Summer Camps!!

**Click to enlarge**

Class Descriptions:

Glitter Girls Session 1 (Ages 7 & up)

A Summer to Remember

Agenda:

Monday: Basics to Stamping & Card Making- we'll be making personalized stationary with stamps, punches, The Big Shot, and of course- GLITTER!  We’ll also decorate a container to store them in.
Tuesday: Fun Techniques- shaving cream will be the high light (so fun) along with some other fun techniques. Campers will be making 3x3 cards & a candy/prize bag.
Wednesday: Pint-Sized Scrapbooking- who doesn't love to look at pictures? We'll be making mini scrapbooks that the campers will be proud to brag about!
Thursday: 3-D Projects- Get ready for the summer with some super fun things to stamp & show off (including lip gloss, a notebook, a basket, & more!)
Friday: We will wrap up the week by making some room art with pictures from this week's adventures.  The girls will also get a chance to sign each other's work as a remembrance of the week.

Notes:

The Stamp Camp will begin at 10am/1:30pm sharp & we will work until 11:30/3:00.  Each participant would benefit from having their own pair of scissors, although I will have a few extras.  I will provide 1 runner of adhesive for the week, if they run out- they can use glue sticks, bring adhesive from home, or buy an extra for $2.  I would also recommend that on Tuesday the girls wear anything that they don’t mind getting dirty (just as a precaution).  On Wednesday the girls are welcome to bring pictures to put into their albums, and I would recommend they all have a theme (example: Field Day/birthday party/friends/etc).  They need 10, all 4x6 size or around.

Glitter Girls Session 2:(Ages 7 & up) 

It's My Party and I'll Stamp If I Want To

Agenda:

Monday: Basics to Stamping & Card Making- we'll be making gift tags and mini cards with stamps, punches, The Big Shot, and of course- GLITTER!  We’ll also decorate a gift bag to go with our theme.
Tuesday: Fun Techniques- shaving cream (again because it is so fun) & cracked glass will be 2 of the techniques we will focus on for this class. Campers will be making birthday cards. ***Techniques subject to change**
Wednesday: 3-D Day.  Campers will be covering a box and decorating it for their room or to store their party supplies.  I'm really looking forward to this one.
Thursday: It's a Banner Day!  Campers will be making a banner for their room. I will be asking ahead of time what they want it to say.  Examples included: Ava's Room, I (Heart) Penguins!, Sisters Rock!

Friday: We will wrap up the week by making some party supplies- water bottle cover, cupcake toppers, birthday hats & more!

Notes:

The Stamp Camp will begin at 10am/1:30pm sharp & we will work until 11:30/3:00. Each participant would benefit from having their own pair of scissors, although I will have a few extras.  I will provide 1 runner of adhesive for the week, if they run out- they can use glue sticks, bring adhesive from home, or buy an extra for $2.  I would also recommend that on Tuesday the girls wear anything that they don’t mind getting dirty (just as a precaution).  We will have cupcakes on this day, so if there are any dietary restrictions, please bring your own treat & let me know.

Sticker Sisters Session 3 (and only session): Ages 4-6

Stuck on YOU

Agenda:

Monday: Basics to Stamping & Card Making- we'll be making personalized stationary with stamps, punches, The Big Shot, and of course- stickers!  We’ll also decorate a container to store them in.
Tuesday: All in a name- the girls will be decorating a frame with their name on it for their room.
Wednesday: Pint-Sized Scrapbooking- who doesn't love to look at pictures? We'll be making mini scrapbooks that the campers will be proud to brag about!
Thursday: 3-D Projects- Get ready for the summer with some super fun things to stamp & show off (including a journal, candy bar wrapper & more!)
Friday: We will wrap up the week by making a sticker book.  Each camper can bring stickers to share with the group or use what I have provided.  At the end of the camp, the girls will have an opportunity to swap stickers for their book.

Notes:

The Stamp Camp will begin at 10am/1:30pm sharp & we will work until 11:30/3:00. Each participant would benefit from having their own pair of scissors, although I will have a few extras.  I will provide 1 runner of adhesive for the week, if they run out- they can use glue sticks, bring adhesive from home, or buy an extra for $2.  I would also recommend that on Tuesday the girls wear anything that they don’t mind getting dirty (just as a precaution).  On Wednesday the girls are welcome to bring pictures to put into their albums, and I would recommend they all have a theme (example: Field Day/birthday party/friends/etc).  They need 10, all 4x6 size or around.  Also, please see the note Friday's request for stickers from home.

It's going to be great fun.  Feel free to send personal questions to my e-mail: stamp.with.linz@gmail.com OR comment below so everyone can see them.  I'll respond as quickly as I'm able.

REGISTRATION FORM HERE.

Hello? Anyone here?

