Monday, May 30, 2011

Apple Egg Rolls?

~Hi Everyone~
Picture me on roof top declaring " I LOVE HUNGRY GIRL"! 
She is my NEW HERO!
 I know what your thinking... "Seriously Alex, do you live under rock and only NOW discovered this friend to all peeps watching their weight?"   
 Answer : "Well no. I had dabbled at her dot com a few times and seen her books! But NOW she has a TELEVISION SHOW where she shares many of her amazing low cal tricks, tips and 
recipes for FREE!" 
 Yes, I am cheap and more over, a visual learner. Seeing her mix up her concoctions on my flat screen makes all the difference for me. I can almost smell the yummy goodness coming from the TV. So NOW, that I'm officially obsessed and her newest #1 FAN, I will be buying her recipe books, probably all of them. 
So here's one recipe I tried out and found to be AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! Can you believe they're made with Egg Roll Wrappers and they clock in at only 110 calories! YAY! I can eat the WHOLE thing and still fit into my jeans :)
You can find the recipe HERE!
warm right out of the oven
 even better with some low fat whip cream and a dusting of cinnamon :)
 Thanks for visiting!
Don't FORGET...we are taking a hiatus from 
"Made It Myself Mondays" due to the Memorial Day Holiday! 
Go enjoy your family, friends, neighbors, BBQing and honoring our SERVICE HEROS! 
Our Next Linking Party will be RIGHT HERE on JUNE 6th!

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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May's Pink Designer Project

~ Hi Everyone ~
I'm so excited to be the newest member of  Robyn's aka The Pink Stampers Design Team. She is just an awesome person and I really feel honored to work with her and her other amazing Pink Designer. 
Love you guys!

She recently had a new release of her latest stamps and although I love ALL of her stamps, I have to say these are my FAVORITE so far ! Check them out HERE, if you haven't already!

Here's my latest project! My Hubby's FATHER'S DAY Card ! 
YAY! I'm so ahead of the game this year :) Now I just have to figure out a gift. Would be kinda cool if I was taking him on a cruise, right? Hmm...
 
Deets:
5.5 x 5.5 Base Card with Kraft Card Stock
Cruise Ship and all Layers cut @ 3.5 inches from Life's A Beach Cart
Anchor Charm cut @ 1 inch from Life's A Beach Cart
Stamp Shape cut @ 1.5 inches from Gypsy Wanderings, white layer hand cut to fit for sentiment
Papers from KC & Company
Extras: twine and doodling w/ Sakura Gel Pens
 
If You're Looking For This Week's Link Up Party 
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW...
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Monday, May 23, 2011

Week 2: Made It Myself Mondays

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!
Last week's debut linking party was a GREAT SUCCESS! Thanks to ALL who participated :) I had so much FUN and I got such nice feed back from everyone :)
So without futher adu, let's get the next PARTY STARTED. Remember all entries from this week and last, will be entered to win this...
GOOD LUCK! 
Here's my project for today...
Mini Back Yard MakeOver Part 2 : The Planter Boxes
So my hubby and I realized that our Pergula and Planter boxes were in serious need of an invention! After 6 years of faithful service providing shade and that OH SO SWEET Tuscan ambiance that we both love, the paint was looking a bit tired and faded and some wood needed repair. So here's our FACELIFT...

 The hubs perched on top of the Pergula covered in plastic while using the sprayer to paint it!
He's my FAV DIYer :) I love you honey!
Top completely painted. Now to fix up those planters and to replace the split wood frames.
AHH...so much better :) Added some nice plantings too :)

 BTW... the hubs and I originally built that Pergula ALL BY OURSELVES about 6 years ago. Looks like we did an OK job, it's still standing!

OKAY! NOW YOUR TURN!
What crafty or DIY project did you you whip up? 

Go ahead LINK IT UP and SHOW IT OFF! 

Don't forget the Party Rules...
1. Link up ANYTHING CREATIVE that you made yourself. Did you sew? garden? paint? create home decor? make jewelry, use vinyl? color? quilt? papercraft? knit? crochet? bake? cook? WHATEVER ! 

2.  Include the party "button" somewhere on your post and invite others to join the fun and SHOW OFF their crafty stuff TOO!



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3. Promise to visit and comment on at least two other blogs. Scouts honor, ok :) This way everyone gets some cud-dos for their crafty genius. You may even discover a new blog you've never see before!

4.  Each time you post a new project (limit 3 per Monday) you'll be entered to WIN my bi-weekly GIVEAWAY! That's up to 6 chances to WIN every other week!

5. Leave a comment HERE to say HELLO! 











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Friday, May 20, 2011

Mini Patio Make-Over -part 1

~Hi Everyone ~
The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming...TRANSLATION: time to spruce up the yard! So my son, the hubs and myself have taken on a few simple projects around the yard. I thought you guys might enjoy a peek...

