2011 READ A BOOK

January 2011

1. Without A Trace by Colleen Coble
   
   Back cover synopsis:
   When a plane carrying Bree Nicholls' husband and son disappears, her life changes forever. Her relentless determination to find them starts an investigation that links their disappearance to a violent crime threatening to tear the peaceful town of Rock Harbor apart.
   
   
   Mystery fans will love this romantic suspense novel from best-selling author Colleen Coble.  Set in the untamed beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Rock Harbor novels draw readers into the life and adventures of a canine search-and-rescue team as it unravels the secrets of an enchanting wilderness.
   
   
   
   
   
   
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Books Read in 2010:

1. January – The Prayer of Jabez
2. January – Ghosts From the Past by Glen Ebisch
3. January – How Not to Make A Wish by Mindy Klasky
4. January – There's Something About St. Tropez by Elizabeth Adler
5. January – A princess of Landover by Terry Brooks
6. January – Ghost A La Mode by Sue Ann Jaffarian
7. January – Death of the Party of Carolyn Hart
8. February – Mighty Old Bones by Mary Saums
9. February – A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
10. February – Vi Agra Falls by mary Daheim
11. February – Too Rich and Too Dead by Cynthia Baxter
12. February – Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux
13. March – The Beach House by Jane Green
14. March – Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti
15. March – Return to Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux
16. March – Murder in the Raw by C. S. Challinor
17. March – When Autumn Leaves by Amy S. Foster
18. April – Night Rising, Vampire Babylon Book 1 by Chris Marie Green
19. April – Sailing to Capri by Elizabeth Adler
20. April – Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
21. April – Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon
22. April – Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
23. May – Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
24. June – Haunting Jordan by P. J. Alderman
25. June – Cemetery Dance by Preston & Child
26. June – Happiness Key by Emille Richards
27. June – The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand
28. June – A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans
29. July – Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie
30. July – Poppy Done to Death by Charlaine Harris
31. July – Hope in A Jar by Beth Harbison
32. July – Plum Spooky by janet Evanovich
33. July – Bikini Car Wash by Pamela Morsi
34. July – The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
35. July – Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods (A Sweet Magnolia Novel)
36. August – Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen (Audiobooks)
37. August – The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Audiobooks)
38. August – The Cat Who Came To Breakfast by Lillian Jackson Braun (Audiobooks)
39. August – The Angel by Carla Neggers
40. August – The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
41. August – The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright
42. August – Lust, Loathing, & a Little Lip Gloass by Kyra Davis
43. September / October – The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
44. September / October – Living Deeply
45. November – Into the Wild by Beth Ciotta
46. November – Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham
47. December – The Last Noel by Heather Graham
48. December – The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson
49. December – Rebel Island by Rick Riordan

CHEERS

I hope you have a very fun New Years!
Today over at my other blog, Flaunt It Fridays, the challenge is to use the martini cut from the Cricut cartridge From My Kitchen on page 60.

Card base red from Value Pack (pre-scored for easy folding)
Background papers from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack
Ribbon from Michael's
Solid papers from Stampin' Up and Recollections
Sentiments hand-written
Martini cut @ 4"

Here's an altered notebook I made with the martini cut.  This could be used for a PARTY PLANNER, etc.

CHEERS!
:) Janis

100+ Book Club in 2010

My goal for 2010 was to read 100+ books.  I've never kept up with what I'm reading, so I didn't know how close I'd come to this goal.

Well...... I missed it by just a tad....  I read at least 49 books in 2010.  I lost count in May, but the ones I documented for this year come to 49.  

I must say, I think I read pretty fast.  If I were to read any faster, I would just be reading for the sake of the goal and not enjoying or remembering what I was actually reading about.  So now I know 100+ is way too many for me in one year.

I started a Facebook Group called LOVE TO READ BOOK CLUB.  It's an open group - anyone can search for it and join.  We are currently reading WITHOUT A TRACE BY COLLEEN COBLE.  Our next book is THE LOST SYMBOL BY DAN BROWN.  

Feel free to join the group - even if you don't want to read what we are currently reading.  You can talk about your fav books or authors or ask for book suggestions.  It's just for those of us who love to read and chat about it.

My goal for reading in 2011 is a little different.  I don't want to count the number as much as expand my shelves to cover a wider variety.

In 2011, I want to read a book whose title or author represents every letter of the alphabet.  That sounds pretty reasonable, obtainable, and fun to me!

I also want to read books in these categories...

• Play
• Poetry
• Biography
• Mystery
• Romance
• Suspense
• Science Fiction
• Today's Woman
• Something with Pets
• Beach
• Inspirational
• Best Seller
• Book to Movie
• Comedy
• Exotic Location
• Best Selling Author

And probably a few more thrown in there just for fun.  

