Spring is in the air!

Hi there! It's so good to be posting again - it's been a busy month. Lots going on - some sad, some good. Sad because Jake (our dog) passed away and also dealing with some family members who have been battling cancer. I don't think there's a single person that hasn't been touched by cancer - everyone has either known of or has someone close to them, if not themselves, who have had cancer in their lives. It is because of this I am going to start a special monthly class, which I'll call: STAMP FOR A CAUSE. I am going to hold one class, each month, with all proceeds going towards charities. For example, my aunt, Gerri Christie, was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a blood cancer) in 2006. She is doing OK and living life to the fullest (as we all should!). Aunt Gerri and Uncle Allan are crusaders with the LIGHT THE NIGHT organization out West (BC & Alberta) and I would like to raise money with my Stampin' Up! business to put towards this great cause. More details will be forthcoming, so stay tuned. I am also going to hold other monthly classes and events, with the profits being donated, for other causes too (such as the Crones & Colitis Foundation). This will be my way - with your help - to support causes that mean so much.

Stampin' Up! has so much going on this month! There's a FABULOUS promotion featuring the two-step stampin' sets that you'll LOVE! I recently ordered the Greenhouse Garden stamp set and can't wait to show you some super fun projects using these stamps.

In the meantime, check out this gorgeous scrapbook page (featured in April's Stampin' Success magazine for demos):

Isn't it lovely!!! I am looking forward to recreating this myself - and when I do I'll be sure to post it for you. Here is the list of supplies that were used:

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (8 1/2 x 11 page)

• Calendar Alphabet & Numbers set
• Elements of Style set
• Just Perfect Alphabet set

Paper

• Chocolate Chip card stock
• Confetti White card stock
• Rose Red card stock
• So Saffron Patterns Designer Series paper

Ink

• Brocade Blue Classic Stampin' Pad
• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad
• Close to Cocoa Classic Stampin' Pad
• Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad
• Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker
• Rose Red Stampin' Write marker

Accessories & Tools

• Sherbet Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Aqua Painter
• Color Spritzer Tool
• Eyelet Border punch
• Crochet thread
  

Speaking of scrapbooking, did you know that next month (May) is national Scrapbooking Month? Be prepared for a slew of scrapbooking classes, events, workshops and giveaways on my blog! Classes and events will soon be posted on my Calendar of Events. Fun, fun, fun! I can't wait!!! I am so excited to pick up my scrapbook hobby again. I've been getting my photos printed and they're ready for the scrapbook! I hope you'll join me and scrapbook too as we share our memories that are worth remembering and celebrating.

I'll be updating this site later this week, so be sure to check back often. I'm also going to have a fun give-away you won't want to miss!

And because it's been so long since my last post, let me redeem that by giving you a DELICIOUS recipe to enjoy!

This is my very favorite recipe for BEEF DIP, which is cooked in a slow cooker. I usually serve the sandwiches with homemade potato wedges and/or a crisp green salad. Let me know if you make this recipe - you and your family will love it!

EASY SLOW COOKER FRENCH DIP

4 lbs rump roast (I just buy whatever is on sale)
1 can (10.5oz) Beef Broth (I use Watkins Beef Soup Base - call me if you want to order some!)
1 can (10.5oz) Condensed French Onion Soup (again, I use Watkins French Onion Base)
1 (12oz) bottle of beer
6 French Rolls (or Homemade French Baguettes - so easy to make in the bread machine - FAB!)

1. Trim excess fat from the rump roast and place in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on low setting for 7 hours.
   
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
   
3. Split French rolls and spread with butter. Bake 10 minutes or until heated through
4. Slice the meat and place on the rolls. Serve with the au jus for dipping

** Variation: to the roast, I also had some garlic, rosemary and sliced onions. If you're not worried about fat content, slices of good quality cheese, melted over the beef will make your sandwiches incredibly decadent.

*** Potato wedges: all I do is scrub spuds (don't peel) and slice into wedges. Place in large bowl. Toss with olive oil and spices of your choice. I use Lawry's Seasoning Salt, Cracked Black Pepper, Rosemary, some thyme, paprika, etc. Be creative! Then spread on stoneware or baking sheet and bake in oven for about 40 minutes. Other veggies are amazing cooked this way too (I've used everything from carrots, parsnips, green beans, to brussell sprouts...the roasting makes everything caramelize and sweeten).

Yum!!!

Thanks for reading and...
HAPPY STAMPING!