Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Heart and Cameo Charm Bracelet


I actually made this Heart and Cameo Charm Bracelet for Charly's Mother-in-Laws birthday gift.   It was really fun to make, and I love the way it came out.  She liked it a lot also.  She was here at Thanksgiving and we got to spend some fun time with her and her husband.  I really enjoy giving gifts that I have made.  They are unique which makes them fun to give.


Supplies:

2 14 inch Art-i-Cake chains (of your choice
5 rhinestone hearts
3 Cameo Charms (Martha Stewart)
12 jump rings
1 toggle closure
2 flat nose pliers

Directions:

Separate both of your 14 inch chains in half, so that you have 4 7 inch chains.

Lay your chains out and lay your charms where you want to attach them.


Use your jump rings to attach the charms to the chains with two needle nose pliers.

Next you will slide a jump ring through a link at one end of each chain and close the jump ring with your flat nose pliers.

Repeat this with the other end of the chains.

Next attach the toggle and circle closure with to your jump rings with jump rings using your flat nose pliers.

I was having a problem with glare when taking these pictures.  The cameos are pale blue and white which you can see in the pictures above.

I hope that you like this bracelet also.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I always love hearing from you.

Have a great week.
Debi

Monday, December 30, 2013

Psalms 1:1 - 1:6 Bible Verses


Today I am sharing Psalm's 1:1 - 1:6.  It just felt so right, when I was reading this, to share it with all of you today.  We are so blessed that God is so faithful.  I love that he can see what is in our hearts, that he is so faithful.

1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 
1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 
1:4  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 
1:5  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 
1:6  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish

Psalms 1:1 - 1:6

Have a blessed day.
Debi

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Homemade Potato Latkes


I made this recipe for Homemade Potato Latkes for Channukah this year.  They came out delicious.  Definitely a time consuming endeavor, but well worth it.  I made two dozen Potato Latkes, and it took me about 3 hours from start to finish.  You could make them ahead of time and freeze them also, and then just reheat them in the oven.  I served them with Homemade Applesauce and sour cream.  The applesauce recipe will be for another day.


Homemade Potato Latkes (Pancakes)

Ingredients:

5 22 oz bag Simply Potato Hash Browns
2 onions finely chopped in food processor
10 TB matzo meal
6 eggs lightly beaten
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
vegetable oil

Directions:

Mix onions and potatoes together, and then put in food processor.  Pulse several times until you have some shreds left, but the majority of the potato onion mixture is a chunky and smooth consistency.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet.

Make you potato pancakes about the size of a hamburger patty.

Put in hot oil, about 230 degrees, and fry until golden brown and crispy and turn and continue frying until golden brown and crispy on the other side.

Drain on paper towels, and then put the latkes in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the over at 175 degrees to keep hot until you have finished cooking all of the potato pancakes.  You can keep them in the oven until you are ready to serve.

Makes 24 potato latkes

If you make these, let me know what you think of the recipe and if you have any problems send me your questions.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas


Charly and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Today is simple as long as we remember what it is all about.

Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
Joh 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:15 - 16

Have a Blessed Day.
Debi and Charly

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Crown Charm Bracelet


I made this Crown Charm Bracelet for a friend.  She loves sparkly stuff, and I thought this bracelet was right up her alley.  I was able to buy the bracelet and then just add the charms.  Very simple and so, so cute.

Crown Charm Bracelet

Supplies:

1 rhinestone and chain bracelet from Art-i-Cake
4 Charms from Art-i-Cake
4 jump rings

Directions:

Open Jump rings with two flat nose pliers

Decide where you want to put the charms.

Put a jump ring through a charm and a link on the bracelet.

Close the jump ring with the two flat nose pliers.

Continue as above with other charms until you've added all of them.

Now, wasn't that easy and you got this really lovely, sparkly bracelet to boot.

