We had our latest Team Gathing on Sunday and this make-n-take was shared by Janet.  It's such a sweet card and I love the texture that the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder adds.  Who doesn't just LOVE that Big Shot???

What do we do at Team Gatherings?  Well, we make projects, watch demos (Gina did a spectacular demo...more on that another day), go over updates, enjoy door prizes, see fabulous displays, swap, share ideas, and get our questions answered.  I really enjoy these events and look forward to them every other month.  If you're ever interested in attending, let me know and I'm happy to have you attend as my guest.  If you're already a demonstrator (not part of my Ink, Inc. Team and without any local upline support), give me a jingle and we'll work something out.  Our next Team Gathering is Sunday, April 22nd from 1:30-4:00pm.  I hope you'll join us!!

I made a few loaves of this amazing apricot bread this past weekend and thought I'd share the recipe with you.  This is a great accompanyment to the Creamy Chicken/Turkey Noodle Soup that I shared last week. 

Apricot Bread
Note:  Allow about 2 hours for prep and baking time

• 1 c. dried apricots (soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained, and cut into 1/4" pieces.  Set aside.)
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 T butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 c. water
• 1/2 c. orange juice
• 2 c. flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/4 t. baking soda
• 1 t. salt
• 1/2 c chopped nuts (optional - I do not use this)

Preheat oven:  350 degrees
Bake time:  50 minutes (high altitude) - recipe calls for 55-65 minutes so check at 50 minutes and adjust from there

• Mix sugar, butter, and egg til creamy.  Stir in water and orange juice. 
• Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to wet ingredients.  Fold in apricots (and nuts).
• Pour batter into greased loaf pan.  LET STAND 20 MINUTES OUTSIDE OF OVEN.
• Bake for 50 minutes (see note above). Cool 5 minutes in pan then turn onto cooling rack.

YUM!!!  Seth calls this "dessert bread".  It is SO tasty and the fruit/juice could easily be changed up for other flavors.  Enjoy!!!

My grandpa, Mitchell Vance Evans, passed away today.  While I will miss him tremendously, I know he's in a better place and he's so much more comfortable and vital once again.  He was 96 and until a couple of months ago, was completely "with it" and mobile.  His knees had been failing him from time to time, but he recently fell and was no longer able to get around on his own.  The idea that he was reliant on others was not working for him!

My grandma (who is pictured here) passed away when I was in 9th grade (a looooong time ago).  She was a wonderful grandma.  My grandpa was remarried to a sweet, feisty, pixie of a lady - she passed away a couple of years ago.  My grandpa could easily have become a curmudgeonly old man but he chose a different path.  He moved into an assisted living facility and played pool with the gentlemen and chatted up the ladies.  He loved it there and it became his new home (although he DID fight the move at the beginning  :-D).  He was very social at all of our family events and loved his family so much.  My grandpa was a very emotional man and showed no embarrassment when he teared up while talking to and about any of us. 

The stories he would tell us would have us all transfixed - and there were some very funny stories!  My boys really enjoyed visiting our grandpa.  He led an amazingly full and active life and had so many more adventures than most people could ever dream.  I'm proud to be his granddaughter and I will miss him so.

I love you, Grandpa.

Here's a sneak peek at SOME of the projects.  Ready???

Can you imagine...a FABULOUS Card Organizer???

And some cards to go IN the Organizer????

And inspiring artwork???????  Again, this is just a glimpse.  I hope you'll join me...there are only a few spaces left so HURRY!!!!

See you soon, Stamping Friends!
Tara

The project I'm sharing today ISN'T Valentine related, but it IS related to tomorrow's Card Cafe'.  There is still time to pre-register...by Tuesday at 7pm!!  I'll be prepping the projects tonight, so don't wait to join in on this great class.  Each stamper will make 6 cards (2 each of 3 different designs)...all practical and delightful (you may pick your own greetings!) plus easy to make!  Check out one project here:

These items are mostly Sale-a-Bration items (stamps, Designer Paper and Designer Brads) - this great sale is ON!!  If you would like your own copy of the Occasions Mini Catalog or the Sale-a-Bration Catalog, let me know and I'll send one (or both) off to you right away.

I've been working on projects for the Spring Soiree' on Saturday, February 25th, as well.  I am SO excited for this event!!!  We'll be making a lovely Chunky Framed project as well as a Card Organizer with cards.  Included in your registration fee are new packages of the following: Twitterpated Designer Paper, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, Filigree Brads, and a Chunky Frame.  In addition, all other supplies for the projects are included plus there are door prizes and snacks.  WOW!! 

