LAST CALL on Mystery Boxes

This is the last call for the remaining MINI Kitchen Sink Boxes and Kitchen Sink Mystery Box.  The MINI is over 200 pieces of embellishments (journaling cards, buttons, brads, diecuts, wood, cork, metal, etc) for just $19.99.  The REGULAR is six pounds of scrapbooking goodness (patterned paper, stickers, cards, full-sized embellishments, as well as loose) for just $49.99.  Shipping is FREE.  You may purchase more than one box, but shipping cannot be combined.

The box's contents will vary.  

Get One Before They're Gone - MINI Embellishment Kits

They Sold Out Once - Get One of the Few Left

These disappeared quicker than I expected, so I dug around and managed to pull a couple more together.  Not sure I can do another round, so this is your chance to grab a MINI Kitchen Sink Boxes, for just $19.99, plus free shipping.   
Each box will contain AT LEAST:

• 1 - 6 x 6 paper pad (not pictured)
• 6 - Assorted Sheets (some combination of diecuts, stickers, mini alphabets, preprinted chipboard, etc.)
• 11 - Large journaing cards or tags
• 6 - Medium Cards or Tags
• 13 - Small Journaling Cards or Tags
• 10 - Diecuts (various sizes)
• 100 - Buttons
• 6 - Wood Veneer pieces (various shapes and sizes)
• 3 - Metal pieces (charms, corners, tags, etcs.)
• 6 - Clips
• 3 - Doilies
• 4 - Stick Pins
• 4 - Naked Chipboard pieces (various sizes and shapes)
• 2 Tbsp (works out to over 60) - Brads (various designs, shapes and sizes)
• Small Strip Rhinestone/Jewels
• Overlay and Frame
• 12 yards ribbon (not pictured)

I also have JUST ONE Kitchen Sink Mystery Box kit left - $49.99, free shipping.  Get this ONE.
The box contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.   

MINI Kitchen Sink Mystery Boxes

Gone Once - Made Up a Few More

They Were Snatched Up - Did you grab one?

They disappeared quickly - if you wanted one, but waited, you're in luck.  I managed to find enough to make up a couple more.  Still the more than 200 pieces of embellishment goodies in these MINI Kitchen Sink Boxes.  All for just $19.99.   

Each box will contain AT LEAST:

• 1 - 6 x 6 paper pad (not pictured)
• 6 - Assorted Sheets (some combination of diecuts, stickers, mini alphabets, preprinted chipboard, etc.)
• 11 - Large journaing cards or tags
• 6 - Medium Cards or Tags
• 13 - Small Journaling Cards or Tags
• 10 - Diecuts (various sizes)
• 100 - Buttons
• 6 - Wood Veneer pieces (various shapes and sizes)
• 3 - Metal pieces (charms, corners, tags, etcs.)
• 6 - Clips
• 3 - Doilies
• 4 - Stick Pins
• 4 - Naked Chipboard pieces (various sizes and shapes)
• 2 Tbsp (works out to over 60) - Brads (various designs, shapes and sizes)
• Small Strip Rhinestone/Jewels
• Overlay and Frame
• 12 yards ribbon (not pictured)

I also have JUST ONE Kitchen Sink Mystery Box kit left - $49.99, free shipping.  Get this ONE.

The box contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.   

MINI Embellishment Mystery Boxes

Half the Boxes Are Gone - Did You Get One? More than 200 pieces of embellishment goodies in these MINI Kitchen Sink Boxes.  All for just $19.99.    Each box will contain AT LEAST: 1 - 6 x 6 paper pad (not pictured) 6 - Assorted Sheets (some combination of diecuts, stickers, mini alphabets, preprinted chipboard, etc.) 11 - Large journaing cards or tags 6 - Medium Cards or Tags 13 - Small Journaling Cards or Tags 10 - Diecuts (various sizes) 100 - Buttons 6 - Wood Veneer pieces (various shapes and sizes) 3 - Metal pieces (charms, corners, tags, etcs.) 6 - Clips 3 - Doilies 4 - Stick Pins 4 - Naked Chipboard pieces (various sizes and shapes) 2 Tbsp (works out to over 60) - Brads (various designs, shapes and sizes) Small Strip Rhinestone/Jewels Overlay and Frame 12 yards ribbon (not pictured) I have ONE Kitchen Sink Mystery Box kit left - get this one!  The box contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.

They Were Gone Once - Get One Today

The Kitchen Sink Mystery Boxes sold out once, and I was able to pull a few more together.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it again, so don't miss out on getting one today.