Merry Christmas!!!
Debi

Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Bible Verses Countdown Part 4

The star in The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem signifying the birthplace of Jesus
This is part four of the Christmas Bible Verses Countdown to Christmas.  I originally saw this on Pinterest.  I wish I a could post a link to the specific post, but when I went to the website, it's no longer there. Here is the link to the pin on Pinterest, Mariah's Cooking Channel - Christmas Countdown Bible Verses.  So I decided to reproduce the list on my own and I sharing the verses for December 15th and December 16th for this week.  I hope that you'll read along with me this month.  Today is the last of the Bible Verse Countdown.























December 22nd, 2013

2:7  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
 
2:8  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

Matthew 2:7-8


December 22nd, 2013

 2:9  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 

2:10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

2:11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 

2:12  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:9-12


December 24th, 2013

1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 

John 1:14

I have really enjoyed sharing The Bible Verse Countdown with all of you.  It has been a fun month.

Have a blessed week and Christmas.
Debi

Friday, December 20, 2013

Oatmeal Cookie Martinis for Friday's Happy Hour


We are having Oatmeal Cookie Martinis for Friday's Happy Hour today.  These were so good, and they taste just like an oatmeal cookie.  You could probably leave one of these for Santa instead of the cookies and milk.  That would certainly be a special treat for Santa.


Oatmeal Cookie Martinis

Ingredients:

6 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
2 oz Goldschlager
1 oz Hot Damn

Directions:

Measure all ingredients and pour over ice in a cocktail shaker.

Shake until well and let sit for a minute or two to chill well.

Pour into two martini glasses.

Serves 2

I hope that you like these Oatmeal Cookie Martinis.  I thought they came out really good.  We had to work on the recipe a little, because the first ones had too much of a cinnamon taste to them, but this seems to be just right. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares


I made these Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares for dessert on Channukah and they were delicious.  I got the recipe from an old cookbook that I have, called Season's Greetings from Marlene Sorosky.  They were pretty simple to make, and they look and taste like you were cooking all day.  They have kind of a festive feel to them.


Frozen Oreo Fudge Squares

Ingredients:

30 Oreos
6 TB plus 1/4 lb (1 stick butter)
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream or ice cream flavor of your choice (softened)
3 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 cups powdered sugar
4 eggs separated

Directions:

Place cookies in a food processor with a metal blade and process until the cookies are reduced to fine crumbs.

Add 6 TB melted butter and mix until combined.

Press the cookie crumbs in the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch pan or casserole dish.

Spread the softened ice cream over the cookie crumbs and put in freezer and freeze until firm.

Then, melt chocolate and 1/4 lb butter in a medium pan over low heat.

Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar.  The mixture will be very stiff and almost crumbly.

Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl until well blended and then stir into the chocolate mixture.

In a mixing bowl beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks.

Fold a large spoonful into the chocolate to lighten the mixture.

Then fold the rest together until thoroughly combined.

Then spread over the ice cream, cover with foil and freeze until firm.

You can freeze this for several months.

Serves 20 2 1/2 x 2 1/4 inc squares

This looks like it is more difficult then it is to make.  It was a great dessert for company.

Merry Christmas!!!
Debi
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Blurb Ebook and Print Book Savings



The holiday season is almost over, but you can still save big with Blurb. We've got everything you need to make your beautiful book and get it delivered in time for the holidays.
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    Spend $50 or more on any book order and take 20% off through December 19th. Use code GIVING1 at checkout.*

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    These are  really great savings on truly one of a kind gifts for your loved ones.  How special is that.  I love Blurb and and this is a really great opportunity to save on a really special gift.  

    Merry Christmas!!!

    Debi

Craftsy Classes for Christmas Gifts



Hey Everyone,

Don't know what to get your friends and family? Looking for a unique gift idea? Give the Craftsy Gift Any Class Card so your friends and family can choose the Craftsy class that fits them best. This is the gift they will use for years to come.   I love taking the Craftsy classes.  You have seen some of the bracelets that I have made.  Today, I am sharing some more bracelets and a pair of earrings that I just made.  I am having a blast making all of these beautiful pieces for my family.  I can't wait until they open them on Christmas Day.  



