What I've been up to lately

I've been scrapbooking, of course.  I'm currently working on 2012 in my family album.  I'm also trying to complete The Boy's high school years.  He and I sorted through a mountain of memorabilia during my crop last weekend, which was a lot of fun.  There were lots of smiles and "You saved THAT?" from him.  I also discovered that I'd saved approximately 52 of his graduation announcements.  I'll probably only need 2-3, so I'll keep that in mind when the Gluten Free Girl graduates next spring.  Her album will be the next on my list, and I'll hopefully be organizing and working on it by fall.

We've done some camping as a family, with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower ("*gasp* It's BEAUTIFUL," said Thumper).

And I've been crafting too.  Playing with paint and paper and the like.  I've got a lot of patriotic decorations for summer, but not much else.  I've been remedying that.  I stopped into Wood Creations and found some absolutely adorable projects and ideas.  I chose two projects and here's how they turned out.

I'm SO excited to have these!  The pinwheels were a kit and then I added my own paint and paper from my rather large stash.  The squares were based on a display in the store.  The employee was very friendly and helpful, making sure I had everything I'd need to complete the projects.  I can't wait to play some more!  

And, I painted.  Yep.  I made a painting.  The outline came from an image online, but then I did the rest.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  Don't you?

And now I have some fun, unique summer decor!

Summer Spectacular is COMING!

Click HERE for the registration form, or just shoot me an email letting me know that you're planning to join us.  I can't WAIT!

"For the Men In Our Lives" Card Kits NOW AVAILABLE

Just in time for Father's Day!  Each kit includes everything you need to complete a "crafter's dozen" cards, including cards, envelopes, all embellishments, and foam adhesive squares to give them a little pop of dimension.  Kits also include photos of each card. The only thing you'll need is your own adhesive!  I have a limited number of these exclusive kits available for $20 each (that's just $1.54 per card!) so reserve yours today.

April Card Class

Hello!  I'm so excited about these cards!

The "Cards for the Men in Our Lives" class will be held on Friday, April 24th from 7 to 9 pm (we can go later if we need to).  We'll be creating a baker's dozen cards (13) for just $20.  These fun cards will be perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, and more.  I have a limited number of kits available, and your space is reserved on a first-paid-first-saved basis, so register early!

Payments can be mailed to:
Erica Meyer
5317 S Wildflower Lane
Murray, UT 84123

Class includes all the necessary supplies to create 13 cards, including the cards and envelopes, embellishments, and "pop dots."  Please plan to bring your own adhesive.  I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

Spring Spectacular Registration

It's still about 8 weeks away, but I don't want anyone to miss out, so mark your calendar now, build a fence around your "me" time and plan to attend!

To print the registration form, click here:  Spring Spectacular 2015

Track your page progress!

Each year, I set a goal for my scrapbooking. This year, I'm wanting to complete 365 pages, or a page-a-day.  Now, I recognize that I simply won't be able to scrapbook every single day, no matter how much I might want to.  But the number remains the same.....it's fun, right?

Here is a link to the Excel spreadsheet I created to track my progress.  I encourage you to set your own goal and go for it!  If 365 pages seems like too much, simply black out the numbers at the end, but SET A GOAL so you know where you're going!  (If 365 doesn't seem like enough, you're more addicted than I am, but feel free to print the page several times to help you keep track!)


 Page Tracking Spreadsheet

Freezing Mashed Potatoes

Well, they're not exactly mashed, but it's a good start!

And it's so simple, really.

Peel and dice your potatoes.  I usually just make extra when I'm making mashed potatoes for dinner.

Then, give your diced potatoes a nice soak in some cool, salted water (a couple of tablespoons).  Make sure the potatoes are completely covered.  Exposure to air will turn them colors...the salt water prevents that.  Let them soak for about 30 minutes (I let them soak while we eat dinner).

Drain the potatoes and then freeze them in a zipper-seal bag.  Double bag to help prevent freezer burn or leakage.

To prepare them, simply put them into boiling water, FROM FROZEN.  If you thaw them, you'll lose some of the texture and risk them turning brown from air exposure.