Part One : Cushion Re-Do
UGH! My existing patio seat cushions needed some serious CPR! Faded and old just wasn't going to cut it anymore, however, have you ever PRICED new patio cushions?! Not even the discount stores had the price I wanted to pay. And further more the actual inside filling was still in good shape, so I figured, no need to add to the land fills.
SOLUTION : Make my own cushion covers! With coupon and sale flyer in hand I made dash to Joann's, and picked up outdoor fabric which by the way, can also be pricey - so the coupon was ESSENTIAL to get this project done on a budget I was comfortable with :) Have I mentioned I'm pretty cheap :) hehe...

Here's the TUT...
Ugly...
 Fold fabric in half creating a fold, place the one side of the cushion, in this case the front of the cushion edge along the fold and cut along the shape of the cushion leaving about 1 to 1/2 inches (depending on depth of cushion) Cut only on the 3 non fold sides, do not cut the folded side. I was generous with my seam allowance since I planned on tufting the cushion at the end.
 Sew about a 1/2 seam allowance on 3 sides.
 Leaving a whole on one side that you will use to insert your cushion by squishing and stuffing it in, be careful not to rip the seams you just worked so hard to sew :)
 On the folded side, you are going to fold your cover the opposite direction creating a point at the two top corners. Lay it flat and sew across it about 2 inches in. This will create a box pleat that will allow for the thickness of the cushion.
 Like this...
 Turn your cover right side out and see how cool your box pleat looks :)
 My hubby helped my stuff my old cushions into their new covers :) It's so nice to have a helper :)
 Now reach into your cover and push back or slightly fold the cushion away from the opening making it easier to slip under your machines presser foot to sew it closed. Use pins to assist you in finger pressing and tacking the opening closed before placing it under the presser foot. This helps alot :) Sew as close to the edge as possible.
 All closed up :) You may also hand sew the opening closed. But I like the sturdiness of using
the machine :)
 TADA! They look great and I love the fresh new colors :) YAY! I plan on covering some buttons and tufting the cushion later :) This will make them look more pro and finished. But they look pretty good as it too :)
 Stayed tuned for more of my
BACK YARD PATIO MINI MAKEOVER :)

Linking up to Tracy's Party...


Craft Junkie Too Friend

And Tip Junkie ...
Tip Junkie handmade projects
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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Preparing For An Emergency

~ Hi Everyone ~
 We all know the last couple of years have been hard on families with the down turn of the economy. Just getting the basics like food and gas have become increasingly expensive. The other day I spent over $3.00 on an eggplant! Hence why I decided to start my own backyard garden. 
But what if you didn't have any food ready to harvest and we just couldn't make or afford to go the supermarket? Layoff's, job loss, illness and even natural disasters are common place these days. It's a real concern. My husband and I have definitely been thinking about this for a few years now and have actively been storing away food for just that reason. 
 Check out this company eFoods Global and click on their Food Freedom Tour  for some helpful information on how to store food for a rainy day.They even have a special offer just for watching...

Viewers will receive 6 FREE MEALS, just for taking the Food Freedom Tour. 
 Yum! Au gratin Potatoes! 
 Looks delicious, can't wait to get my FREE Meals:)

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Garden Box Update

 Well...there's GOOD news and BAD news...
1st:  My hubby painted the raised garden to match the fence, he's so wonderful! :)
 2nd: Everything seems to have germinated and I see seedlings coming up! YAY! I already thinned them, but they still look a bit crowded.
LOOK! I think that's a RADISH forming!
  3rd: The transplants seem to be doing good as well
4th: So far no bugs or critters...yet.

 Now the BAD news...
My Golden Retriever, Zoe is EATING MY STRAWBERRIES! LOL!
 Oops...I guess I have to replant them higher up off the ground! Well, ofcourse I hand to find a pretty container to plant them in right? :)
Joannes 40% coupon to the rescue! Isn't that so cute? Agiant mug!

I planted some other veggies in pots to see how they would do on the patio but I forgot to take pictures! They seem to be doing well though :) 

Any seasoned gardeners out there have any advice for me? I'd love to hear it :)

And don't forget! You can still link up your crafty (anything  goes) projects on my linking party HERE! You'll be entered to win some FABO My Pink Stamper Stamps.

Have A Great Day!


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Friday, May 13, 2011

The Cougar-Eat Famous Mint Brownies

Did you know that COUGARS like to bake ?
 BYU COUGARS that is! LOL!

