Saturday, December 12, 2009

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS ...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM FLAMINGO SCRAPS!!!



This charming paper crafted nutcracker project is from Paper Creations holiday special edition -- unfinished nutcracker from Hobby Lobby,  Kaisercraft Penny Royale collection patterned papers and brads, Kaisercraft chocolate pearls, Maya Road and Webster's Pages trims, various edge punches and Spellbinders die cuts, almond spray paint, mod podge and fabri-tac adhesives.  There are no patterns or measurements in the magazine -- you have to guestimate the sizes of the paper pieces and trims.   Takes a bit of time, but so much fun to do!!!!

Friday, December 11, 2009

HAPPY CHANUKKAH!!!




Chanukkah, Oh Chanukkah
Come light the menorah
Let's have a party
We'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we'll have a treat
Shiny tops to play with, latkes to eat
And while we are playing
The candles are burning low
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.


Recipe for Latkes

Makes approximately 12 palm-sized latkes
4 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 eggs
1/2 cup matzah meal (flour or bread crumbs can be substituted)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. each salt and black pepper (more or less to taste)
vegetable oil

Shred the potatoes and onion into a large bowl. Press out all excess liquid.(if using a food processor, use the chopping blade for 2 or 3 seconds after pressing out liquid to avoid stringy fly-aways). Add eggs and mix well. Add matzah meal gradually while mixing until the batter is doughy, not too dry. (you may not need the whole amount, depending on how well you drained the veggies). Add the baking powder, salt and pepper and mix well. (don't taste the batter -- it's really gross!). Don't worry if the batter turns a little orange; that will go away when it fries.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil to medium-high heat. Form the batter into thin patties about the size of your palm. Fry batter in oil. Be patient: this takes time, and too much flipping will burn the outside without cooking the inside. Flip when the bottom is golden brown.

Place finished latkes on paper towels to drain. Eat hot with sour cream or applesauce. They reheat OK in a microwave, but not in an oven unless you cook them just right.

If you'd like to try something a little different, add some bell peppers, parsley, carrots, celery, or other vegetables to the batter to make veggie latkes! You may need to add a third egg and some more matzah meal for this. For a zesty twist, add some diced jalepeƱo peppers to the batter! This should definitely be served with sour cream!

Time-saving substitutions:
Grocery stores now provide many time-saving options for cooking. The substitutions below will save you time in preparing the batter and cleaning up. Sorry, nothing I can do to speed the frying time. You can substitute any or all of these:
Substitute 3 cups hash-brown style shredded potatoes for the potatoes (Simply Potatoes brand works well and is kosher-certified)
Substitute 1 cup frozen chopped onions (thawed and drained) for the onion
Substitute 1/2 cup egg whites from a carton for the eggs

-- Song and Recipe from Judaism 101 Website  (http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm)

On the 10th Day of Christmas.....


I crafted with my kids!

Don't ask me why, but it seemed like a good idea at the time!  lol

Really, we had a good time until they became distracted by the movie, Enchanted.  Oh well.

We did manage to make a few things before they ran off.  Do you recognize the paper on the smaller snowflakes?  That is some beautiful Marks paper.







And once they ran off I had a chance to make this.....

I saw the idea on the Prima blog a while back.  But being that I didn't have the lolipop flowers, or the centers, I decided to improvise.  I used Prima Flirty Little Secrets glitter cardstock in Shimmer (on sale at Flamingo Scraps), my sizzix, some embossing powder and some Prima Say it in Crystals (also available in the store)  A bit of zip dry glue and this is what I had.

Now I need to go get the scrap room tidied up.  You know the girls are gonna want to do more tomorrow.  LOL

Thursday, December 10, 2009

On the 9th Day of Christmas....

Beautiful new Maya road. 



 Fun velvet trims.













Tempting Trinket pins.



Charming Chipboard



And some new Maya Mists















All of these beautiful products will match wonderfully with the Pink Paislee Cupid and  the Webster's Pages trims.  I wish I could show you all the new things we have to offer, but there are so many gorgeous things and my blog can only be so long.  LOL   And all are shipping now from Flamingo Scraps.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

On the 8th day of Christmas.....