Here is what's on my self right now:

1. Wihtout A Trace by Colleen Coble
2. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
3. One of Those Malibu Nights by Elizabeth Adler
4. Summer House by Nancy Thayer
5. Light On Snow by Anita Shreve
6. The Cat Who Brought Down the House by Lilian Jackson Braun
7. The Cat Who Talked Turkey by Lilian Jackson Braun
8. The Cat who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
9. The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun
10. Original Sin - The Seven Deadly Sins by Allison Brennan

Happy New Year!  

:) Janis

52Q WEEK 22

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

It's time to roll up your sleeves and start thinking about the year that is passing by in just a few days.

Did you accomplish your goals?

Meet new friends?

Start a new adventure?

Live outside the box a little?

Anything you hoped to do that didn't quite work out?

Thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2011?

This week, your page for your 52Q Mini Album is all about your New Year Resolutions.

What are your goals for 2011?

What do you hope to accomplish?

Where do you hope to visit?

Who do you hope to meet?

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

HAPPY NEW YEAR CHALLENGE AT PAPER PLAYTIME

Here is a project I made to hang on the frig or wall... It's to put new year resolutions on.

Cricut Cart BIRTHDAY BASH
Phrase with Owl p.47 cut @ 3"
Elephant p. 38 cut @ 3"
Smile p. 28 cut @ 1 1/2" Real Dial Size
All papers from Bazzill Basics dotted Swiss
Googlie Eyes!
Top and Bottom strips are cut 6 1/2" x 3 1/4"
Strips between the top and bottom are cut at 6 1/2" x 1 1/2"

This is for the PAPER PLAYTIME challenge #30.  Come play with us!

SANTA TURTLE GOODIE BAG

I just love my Santa Turtle!  Today on one of my other blogs, Flaunt It Fridays, the challenge is to Flaunt the turtle cut on page 64 of the Create A Critter cartridge.

My Turtle was cut @ 4" using Christmas papers from My Mind's Eye
The purple background paper is from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack
Eyelashes were drawn on with an Ultra Fine Tip Black Sharpie
Googlie eyes!!
Beard was cut @ 4" from Paper Doll Dress Up page 72
Ribbon from Michael's
Regular lunch sack paper bag was trimmed down to my preference

Time to fill it with homemade Christmas Cookies and give it away!

Jingle Bells,
:) Janis

52Q Week 21

Week 21 of 52Q

"What is your favorite December memory?"

My favorite December memory is one particular Christmas when I was growing up.  I don't remember how old I was, but I remember getting up with my brother and sister and seeing 3 presents under the tree.

The presents said go look here for your next gift.

That present said go look here for your next gift.

We each got 3 gifts that year and had so much for searching the house for the next one.  I'll never forget that. It is also the year I got a fuzzy marionette puppet. (He was hiding in the oven in a brown paper grocery bag - that was before grocery stores used plastic bags.)

 I LOVED making that puppet bird walk and sit, etc. 

Here is my page for this week:

Card base Red textured from Value pack

Santa paper cut 5 1/4" x 4" from We R Memory Keepers, Merry & Bright Collection

Cricut Cartridge: BIRTHDAY BASH

Present page 59 cut @ 3" using Recollections & Stampin' Up papers

Tag page 58 cut @ 4" using Recollections and Merry & Bright papers

Merry Christmas!

:) JANIS

Submit your page here...

Winner of Kathy's Super Secret Birthday Card Blog Hop & Paper Playtime Challenge - ANYTHING CHRISTMAS!

Now onto my project for the Paper Playtime Challenge:

It's almost CHRISTMAS!  Who's excited!!?
This week at Paper Playtime our challenge is to make ANYTHING CHRISTMAS!  I made this cutie Santa card.  He's so festive.  I just love him!  And look!!  His sack is bulging it's so full.  Wonder what's in there?

Card base white from Value Pack (pre-scored for easy folding)
Background papers from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack
Paper Doll Dress Up Santa & Bag page 72 cut @ 4"
Enhanced with white gel pen and black ultra fine tip Sharpie
Googlie eyes!

HO, HO, HO,
:) Janis

HAPPY TOGETHER

Using Kraft cardstock for a card base looks so cool, I think.

• Papers from Colorbox ($5 pack from Walmart)
• Ribbon from "Laundry Line"
• "Happy Together" 3-D sticker from Studio 13

 Have a fun weekend!!
Jingle Bells!
:) Janis

LEMONADE ANYONE?