You all know I had an amazing time on my recent trip to 
Women's Conference held at Brigham Young University. Part of my contentment was due to the fabulous food I ate there. However, I'm afraid to admit I ate FIVE of the BEST MINT BROWNIES I ever tasted in TWO DAYS while there, as I ran in between classes and events. No, I'm afraid the running didn't offset the calories!  
As with all trips I take, I like to bring home a little souvenir.  Well...I couldn't exactly pack a brownie in my carry-on bags BUT... I could swiftly Google the recipe for these 3x3 squares of bakery goodness as soon as I got home and plugged in my lap top! 
My version didn't come out as pretty as what they sell EVERYWHERE on campus...seriously, can you say 
"the freshman 15".... but pretty darn close :) 

the ingredients...
 yummy chocolate batter...
minty filling...
Top with chocolate frosting.... TADA !!!
 The real deal...
 
  
RECIPE COURTESY of  BYU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.
PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)


MINT ICING
5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.







Entering this project at ...
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mondays Just Got Better

~ Hi Everyone ~
Most of you know, there's a good reason my blog name is 
"You Had Me Craft", right? 
If it's crafty...sewing, paper crafts, home decor, jewelry making, baking...WHATEVER!  I LOVE IT! 
So, of course one of my FAVORITE past times is to browse the net for new IDEAS and INSPIRATION! 
I just LOVE LINKING PARTIES for exactly that purpose! They are the BEST WAY to browse MANY MANY CREATIVE IDEAS all at once and SHARE some of your own too ?! Soooo....

I am SUPER EXCITED to announce the launch of my NEW
WEEKLY LINKING PARTY EVENT
"MADE IT MYSELF MONDAYS"

So HERE'S what I have in mind ...

1. Every Monday, I'll post a LINKING widget for you to add your latest crafty project with picture and a link back to your blog.

2. Post ANYTHING CREATIVE that you made yourself.  Did you sew? garden? paint? create home decor? make jewelry, use vinyl? color? quilt? papercraft? knit? crochet? bake? cook? WHATEVER ! 
 GO AHEAD and SHOW IT OFF

3. Include this "button" somewhere on your post and invite others to join the fun and SHOW OFF their crafty stuff TOO! 

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4. Promise to visit and comment on at least two other blogs. Scouts honor, ok :) This way everyone gets some cud-dos for their crafty genius. You may even discover a new blog you've never see before!


5. Each time you post a new project (limit 3 per Monday) you'll be entered to WIN my bi-weekly GIVEAWAY! That's up to 6 chances to WIN every other week! 

6. Lastly, don't forget to leave a comment to say HELLO!


As a bonus, I'll be choosing one entry periodically for a 
SPECIAL FEATURE POST here on my blog ! 


Doesn't that SOUND SO FUN ?! I'm excited! Are you?!

The FIRST "Made It Myself" Monday is coming up in just a few short days... 
MAY 16TH! ...Let's Party!



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Monday, May 9, 2011

Monday Monday

~ Hi Everyone ~
Hope ALL you wonderful MOMS out there had a FABULOUS DAY! You truly deserve it! 
I have a quick and easy project to share today :) One of my favorite little GO TO treat containers are these cute little glass candy jars you can find HERE at IKEA
They are the perfect size for filling with goodies and whipping up quick party favors, a small gift etc.  I also use them to store many of my embellishments, so when the recipient finishes eating their goodies, they can recycle the jar and use it for something else...and you get 4 for $3.99

Here's one I made inspired by one of the new stamps just release by  MY PINK STAMPER!
Super simple to make...A little ribbon and string, a couple of punches, some doodling, some ink and a stamp! 
What could be easier?!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

National Scrapbook Day Extravaganza!

~ Hi Everyone ~
Today I am part of the annual
My Pink Stamper NSD ALL DAY CELEBRATION! 
WHOO HOO!

Have you been enjoying the FUN so far? If you were just visiting my blog today, make sure you go to My Pink Stamper so you don't miss a thing! This really is the BIGGEST ONLINE PAPER CRAFTING EVENT of the year... CHALLENGES, GIVEAWAYS, and VIDEOS every HOUR! What could be better ?!
My assignment was to make a SUMMER THEMED PROJECT! 
I am a warm blooded Cuban Gal living in Southern California, so this was right up my alley...you like? 



I love virgin Pina Coladas, or anything with pineapple! 
 
  Deets:
5.5" Card Base
5.25" Striped Layer
5" Scalloped Layer Frame "Elegant Edges"
3.5" Pineapple Drink and all Layers  "Life's A Beach" Cart
Used Real A Straw and Toothpick to embellish
Both Sentiments "My Pink Stamper Birthday Crazy Stamp Set"
NOW HURRY! Get your CRAFT ON, and get on over to My Pink Stamper to submit a project of your own HERE


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