Baskets of Blessings!  Well I just got out of church and can I say.. This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!  This has been a great week for me, I was blessed to spend a few days at our house in the Texas Hill Country with a girlfriend and we just talked and talked till our ears hurt!  Chilled on the Frio River and just caught up on girl talk.   Aren’t those kind of friends great.  Oh but I was in constant communication with my digi BFF Tabby!  Can I also put in a plug for our Book Club here at GS?  Its just a fun way to chat about what we are reading and I am so loving my ereader that I can’t stand it.  So nothing better for me than relaxing and reading in bed.  Oh and for any of you who know that I started jogging about 3 months ago, I am still a “joggernut” and am up to running for 3 sets of 18 min with a 1 min walk in between.  And I hit the big -30 lbs!  Whoot!  I am going to try to find a zumba class close and check that out and even a yoga class.  I guess when you are my age, you got some time to do those things and now I want to experience some other modes of exercise.  So this week I didn’t see any new questions so I just thought I would share a favorite reciepe with you chikaroos!  Hope you enjoy it and it makes quite a bit so great for covered dishes at church or family reunions.

Oriental Salad

Amount  Measure       Ingredient — Preparation Method
——–  ————  ——————————–
1               head  cabbage — chopped

1              bunch  green onion — chopped

2             packages  Raman Noodles — chicken flavor (*** for my low carb I do 1 pkg.)
1            small pkg  almonds — sliced
1/4        cup  sunflower seeds

DRESSING
1                cup  oil
1/4           cup  sugar
1/4           cup  red wine vinegar
2               tablespoons  soy sauce

First, take a mallet and break up the noodles before you open the packages.  If they are not broken up, they will not break up after you have sauted them.  Saute the two packages of noodles with the almonds in a small amount of oil.  When brown, remove from stove.  Add this to the sliced cabbage.  Pour the seasoning from one package of noodles over the salad.  Add 1 bunch of green onions to the salad.  Make dressing and pour over cabbage.  Enjoy!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 268 Calories; 26g Fat (83.5% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 174mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 5 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : This makes quite alot of salad and would be great for large gatherings.  It also last for at least one week.

https://gingerscraps.net/gsblog/2010/07/1511/

Behind the Scrapbook July 24th

I can’t believe summer is nearly half over. We really need to enjoy what’s left! Here is what some of our ladies are up to…

Here’s a super cute photo from Julie!!!

This is Julie’s little guy Tyler and he went to his first Football practice this week…well it’s really like his 1000th practice…haha. Julie’s 14 year old son has been playing football since she was pregnant with Tyler. Her 2 little ones are called “Bleacher Babies” They have both been on the Football field since birth!

(funny story..Julie’s water broke with Travis her 3 YO during Football camp 3 years ago)

Tyler..he is so ready to actually “Play” football, but, he is 5 and has one more year to wait to “officially” be on the team. But he is on the practice field this year! Julie’s hubby is coaching and they got the OK for him to practice with the team! He was so excited.
OMGosh he is so darn cute out there!

What a fantastic photo Julie!!! He definitely looks very excited to be part of the team!!

Mandy’s family have come up with a great idea for a fun family activity. They decided to make a summer bucket list. It’s a list of things they want to do before summers over and the kids are back to school. This is what they have planned.

* We live next to two large national parks with 100’s of km’s of hiking trails… we plan on hiking one a week at least!

* Camping!! I haven’t been camping for 2 years. We used to camp quite a bit but now with one daughter working and the other making her own summer plans it’s hard to get everyone on the same page!!

* Trip to visit G’ma and G’pa. I would love to travel the 900 km’s to visit with my two favorite people:) I usually make it up two times a year… I hope to go during blueberry picking season so mid August!!

* Working on the house!! We are building our own house and it keeps us pretty busy!! The Hubster is now on holidays so we should be able to get some work done! Can’t wait till it’s all complete and we will love it forever:) I have to keep reminding myself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

* Finish the 4 kits and collab that I have started… I have too many ideas rolling around up there!!

*Must jump on the trampoline everyday and must go swimming at least 3 times a week!!! Self explanatory I think;)

* Geo-caching!!! My daughter and I have started a new hobby!! It all started when I got my new iPhone… I found an app for Geo Cashing!! For those who don’t know, Geo Caching is an online hobby/game. It’s a world wide scavenger hunt using your GPS.  All you have to do is look around for a few websites you can join and look up the coordinates for a Geo Cashe take your supplies ….. GPS, iPhone, pencil, paper, water, prize to trade and some good walking shoes!! Follow your GPS or iPhone and search for the cache!! When you find it sign the book included and trade the prize for something of equal value, for the most part they are trinkets but still very cool!! Here are a few photos of caches we found in our area…

This one was hidden under a metal sign….

