Act like a skinny person

That's my new motto. I'm sick of being fat. I'm not getting any younger. What am I waiting for? So, I'm really working on losing weight. That said, I've been thinking about delicious low fat food (can there be such a thing?), and I was reminded about my Big Mac sauce. You know- the kind that just makes a Big Mac a Big Mac. Years ago (and I mean centuries), my mom and I were craving a Big Mac, but we really didn't live near a MacDonald's and we couldn't easily just go out and get one. So, being the excellent cook that she is, she decided to make some Big Mac sauce. The ingredients are simple (and since, I'm sure there have been "recipes" posted, but my Mom did it first!). Mix ketchup, *low fat* or *fat free* mayo, and sweet pickle relish. That's it. When I grill hamburgers for the Fam, I just make a small one for myself and put it on a bed of lettuce with my *special sauce*, lettuce, cheese (sparingly), pickles, onions, without the sesame seed bun (and I throw in some tomatoes for good measure). It's yummy, and not bad for you, either. Try it and let me know if you like it! BTW, I looked for my SVG Mardis Gras mask and discovered I deleted it! UGH! Don't cha hate it when that happens? Anyway, I will be fabricating one in the next few days, so stay tuned! How are you all doing with this bad weather today? We were supposed to get up to an inch of ice, but it wasn't that bad so far. However, *they* say that the worst of it is to come, so we'll see. I'm just glad I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow. Fondly, Tami

Serendipity

So, I happened upon a blog yesterday and she had an idea that I absolutely LOVE. If you like the fancy schmancy candles that have the writing on them (and are expensive?), then I have the link for you! I started out with a plain blue candle, and this is what I ended up with. The candle was on sale at AC Moore (my second home), so it cost next to nothing to make. My next one will turn out a little more refined, but I don't think the first one is too bad, huh? Click here for instructions.

Then, I happened upon a new technique by "accident". Here, I was using a homemade paper "handle" to hold a black paper clip. I wanted to change the color of the clip, so I smooshed it into Versamark ink, then I embossed it with gold powder. However, I noticed the wonderful little nubblies that were created when the embossing powder stuck to the adhesive.

So, I ran some adhesive along another piece of paper, sprinkled embossing powder on it, shook the powder off, heated it, and voila- a rather cool technique for a border or just an enhanced look. I love it when that happens!

Thanks again for looking!

Fondly, Tami

It's a very snowy day here in the northeast. I used the snow blower once and shoveled the slush once, but now HubbyDoc is home, and he will continue with the fun. Actually, I really do like pushing the snow. And I LOVE snow days. It makes me want to hunker down with my SCAL and Cricut and a cup of hot chocolate and design away. So, here's another file to use for the upcoming Valentine's festivities for you all, whatever they may be. When my girls were little, I loved doing some kind of Valentine's craft every year. Making homemade marshmallows was always fun. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this year, but rest assured, it will involve CHOCOLATE!
I may be going to a Mardi Gras party this year. I've never been to one, and I thought it would be neat to design a mask on my SCAL, cut it out on grunge paper, and decorate it in the most gaudy way possible. I'm trying to convince my neighbors to go, and if they do, I think we need to have a Mardi Gras Mask Decorating Party before we go. What do you think? Anyway, the mask will be forthcoming. I can't wait to share it with all of my faithful followers. Fondly, Tami

*This file is no longer available for free. To purchase, go to www.diecutdesigner.com after April 23, 2011. Thanks. Tami

