderful things!  (And after quickly checking out the other blogs listed--I am EVER SO HUMBLED!)  I'm not sure if this will come through right and I will correct and add links later if not, but here is a list of the other folks nominated:

Emily of Insanity Rules

Marsha of The Better Baker

Debbbie of On the Refrigerator Door

Mihaela of Meeha Meeha

Michaela of Covered In Mod Podge

Amber of Salt Tree

Lori of Bleak 2 Unique

Bernadette of Barefoot Hippie Girl

Cathy of Just Wanna Craft

Cassey and Brittany of Natural Nesters

Veronica of Sew Very

Jamie of Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Julie of White Lights on Wednesday

Shabby Gals

Crystal of Homemaker in Heels

----dang, it actually worked!  Go check them out when you can.

It has definitely inspired me to be more vigilant with my blog---ie: actually posting at least weekly (lol), being more crafty (not hard to do) and posting about it (the hard part), and doing some much needed 'housekeeping' of my blog. 

That said.....

Here are the rules for the nomination:

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Thank the Blogger who nominated you.

2. Include a link to their site.

3. Include the award image in your post.

4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 15 other Bloggers for the award.

6. When nominating, include a link to their site.

7. Let other Bloggers know they have been nominated.

So with out further ado.....

1.  Thank you Marilyn again for nominating me!!!

2.   Link to her site: 4 You With Love

3.   The Award image (this is getting challenging....)

4.   Give 7 random facts about yourself...

1.  I have (now) 6 cats: 

Thomas (the ? 18 yo dad), his kids: Gabby (ever so aptly named!!!), Pippy (Long stocking), and Nichol (the only orange amongst all grey Tiger/Siamese) who are all 12.5 years old, Sidney, also Toms' kid--painfully shy and skittish 11.5 yo, and lastly (black, fluffy Tuxedo) Mama, stray, age unknown, who has been with us for about 8 years.  (---and my cats do not go outside!)   And not necessarily in the same vein... I have a 28 yo son who is a poet and a damn good one! 

2.   I can't wait to see:  Bobo, Kitta, and especially Montana on The Rainbow Bridge someday. 

3.   I am a hopeless crafter and my sister Debbie calls my craft room my "Million Dollar Craft room", an honor I try to live up to as much as possible--lol.   (My latest and greatest new toy is the Fiskars Fuse but more about that later.....)

4.   This is getting harder....

4.    I am an ice tea-totaler for sure--it is my 'coffee' in the morning and my 'drug' of choice through out the day!

5.   I have been a Registered Nurse since 1996 and now work the night shift at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and I hate coffee.

6.   I love oldies (50-60's) music and always thought I was born in the wrong era.  (I'm a 70's girl)

7.   Getting back to my crafts (after all this IS a crafting blog---sheeez...), I love to make cards, crochet, knit, make beaded jewelry, sew, embroider,  and scrapbook---to name JUST a few---and my new indulgence (as I haven't been on a real vacation in forever!) is going on Scrap-A-Way Retreats for the weekend.  They are soooooo much fun and I get to paper craft all weekend on my own 6-8 FOOT table!  The next one I am going on is this years' first of the 'season'.  Scrap-A-Way Retreats Season Kick-Off  --everything is included!!!  Check them out!  And no, I am not affiliated, but I wish I had thought of the idea--lol!  

OK so that was only # 4 of the

Versatile Blogger Award ! 

ugh...I'm getting there...and that was a good ugh...

So this post has so far taken me almost 2 hours (probably why I don't do this every day) and I now have to go to work...bad ugh... not really, so I have to trust the 'save' button on the top of this page or I will come home tomorrow morning and 'keeel' myself!!!  (Side note, I am going to see Jeff Dunham at The Big E in Sept--yay can't wait!)

5 & 6.  Now for the 15 bloggers I nominate and their links (not in any particular order) and some of these blog sporadically like me, some are 'famous' like Craftsy and some I am just seeing for the first time as you might be too:

 FaveCraft 

KnitPicks 
Armina of Armina's Ami-Nals
Marly of Yarn Thing
Bizzy of Bizzy Crochet
Sew,Mama,Sew
Gwen of Gwenny Penny
Craftsy
Jennifer of Craftsanity
Julie of Inspirational
Linda of I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs
Living Crafts
Ginger of Ginger Snap Crafts
Paper Crafts Connection  
Mandy of Sugar Bee Crafts
Laurie of Tip Junkie
(OK, that makes 16 but I couldn't leave out Tip Junkie--love it)



WHEW!
I did it---and it only took me 3 days....
Well I still have to...