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Not only have I felt inspired in my Stamp Studio, but I've also been cooking a lot more (shhhhh!!!!).  I really don't know why because it's not my favorite thing to do.  Well - it might be because I actually know what's going into the meals when I make it!  That being said, I thought I'd share this wonderful recipe for Turkey (or Chicken) Noodle Soup.  It's absolutely full of flavor - it's definitely not wimpy noodle soup!  I came across this recipe on this blog:  www.amomentcherished.blogspot.com, however, I have changed it up a bit to cut down on the butter (Paula Dean would've LOVED the original recipe) and flour and added more broth.  Here goes...

Creamy Turkey (or Chicken) Noodle Soup

NOTE: I altered the recipe from the original post date.  Alter date: 2/20/12

• 8 cups turkey or chicken stock (I boiled leftover turkey pieces - can also use a fryer chicken - along with some basic spices and chunks of celery, carrots and onions which I discarded once cooked) - if you use canned broth or stock, the flavor will be bland, so taste frequently.  If using a fryer chicken, you'll get approximately 6 cups of chicken.
• 1 c. chopped celery
• 1 c. chopped carrots
• 1 chopped yellow onion (small)
• 2 t. salt
• 2 t. garlic powder (not salt)
• 1 t. thyme
• 1/2 t. basil
• 1/4 t. rosemary (heaping)
• 1/4 t. rubbed sage (heaping)
• 1/4 t. fennel (heaping)
• 1/4 t. black pepper
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 T. celery seed
• 2 T lemon pepper
  *************************
• 3 c. shredded turkey or chicken
  *************************
• 2 T butter
• Less than 1/4 c. flour
• 4 c. milk
  *************************
• 8 oz. wide egg noodles
  *************************
• 5 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 c. finely grated parmesan cheese

Pour stock into large kettle or dutch oven.  Add chopped celery, carrots and onions and bring to a boil.  Simmer for 30 minutes.

Add all spices plus shredded turkey or chicken.  Pour in milk.  Continue to simmer through next step.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and whisk in the flour to make a rue.  Whisk in about 1 cup of the milk a little at a time until creamy.  Pour into soup mixture along with remaining milk and continue to simmer until it reaches a low boil. 

I just made this on 2/18/12 (again!) and made the following change for the "rue":
I spooned some of the hot broth (a few tablespoons) into a small bowl and whished in LESS THAN 1/4 c. flour into the broth to make a rue.  This was added to the soup to thicken it SLIGHTLY.  We liked it better since it wasn't quite as thick, yet it was still very creamy in texture.  I DIDN'T USE THE BUTTER.

Add the egg noodles.  Soup will thicken slightly, so stir frequently until noodles are tender (about 9 minutes).

Add cream cheese chunks (optional) and stir until incorporated.  Stir in parmesan cheese.  Serve immediately.  Excellent served with bread (we like Apricot Bread...see my 2/21/12 post) and salad.

Enjoy...and have a blessed day!

Isn't this sweet?  You may choose ANY greeting (Teeny Tiny Wishes) for your cards to customize for YOU.  Envelopes are included so you are ready to send your wishes to your friends and family.  The paper is Twitterpated (we'll also be using this paper at my Spring Soiree' event - register soon!)

I hope to see you soon at one of several events available this month.  Sale-a-Bration is in full swing and it's an exciting time to schedule a Catalog Party, Petite Party, or Stampin' Party.  Have a wonderful day!

Stamp Hour
Mom/Grandma/Aunt and Daughter/Granddaughter/Niece
{ETC}

Saturday, February 11th ~ 11am - Noon

This FREE EVENT is specifically for young ladies (young men are welcome to come along, too) who'd like to learn a bit about stamping. If you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter, neighbor friend, etc. who hasn't experienced the joy of stamping, both (all) of you may attend to make a card for your Sweetheart...just in time for Valentine's Day celebrations!

Guest Age: 18-30 years

I am offering this event to encourage young ladies and men to learn about stamping. I got started stamping in my late twenties and it's a perfect activity for college students, young adults and young moms.

RSVP via my website by Friday, February 10th at 5pm
www.tarabazata.stampinup.net via e-mail:
ortarabazata@comcast.net

Click here for details on my upcoming events.

Why am I telling you all this?  Well...because my Spring Soiree' (Formerly-Known-As-Spring-Stamp-Camp) is around the corner and SPRING will be the theme of the day!  In typical Colorado fashion, we likely won't have any snow remaining - it does melt fast here in Colorado! 

Spring Soiree'
Saturday, February 25th
12 (noon) - 4pm
$45 covers all supplies PLUS door prizes, snacks, and over $30 in NEW Product!
Must RSVP by Friday, February 17th so that all items may be ordered/delivered in time

I hope you'll register for this fun event - it's always a great time!  Now for a project...