I'm returning to the blog a bit.  I know.  It's been a while.  OK, a LONG while.  A long, long while. :) It's not that I haven't been crafting.  I just haven't been crafting AND blogging. {shrug}  I'm going to attempt to do better.

Not sure anyone is still out there.  If you are, let me hear you...all 2 of you. :)

That is all.

OH!

And as I used to always say- stay tuned...gotta clean up in this place, its been gathering dust for a while.

And just to give you a little taste of the future, here is my most recent project.  It took about 9 months to make. :)

PS The blue rectangle is not part of the design. :)

Super easy project thanks to My Digital Studio & SweetShopDesigns.com

xoxx

What's for dinner?

So a few of my friends and I were chatting last night- and we were waaaay off topic AGAIN from what we were supposed to be doing and they said that when I plan my 2-weeks of meals, that I should just e-mail it to them so that I can save them some work.


Can I just say- it must be nice to have a wife?  My darling husband gets home from a long day of work to a usually somewhat clean and picked up house AND dinner waiting.  Not to mention that he left that morning with breakfast in his belly also made by his adoring wife.  But I can't help it.  I love this guy.

Who else would do things like this: 

He does the ironing.  I love this guy.

Well, today is Thursday and I hope to go shopping for groceries for tomorrow- so, friends- here is my process.

STEP 1:
 I chose a printable menu and then print it twice.


Printable menu- I have a couple I like:

Lately, I've been using this one- http://eatathomecooks.com/printable-menu-planner
But I have also been known to use this one, which by the way- I designed! http://stampwithlinz.blogspot.com/2011/09/yummy-goodness-free-menu-planner.html
There are a couple of others I use when I feel like it, but these are my main 2.


STEP 2:
I begin with breakfast- isn't that how you are supposed to start the day?
I have a breakfast board on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/linzenoel/breakthefast/  I usually go there and then decide what kind of pattern I'd like to write down.  If I am going to make something- like muffins- then I'll make enough for both weeks.  Here is what I am planning for the next 2 weeks


Monday- Banana Bread, fruit, & milk
Mondays are always a little sleepy for me, so I try to do something easy.  I'm thinking I'll make something ahead of time, freeze it, and then pull it out the night before.  Let's try this recipe (scroll down a bit): http://8weekstoabetteryourecipes.blogspot.com/p/breakfast-smoothies.html  x 2.


Tuesday- Scrambled Eggs, Toasts/Biscuits, Fruit, BACON

These are Pioneer Woman's Buttermilk Biscuits- yum.  I like my blue bowl, makes it look fancy.

I have a picky eater. Just one.  So I decided a while back that I can't cater to just her, that I need to plan the meal for the other 4 of us and then make sure there is at least something she will eat OR cereal available.  She won't do eggs.  She won't even do normal toast- so it will probably need to be biscuits.  Here's a secret...don't judge!  Biscuits are very easy to make, and I've made them a million times...but sometimes, I like the frozen kind.  I don't like the Pilsbury kind much, but the frozen-pop-in-the-oven taste just as good as mine!  Don't judge! :)
I also cook my bacon in the microwave.  I love my bacon cooker.

Wednesday- Pancakes with Bananas (and nuts for those that will eat them)
I try to make enough for both weeks and freeze half.  It's a time saver!  I also like Banana Pancakes- that link is here: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/21/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-pancakes-freeze-the-leftovers/

Thursday- Yogurt, Fruit, & homemade granola
I have 2 recipes I like for granola.  One of for a chewy kind & the other is crunchy.  My family prefers the crunchy, but I could eat the chewy ALL. DAY. LONG.

Chewy Granola- from my friend Nicole.

10 C. rolledoats

4 C. sliced almonds

1 1/4 c. pure maple syrup

1 1/4 c. oil (I used veggie oil)

1 1/4 tsp. Salt

4-5 tsp. vanilla

Optional (though I included most everything with what I gave you):

2 c. nuts

2 c. raisins

2 c. dried cherries

2 c. unsweetened coconut (I normally used sweetened...all I find at Wally)

1 20oz. drained crushed pineapple

(Or any other combination of dried fruit)

Mix all ingredients together. Spread thinly on cookie sheets. Bake 20-25 minutes at 325-350 or until lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to tupperware bowl. Keep tightly covered. This recipe makes a large bowl full. Will keep about 2 months in cupboard because of the oil. 

The crunchy kind is found here: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/04/recipe-granola-bars-cereal/

Friday- Cereal...because I feel like it.


Saturday- Todd fixes breakfast, so I have the morning to sleep in. Bwahahaa- that was funny, wasn't it? :)


Sunday- Baked Oatmeal
My little girls love oatmeal, and I think this is a fun way to do it and I've been wanting to try it. http://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/personal-sized-baked-oatmeal-with-individual-toppings-gluten-free-diabetic-friendly/

The following Sunday I want to do scones again: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/05/basic-baked-scones/


Step 3:
Lunch.  Since the girls are in school- we play it day-by-day.  I let them buy their lunch 2-3 times a week because they like to do that and the food is pretty good!  Todd takes left-overs and Lucy and I just eat whatever we feel like- BUT I do plan for Saturday.  Sunday, we just kinda do whatever- which is sandwiches most of the time.

