it's all about the details

happy birthday, mom & a peek at paper crafts gourmet!

She said that she wanted to spend her 73rd birthday in Utah, so here we are celebrating away!  Happy Birthday, Mutti!  We love you so much! 

{photos 1 and 3 by Carolyn McAfee and photos 2 and 4  by Tara Whitney}

Today will be spent opening presents, exploring SLC and having dinner at Bangkok Thai - the birthday girl's choice.  It's been so fun to spend this time with Mom and Dad!

And in honor of today being the 29th of October and Mom's birthday, she would like to award the Halloween goodies from Little Yellow Bicycle and K&Company to Joni who was the 29th commenter to last Friday's blog.  Hooray for Joni!  Cool goodies are heading your way, stat!

And now... a peek into Paper Crafts Gourmet!

This fabulous and gorgeous book is coming out just in time for the Christmas shopping flurry that lies ahead.  What a great gift for the foodie or paper crafter in your life!  I was certainly drooling over all of the yummy recipes (it's not smart to read it right before lunch, that's for sure!) and cute projects.  You might want to try this bonus recipe for Alisa Bangerter's Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits and  Enjoy Halloween Tag this week!

Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits

This is a perfect recipe to pull out if you are short on time because there is no rolling or cutting. The cheese and garlic add extra kick to a plain biscuit, and kids love them. They are the perfect accompaniment to serve with soups or stews, and are great served with a salad.

INGREDIENTS

2 c. flour

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 c. butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese

1 1/4 c. milk

Chives (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in butter with pastry cutter until mixture is fine. Add cheese and mix well. Add milk and stir until just moistened. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chopped dried or fresh chives if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 15 minutes.

Enjoy Halloween Tag

SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (ivory) Dye ink: (Black) Stewart Superior Corp.; (Summer Sun) Stampin’ Up! Specialty ink: (Mango Lemonade color wash) Stewart Superior Corp. Color medium: (black chalk) Craf-T Products Accents: (black brads) Making Memories; (chipboard bat, moon) Melissa Frances Fibers: (black striped ribbon) Pebbles Inc. Font: (Black Family) www.dafont.com Adhesive: (foam tape) Finished size: 3" x 4 1/2"

1 Make tag from cardstock. 2 Crumple tag and smooth out. Spray edges with color wash; let dry. Apply chalk. 3 Ink chipboard moon; let dry. Chalk edges and adhere. 4 Ink chipboard bat; let dry. Adhere with foam tape. 5 Print sentiment on cardstock; trim and tear edges. Chalk edges and adhere with foam tape. Attach brads. Attach ribbon with brad.

At our recent Halloween party, we served the yummy Caprese recipe (contributed by Neko Carillo).  Here is what it looked like before the guests devoured it!

Wanna get your hands on this yummy goodness?  Click here to preorder - you won't be disappointed!

Susan

PS Mom got 53 comments on her last blog.  Can she get 73 well wishes for her 73rd birthday? :)

 

getting to know u-tah

Mom asked me earlier this week when it would be her turn to blog again, so here she is.  It's kind of in her blood since she does a 5-days-a-week mass e-mail to our extended family called PotD- short for Picture of the Day.  It's actually morphed into much more than that, and it entertains us and keeps our family connected.  And you can read away for another Freebie Friday giveaway and the announcement of last week's winner!  Take it away, Mom.

The weather has turned colder in Utah and even though the sun is shining, the breeze is ch-ch-chilling.  When Beth and Susan are off at work they give us some little tasks to do in the meantime.  My task is to do some mending, and Dad is going to paint a bookcase for them, taking three days to do it.  He says he is on vacation! 

 

The view from Beth and Susan's side yard.

On Monday, we and the girls went up into the mountains to the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.  An entertaining tour guide took us by van to three venues that were in the Park City area -- the luge, the bobsled, and the ski jump. It is interesting that teams from all over the world come here to practice.  We saw the bobsled in action.  They keep the track iced for them to use.  The ski jump is so scary looking and just straight down.  Yikes!  There is also a very comprehensive museum there which is  well done and interesting.