That time of life

So, y'all know how cold it's been in the Northeast lately, huh? Well, believe it or not, on the way to church on Sun., I put on my air conditioning in my car. Yup. I really did. I couldn't believe it. The temperature outside was in the single digits, and I had my air conditioning on. I was sweating. I mean, I was about ready to strip down, but since I was on my way to church, after all, I though it would be prudent to keep my clothes on and opt to put on my air conditioning in the middle of winter. How ridiculous is that? Yes, if you haven't gone through it yet, menopause is real...and it's NOT pretty. Ah, yes. There are those who have told me, "I didn't have any problem". Well, la dee freakin' da! I'd like to tell them that I'm happy for them, but I'm not. At all. Not the slightest bit. Anyway, that's the rant from this hot (and I don't mean sexy hot) middle-aged mortheastern female who's trying not to be too irritable. I hope my family survives in spite of me. Fondly, Tami

Hearts, curtains, and Jewelry

Hi Everyone. I hope you're enjoying a nice Saturday to craft. I have been making my drop cloth curtains and I'm SO excited. They are turning out so well. I've made the panels and now I have to make the sashes. I'm looking forward to posting pics as soon as I can. We also bought a chandelier for our bedroom, and HubbyDoc is in charge of re-wiring and hanging it. Here's another svg file*. This is just a simple one that anyone can make, but I liked it and thought I'd share it.

*This file is no longer available for free. To purchase, go to www.diecutdesigner.com after April 23, 2011. Thanks. Tami
I also wanted to let you all know about a special that my jewelry company is having. I don't usually mix business with my crafting, but the special is so good that I have to share it with you. I want you to know that there is NO PRESSURE to buy! I want to be known as a crafting friend first, and perhaps a jewelry lady second. I have a business with lia sophia jewelry. This month is our reverse save plan. That means that when you buy one item (least expensive), you can get 2 more items (most expensive) at half price. If you're interested in ordering, here's what you need to do: -Go to www.liasophia.com/tamihowse -Click on "Our Jewelry" -Write Tami Howse in the boxes where it says "look up hostess" in the upper right hand corner. -Browse the catalog. You can order right off of my web site, but if you decide to do so, just let me know as well. - Orders must be placed no later than 1/28/11 to receive the monthly special. Also for your information, we have an unlimited lifetime guarantee, which means that if for any reason you're dissatisfied, you can return it for a replacement or exchange (if the item is discontinued). It's a great deal. If you like the special and you know others who like jewelry, just let them know. Again, please don't think I'm being pushy. I just love our jewelry and wanted to share the opportunity for a great sale with you all. Blessings, Tami

My heart is heavy

Our community lost 4 teen football players in a tragic car accident yesterday morning. I can't imagine losing one of my children. My heart is so heavy for the friends and families. Please pray for my community. Fondly, Tami

I'm not a big Valentine's Day person, but I do like to make chocolate truffles. My MIL gave me a "professional" mold several years ago, and it's one of my favorite kitchen toys.

First, make the ganache. I like plain chocolate, but I've also added liquors like Triple Sec or Chambourd. Of course, you HAVE to use good chocolate. I like Brandywine Wilbur chocolate, and since I live in the town where it's made, it's easy to procure.

Melt the chocolate, and then line the mold.

Here, I missed a photo with just the chocolate lining. After the mold is lined, I put it in the freezer to harden. The ganache is then put into the lined cups, as seen in the three on the left.

Once the cups are filled, I spread a generous layer of melted chocolate on the top, scrape off with a dough scraper, then freeze.

Hopefully, they all unmold beautifully.

Of course, there's usually chocolate left over, so I cover a variety of goodies. This is a peanut butter Ritz sandwich, which is my FAVE to cover in chocolate. If I'm really ambitious, I make homemade marshmallows for HubbyDoc (they're his FAVES), and if I'm even MORE ambitious, I cut them out with a heart cookie cutter and cover them. He likes that.

I just want you all to know that I NEVER eat while I'm baking.

So, thanks to my SCAL Pals, I re-learned how to post a pic of my SCUT file after several *snafoos*. I know there are a lot of beautiful hearts out there, but this is must my rendition, just in time for Valentine's Day.


*This heart is no longer available for free. To purchase, go to www.diecutdesigner.com after April 23, 2011. Thanks. Tami