Congratulations, Graduate!

You know how sometimes you're happiest with the results when you work with what you have and don't worry about the fact you don't have what you think you need? (like a graduation stamp) That's how this card came to be. I love the Word Play stamp set and use it over and over. Stars seemed kinda "graduationy" to me, so that's what we put together. I like words that aren't really words but get the point across! I also discovered there are no rules limiting how you use the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, so I just centered it on the 5" square card stock - makes for a simple border on each side. Stars #2 die cut gave me the stars - how I love the Big shot! Smile!

Simple Pocket Notecards

I love to present notecards in pretty pockets - just adds a special touch. You can custom size your inserts by running the Big Scallop Square through the Big Shot a second time.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake!

I thought today I would share an amazing recipe with you - this was our Mother's Day dessert and it was incredible!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
1 chocolate cookie crust
4 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 T vanilla
1 - 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
8 large Reese’s peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

Place pan of water on bottom rack of over. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Line 8" round springform pan with foil and spray sides and bottom with vegetable oil spray
Pat prepared cookie crust into bottom of pan evenly
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, about 3 minutes
Add sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until smooth
Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition
Blend in vanilla
While mixing, slowly pour in melted chocolate - only mixing until there are no lumps and completely blended
Gently fold in all but ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups
Pour into prrepared pan
Sprinkle reserved peanut butter cups on top
Place on center rack in preheated oven
Bake for 65 - 75 mins. You’ll know it’s done when center still jiggles a little and sides are raised slightly
Cool completely and then refrigerate until it’s time to serve
Cut by running a knife in warm water, cut, rinse knife in warm water again .....
Cheesecake freezes well and what a great dessert to have on hand

Happy Mother's Day, Holly!

Happy Mother's Day to one of the most beautiful Mom's in the world! We are so proud of you and the incredible woman you are and the outstanding Mom you are to our grandchildren. Have a wonderful day!

Note: Here's a sneak preview of your card which did not get mailed in time to arrive for Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

A refrigerator magnet just for Mom! This wonderful flower comes to us from Stampin' Up!'s BigZ Flower Die. Keep checking back for more great ideas using this versatile die. I'd like to credit Becky Roberts - thank you for the original flower you presented to me! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Homegrown Graphics

A perfect gift set for the gardener on your friend list! Spring is in the air.... well on every other day, and gardening is right around the corner. This boxed set comes with four cards and four gift tags and uses Stampin' Up!'s Homegrown stamp set. I love it because the detail is outstanding and looks fantastic in black and white.

Every once in a while a stamp set comes along and just seems right in black and white. I love the detail in this stamp! Click on the picture for an up close view.

Spring and Blossoms

How many of you can remember back to when "orange" was in? Well, we do - because when we were first married (36 years ago!) it was all the rage and we purchased an amazing set of Lenox dinnerware complete with large orange poppies. We even have the fondue pot - remember them? It's been stored now for 25+ years. Well, this card brought back fond memories of that dinnerware and you know - we just may invite it over for dinner again one of these find spring evenings! This card shocases the brand new Triple Blossoms punch which does the prettiest flowers - it's available now in the Summer Mini Catalog