This one was at the river edge… the hint to find it was “My first fishing pole was a willow stick”. Yup we found it under a willow tree! <—- after a good 45 minutes of searching the wrong side of the river!!

So as you can see they are all different shapes and sizes… some filled with awesome treasure and some you just sign your name…. it’s a really fun activity that allows you enjoy time with your loved ones and going on an adventure!!

So what’s on your summer bucket list?

LOTW Winner!

It was a close vote this week, but our fabulous layout of the week winner is Helen (hslater). She used Marshmella Designs adorable Loving Hugs kit.  Congratulations Helen! Click the image to leave her some love in the Gingerscraps gallery.

 

Leave a comment on this post and I’ll pick a random winner next week to get little prize from me.

Go vote for the next LOTW winner in the forum and get your LO’s posted in the gallery so you have a chance to win.  You can be a LOTW winner too. All you have to do is scrap! Happy Scrapping.

GingerScraps Site CT Call!!

Yes, this is a big announcement! GingerScraps is having a  Site CT Call! Yes we are!!

Get those applications in!  This is your chance to work with the designs of ALL the GingerScraps designers! The call is open until all spots are filled so get your info sent in right away!

I can’t wait to see who applies!

Let’s Get Crafty: Chalk Paint

Hi my crafty ladies! It’s Thursday, time for “Let’s Get Crafty” Did you miss me last week? Yes, I know…I forgot! These kids and all their friends are keeping me busy! And eating me out of house and home!

So, today I did a fun and easy project with the little boys. All without even going to the store to buy any supplies! We made “Chalk Paint” I got the recipe from “Family Fun Online” Love that site! Lots of great fun and simple project for the family.

Here is the recipe…

1/4 cup Cornstarch…..1/4 cup water…..few drops of food coloring…That’s it!

Now mix it up and get out your paintbrush and find yourself some concrete!

(Don’t you love my cute little glass bowls, .25 cents at a garage sale)

Now of course, my boys wanted a road painted with the Chalk Paint…it’s all about cars around here. They really loved it. Actually I am typing up this post and they are still playing on the chalk road right out my window!

(Notice the little bits of  Homemade Playdough still on my patio, maybe I will teach you that next time.)

Looks like fun doesn’t it! Now of course you don’t have to paint a road. Paint whatever your little heart desires. Oh and you might have to make up a few batches. My boys have asked me for a few refills. Don’t worry about a mess either. Just take your hose a wash it away!

Fresh Baked! 7-21

It smells good in here! The GingerBread Ladies have some super yummy goodies for you today!

First up from our newest GingerBread Lady- Marshmella- Right Now such a cute kit!

I was in need of something fresh and new when I created this kit. It has fun and cheerful colors and just look at that cute duck. This kit would be perfect just about any layout.It includes 8 papers and 35 elements and it will be 25% off for a week too. Making this adorable kit only $2.36!!
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Just check out these layout from my creative team.
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If its true that we are to “bloom where we are planted” then Happiness Blooms is sure to be a winner. Created by two delightful designers, Scrapberry Designs and Kathy Winters Designs this kit is so cute it just makes you smile looking at it. You will find that Happiness Blooms is the perfect year round kit with a wide variety of 26 papers, 60 elements, and 1 alpha to spark your creativity.

Regular price $6.25 on sale through 07/25/2010 for $4.69.

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Kathy Winters Designs also has this cute set of ten (10) coordinating wordart pieces available in her store to add an extra special touch to your layouts.
Happiness Blooms Word Art Set– Regular price $3.00 on sale through 07/25/2010 for $2.25.
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And for a little inspiration, the girls have some layouts from their creative teams to share.
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Two New kits from Pretty in Green first up is Black & White and Blue All Over, and since she has a lil boy and a lil girl she made Black & White and Purple All Over too. These whimsical kits are full of beautiful elements and rich texture, with a color scheme perfect for black and white photos, nothing makes black and white pop more than a lil pop of color. This kit contains 1 full alpha 20 papers and 48 elements. Not all the elements are shown in the preview, your going to love this kit! Save 20% on both of theses kits for the first week!
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Kimmyscraps
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Sarah_ICS, sarah also used MandyMade’s new Template Swimming in it
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missdamsel
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This new kit from Statements by Jodi is perfect to scrap your contents of your purse pictures, teen girl pictures, day at the spa pictures, and dress up pictures. Anything girly, this kit will be perfect for. Normally $5. This week only it’s 20% off! In My Purse

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It comes with a fabulous chrome alpha. Love the Alpha but don’t want the kit? You can get the alpha for only $2! This week only it’s 25% off! In My Purse Alpha
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By Trina
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By Kiana
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By Kiana
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Challenge Spotlight – Photo Editing Technique

 

Hmm no T pages to win a prize. Bummer. photom was so close but has to wait until the kit she used is released. Oh well maybe we’ll have better luck with this weeks challenge spotlight. Which is. . . . 