Each box contains six pounds-plus of scrapbook supplies all for just $49.99, with FREE shipping.  Here's a general idea of what each box will contain:    

• 100+ Sheets of paper (100 sheets is like a 2" stack of paper. )
• 8+  Full packages of embellishments (tags, cards, paper pads, florals, brads, stamps, stickers, vellum, glitter paper, etc.)
• Assorted loose embellishments (buttons, brads, pins, clips, wood, cork, canvas, diecuts, etc.)
• Assorted ribbons and trims (each about a yard in length)

The boxes contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.   If you'd like to purchase more than one, I'll do my best to avoid duplicates.  Each box is packed and  set to ship individually, shipping cannot be combined. 

They Sold Out Once - Did You Get One?

The Kitchen Sink Mystery Boxes sold out once, but I was able to pull a few more together.  Don't miss one this time. 

Still the same six pounds-plus of scrapbook supplies for $49.99, with FREE shipping.  The same list of goodies going in these boxes:    

• 100+ Sheets of paper 
• 8 Full packages of embellishments (tags, cards, paper pads, florals, brads, stamps, stickers, vellum, glitter paper, etc.)
• Assorted loose embellishments (buttons, brads, pins, clips, wood, cork, canvas, diecuts, etc.)
• Assorted ribbons and trims (each about a yard in length)

The boxes contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.   If you'd like to purchase more than one, I'll do my best to avoid duplicates.  Each box is packed and  set to ship individually, shipping cannot be combined. 

Kitchen Sink Mystery Boxes Now Available

Do you know what six pounds-plus of scrapbook supplies looks like?  Well it's big.  The paper alone is a couple inches tall.  Beyond that, it is at least:  

• 100+ Sheets of paper 
• 8 Full packages of embellishments (tags, cards, paper pads, florals, brads, stamps, stickers, vellum, glitter paper, etc.)
• Assorted loose embellishments (buttons, brads, pins, clips, wood, cork, canvas, diecuts, etc.)
• Assorted ribbons and trims (each about a yard in length)

Do you know where you can get these Kitchen Sink Mystery Boxes?  You can pick them up at Apron Strings, for $49.99 shipped.  That means FREE SHIPPING.  Each box is packed and  set to ship individually, shipping cannot be combined. 

The boxes contents will vary.  The photo is just a representation of what you can expect.   If you'd like to purchase more than one, I'll do my best to avoid duplicates.

Lori

Big Boxes Coming Soon

So, I'm thinking that after the official closing of Apron Strings on the 30th, and I've fulfilled all the orders during these final days, I'll pull together some Grab Boxes of items.  They'll contain Papers, stickers, lengths of ribbon and embellishments (both packaged and loose - but complete.)  I'm not sure what exactly will be in them until I'm done with shipping out all the orders, but I'm hoping you'll get a few pounds of goodies for a set price, at flat rate mailing; basically, whatever I can fit in a box and I'm a good packer. 

Watch for an email, hopefully, just a few days into May about these boxes. 

LAST DAY @ Apron Strings

I can't believe it, but it's the last day for Apron Strings.  I'll miss so much, I can't even tell you.  I'm not sure I expected it to be this hard.  But it is.  This is it.

Thank you for 13 years of support and business.  You all are part of my story and I'll forever remember and be grateful.

If you've haven't yet shopped.  Do.

This is your last day to pick up embellishments. 

This is your last day to grab packs of Paper. 

This is your last day to snag TV Dinners. 

This is your last day to save and stock-pile.  Enter code:  lastday at checkout to save a total of 80% on your entire order.

I thank you again FOR EVERYTHING!

Doors Are Closing April 30th @ Apron Strings

It's time to officially close the doors of Apron Strings.  After 13 years we've reached the end.


If you've been waiting to stock up and save, now's the time to come fill your carts.  After April 30th, Apron Strings will just be a memory.  Don't be the "I should have picked up (fill-in-the-blank) " person.


Come snag all the embellishments, from basic-use-on-all-sorts-of-projects tags, buttons, rhinestones and florals, to things a little more specific like stickers and diecuts.  Just look at their color pallets to pair them up with patterned papers, rather than their theme.


Pick up multiple packs of Paper, especially, if like me, you love both sides of a given patterned paper, or maybe you're looking to create mini albums.  Paper packs are great for making cards and tags - this is a great time to pick up themes - birthday, holidays, seasonal color.  Paper packs are also good for making banners, home decor or table-scapes for special events (ie. birthday party buffets, backyard BBQ's, Mother's Day brunch, or school party decor.)