I even ventured into making a chain for the red crystal and white pearl bracelet.  I have never made a chain before, so this was so exciting.  I'm so pleased that it came out so pretty.  I also love the earrings.  This would be a great class for anyone.   I learned this technique in Craftsy's  Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making Class.  

Right now you can Gift Any Craftsy Class and save big while you're doing it! Want to give someone a Craftsy class, but not sure which one to pick? With our "Gift Any Class" cards, you can buy a loved one any Craftsy class of their choosing for $30! It has never been easier to give the gift of crafting fun! I am giving 1 to each of my children and also to their significant others.

Gift 1 Craftsy class for $30 (save up to $30)
Gift 2 Craftsy classes for $55 (save up to $65)
Gift 3 Craftsy classes for $75 (save up to $105)

Features
• Gifted classes never expire
• Give one, two, or three Craftsy classes
• Deliver on any date (up to three months in advance)

Giving handmade gifts? Use the super cute gift tag below from Craftsy on your gifts this year and let your friends and family know their gift was handmade with love! 
*Please note that you must register in order to print the Gift Tag below. 

I think this is the cutest little gift tag, and it's free for you to print out and use.  Just sign up for Craftsy and you will open up a whole new world in crafting classes.  There are lots of free mini classes, patterns, recipes and so much more.  Join Craftsy today give the gift of crafting to your family and yourself.  It costs nothing to register.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!
Debi


Craftsy: Handmade with Love Gift Tag

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Spice Drop Christmas Tree


So this Spice Drop Christmas Tree is so cute and it tastes great also.  How fun to work on a craft/decoration that you can eat also.  It is really easy to make, a little time consuming, but very easy.

Spice Drop Christmas Tree

Supplies:

1 Styrofoam Cone (mine was 12 inches high)
3 2 lb containers of red and green spice drops
1 box of 750 toothpicks

Directions:

Put a spice drop on each toothpick, I did one container at a time.

Break off the end of the toothpick, so it's not so long.

Start at the top of the cone and just start putting the spice on the tree so that they are touching.  

Work down the whole cone this way, until you finish at the bottom.

Now wasn't that easy.  Have fun, and there should be a few extra to eat also.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 71

We want to thank everyone who shared with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 70.  We love seeing all of your posts.

There will not be another party until January 7th.  I will share all of the features from this party on the 7th of January.  I did not want to do a party on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve.  So I will see all of you next year.  Happy Holidays.

I would like to ask a favor for this week.  I was trying to become an affiliate for a company, and they said that I needed 3000 twitter followers.  I am not even close, but I would love it if you would follow me on twitter if you don't already.  I'm sorry to bother all of you with this, but I need to get that count up in the next 3 months, before I can reapply to this company.  Thank you.7 Things I Look For on Your Blog from Let It Shine



Welcome to Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop 71.







So on to this weeks party.


We hope you have fun at this week's party.  We always love hearing from you, so leave your comments.

Now let's party

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments


I love the way these Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments came out.  They were so easy to make.  They look so cute on our Christmas Tree.  Such a simple craft for Christmas.  

Ribbon and Feather Wrapped Ornaments

Supplies:

Spools of 2 inch Wire Ribbon (in colors of your choice)
2 lengths of feather (I found them in the craft section of Michael's, they are approximately 4 feet long) (colors of your choice)
straight pins
6  Styrofoam balls (10 inches in circumference)


Directions for Ribbon Balls:

Cut 6 7 inches strips of wire ribbon

Fold over ends 1/4 of an inch

Put end of 1st ribbon at the top of the ball and hold in place at the top and the bottom of the ball.

Do the same thing with your next ribbon, layering over the side of the 1st ribbon.

Work this way all of the way around the ball, and then pin at the top and the bottom of the ball.

Now cut 1 8 inch strip of ribbon, fold in half and twist the bottom of the ribbon and pin it to the top of the ball.  This is what you will hang it from the tree with.