We took a different road down the mountains and ... OMG... we got into some mountain roads that were very dangerous with steep drop-offs, and you dare not meet another vehicle.  Beth did a great job of navigating the Beetle around the frightening curves.  For our evening meal, we found a resort in Midway, UT, with a German-Alpine theme called Zermatt.  We were shocked to see so many people checking into the hotel, and not too many of them seemed to speak English.  It was a very classy place, and I don't see a slow economy happening there among these folks.

 

The view out the front entrance of Zermatt.

On Tuesday, Ed and I were on our own, and we headed to Provo to see the beautiful campus of Brigham Young University.  It is so neat and pretty, especially with the autumn foliage.

We were also elated to find a Red Riding Hood cape for Beth's costume at JoAnn's.  Wow, it was a steal at 60% off...and now I don't have to make anything.  Unfortunately, we did not run into Donny Osmond or any of his siblings.

This Halloween party tomorrow night  seems to be Beth and Susan's occasion to show off their house.  They have so many people and spouses invited and are putting in much time, money, and effort.  They are mostly scrapbooking people from work (like that is a bad thing, Mom?).  Their coworkers  are sure a party bunch!  They exchange surprises at Halloween like some people have a "secret Santa" at Christmas.  On Tuesday, Beth "Boo-ed" two people, and she bought so much stuff - Halloween decorations, a hot pink, sparkly Jack O'Lantern that lights up, candy, a purple bucket with a Halloweeen face on it, skeleton cling ons, little furry mice to race around on your desk, etc.  On Thursday, Susan had a potluck with the Paper Crafts gang, and she asked me to put together a plate of cheese cubes.

 

There is a bloody hand floating in the punch at the Paper Crafts potluck!

Another interesting touristy thing we did was visit the Capitol Building here in Salt Lake City.  We loved the history and grandeur of it.  It was built in 1914, and they recently had a refurbishing followed by a grand re-opening.

That evening we met Beth and Susan for dinner together at Baxter's American near the arena where the Utah Jazz plays basketball.  The restaurant was very snazzy, and I must admit they have even nicer chairs than Olive Garden.  Numerous fans were headed to the game, however we chose to attend the rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir which was nearby.  Awesome music filled the large building and with 360 voices and a full orchestra it was heavenly.  That was certainly a highlight of our getting to know U-tah.

I got lots of comments on my last blog, and I told Susan I was hoping to get 40 this time.  It is a real challenge -- so help me out.  We have a fabulous Halloween package for the person we choose as the winning answerer.  Look at the super selection!!!  We will anounce the prize winner on Wednesday next week.

And last week's winner is Carla Tarrou!  Carla, send Beth and Susan your mailing address at bopels@aol.com so that they can send you a whole bunch of goodies!

Remember - I am looking for 40 responses -- don't let me down!  OR I will be the biggest loser! 

Whew - that's all!  I think I need a nap!

 

Corrine

guest blogger: corrine opel

I'd like to welcome a guest blogger today, my mom.  She and Dad are here in Utah for about two weeks, and she'd love to say hello to all of you in blogland and let you know a little about their trip so far.  Take it away, Mom!

We are having such a great adventure here "out west". The trip on the California Zephyr offered us magnificent views which varied from state to state.  It was also a time to meet many wonderful people.  After our two-day trip from Michigan, it was good to see a pair of lovely women waiting at the station in Salt Lake City, with hugs and excitement.  We enjoyed seeing briefly their lovely home in person and getting moved in - even though the hour was about 1:00 AM.

On Friday we visited CK Media, where our daughters work.  I was impressed with how big it was and all that goes into publishing a magazine. Their co-workers are a sweet bunch of gals and have fun together as they work.  It was nice to see Beth and Susan's work area and how things and people work together.

Here I am with Susan's co-worker - Cath Edvalson, Creative Editor of Paper Crafts magazine

On Saturday the weekend was here and we planned a road trip in Beth's yellow Beetle.  It was a beautiful day and ripe for travel. We headed for Promontory Point where the Golden Spike was driven in 1869 to complete the rail track that united the Atlantic and the Pacific.  It is a very interesting site and we took many pictures.  Susan even obliged us by laying down on the track and creating a "Perils of Pauline" shot.  There were lots of tourists there even though it seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere.  The scenery is breath-taking. The mountains and valleys offer scenes of grandeur and you can't help but think, we are not in Michigan anymore.