Packages coming and going, the day was quite hectic.  Carols playing in the background I need to be directed..  Yummy snacks need to be made to fill up these tins.  Pine Bark for Santa sure to get a grin.

Pine Bark.



35 saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
5 (4-ounce) milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a 15 by 10 by 1-inch jelly roll pan with tin foil. Lightly spray foil with a non-stick cooking spray.
Place saltine crackers, salty side up, in prepared pan. In a saucepan, boil butter and sugar for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Pour mixture over crackers and bake for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from oven, top with candy bars, and spread evenly as chocolate begins to melt. Cool slightly and transfer onto waxed paper. Allow to cool completely.  Break into pieces before serving.

I substitute vanilla extract for the almond as I like the taste much better!  You could also use mint extract for a chocolate mint treat.  This is a great Hostess gift to take to a party in a holiday tin!

Monday, December 7, 2009

On the 7th day of Christmas.....




  Flamingo Scraps Holiday Sale Week # 2








All Upsy Daisy Products are 20% off - one week only - December 8th -15th - At FLAMINGO SCRAPS !!







Look what Nancy was able to make with some of the Upsy Daisy papers, a few Prima flowers and some Kaisercraft bling.  This project was quick and easy and the papers coordinated with one another for a very classic look.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

On the 5th Day of Christmas......

The Gators lost and I had a massive football induced headache -- but we will make up for it on the 6th day of Christmas!!!!!  We do, however have an example of those brooches we have been talking about made with the Prima Marketing Flowers!  This one is perhaps larger than some of you would like -- but I love it!!!  One of our GORGEOUS La Fleur Bohemes -- "Sedona" (which makes a fab statement on its own) is surrounded by a ruffle of wide antique lace.  We used Fabri Tac to attach the ruffle and sewed the pin back to the finished brooch --

STUNNING on a coat lapel!

On the 4th Day of Christmas....


I was crazy busy and didn't get this posted.

That, and I was terribly distracted by the gorgeous new Pink Paislee Cupid that arrived in my favorite ebay store.  Yes, I know it may be a little early to be thinking of Valentine's day, but this paper is so beautiful, and so versatile.  I am in love with the beautiful pink, blue, and brown combination and already have many ideas planned for home decor, card making and other projects.  The press ons, patches and cut outs are just gorgeous.  And I am loving the new borderlines, such an elegant touch to my layouts.  And remember I told you about Webster's Pages trims?  Guess what will go perfectly with these?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

On the 3rd Day of Christmas .....



It's the third day and we have more gorgeous things for you!

Webster's pages has the most amazingly beautiful trims and we have many in the store, available by the yard. These gorgeous trims can be used for many crafting projects.  and hint hint...these match perfectly with another goody we plan on unveiling in the next few days. Here is a photo of just a couple.

Oh, and did I mention we also have some Webster's Pages paper grab bags. Beautiful patterns that have been retired at a great price. Sweet Charity, Raspberry Truffle, and Feather Your Nest are a few of the lines that are available in these packets.




Wednesday, December 2, 2009

On the 2nd Day of Christmas My....

Favorite ebay store got new Prima!!! The fabulous mid season release is in the store now.

Look at this beautiful paper.


Blooming Retro has gorgeous color and fun designs.



And did I mention some beautiful flowers came as well?




And look at these. Just in time for the holidays.




And don't forget, if you can't decide what should be on your wishlist this holiday, you can ask your family and friends for ebay gift certificates you can use at FLAMINGO SCRAPS. We are very patient with hubbys -- and if, for instance, you choose a paper collection(s), we can help put together a coordinating package of goodies we are sure you will love!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

HOLIDAY SPECIALS -- WEEK 1


Our FAB Design Team member Nancy has her three (yes, THREE!!) gorgeous Christmas trees up and decorated and that is a sure sign the Holiday Season is officially in full swing!!!!

Look to FLAMINGO SCRAPS for Christmas presents and the makings for holiday home decor with our weekly specials!!!! Week 1 highlights our gorgeous Penny Royale collection from Kaiser Craft at 20% off!!!  This avant garde collection features beautiful paper patterns in shades of brown and coral and truly fabulous embellies including embroidered patches, brads, alphas, rubons, and cutouts!!!
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