Busy with the Cricky Sneak Peek

Oh hello! It is sneak peek time!!!  I have spent the last two months creating a new product which will release later in July.  It is a product that I am proud of and very excited about. In fact, I cannot wait for you to see the entire finished product!!

So until the official release, I am going to give you weekly tease-peeks.

This week's peek is called ......... Oops, I cannot tell you the name yet.Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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It was an . . .

...itsy bitsy, teenie weenie, yellow polka dot bikini!



I thought we'd finish off Desserts for Dudes month by giving the guys a little eye candy cookie.



As Mr. E probably has guessed, this is as close to a bikini as I'm getting in this lifetime (or the next).  Enjoy, honey.



The bikini cookies are really simple  I outlined and filled in yellow royal icing; I used a combination of AmeriColor Lemon Yellow & Egg Yellow for this color.  The dots were dropped on while the yellow icing was still wet.  (A video of this technique is available here.)



To make the palm trees:



• Using #2 tips, outline the branches in green and the trunk in brown royal icing (AmeriColor Avocado and Leaf Green mixed, AmeriColor Chocolate Brown). 
• Thin the royal icing with water to the consistency of thick syrup.  Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit several minutes.
• Stir gently with a rubber spatula to break any air bubbles that have risen to the surface.  Transfer to squeeze bottles.

• Fill in the trunk of the tree in brown.
• Fill in the leaves in green.

• After 1 hour or so, add the details to the truck in piping consistency royal icing, using a #2 tip.
• Let dry overnight.

• Prepare a "sanding sugar station."  You'll need:
1. meringue powder mixed with an equal amount water
2. sanding sugar
3. small paint brush
4. coffee filter
• Paint the meringue powder/water mixture over the edge of the cookie.
• Holding the cookie over the coffee filter, sprinkle on the sanding sugar. Shake off excess onto the filter.  
• Use the filter as a funnel to refill container of sanding sugar.



So, what did you guys think of Desserts for Dudes month?  I'll tell you our favorites:


• beer and hot dog cookies
• mocha toffee-crunch terrine
• Darth Vader cookies
• zucchini spice cupcakes
Alrighty...Desserts for Dudes month is officially over.  Bring on the pink and sprinkles!

Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Yes, Even More Vegas Layouts

I am still scrapping away on the Vegas/Grand Canyon trip.  I am not sure if I am even halfway finished yet.  I did order close to 300 photos for the digital photos.  What was I thinking????  Oh yes, that my memory is failing and my scrapbooks will capture my memories for me.





I only had enough photos of the New York, New York casino to justify a single page layout.  Fortunately MFK reminded me that I had this map and I WOULD want to scrap the map.  Great idea Kathy!  Plus it gave me a matching page. 





I used Destinations cartridge for the Statue of Liberty cut on the NY, NY page.  I am soooo please that I purchased that cartridge. It has a lot of useful cuts. 

The Welcome to Las Vegas cut is from SCRAP YOUR TRIP, one of my favorite online scrap stores.  Julie always has the best custom made die cuts and the best papers for any travel of special interest.

Don't forget to leave a comment under the previous post if you are interested in being in the drawing for a $25 Custom Crops Gift Voucher!  The drawing will be held on Thursday!Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Winner for the Wags 'n Whiskers blog hop!!!

I was one of the lucky blogs that gets to choose a winner from the Wags 'n Whiskers blog hop this past weekend! The winner will receive two digital images of their choice from the brand new collection, Let's Party!! So without any further ado, here is the winner!!!






And lets go find out who #30 is......





A huge CONGRATS Cathy! Please contact Nikki at  nichola.fairbairn@googlemail.com  with your choice of two digital images from the new collection which you can see right HERE!


Thanks so much to everyone that played along! Have a fabulous week! Hugs!
Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Papertake Weekly - In stitches

It's time for a new challenge at Papertake Weekly, and this week we're sponosred by Simon Says Stamp!! Dawny is challenging us to use stitching on our project, and it can be any kind of stitching. Either actual stitching or faux with a pen or rubons. I used machine stitching on this one. I chose this adorable digi image from Whimsey Stamps. I knew as soon as I laid eyes on this image that it was going to be perfect for this wedding card.