 

None of us had been in the state of Idaho before...and since it was only 80 miles north...we wanted to add that state to our USA travel list.  Idaho was greener and flatter than Utah.  Pocatello is a nice city with a lovely vintage neighborhood.  Soon it was time for us to head back to Utah and home  The girls even let us watch the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays.

This morning we were up and going early as we visited Grace Lutheran Church in Sandy, Utah.  It is a very nice church, but we still miss our home church.  We were excited to see a couple we knew from the past.  Bill and Sue Busacker belong to Grace.  He is the principal there at their school and his wife, Sue used to teach at our school.  So we went out to breakfast together afterwards and renewed old aquaintances.

The girls have the day off today and are putting some effort into a Halloween party they are hosting on Saturday.  Folks are asked to dress as some fictional character.  Beth wants to be Little Red Riding Hood.  So that requires a red riding hood!  She is hoping mother can come up with some sewing skills.  I plan to wear a square dance dress my mother made and wore in the 70's when she belonged to a senior citizens group or something.  I kept it all these years and it really is cute.

We are certainly enjoying our time here and thank Beth and Susan for being such good hostesses.

Corrine 

why i love sports movies

Yeah, I was somewhat of an athlete growing up. Not to the exclusion of other things--I also was very involved in artistic, musical, and dramatic endeavors--but I do have some experience in the competitive sports arena.

But I don't think that my love for sports movies springs, necessarily, from my love of sports. There's just something about the idea of working hard toward a goal, giving others something to believe in, and striving to be your best that always appeals to me. Throw in biographical information and a historical setting, and you've got a recipe for success, as far as my ticket-purchasing decisions are concerned.

Over the years, some of my most cherished film moments have had a sports theme:

The Natural--When Robert Redford spots Glenn Close, bathed in afternoon sunlight, arisen--no--LIFTED from her seat in the stands, compelling him on to knock it out of the park...

Rudy--When Sean Astin's beefy teammates file into the coach's office, one after another relinquishing their spots on the team roster so that their never-say-quit friend can suit up for the final game of his Notre Dame college career...

Seabiscuit--When both horse and rider, written off and thought to be finished in the sport, prove that "Though he is small, he is mighty" and win the hearts of a nation aching for heroes...

Hoosiers--When the citizens of the tiny, hard-knock town swell with pride as their boys take on and conquer the state's powerhouses...

Ice Castles--When she finishes her amazing comeback, blind and wearing her homemade costume, and starts tripping over the roses, and Robby Benson comes and carries her off the ice...

Rocky--Is there any more iconic moment than when Sylvester Stallone runs up those steps and punches his fist victoriously into the frigid air to the moving strains of "Gonna Fly Now"?

And because it's Freebie Friday, let's give away some more goodies! We'll bestow a box of delights on one lucky blog reader if you leave a comment telling us your fave sports movie by next Friday, October 24. Curious about what sorts of things we've been known to give? Check it out here (and leave Shaun some love, too!).

Beth

frightfully festive

We are hosting a Halloween party in a couple of weeks, and we spent some time last weekend coming up with our decor, entertainment, refreshments, and other convivialities.

 

We've found amazing ideas from Martha Stewart like these:

And incredible eye candy at Amy Atlas Designs like these:

So what do you think? Do you have any tried and true Halloween party tricks? Or can you recommend any sinfully delectable treats?

Our party's looming on Saturday, October 25, at five hours before the witching hour. If you're in the area, drop in for a devilishly good time! 

Beth

the beautiful colors of fall... and American Crafts

Fall is really kicking into high gear here in Utah!  Beth and I made a trip into the mountains to see the color in all its magnificence.  What a gorgeous day and what a beautiful sight!  Scenery like this makes me even more sure of the glory of God and his creation.

I also recently made a trip to a heavenly place called American Crafts in Orem, Utah, with my Paper Crafts girlies.  The riotous colors abounded there, too.  And I must confess, I told Grant Madsen, our tour guide, that for me it is God, family, and then THICKERS!  OK - slightly sacreligious, but what DID we do before Thickers?  Breathe in the deliciousness below!