7. Let other bloggers know they have been nominated.

It is Monday afternoon and I deserve a huge reward for this blog entry.  Not sure anyone reading this will think so as it will take probably that long to read it, but oh well.... 

....justwannacraft,CathyM

More Pics and Links fron the P.P. swap

Here ia a link to pics of what my June Package Pal sent me.  Life is good....

4 You With Love: June Package Pals - What I Gave Cathy

Here is a pic of what I sent her....

I made some greeting cards for her,  two 'friend' cards and two Christmas cards.  (I love making cards.) I sent some chipboard letters (winter theme).  And some yarn,  I believe it is fingering/sock weight from Knit Picks in the colors she said her 'woman cave' was in--turquoise and brown.  And I thought the burnt orange went well.  (Sorry I do not have the tag.)  And I crocheted a Hot Pot Mate (pot holder) using 'Christmas' colored cotton, from my new book,

Quick-Stitch Crochet  (The Needlecraft Shop),  edited by Judy Crow

Sorry about the picture.  I bought mine at Annie's Catalog (online) --great book,

but they are out of it now.  I think you can get it at Amazon.

 I also sent some (AVON) hand lotion to keep our hands soft when working with yarn and a fun lip gloss.   

I hope she likes it. 

My June Package Pal goodies from Marilyn

I received a special package today from my June Package Pal!!! 

 (cat not included...Thanks, Pippy.....)

So much fun....

We both signed up on C.R.A.F.T. to be Package Pals. You commit to send a 'crafty' package to another crafty person and they send you one as well.  This was the first time I 'swapped' through this site and I am so glad as it was fun. 

Here's what I got..... 

This is what I first pulled out of the box.  Is this not the cutest tote ever??  Can you see the sewing references in the fabric?

And it is reversable...



Is this not too cute!  Those are little bees.  (Did you know I am also affectionately known as the 'Bag Lady'?  You didn't know that did you?)

So also can you see the yummiest yarn ever? --Pun intended---see the Kool-Aid?   She Sun Dyed Yarn with Kool-Aid  and the colors are very kool.........



Included also is some yarn, Kool-Aid and instructions to try my own.   Love the colors.    (Remember long ago I did some acid dyed sock blanks---nice but not half as much fun as this looks.)

Then.....I got....

A very cute binder with some new crochet patterns----can you believe it I actually have not seen these patterns...really!  'Granny' squares only with a new beautiful look.

You can see lots more patterns on her blog...

4 You With Love

That little crochet bug I sent is working I guess.....

Thanks Marilyn for the yummy, fun goodies.  I can't wait to get started. 

You can also see what I sent her on her blog.  Hope you enjoy as much as I have!

Bye for now.

Xyron Winner!

Hello!    

I just got an email minutes ago saying I was a winner of the Xyron sweepstakes!!  Yay!  All the entering I do paid off I guess!  And to win Xyron---so much fun!  They make some great things.  The sticker makers I use are Xyron.  The new tape runner--Xyron.  The Creative Station I have ---Xyron!!!  (That one lets you make full page 'stickers' from photos, etc.)  

So happy, can't wait to see what I got.  

 Thanks, Xyron

Montana

I wanted to put something here about my Montana and thought that I could not re-write another thing right now so instead I will just copy what I put on FB  as it says what I feel.   Thank-you to everyone that commented there and sent well wishes, it meant a lot.    I know that I will craft again as it too is my passion, but for now Montana has my everything.  I am working on a memory page for him now.

On Sunday March 4, 2012 I had to rush my beloved Montana to the animal ER. He was in respiratory distress and kidney failure. It was so bad that after meds, IV fluids and such, I was told that he would not make it. That afternoon I held him in my arms until he died. This is my Montana that was never sick--a little 'punky' a few days before but nothing that would suggest this. I can not believe he is gone. I watched him be born 12 years ago and have had a 'toddler' beside me ever since. He slept in my bed every night, he liked to be held like a baby whenever he could and was always in to something. My heart hurts so much I don't even want to breath most of the time. I don't understand. This was my unconditional kitty--no hang-ups, just loving sweet Montana. My only saving grace is that he is in Heaven with my dog Bobo and old Kitta. I am so sorry, Montana, that you had to leave me so soon and I wish I could have done more to save you--if only to have you by my side a lot longer. Dear God, please hold him and keep him safe and warm every night as I wish I still could and let us meet again soon. Bless you my baby.