Directions for the Feather Balls:

Pin the top of the length of feathers to the top of the ball, and then spin the ball and pin the feathers in a spiral down the ball until you get to the bottom.  I pinned the feathers down about every 1/2 of a row.

Aren't these easy to do?  I love the way they came out.  I hope you have fun making these.

Happy Holidays.
Debi

Monday, December 16, 2013

Christmas Bible Verses Countdown Part 3

The star in The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem signifying the birthplace of Jesus
This is part three of the Christmas Bible Verses Countdown to Christmas.  I originally saw this on Pinterest.  I wish I a could post a link to the specific post, but when I went to the website, it's no longer there. Here is the link to the pin on Pinterest, Mariah's Cooking Channel - Christmas Countdown Bible Verses.  So I decided to reproduce the list on my own and I sharing the verses for December 15th and December 16th for this week.  I hope that you'll read along with me this month.  I'll be sharing a few verses each week.























December 15th, 2013

2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:8-12

December 16th, 2013

2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Luke 2:13-14

I love reading these verses.  I reminds me of being a kids and being in chapel at school.  This is just so beautiful.  I'll be back next week.

Have a blessed week.
Debi

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy

Today, I would love to introduce to my, Aunt Laura, from Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy.  She is one of the most creative people that I know.  She was a home ec teacher and high school counselor and is extremely talented.  Aunt Laura does everything from cooking, to decorating, and entertaining.  The list goes on and on.

She makes fabulous Art Dolls and has been written up in Art Doll Magazine several times.   She also makes Miniatures which are truly one of a kind, amazing works of art.

Here are just a few of the dolls and miniatures available at Laura Jean Dolls.





This Christmas Shop is one of her newest ones and it is so cute.

This is actually one of my favorites, since it reminds me of my great grandma.  My aunt gives a little history of my grandma in the description of the room box.  There is one she made of my grandma's living room from a picture and it was and exact replica of that room.

I hope that you'll head over and take a look at all of her fabulous dolls and miniatures.  She also does special orders.  It's a little late this Christmas, but maybe for another occasion.

Have a great weekend.
Debi

This is not a sponsored ad.  I just wanted to share my talented Aunt's work with all of you.
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric

Craftsy
Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric
Still haven't found the perfect present for the crafter in your life? Stuff their stockings with fabric and yarn from Craftsy! From  Friday, December 13th until Monday December 16th, designer yarn is on sale up to 80% off and designer fabric is up to 65% off. Order by 12/16 to guarantee delivery by 12/24...sorry, this is only for US residents. Hurry over to Craftsy! This sale expires on December 16 at midnight MT.

Craftsy 80% Off Yarn Flash Sale through 12/16
Craftsy 65% Off Fabric Flash Sale through 12/16



Have a great weekend.
Debi

This ad is sponsored by Craftsy

Sparkling Apple Pie for Friday's Happy Hour


Today we are serving Sparkling Apple Pies for Friday's Happy Hour.  These drinks were very simple to make and lots of fun to drink.  Just two ingredients and you have a cocktail.  I liked it also, because it felt so festive the bubbles.


Sparkling Apple Pies

Ingredients:

10 oz sparkling apple juice
4 oz Travis Hasse's Apple Pie Liqeuer

Directions:

Measure sparkling apple juice and the Apple Pie Liqeuer into a 2 cup measuring cup.

Stir.

Pour into 2 glasses over ice.

Serves 2 cocktails.

Now wasn't that easy.  Wait until you taste it.  It is very, very good.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, December 12, 2013


Making memories: Share the experience of a unique children’s book from Blurb
There’s something about the holidays—that warm glow from the fire, the fact that you actually get to spend time with your kids (or your friends’ and family’s kids)—that makes it the perfect time to curl up with the little ones in your life and read them a storybook. Reading a totally new, beautiful, amazing book with a child is a treasured holiday experience. And if you choose the right book, every time the child reads it alone in the future will bring back the memory of that time you shared.
If you’re a little tired of the standard children’s book selections in your local brick and mortar store, Blurb has a really incredible assortment of self-published children’s books that you won’t find anywhere else this holiday season. Try a few of these future classics and create some new holiday memories this year.
Title: Ollie + Loo
Author: Joni Cooper
Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along together.