My Photo Editing Technique – July ’10 – Reflected. Do you like the look of a reflected photo but don’t know how to make it work. Well here’s your chance to give it a try. I’ll give you a step by step tutorial on how to do a reflection. Wonder what you can do with a reflection? Well here are some examples I posted: 

By Harmonystar

By Harmonystar

By Harmonystar

 If you are thinking “OH I have a photo that could use a cool reflection” then go check out the July ’10 – Reflected tutorial. If you’re thinking “The only way to make this better is if I could win a prize from Harmonystar too!” Well that it’s your lucky day! Come back here and post the link to your edit in the gallery and post it in a comment here. Next week I’ll randomly select one and that person will win a prize from ME! (Harmonystar). CT & those who have already done the challenge are elligable. Let me see those comments! 

This week we had a tie for the Layout Of the Week winner, but the two layouts were both created by Jen (vcjordi).  How exciting! All of the layouts rocked as usual, but here are the winning LO’s. Click the images to leave her some love in the gallery.

Family Portrait

Crab Cakes

Don’t forget to vote for the next LOTW winner in the forum. You can be a LOTW winner too. All you have to do is scrap! Happy Scrapping.

https://gingerscraps.net/gsblog/2010/07/1461/

Another helping of “The Dish”

Hey everyone!  It’s Tabby here bring you this weeks edition of “The Dish”.  I think this is such a fun little column (I’m not sure what the correct term is for the blogging world, lol) that we do.  If you’ve never asked a question for The Dish make sure you stop by our forum here and give it a go!

We had two new questions posted this week.

The first one pertains to Meta Data and tagging your photos.  Metadata is pretty new to me but from what I have gathered, Windows allows you to tag your photos and such using this “Metadata” to make it easier to find a photo of a certain person or even later on.  For example, your dog Rover, or your trip to New York.  The easiest way I have found to do this is to tag your photos using your photo editing or viewing program.  I view all of my .jpg and .png files in Picasa and it is very easy to tag in that program.

If there is a way to add the metadata from windows or if any of our readers have some insight as to an easy way of doing it we would love to have your comments as I am a complete novice in this area and could use some direction myself!

The second question is from Lynelle.  She asks, “I feel like I’m always going all over digitown to blog, Facebook and Twitter. Fortunately I use Firefox so I have all of my frequently used sites bookmarked in my toolbar. How do you make your life easier when it comes to posting on your blog, Facebook page and Twitter page?”

My simple answer is Yoono.  It’s free to add on to Firefox and syncs up your Yahoo Messenger, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.  I love Yoono because you can leave it open in your browser so that you never miss a beat!  You can download the free program here.  I haven’t found a program yet that integrates the blog posting but I’m sure there is one out there.

Thanks for reading the blog.  I can’t wait to see what questions you leave us to answer next week!

Behind the Scrapbook

Good afternoon scrappers! Thank goodness I have a geek in the house because it took me an hour to get my computer up and running. I love my geek! DO you want to know who else is in love??

Teri and her hubby, this is what she wrote to me…

Gossip Girl if my hubby and I make it till July 17 (ha ha) we will be married for 34 years! I met him when I was in 8th grade and we started going “steady” then. Divorce was never an option for us.. Murder yes but divorce no!!! Oh and we knew it would be an ugly custody battle for the kiddos.. you know.. who would have to take them!!!!!! LMAO just kidding…. kinda T

Ahhh must be bliss! I think I can relate:) Happy Anniversary Terri and hubby!

I was also chatting with Mandy… she’s re-cooperating from her Ethan hangover. She was being a fun Auntie again! This week it was Rye’s big brother Ethan who kept Mandy busy! I hear they battled Bower and turned the inversion table into Auntie Mandy’s tickle torture machine.  Ethan just learned how to ride a two wheeler so they went on many bike rides and went swimming everyday!!

Julie has also been keeping busy!! They have been painting the living room with a fresh coat of paint. I hear it’s looking great! She is planning to make a “photo wall” so she went to the goodwill and got a start on some frames. She seams to find the best stuff!!! Can’t wait to see some pictures of the completed project!

On Wednesday she was busy having a photo shoot with this amazing family and their beautiful horses….

What a good looking family and I have seen some of the other photos that Julie has taken during this shoot and I have to say she is one talented lady!!!

Today is a special day not only is it Teri’s anniversary but this little guy is turning three!!

Happy Birthday Travis!!! Hope you have a fun day!

What a sweetie!!!

I still haven’t heard from Kathy… last we saw of her she was on a road trip with her three beautiful children… if we don’t hear from her by next week we will send out a search party:)

Cya next week:)