This simply sweet treat bag is made from the Fancy Favor die and the Big Shot.  You all know I LOVE the Big Shot!  We used Twitterpated Designer Paper to make the bag and decorarated with Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit elements.  I added a Bold Designer Button tied with Pear Pizzazz Baker's Twine.  The stamped image is from Mixed Bunch.  Fill this bag with some chocolate and it's a gift ready to be given away. 

We'll be working with Twitterpated Designer Paper at the Spring Soiree'.  And all leftover Designer Paper is yours to take home!  And this paper isn't all, so be sure to register SOON before the spaces are all gone. This event is open to ALL stampers (12+ years old).  Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Have a wonderful day, My Stamping Friends.

~Tara

The sample above was created by Amber Meadows on My Digital Studio.  I just love this program!!!  It's so intuitive and the images are wonderful.  As with all Stampin' Up! products, the coordination cannot be beat.

This card was created by Cindy Schuster.  I love the look of brayering - this is all done with My Digital Studio!!  The planner below was created by Brenda Marshall - a member of my Ink, Inc. Team.  Great job, Brenda!!!!

Have you checked out hybrid-digital projects?  It's where you start with a digitally produced piece and add your own embellishments to it.  This creates texture and dimension.  It's lovely!  The project shown here is from Leadership.  I need to purchase a frame for it (will show more details on this project once I get that done), but you can see how the texture really stands out from the digital piece. 

How do you get it?
You can download the software and access the free trial just as you would a Stampin' Up! digital download by downloading it through my website's Online Store:  www.tarabazata.stampinup.net. 

What do you do once you try it and like it?
Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.). It's that simple. And I promoise you'll love it!!!

Here's a BONUS to all who purchase the software from me (including those who already have the software from me - but you must e-mail me to request a copy of the video)...a how-to video walking you step by step through creating a project.  I'll use images from the full version of the software - no extra downloads will be needed.  That being said, the downloads are SO affordable - you'll want a lot!  The great thing is you can order them anytime via my Online Store and there is no shipping charged.  The downloads come directly to you once you hit "go" on the order.  Remember, you may combine the downloads with any other product (non digital items will require shipping) on your Online Orders - get to $50 subtotal and you'll receive a FREE SALE-A-BRATION item on ALL orders placed before March 31st!!

Check out my own album here:

The BONUS video will be available by the end of the month.  Feel free to call me with any questions, too.  I'm always happy to help you out with any of your Stampin' Up! needs. 

I'll be sending out an eye-catching Event List to you by tomorrow - several events on the calendar:  Card Cafe' Class; Mom/Daughter/Niece/Granddaughter(etc) plus the Spring Soiree'.  I hope you'll choose a couple to attend - it's an exciting month!!

Now for a project...

This is a Jar-o-Cards - another great Leadership make-n-take.  I did change this up quite a bit from the original idea...My Way!  The idea was to use paper (that has been moistened) under the lid, but I have some Twitterpated Designer Fabric and thought that would be MUCH easier.  To make the scalloped edges, I folded the square in half, twice, then used the Scalloped Square Bigz Die to make the edges pretty (should've ironed it before photographing...).  The rest is like the original idea.

For the cards, there was a string of tiny banners across the front of each card (there are two more cards in the jar).  However, I had this amazing package of die-cut flowers (Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit) on hand (part of our make-n-take supplies) so used those on the cards instead.  I like it a lot better!  I also repositioned the banner and opted to tuck it under the Pear Pizzazz Bakers Twine instead of staple it to the card below the flower per the original.

Please come back again to see what treats are in store for you!  Have a blessed day.

There are two stamp sets that I've included in this photo, but they are covered for a reason - they will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog available on June 1st.  Yes!!!!  You heard me right...JUNE 1st!!!!  This means that the current Idea Book & Catalog will expire on May 31st.  I am SO excited for the catalog changes coming our way and am looking forward to sharing it all with you!!

As you can see, we got SO many goodies.  Don't you love the fabric bag and notepad holder??  This is a sneak peek at some new Designer Fabric that will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog. 

I'll be presenting each of the make-n-takes over the next week or so.  Below is the first share.

The theme for this Leadership was "My Way".  I did modify several of the make-n-takes and this is one of them.  I changed up the middle flower on this card to include the Lucky Limeade color instead of the Baja Breeze flower that was on the sample.  What a great card this is!  

As I mentioned during the last post, we received a package of the Blossom Builders, Designer Printed Kit. There are SO many flowers in this kit and I was able to modify several of the projects by using different, or more, flowers.  Love it! 

Most of the items used here are from the Occasions Mini Catalog:  Loving Thoughts and Mixed Bunch stamp sets; Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.  The other products used:  Brights Designer Buttons (FREE during Sale-a-Bration!!!); Scallop Edge Border Punch; Very Vanilla and Lucky Limeade Cardstock; Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede Inks; On Board Merry Medley; Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots

Enjoy perusing...and have a wonderful day!