Finally, snatch and grab all the TV Dinners.  TV Dinners are the thing for creating pages fast - everything is coordinated and ready for your photos and stories.  They are also great for creating mini albums - pair them up with additional paper packs, and maybe a few extra embellishments. 


Come shop for you and anyone who plays with paper.  Enter code:  finaldays at checkout to save a total of 75% on your entire order.

Spring In for Savings

Spring and Winter seem to be playing a cruel game of cat and mouse with most of us here in the States.  We get a few days of warm spring weather and then, bam, winter blows back in to freeze our buds off.  At this rate, we'll go right into Summer, and that will stink as I'm not a fan of the heat.

For now, though I'll enjoy Spring where I find it.  In the bulbs that are sprouting along my front steps, and rethinking doing so, I'm sure.  In the barest buds on the trees.  In the birds that I hear and see busily flitting from tree to tree, who are probably checking their planners and wondering how they got their migration dates wrong.  I'll also find it in the papers I'm using - the bright colorful, floral graphic filled papers that are more consistently Spring than what's going on outside my window.

If you'd like to enjoy Spring the only way that Mother Nature will allow, by scrapping with papers and embellishments - then shop today.  Prices are already down 50%, and the coupon code will save you another 25%, for a walloping 75% on your ENTIRE order!

Code:  comeonspring

Pick up papers like American Crafts Daydreamer, their POW Glitter paper (who couldn't use something sparkly that isn't snow), Authentique, Doodlebug, Echo Park, Imaginisce and Pebbles have several bright and happy Spring paper packs.  Cheerful embellishments include:  Dress It Up Glittered Floral Buttons, Favorite Findings Floral Buttons, Heidi Swapp Frames, KaiserCraft Pop Banners, Pebbles Puffy Bumble Bee stickers and any number of neutral, kraft or chalkboard tags, tabs and perky pops of color in a number of alphabet stickers.  If you're looking for something quick, there are a few colorful TV Dinners, too, fully loaded and waiting for you and your photos.

Now go.  Make your own Spring inside, while you wait for the outside to catch-up.

Food for Thought

I was cooking away a couple weeks ago; this week not so much.  The calendar seemed full, but when the events aren't yours and you don't have to do the driving, it's amazing how blissful it is.

Looking for fast and fabulous.  Got a few below.

I have a couple of these Enchilada Bubble Up Casserole recipes pinned.  I went to see how similar they are and found they aren't too different - the other one is definitely faster, as this one has a couple items made from scratch:  the dough, the enchilada sauce.  You could certainly make those substitutions, but the dough is really good, and pretty simple.  I already had enchilada sauce on hand - leftovers (this is my recipe) and gauging the sauce in the recipe it looked like it would make about 1 1/4 cup of sauce.  I had a smidge more than that (probably 1 1/3 cup), so I just dumped it all in.  It was really good.  Had good flavor and the dough bubbles were tender and light.  It calls for chicken, I used rotisserie, but you could do ground beef, turkey or go meatless and add extra beans.

I made an Italian Wedding Soup found in 365 Slow Cooker Suppers.  She doesn't have it indexed on her website, but can be found in her book (linked above); I received the recipe via her emailed newsletter.  It was super simple, used pre-made meatballs and had a lot of flavor - though I might cut down on the Italian seasoning, or substitute in some fresh.  It was meant for the slow cooker, so the dried seasonings didn't soften much because I just simmered it on the stove-top.  I've made other recipes from her that are good, so it might be worth it to pick up her cookbook.

I hadn't made pizza in a while, so when I saw this Skillet Pizza with Sausage and Chili Garlic Tomato Sauce I figured why not.  I hadn't made a pan pizza before - I have my pizza stones and my go-to recipe.  My only worry was that the dough would be thick and heavy, but I was very surprised how light and chewy it was.  There was a bit of a mishap while it was rising, but even with that, I think the dough would have still turned out light.  We all loved it - except I put in too much garlic chili for the majority of us.  Next time, I'll cut down the amount and put hot sauce on the side for those who like the fire.

Instant Pot recipe.  Are you surprised?  Easy Balsamic Beef Pot Roast.  I have to say I was a bit worried when I opened the pot and it wasn't fall-apart-tender.  It seemed like it was tough and it definitely wasn't "flaking."  I was more than surprised that by the time I'd gotten it sliced that it was tender (I made sure to slice against the grain.)  I only had half of the balsamic the recipe called for but it still had great flavor.  I opted to do mashed potatoes instead of cauliflower. 