Title: Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch
Author: Mike Smith
Very few children’s books have financial mismanagement as a central theme—we can only assume most children’s book authors have not had the pleasure of meeting a rabbit named Edward Hopper.

Title: My Bug Journal
Author: Hannah Rollings
Bug-lover or other, this journal is sure to spark interest from anyone who takes a peek inside the covers. Enchanted illustrations, bug facts, room for records and much, much more.

Title: Myrtle & the Scarecrow
Author: Kate Lowe
Myrtle finds solace with a not-so-scary scarecrow?and learns a lot about herself? in this short but sweet tale. The atmospheric illustrations have a little magic about them—we look forward to more from this young, talented illustrator.

Title: The Trouble with Bears
Author: K.D. O’Reilley
This story cleverly combines a lesson on self-worth with an exploration of different cultures, geography, and history. The talents of a former writing instructor and a visual artist are a winning combination here.

Title: Mylo & Peet
Author: Janyce Portalatin 
A graphically pleasing book with a message tailor-made for the new generation of eco-warriors the importance of recycling and protecting the planet.

Title: Theo
Author: Kenny Lim & Grant Gilliand
Join Theo on his journey as he navigates the obstacles and challenges of school—made all the more difficult due to his not-so-normal third eye. Fantastic illustrations bring this story’s great message to life.

Title: A Whimsical Tale of Invention
Author: Kara Pooley
Fascinating facts, inspired inventions, intriguing illustrations, a poem or two—this book has it all.

Title: Ahwen’s Journal
Author: Alice Alder
It would be impossible not to fall in love with the beautifully illustrated characters in this book. Ahwen, Harn, Charwood—we’ll be keeping an eye out for you the next time we’re in the woods.

Title: Marco and the Zombies
Author: Justin Kerr
Another collaborative project delivers a brilliant book. With Zombies at the heart of this story—and superb illustrations by Bret Bowers—it’s one older children are sure to enjoy.

Title: Baby Bear gets a Present
Author: Chris Wood
Even toys relegated to a box in a forgotten corner of the house have lives of their own. In this heartwarming tale we learn just how much fun they have.

Title: Penelope and her Puffy Brown Crown
Author: Jasmin Ortiz
Popping with color and originality, this rhythmical story makes reading aloud a real pleasure. Apparently, bad hair-days happen to young people too.

Title: My Best Friend
Author: Nathalie Josephine 
In this lovely little book, bright (and very cute) characters illustrate a story designed to help children deal with the loss of a friend.

Title: A Bit Lost
Author: Leanne New
Delightful creativity elevates the imagery in this standout book, a simple tale of lost-and-found for little ones.

Title: The Goose Girl
Author: Madeleine Valley
A lesser-known story by The Brothers Grimm gets a thoroughly modern makeover in this graphically rich retelling of Goose Girl from Madeleine Valley. This is one for the older bunch.

Title: The Great Bear Surprise
Author: Carolan Coughlin
Join Carolan on her hike up Red Plume Mountain where she discovers much more than the view of the surrounding landscape. This is a sweet story of unexpected friendship.

Title: Goodnight Forest
Author: Emilie Dale
See your little ones off to sleep and bid goodnight to the forest with this rhythmic wind-down bedtime book, from graphic designer and illustrator Emilie Dale.

Title: The Adventures of Dude, Squat and Mose
Author: Michael Hall
http://www.blurb.com/b/4720681-the-adventures-of-dude-squat-and-mose
With fabulous illustrations from Gerald Kelley and a fun-packed story from author Michael Hall, the adventures of this brave trio of adopted dogs if sure to become a favorite.

All of these books are so cute.  There is one for every child in your life.
Have a great weekend.
Debi

This post by is sponsored by Blurb