The cardstock is Bazzill and papers are digital from Nitwits. Flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts (of course). I used lots and lots of Kaiser flat backed pearls on this one. I didn't have any of the swirls, so I just made my own. I think they turned out ok, huh? What do you think? The bow is made from May Arts Silk Ribbon, and I hung a heart and key charms from it. Made a matching envelope box to go with it, and called this one done!


That's it's for today! Please be sure and pop over to Papertake Weekly to see the fabulous creations from the rest of the design team. Then grab you paper and glue, and maybe you'll stitch your way to a prize from Simon Says Stamp!! Thanks for stopping by to see me today, and hope to see you back again soon! Hugs!
Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Tea & Sweet Shoppe Card AND BBTB2 Blog Hop

Hello and happy Monday.  Welcome to my Tea and Sweet Shoppe!  This week's challenge cut at BBTB2 is the Genie Lamp from the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge.  I ALMOST went with a cute oasis scene on my card but then I decided to take the road less traveled and add my lamp to a line of assorted teapots.





I have to tell you that I do not think I have ever used this many cartridges on a single card.  I used Paper Doll Dress Up, Just Because Cards, Sweet Treats, Tie the Knot, George, A Child's Year, Dreams Come True, Once Upon A Princess, and Cindy Loo.  Each of the teapots is from a different cartridge, as are the cakes. 





I like the store window effect I created by welding two shapes from George in Design Studio and then adding layers.  And of course I had to add pearls and gems to my sweets and shelving.  I used copic markers and my Ranger white gel pen to embellish the teapots, cups, and sweets.





I kept trying to find a way to add large flowers and ribbon, but the additions distracted from my main store window effect so I did not use them.    Instead, I finished the card by adding a swiss dot cardstock mat inside the card and cutting a "sweet" phrase with the Cindy Loo font.





I believe I mentioned a BBTB2 BLOG HOP!!  Yes it is our blog hop week.  I have some sweet blog candy up for grabs - just leave a message below and you will be in the drawing for a CUSTOM CROPS GIFT VOUCHER!!!  That's right!  Free shopping!!


After you leave your comment below and become a follower if you'd like, you should hope on over to the blog of the VERY TALENTED THERESA!  I cannot wait to see what Theresa made this week; she is such an amazing artist- quickly - go!!


Happy hopping!


Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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A sale at The Cutting Cafe and a pic of my Grandson that is visiting

Have you ever seen someone cheesein' it so big?? LOL!! This is my six year old grandson JJ that is visiting from KY right now, and he's the reason I've been absent from blogging all month. This isn't a great pic as the filtered sun light that is shining on his head makes him look like he's got a VERY bad hair cut! LOL! He's here until Saturday, and then he's headed back to KY with his mom. And of course we will miss him terribly.

I also wanted to let you know about a "Two for 1" sale that is going on right now over at The Cutting Cafe. From now until midnight on Monday night (Pacific time), for each set you purchase, you can get another set of the same or lesser value for FREE! So if you've been waiting to go shopping, now is the time!

Thanks so much for stopping by to see me today, and hope to see you back again soon! Hugs!Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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BBTB2 Blog Hop Week

This is blog hop week at BBTB2 and we have been asked to hold our posts until 8:00 AM Mountain Time Monday morning.  My BBTB2 post, complete with some sweet blog candy details will go live at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday morning.  See you then.Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Kiddo in the Kitchen : Zucchini Spice Cupcakes

Desserts for Dudes

I don't know about you, but when kiddo and I go to the farmer's market, our minds turn to big, farm-fresh salads cupcakes.  I'm pretty sure he chose this recipe so that zucchini I bought wouldn't show up on his dinner plate.

{Don't worry...I'll torture him with the tomatoes.}



The cupcake and frosting recipes come from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes. We halved the recipe (I really don't need 24 cupcakes sitting around the house). 