Not a big list of recipes this time, but they're good.

Happy Friday,

Lori

Crafting Home

Last year, after some good, relief-inducing news, I treated myself by picking up this kit from Paisleys and Polka Dots.  She has quite a few things I'd love to grab up, hug to myself and run down to to my craft table to assemble.  Her wood decor is adorable, and if you're looking for a card kit to replace Apron Strings, she has a good one.

The kit includes all the wood pieces, papers and embellishments, along with basic instructions.  This kit is a 12-month "HOME" set, where I have the all the letters to spell "home" and then 12 seaonal shapes to either use in place of the "O" or in some other fashion.  I've used the shapes on my mantle with other seasonal decor, but usually I put them with the rest of the letters.

I had managed to get September, October, November and December's shapes assembled to use during those various seasons/holidays, but fell behind and didn't get January's done, or February's for that matter - though I managed to get February done and out for a week before February was over.  But hey, it's ready to go for next year.  As part of my huge to-do list in 2018, I included finishing these shapes.  One weekend I sat down and did just that.  Or, well, almost did that.  I have three months left.

I sort of follow the instructions.  I glanced at the first couple sets and they all say basically the same thing.  I don't customize the paint on individual pieces (to match to papers), instead I paint almost everything white, and then it's just the sides of the pieces.  Nobody is going to see the backs, so I don't bother.  The only other thing I don't paint white are dark-colored pressed board pieces.  I like the look of the dark sides against whatever paper I'm using.

You can see the dark-colored edge of the pressed board on the egg above - in the band and the flower.

Finished January's.  It's ready to go for next year.  He has a lot of thick layers up on the brim of his hat, but the recommended Aleen's Craft Glue and a Wood Glue are doing great jobs of holding it all.

I stopped with May, so I'll have to get back on the ball again and complete the remaining pieces.  I have to say, I'm enjoying a different kind of paper crafting.  I'm enjoying changing up what I'm doing.  The only downside is I have several works-in-progress.

Happy Thursday,

Lori

We Are

I have shipped off my two older boys.  One back to school in Arizona, and the other to Spain.  With Girlie home, but working 12 hour shifts, it's mighty quiet just me, the hubby and the 9 y.o.

• We woke to a very wet snow a yesterday.  The affect isn't unlike the scene from Willy Wonka where they were hosed down with white fluff.  Only this prettier.
• Just the day before, on Monday, I saw at least a half dozen ant colonies working busily.  Not sure how they fared after the snow though.
• Untamed blooms, while pretty hardy, I don't know survived the heavy snow any better than the ants.
• Spring is popping up in the house
• Girlie is doing a bit of changing things up in her room
• When you have a bit of "some assembly required" redecorating in your room to do and, sweet, your brother is home on Spring Break.
• Friday Night Lights of a different kind
• Well, we know he made it to his gate . . .
• . . . And we know he made it to Toronto
• A group photo before sending him off.  Girlie was working and couldn't make the send-off
• So I added her in.
• She said it was good, but Her Boy (a photoshop genius) could do better
• Spring is popping up outside the house, too.  These are gonna need covering tonight - snow's moving in - Monday's snow squashed those blooms.
• Taking a different route for my daily walk.

Happy Wednesday,

Lori

A January Layout, Finished

I'm three months for three months worth of class material.  Back in January I joined the SCT365 2018 class (I had done, sort of, the SCT365 2017) as a way to help me achieve my creative intention where scrapbooking was concerned.  

Every month I get a sketch for a layout and a card, examples for both, cut files (which I have yet to use, but it's in the plan) and access to a Facebook group where I can share, see other examples and get cheered on - and cheer on others.

I started late, so I'm playing catch-up, but it still counts as three class challenges complete. ;)

I did the following layout using Simple Stories Elementary pack.  This paper wasn't part of an Apron Strings kit, rather one I picked up when Archiver's was going out of business.  (Yes, that was a long time ago, but it goes with how old the photos are.  My babies are not this small and I have one more, who wasn't even around yet.)

I stayed fairly true to this sketch, from January.  I also tried to use only the items from the Simple Stories package.  My intent is to use up as much of the kit as I can, before either tossing the remainder or sending it along to the Kindergartners to use.  I will be creating a couple more layouts using the line.  Same photos, too, to create a layout for each kids' albums.  One way or another, I'll be done and over this paper line.

