13 in 13 Wrap Up

Ya, I know, I missed the November re-cap. The lead-up to the holidays was a blur as I'm sure it was for many people so my goals fell a bit short. And now that I'm ready to start posting and crafting again, I'm having trouble with my computer. Can't post any photos. So here's a quick re-cap of my 13 in 13.




I was well on my way to meeting my reading goal and then I never picked up a book once September hit.
I did very well in the live performances exceeding this goal by attending several including the Grand Ole Opry and a visit to Graceland although I don't think you can call that a "live" performance.
I completed 3, yes 3 afghans and am working on a 4th. I enjoy the relaxing time with a coffee and a couple rows of crochet.

I fell off with the monthly Cricut useage, but I think I sent a few more cards. Already this year, I have given away 4. I never donated blood, got as far as the appointment but didn't qualify at that moment so I'll have to try again. Got my IPAD from redeeming points and have learned a bit about how to use it but mostly play games and surf  Pinterest whilst laying on the couch.

Will continue to work on obedience with the dogs, that will be an on-going goal.
I made a lot of recipes but not so many from my paper cookbooks. Maybe it's time for them to go?
So that's it. Will re-visit some goals for my 14 in 14, and come up with some new ones once I get the technical difficulties sorted out.

Little Skater Girl

I had some time to organize my (incompete) cards today so I was able to finish up this really sweet figure skater from My Favourite Things. At least, I think that's what this line of stamps is called. I find they lend themselves really well to paper piecing and I love how you can then coordinate their outfits to the paper line. There were a number of sentiments to choose from and as this is one area in card-making where I fall short, I actually chose one and even better, I stamped it!!!
Here she is.....

So just to prove that I haven't spend the last week only eating up the leftover Christmas sweets, I am linking up to Sassy Cheryl's Show Me Thursday. You can link up anything that you've been working on. Even sweets! LOL.

Tie Dye Cake

Happy New Year! I'm not organized enough to highlight the past year yet or go over my 13 in 13 (missed November, too) or come up with some new 14 in 14 goals, but I DID get a chance to make this cool cake for my nephew's birthday which happens to fall on a holiday! Our New Year's Baby is now officially in the double digits.
I thought I would fool him into thinking this was a rainbow cake when actually it came out tie-dyed.
I liked it because it only used a single white cake mix so there wasn't a lot of cake leftover. Well, nothing that I couldn't handle.
I looked up the how to on the Internet but I think you pretty much can't go wrong anyway you try it. I used gel food colouring for very vibrant colours.
Give it a shot for your next celebration.

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

My Favourite Card of 2013

I am quite fond of many of the cards that I created in 2013. In fact, so fond of them that I sent less then a handful. Maybe that will change in 2014. I'll be organized and have everybody's card pre-addressed by month of birthday or celebration. Not likely, but it does give one incentive to continue producing cards.
This card was based on a Sketch from Sassy Cheryl and I love how it turned out. A different colour scheme and a different type of card then I would normally make. It's a keeper!

I am linking up to Challenge #196 Sassy Cheryl's Digi Challenge Blog. Time to get back in the "game".

Ice Storm

Just then you have a million things to do to get ready for Christmas, this happens....

We had a tremendous ice storm in Waterloo Region, which resulted in the power being out at my place for almost 12 hours. At least I was able to get the gifts wrapped and when faced with a dreary evening of sitting in the darkness, our power was restored. So thankful to have it back.

It was a very restless day. The dogs couldn't go in the backyard as the branches of the mature trees were cracking and dropping all day. It was quite a spectacle and the sidewalks were impassable so everyone got a little cabin fever.

Maybe I should have asked Santa for a chain saw for Christmas.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

The Christmas cookie tray is not complete until these guys make an appearance. They always look so festive and seem to be the first to go. Unfortunately, this year, I made a mistake and quadrupled the shortening and only doubled the other ingredients. I was able to go back and amend the recipe but ended up with 11 dozen of these beauties which meant I had to unwrap 11 dozen Hershey kisses.
I made 37 dozen cookies for my Bake Sale and they went like wildfire.
Here's the recipe in case you decide to make them yourself. Just pay attention when you're adding the ingredients. LOL!

Peanut Blossom Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tbsp milk (or less)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
white sugar for rolling

Beat shortening and sugars. Add peanut butter and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until slightly browned. Remove from oven and immediately press unwrapped Hershey Kiss into cookie. Let cool completely until chocolate has hardened. Cookies will crack.

I am entering this in the Sassy Cheryl's Show Me Thursday post because that's what I've been up to this past week.

Cute Christmas candy wreath

I've been having problems with my computer so I haven't been able to blog lately. Hope its sorted out now because I have lots to show you.
I went to a meeting for work the other day and the Consultant for our group had left these adorable Lindor wreaths at our places. I already knew she was a talented baker and decorator but I didn't know she was crafty, also, AND she has a Shilouette. I recognized it right away from the tags. I always appreciate a hand-made gift. I know the caring and thoughtfulness and time that goes into each one plus as you know, I have a particular weakness for Lindors.
Thanks Jenn.

She also made these adorable Red Velvet cupcakes. I'm a sucker for holly. These were made from rolled fondant. I think I may have to beg a few lessons down the road.