Saturday lunch- needs to be something easy.  Our schedule is a little weird for the next 2 Saturdays, so I'm going to buy hotdogs.  And because I'm a ROCK STAR- I've started making my own buns.  They are so yummy.  You can find that link here: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/09/french-bread-hoagies-and-buns/ I love this site.  And while I'm at it, I might make 2 batches and save some for dinner.

Step 4:
This is a loooooooooooong post.
Very similar to breakfast planning.

I try to theme each day to help me organize and think.  That doesn't always mean we have Mexican on Mondays every week, but it does mean we get Mexican at least once a week! :)

I use my Pinterest page a lot while planning: http://pinterest.com/linzenoel/on-my-grocery-list/

Monday: MEXICAN & A Treat
This needs to be a simple meal and one that can be cleaned up fast so we can have Family Home Evening and a treat at the end of the night.
Week 1- Tacos, this is a family favorite.  Everyone eats it.  I also make my own Taco Seasoning, I use this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/
Week 2- Fajitas.  I have a favorite marinade, but I only know it comes in a yellow container in the Mexican isle.  That's very helpful, I know.  Fajitas are best on a grill, but I have done them in a crock pot AND in the oven.  Pick your poison.

Treats: Check out my Pinterest page for that: http://pinterest.com/linzenoel/the-sweet-stuff/  There's a ton on there, pick one and make it.  I usually let one of the girls decide.

Tuesday: MEATLESS
Week 1 & 2- Pasta- I have some great marinara recipes.  There's one right here: http://blackhurstfamily.blogspot.com/2007/08/marinara-sauce-recipe.html  This recipes makes a ton, so we're good for a whole month on sauce probably- and its cheap.  I can also use this as Pizza sauce- see Thursday!  I'll mix up the pastas to make it interesting.  We always have a salad and a bread- most of the time they are Rhodes Rolls or something fresh from the store. :)  If we're really lucky then I make breadsticks- found here: http://blackhurstfamily.blogspot.com/2008/01/because-i-am-elayna-enrichment.html

Oh my goodness these are soooo good!

If I don't want the marinara, then I go for the Alfredo sauce found in my trust Better Home & Gardens Cook book.

Wednesday: CROCK POT
My hubbie volunteers after work on this day, so I don't get to see him much on Wednesdays- so I try to plan something in the crock pot...AND I often use paper plates.  It's all about survival on Wednesdays.  I have a cookbook that I looooooove for the crock pot. But I want to try something else this week.

Week 1- Fauxtisserie Chicken: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/05/rotisserie-chicken/  Although I admit, cooking a whole chicken is kinda creepy. It makes me feel like I'm cooking a small child.  Gross.  I know, but you asked- didn't you?  No?  Oh well, its MY blog!

Week 2- Pulled Pork sandwiches using the extra buns I made for the hotdog buns.  This is also a fun site that I use a lot: http://recipestop.blogspot.com/2010/01/crockpot-pulled-pork.html made by a few of my best cook friends.  This recipe is super easy and super yummilicious.  It's a word.

Thursday: ITALIAN
Week 1- Pepperoni Monkey Bread- because this stuff is AMAZING. You'll thank me later.  http://www.thesweetslife.com/2011/10/pepperoni-pizza-monkey-bread.html
Week 2-Stromboli http://www.squidoo.com/homemade-calzone because it makes you look like you are a REALLY good cook.  Just don't tell anyone you used the stuff that came from a can, they DON'T need to know!

Friday: Take-out/Left-overs
TGIF- baby!


Saturday: FROM THE FREEZER
Hey- I mentioned this is my day "off" right?  Todd likes to be super helpful on Saturdays, and I let him! This is kinda our WHATEVER day.  The day we get to eat corn dogs (or corny dogs as I call them), frozen pizzas, frozen taquitos, frozen chimichangas.  Don't judge!  WE LIKE IT!  At least for 1 day we don't mind. Otherwise we stay pretty fresh and healthy.


Sunday: HOME-Cooking
Week 1- Man-pleasing Chicken (this is a new one): http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/
...with salad, cooked broccoli- probably, rolls/bread.  I hope this is woman & little girl pleasing chicken too!

Week 2-Dr. Pepper Roast Beef: http://www.ziplist.com/recipes/372956-Dr_Pepper_Slow_Cooker_Roast_Beef_Recipe
Trust me. You won't got back to that Onion Soup packet.

