Belle Papier {pretty paper}

I am in serious need of some thank you notes! I’ve had a dreadful sinus headache again today but am starting to feel better now. Thought I’d get started on at least one of the notes and decided to keep it fresh and simple for spring. I LOVE this Cosmo Cricket Dutch Girl line that I bought from Jacksonbelle! It is so easy to work with and the colors and patterns, so fun! I don’t known if you’ve noticed…but I’ve rediscovered SU’s kraft cardstock. I love using it as a card base…it goes with everything.

For this card I used my old SU Love ya Bunches stamp set. I’ve been spring cleaning and thinking of getting rid of some of the sets I haven’t used in a while. I came across this one and decided I needed to give it another whirl. Have you ever done that? Brought out an older set and breathed new life into it. Sometimes our styles change, color combos change, embellishments change and it is so much fun to pull things out again and use them with your latest additions.

Spring Bunches Thank You

Supply List:

Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White - Stampin Up

Patterned paper: Dutch Girl line - Cosmo Cricket

Stamps: Love Ya Bunches

Ink: Black, Rose REd, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Certainly Celery

Other: Crystal Brad - Making Memories, Sewing machine, Prima Flower, Aquapainter and tab punch - SU, ribbon

Yeah….I’m back on-line! Tried out a new theme this morning that totally crashed my blog! I was really freaking out! I’m so glad that someone who knows what they are doing rescued it from cyber-space. Thanks so much Scott! I think that is it for me! No more theme switches until someone else works out all the glitches.:)

Yippee!!! I can’t believe it! Another A Muse blog prize…for ME!!! Am I lucky or what?! Check it out… A Muse News . After commenting on some beautiful creations by Elena Shacochis…A Muse’s first guest designer!, myself and four others were luckily drawn to receive a new A Muse stamp and a package of Lime Peel Dot Notecards….I can’t wait to receive them and have some fun! They are going to work perfectly with my A Muse polka dot monograms! I’m going to have pleasant dreams tonight with dotty designs floating through my head.:) Have you seen the new Spring line A Muse has just released?! So much fun! I just can’t resist…I’m going to order some more of their stamps…they are just too adorable for words!

I designed a cute little “click on it thing a ma gig’ for Jacksonbelle’s ebay store for her! Very technical term, I know! Does anyone know the proper name for it? I am such a Tech-tard as JulieHRR would say! LOL  It is the little box down in my sidebar that says Jacksonbelle’s Embellishments. Just click on it and it will take you right to her store. I made it, one- to challenge myself and see if I could! ( you KNOW I love a challenge) and two - as a little thank you to my good friend Lindsey! Please note!!! I do not profit in any way from sales from Jacksonbelle’s ebay store! I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.;) Anyway…I think it is supercute and I was so tickled that I actually designed it and figured out the code…I just had to share! If you love Lindsey’s store too and want one…just let me know!

I also changed up my blog template….sigh….again! I loved!!! my banner but it just wasn’t working right now with the blog host software, so I went back to the daisy. The sidebar was driving me crazy with add-ins popping out of it all over the place! So now I am here with Misty Look! Not totally satisfied yet! Stay tuned for more upcoming template woes!

It’s been pretty crazy around here this week. I’ve been very busy with Joshua who is much improved but you know, still kind of cranky! I’ve also been busy doing write-ups, and working on some design calls…so many things to do and just not enough time.

 I thought I’d share one of our favorite family dessert recipes with you! As my oldest DS would say…chocolatey goodness. So yummy and chocolatey (is that a word!?LOL) and so easy to make. Chocolate is one of my many weaknesses and this is definite comfort food. It is one of my daughter’s faves and we made it last Thursday night for my MIL’s visit. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Hot Fudge Cake

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. Spread in an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Combine brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle over batter. Pour hot water over all; do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.