Zucchini Spice Cupcakes
{modified from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes}

1 and 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 egg, room temp.
1 and 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 and 1/2 c. grated zucchini
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped

Preheat oven to 350.


Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.

Whisk together the flour through cloves.  In another bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, vanilla and zest.  Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth.



Stir in the zucchini.  Add the flour mixture just until combined; stir in the walnuts.

Divide the batter evenly between the cups.  Bake, rotating halfway through, about 20-24 minutes.  Cupcakes will spring back when lightly toughed in the center and a toothpick should come out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.  Remove cupcake to a cooling rack and let cool completely.




{Aren't they pretty? I'm thinking we could stop here and call them muffins. But, we won't.}




Cream Cheese Frosting


1 stick unsalted butter, room temp.
6 oz. cream cheese, room temp.
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high until fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Reduce speed to low, and1/2 c. sugar and vanilla.  Mix until smooth and combined.  Add the remaining sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition until smooth.

Now it's time to frost the cupcakes...


Kiddo said he wanted to try piping instead of spreading the icing.

 
He did a really great job...and I couldn't get enough of watching him. 






These cupcakes are wonderful...moist and full of flavor.  And, you can never go wrong with cream cheese frosting!  We think you'll like them!


 The verdict?




Here...we saved one for you....




{OH! I almost forgot....there are a couple new videos over at University of Cookie.  Be sure to check how the method TidyMom uses to roll her cookie dough.  Genius!}Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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Celebrating Summer

I'm having a hard time believing we've already reached the last weekend in June. Every year, I make a mental note to take time to fully enjoy summer and all the things I love about it. To savor the season the way I did when I was little.


Evan Sklar


But, for some reason, time refuses to move as slowly as it did then. As much as I adore Fall and the sweaters, boots, and tights that come with it, I always find myself surprised by its arrival and slightly disappointed another summer has come and gone without feeling I've celebrated it to its fullest.


Randy Harris Photography


While my days don't promise to be leisurely this summer, I am trying to make sure I embrace as many of my favorite things about this time of year as I can; I am hoping this will help me feel I enjoyed the season as much as possible by the time cool air start to blow again.



Union Photography


I've made my most-loved gazpacho recipes and experimented with new additions. I've enjoyed Hawaiian Shaved Ice, gelato, frozen yogurt, and popsicles, foods I enjoy year-round, but are certainly required eating in hotter months. I've even been able to spend a couple hours lakeside.



Katie Baum via 20x200


I intend to keep adding to my list over the coming months, and I am going to do some work towards reaching my goal right now as E and I head out to grab some of our favorite gelato! I hope whatever your plans, your weekend is full of simple delights of the season too. Have a great one!

Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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"Swarming" at Ms. Suzanne's House & Her Super Scraproom

I had a wonderful day yesterday.  I spent most of the day with six of my favorite people at our friend Suzanne's house.  Suzanne hosted a "swarm" for our cricutting friends.  It is really easy for this group - we have gotten together so frequently that we have the "bring a dish" food down to a easy pattern, we know who brings the cricuts, laptops, etc.  We had two expressions going yesterday along with computers loaded with Cricut Design Studio. 

MFK (my friend Kathy) and I managed to miss the photos... Not sure what happened there... But I did manage to get everyone else in a photo.  Maybe Kathy and I were too busy scrapping more of the Vegas trip??  Okay that's our story.

I really need to share Suzanne's scraproom with you.  She has a space that we all covet; so organized and well stocked!

Suzanne and Casey at desk 1:




Moving around the room clockwise:



And again to the right, in the closet:


Also in the closet, both sides have built-in shelves:




On the next wall is desk 2:



Teaching Casey to use the Cricut:



We had a lot of chatting and scrapping happening.   Pictured here is Toby getting some much needed R&R:



And here is Beth: 



And finally (since Kathy & I avoided being photographed) are Pat and Suzanne:



I am sooooo lucky to have these wonderful friends.  And I soooo enjoy my time with them.  Suzanne, thank you for hosting!!!
Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2010/06/
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