With Potatoes (My own version is slightly different):  http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/05/hasselback-potatoes.html

And salad!  Because salad takes like 2 seconds and is healthy!  Sometimes I make my own dressing, but now I'm just bragging.

Now I need to check my pantry & fridge for what all I need!  And...now that I've written this EPIC LONG POST, I'm kinda hungry!

My cart is always pretty full...

Bon Appetite!
xoxo

Eating healthy

I'm on a mission to feed my family healthier than I have been, which actually, has been pretty good!  I came across this recipe and we tried it today.  Everyone really liked it.

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes: click here!

I hope to post more about my better eating journey, but here's something to tide you over and to keep this blog from returning to the dust bunnies. :)

xoxo,

Lindsey

Some Charming Children's books!

A friend of mine asked what my favorite Children's books are and I kept spouting them out and then thought- hey!  I could write a blog post on that!  So here you are, my Top Ten Favorite Children's Books.

 The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is a classic.  It teaches everyone to remember who they really are and not to be intimidated by what they are "supposed" to be.  My mother read this one to my brother and I a lot when we were little.

Bear Snores on by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman is a precious book.  Lot of fun characters and a very sweet ending.  This coupling has written several spin off books and they are all very sweet.

I LOVE Jamie Lee Curtis Children's books, this one just happens to be my favorite.  Laura Cornell's pictures are so clever and you can spend quote a bit of time looking at the fun little surprises she puts in each one.  The messages are always endearing and encouraging.

Where the Wild Things by Maurice Sendak is of course a classic.  My favorite line, because I have it memorized is, "I'll eat you up, I love you so" when Max is trying to leave the island.  I used this books with my ADHD kids to demonstrate that sometimes its better to use our imaginations to calm down after a fight.

 Doreen Cronin is hilarious.  This is a very clever book that every kid should read.  We also like "The Spider Diaries".  The ending in this book is classic and if you can't get enough of the characters, there are a handful of spin-off.  Duck for President is pretty funny.

 I don't have the Pop-up version, but we are big Eric Carle fans.  This is my favorite- especially the day that the Caterpillar eats though all the carnival food.

I went to a Monster party one time of a little friend of ours and they read this book.  It is just so preciously terrific!  I have all girls, but we own this book and my girls just LOVE reading it.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a great first day of school book.  The mother raccoon kisses the baby's hand and he can feel her closeness by the kiss she left when they are apart.  Very sweet.

 My kids LOVE the Marley books.  Several very funny parts- including Baby Louie talking baby talk.  Darling pictures by Richard Cowdry.

David Shannon has written several books and many in this series.  These are great for beginning readers and the illustrations are colorful and unique.  A very fun read.

Enjoy!

What are some of your favorites?  I couldn't include ALL of mine, but here's a start!  Need some more ideas- check out this link: http://www.woodbridge.lib.nj.us/100books.htm

Follow me on Pinterest!

If you haven't heard about Pinterest.com, then PLEASE crawl out of that hole you've been living in!  Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board where you can PIN almost anything.  I even have a few of my projects up on there.  Anyhow, I am constantly looking for new ideas & I have a lot of boards, so if you'd like to see what I'm pinning, follow me!

If I'm doing this right, click here.

A Change is in the air

To anyone who might still be following this "only occasional" blog- I just thought I would update you a bit.  I have been busy, but you would expect anything less?  Naturally, I am busy- aren't we all?  But frankly, I just haven't cared about blogging.  I find that my stamps are a little dusty these days, and I'm OK with that.  I am still doing projects and keeping my creative side alive, but I've decided to make a change in the blog- because if I keep it like it is, then it will continue to grow dust as well.

So I plan to make it a blog to share my favorite things- recipes, books, decorating, kids stuff, or whatever I feel like!  I also hope to share, occasionally some of the fun activities I've done with my kiddos for singing time on Sundays. It's basically going to be able all the things I'm thinking about at the moment, and you are welcome to join me- or say your adieu, I want this to be my happy place on the world wide web.

So here's to new beginnings and change...and a few of my favorite things!

Oops

Well I can't say I forgot, but I can say I got busy!  I'm sorry!  So here are my thoughts for the remaining FAVORITES!

Favorite Non-Holiday cards:

Water-coloring can be a lot of fun! 

This might not be one of my favorite cards, but I LOVE this wheel, so I thought I would include it. :)

This was a shaving cream technique.

Such a fun stamp set!

Probably my all-time favorite card.  I entered this into my Artisan contest.

(inside of card)

Did you know I love ribbon?

Simple & cute!

One of my all-time favorite stamp sets.  

I remember this card took a long time to make. :)  Lots of subtle details.

Ava's birthday invite

OK, I need to work on putting up my favorite party pieces.  They haven't been published yet.

So now for my Non-children FAVORITE lay-outs.  I'm missing a few, maybe I can find them later. :)

I think its obvious, I'm better with pictures of children. :)

Have a great day people!