I used up some scraps to create a general card.  It is more "inspired" by the sketch, rather than a direct creation.  But it's a card in my stash.  I've said before I don't put sentiments on my cards, which allows me to use them for whenever and whoever.

Happy Thursday,

Lori

We Are

I have one son home on break.  I have one son leaving for Spain, tomorrow, during his break.  I have another son who won't be on break for another week.  And I have a daughter, who after doing three 12 hour shifts, will be in definite need of a break.

I hauled out all my Spring decor, lumped it all on the counter and have been trying to figure out where it should all go.  I have a few odds and ends left to deal with, and some tweaking to do, but most of it is out.  Post to follow.

• In Colorado, it doesn't matter whether the calendar says Spring is here, or near, Winter holds on as long as it can.  We got a good frosting (about four inches) of wet snow that was gone by the following afternoon.
• Her Sexy pose, aka "What are you eating over there?"
• On my walk, I caught up with hubby coming back around the lake, and Girlie passed in front of me on a training run - she's running a half marathon in a few weeks.  And she wasn't dead on the lawn.  She looked pretty good to me.
• They said rain was coming in and dang if they didn't get that right this time.  We got thunder and lightening too!  Loved every thundering second of it.
• Girlie finished her banner - looks amazing.  She ended up backing it with a navy floral print (you can see the floral HERE), and it looks even better, if that's possible.
• When you wonder if you have too much stuff, or too many ideas.
• Then you realize, you might actually need just a bit more.

Happy Wednesday,

Lori

Food for Thought

You shouldn't be surprised that these recipes are all made in my new Instant Pot.  Besides the below, I've also made chicken broth in it - using my ingredients and an Instant Pot recipe for the amount of liquid.  I also used the Slow Cooker function to make meatball sliders.  

I original picked this Three-Bean Chili for Friday - the whole Lent-no-meat thing, only to find when I went to actually make it that it has ground beef in it.  I simply left out the ground beef and added an extra can of beans - so I guess it should be four bean chili.  I could have also added quinoa or farro, instead of extra beans.  I didn't have chili powder so I mixed a couple of hubby's chili powders (he has his own stash for rubs and sauces) and, unfortunately, picked one that was far too hot.  At least for me and most of the others around the table, hubby thought it was perfect.  There was good seasoning, despite the heat (which luckily didn't linger.)  I used leftovers the next night on sheet-pan nachos, with lots of cooling sour cream and avocado.

Thought I'd see how rice did by cooking Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls.  Even before I started cooking, I knew three cups of rice was a lot.  I cut it to two cups and it was still too rice-heavy for us; next time I'll do a cup and a half.  I also forgot to rinse it, so it was overly sticky.  Those things aside, it was a decent dish - maybe a tad under-seasoned, which could have been, in part, to the large amount of rice.  I would make it again, but have extra toppings and I'd mess around with the seasoning.  

One of the features I love about the Instant Pot is the sautéing, so this Instant Pot Pizza Pasta would have been a one pot meal if I'd had canned marinara and pizza sauce.  I didn't, and don't because I make my own here and here - which I could can, but they are fast enough recipes to do on an as needed basis.  I basically whipped them together while the sausage was browning.  I would chop the pepperoni next time because the slices didn't mix in well. Also mixed in the cheese at serving.  It was good, comforting, and cheesy.  I do have to mention, I was surprised that the pasta didn't get overcooked - but it was perfect.

We were heavy on the Mexican food this week with this Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Chicken. I wanted to see how chicken breasts held up in the Instant Pot, as I usually substitute for thighs for such recipes.  They were okay.  Certainly not as dry as slow cooking can sometimes produce, but not the juiciness of pan-frying, grilling or oven baking; I'll continue with the substituting.  We did crunchy and soft tacos, but would be great on sheet-pan nachos (and it was) or in a bowl.

I needed something different for dessert - we have been hosting my brother-in-law and his family, along with my in-laws, while they are all temporarily living together.  These Blackberry and Cream Biscuits seemed like a quick solution, and different.  They were really good - light with big bites of berries and a bit of sweet from the glaze.  You can even talk yourself into thinking these have healthy qualities because of berries in them, but the amount of cream will wipe that out, unless you consider the amount of calcium in that and then you're good.  The recipe calls for fresh, but you could probably get away with frozen; the fresh berries get a bit crushed in the "folding."  I would also mix it all together, instead of mixing everything and then trying to fold in the fresh berries.  

Happy Monday,

Lori