Don't you just love Fridays? Today over at Flaunt It Fridays the challenge is to use the cup with lemon cut from Simply Charmed on page 148.  However, I don't have that cartridge, so I used the Lemonade pitcher from Block Party instead.  Doesn't it look refreshing?

Card base yellow from Value Pack (pre-scored for easy folding)
Background papers from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack
Solid papers from Recollections
Pitcher cut @ 4"
Flower from Prima Flowers
Rhinestone from Joann's
Lemons in pitcher spruced up with some yummy stickles!

Jingle Bells,
Janis

52Q WEEK 20

I know I'm late with this week's 52Q.  But wait no longer!  Here it is!
Your Question for Week 20 is:
"Do you have a favorite Christmas song?"
I used a Kraft cardstock base.
Papers are from RAK  - sorry, don't know the name
Ribbon from Michael's
Stickers from Dollar Bin at Michael's (aren't they happy and cute?)
 Submit your 52Q page below:

KATHY'S SUPER SECRET SURPRISE BIRTHDAY CARD HOP

Who loves Peachy Keen Stamps?!  I DO!!  I DO!!  I hear all you out there yelling, ME ME ME ME!

Today is Kathy's Birthday!  Who is KATHY, you ask?  None other than the Owner and Creator of PEACHY KEEN STAMPS.  Look how many lives she has touched and how many smiles she has put on all our faces.  So today is her birthday and her daughter, Angelica, has organized a SUPER SECRET SURPRISE BIRTHDAY CARD BLOG HOP just for her Mom.  Awwww.... you know Kathy is smiling ear to ear seeing all these birthday cards created for her.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATHY!


Ready to see the card I made? Here is the birthday card I made for Kathy:

I just love this little critter peeking out of the gift and thought it was perfect for a SURPRISE Birthday Blog Hop Card.

Cricut Cartridge:  BIRTHDAY BASH

Card cut page 23 cut @ 5"

Gift & Critter cut page 26 cut @ 3 1/2"

Card paper from My Mind's Eye "Laundry Line"

Solid papers from Recollections

Lace and flowers from stash

Ink around card edges from ColorBox

Fruit Punch Stickles on Critters ear

Thank you for hopping along with us!  

Jingle Bells!

:) Janis

Me & My Hubby in Alaska May 2009, Aren't we so festive?!

BIRTHDAY BASH PROJCTS

Who has Birthday Bash?  I would LOVE to see the projects you've made with this cart!  Please link as many Birthday Bash projects as you'd like below that you've made.

THERE'S SNOW ONE LIKE YOU

Isn't he just a cutie!?

This week at Paper Playtime the challenge is to use a snowman or snowmen on your paper projects.  I chose to use the snowman on page 29 of Winter Frolic cut @ 4".

Card Base navy blue from Value Pack (pre-scored for easy folding)
Background papers from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack

Think Snow!
:) Janis

THANK YOU GIFTS

WE WHISK YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

The clear bags are from The Dollar Tree.  Pack of 20 for $1.00.

There is a WHISK in each bag with candy stuffed between the tines.

Also inside the bag are marshmallows. 

Of course you could always include homemade fudge, cookies, etc. as well.

The tags were made with FROM MY KITCHEN.

The white tab is on page 61 cut @ 3 1/2" and 2". 

The green frame is on page 66 cut @ 3 1/2" and 2".

Whisk on page 42 cut @ 4 1/4" for all 3 tags.

Jingle Bells!  :) Janis

Christmas Recipe Mini Album

Welcome!!  

For my project, I decided to make a PAPER BAG RECIPE ALBUM.  This project doesn't take a lot of time or money and would be such a treasure to that newly married couple, your daughter, your granddaughter, your best friend, or even adapted for a "Kids Recipe Album", etc.  Here are some pictures:

I've included written recipes on the pages as well as blank recipe cards in the bags all along the way.
Recipe cards, pack of 20, $1.00 from Dollar Tree
Red paper bags pack of 40, $2.00 from Target
Stickers, embellishments and even papers all from RAK  $0.00
I left the last page blank in this photo, because I am going to write a message to the person who receives this.

Jingle Bells!
:) Janis

SLEIGH RIDE

Flaunt It Fridays has started a new challenge today!  It's all about Flaunting the SLEIGH cut on page 74 of PAPER DOLL DRESS UP.

My sleigh - and the reindeer - is adhered to a goodie bag full of homemade Christmas Fudge.  So festive!
The sleigh is cut @ 4"
The Reindeer is on page 73 and cut @ 4"

Jingle Bells,
:) Janis

CCC #54 Circle Card - No Red or Green

Here is the first card I made for the Cricut Cardz Challenge, but I wasn't really happy with it.  