And speaking of deliciousness, here are our winners from the World Card Making Day post on October 3rd:

Carol M who posted on October 03, 2008 at 03:18 PM and Kim Rigsby who posted on  October 04, 2008 at 07:05 AM

CONGRATULATIONS!  Please e-mail us at bopels@aol.com with your mailing address so that we can ship you your Cards, Gifts, & More: Paper Crafting 3 Ways!  And enjoy the colors of your day, wherever you may be!

Susan

it's show time!

Back in May of 2007, Beth and I flew from Indiana to Utah to film a DVD for Creating Keepsakes.  That was our first taste of Utah, and it's amazing to think that now we live here!  Anyhow, it's show time, again for us!

{the photos above are from our 2007 shoot - those cameramen are crazy, but FUN!}

Today, Beth is representing Creating Keepsakes and sharing 24 ideas in the following categories:

• felt
• finding inspiration in advertising
• heat embossing
• liquid applique
• numbers as a design element
• scallops
• floral accents and
• artisan labels

Below is a sneak peek of one of her scalloped projects:

and on Friday, I will be representing Paper Crafts and sharing 24 ideas for card makers in the following categories:

• jewels
• buttons
• brads
• acrylic elements
• sentiments
• creative edges
• taming large patterned paper and
• beads

Below is a sneak peek of one of my bejeweled projects:

Despite the fact that I haven't been much of a card maker in the past, I am really feeling very comfortable this time around.  We know what to do.  We've done it before.  We know the film crew.  Should I be more nervous?  Nahhh - bring on the camera - I'm ready! :)

Susan

world card making day - northwestern-style!

This weekend, I went back to my teaching roots, and it was really a blast!  I spent Friday and Saturday in Oregon sharing the card making love with a great bunch of ladies at Scrapbook Fever in Salem. 

To begin with, I love to travel, so hitting the road to the SLC airport and then boarding a flight to Portland, OR, was SO fun!  Add to that a snazzy rental car once I got there (Mitsubishi Eclipse), and a previously unexplored state, and I was in heaven.  Through the rain, I was able to catch a glimpse of gorgeous Portland, OR, on my way south to the state capital, Salem.  I'm still kicking myself that I didn't pop up to Washington state (just to say I had)!

Once in Salem, I drove around town to get the lay of the land, stopped at the store to introduce myself, and enjoyed a nice evening in my comfy hotel.  I even got up early to do a little photo shoot in front of the capitol the next day. 

On Saturday I shared my story of coming to Utah from Indiana and taught some very sweet ladies three cards for World Card Making Day!  I wasn't sure what it would be like to be back in my teacher shoes - but I will admit, it was a little bit like riding a bike - it all came back once I got started.

I really, truly had such a great time!  These students were attentive and so enthused - they seemed to appreciate that I had taken the time to come to their store.  And I loved to hear their stories. They are so lucky to have such a hip and up-to-date store owned by a very cool lady, named Shelly, and her totally fun and dedicated staff. 

Long live World Card Making Day!  And thanks for a great time Scrapbook Fever! That's what this hobby is all about creating and connecting. I totally dig it!

Susan

freebie friday--ushering in the season

I'm a little odd. On the 25th of every month, I mentally note how many intervening months remain until Christmas. When I was a teacher, I would write it on the board under the date, as in "April 25, 8 months until Christmas!" Now that I work for Creating Keepsakes, I'm still the same old goofy chick. My colleagues have come to expect holiday e-cards in the middle of the summer. It's not that weird, right? It's festive!

Well, now that it's October, it really is time for us crafty types to get our tushes in gear, because if we want to send handmade gifts and cards, we'd better get started! There's actually a designated beginning to the season--October 4, World Card Making Day!

At this very moment, my sister is en route to Salem, OR, where she will teach a cardmaking class at Scrapbook Fever. All around the world, in kitchens, churches, and scrapbook stores, crafters are kicking off the holidays by creating cards. Won't you join us?

If you need some inspiration, I'm offering TWO lucky blog readers a copy of Paper Crafts' latest special issue: Cards, Gifts and More: Paper Crafting 3 Ways. Just leave us a blog comment by Saturday, October 11, and you're entered!

Good luck, and Crafty Holidays to you!

Beth