This week over at Cricut Cardz Challenge, we are to make a circle card with no red or green.
I used Create A Critter to cut some circles on p. 67 cut @ 5" on Real Dial Size that I attached with a ribbon closure.  The outside was cut from from Paper Doll Dress Up on page 76 cut @ 5" on Real Dial Size.  The stamped sentiment is a clear stamp from the dollar bin at Michael's.

Here is the second card I made for the challenge:

Winter Frolic page 57 BORDER feature cut @ 4".  All the goodies on it like the glittery "HO HO HO" and the shiny snowflakes and the glittered pink stocking are all from a friend.  (THANKS!)

I strongly believe God puts people in our lives for a reason.  Recently I was told from a new friend that God put me in her life at a time when she was thinking of ending it.  Of course I had no idea what was going on in her world at that time.  But it blessed my heart so much to know I helped her through a dark time even if I didn't know I was helping.

And yesterday I had a "girlfriend chat / cry" with my BFF.  As women, don't you find it weird that sometimes we just need to cry and then suddenly we feel so much better, the world is a brighter place to be in and everything is going to be alright?  I know God put her in my life. She accepts me for me.  The good days, the complaining days, the days full of laughter, and the ho-hum days.  It feels good to know you are appreciated for exactly who you are.  The good, the bad, and everything else.

So to my BFF, let me say:  I love you not because you send me gifts, but because you think of me.  I love you not because you make me laugh, but because you share your stories with me.  I love you not because I can tell you my secrets, but because I know you respect me enough not to spread them around.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read by blog, look at my projects, and leave me such sweet comments.  You make me smile.

Hugs and Jingle Bells,
Janis

P.S.  I made my Secret Fudge yesterday (I mean, what else is a girl to do when she's down in the dumps than to surround herself with chocolate?).  Mmmmmmm  Yummy.... See the recipe HERE.  You'll think it's gross, but I promise you, people who eat it always love it and ask for the recipe.  They can't believe what the secret ingredient is.

Sneak peek on future post:

52Q WEEK 19

Hello all my bloggy, crafty friends!  It's time for this week's 52Q!
To find out more about 52Q CLICK HERE.
This week's question is, "DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR, ARE YOU MORE OF A BAKER OR A DECORATOR?"
Here is the page I made...

And here is the tag insert I made...

 I really think I'm BOTH a baker and a decorator this time of year.  I love to decorate a Christmas tree and sit in a dark room at night being mesmerized by it.  I love lights on the outside of the house.  I love going "yard viewing" and singing Christmas Carols.

Gingerbread cookie FROM MY KITCHEN p.65 cut @ 3"
Chocolate Chip cookie FROM MY KITCHEN p. 65 cut @ 3"
Tree PAPER DOLL DRESS UP p. 73 cut @ 4"
Apron PAPER DOLL DRESS UP p. 73 cut @ 3"

This year we put up a real tree.  I am so excited.  We haven't put up a tree in a few years, so this is a real treat for me.  And it was so much fun because all 3 of us (me, my husband, and our special needs daughter) helped shop for the tree, the decorations, the lights, and put it all together.  Tom and Bonnie even put up lights outside on our deck.  We got a huge pack of assorted ornaments from Lowes that are different sizes and colors and some have glitter on them.  We also bought a pack of 24 candy canes and hung them on the tree.  Yes, I've already eaten one of those.  LOL

But I also love to make Christmas goodies.  Maybe I should share my secret Fudge recipe with you?  Hmmm, wouldn't be much of a secret then, would it?  Oh well, I'll share it anyway.  Now most of you are going to look at the ingredients and say YUCK, but I PROMISE, I get so many compliments on the creaminess of this fudge every year.  It's really, really good.  Trust me!

Janis' Mystery Fudge:
1 lb. butter
1 lb. Velveeta cheese (no substitute)
4 boxes confectioners sugar (4 lbs.)
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

*Melt butter and Velveeta, mix together
*Mix cocoa and powdered sugar in large bowl
*Stir in cheese mixture until well blended
*Working quickly, stir in vanilla extract (and chopped nuts if desired)
*Spread onto large cookie sheet and place in refrigerator until set
*Slice and store in refrigerator
*Can be easily halved or quartered or even doubled if desired

I would LOVE for you to share your Holiday Recipes with me.  I'm always looking for easy recipes for goodies.  I'm going to attach a link button below.  Please feel free to either post your 52Q page OR a Holiday Recipe with the link OR BOTH!  Thank you so much!

Jingle Bells!!
:) Janis