National Paper Crafting Month!

I just wanted to make a quick post to show you all my wreath that I made from the free kit for National paper Crafting Month.  It was really fun to make and you can design it any way you want.

I made another flower and added to the top of the ribbon to hide the ugly wreath hanger!

There is only 3 more days to get in on this free wreath kit!

paperdivas.ctmh.com

Enjoy your weekend!

Ronda

Spring Cleaning and National Paper Crafting Month!

Good morning!

When do you start your Spring cleaning?  I always start mine in January.  I love to be outside cleaning up gardens when it gets nice out so I want the spring cleaning to be done when it starts getting warm outside.

I always start in the kitchen, with the cupboards.  Everything comes out and they get cleaned inside and out.  I have space above the cupboards that I have pottery on so that all comes down and gets washed too.

I do a little section everyday so that my shoulders don't get to sore.  Dang arthritis.  When all the cupboards are clean, I go back over them with liquid gold.  That always gives a nice shine and brings back the color of the wood.

I am washing the walls and the baseboards as I go around too.  When the kitchen is done it is on to the bathrooms for the same treatment.

Don't you like to put something nice out when the house is nice and clean?

I always do and this year it is going to be my free wreath from Close to my Heart.  They are giving one away to each person that spends $60.  It is a kit you personalize yourself.  I'm starting mine today!  You can always buy it out right too for $18.95.

Get yours at paperdivas.closetomyheart.com

All you need is a quilling tool (which we sell) and some liquid glass (yes we have that too)!  Or you can use any clear glue to hold the roses together and affix everything on the ring.  I know you will love this wreath so go to my website and get yours now before they are all gone.  You have until January 31, while supplies last.

Have a great day!

Ronda

Mixed media!

Just a short post to show an Art Journal page I made using a bunch of different products.  A little shout out to Lindy's Gang.  I just love there products especially the sprays.

Have a great night and thanks for looking!

Ronda

CTMH

Happy sunny Sunday!  It is a beautiful 33 degrees and sunny here in Mason Michigan.  I sure hope the sun is out where ever you are.

Today I want to show you the new Cut Above scrapbook kits we have.  These are created for you that are new to scrapbooking or for someone who wants to just put layouts together quick and easy.  I think they would make great gifts too at a low cost of just $14.95.  They come with everything you need including the page protectors.

Check these out on my website at paperdivas.ctmh.com .

The item # for forever and always is Z3319 and for Little one Z3320.

I hope you will take a look at these and browse through the rest of the two idea books.

Have a great week,

Ronda

silver and gold!

Baby it's cold outside.  So what do you do in the winter if you don't like the cold?  I stay inside and scrapbook or make cards, play on the computer, clean, cook and exercise.

Yesterday I made this card for the Heart 2 Heart Challenge.  There theme was silver and gold.  I just went with the gold.  I hope you like it!

I think it turned out quite pretty.  All supplies are from Close to my Heart.  Take a look at my website and check out our new seasonal expression idea book.  The paper and other products are just beautiful!paperdivas.closetomyheart.com

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone.

Ronda

Sugar Rush

Playing with Sugar Rush.  Getting ready for a workshop or two!  This paper is so much fun!

go to my website and get your Sugar Rush on!  paperdivas.closetomyheart.com

Minestrone with Kale!

Hi it is Ronda here, sharing the soup I made today.  I saw the recipe on pure wow.  Like a ton of other
people I know.  It is that time of year when we get back on track.  For me it is eating right and exercising.   Also organizing and spring cleaning.

I used some tomatoes I had blanched and froze last summer when I didn't have time to can them.

I also added in some spinach instead of all kale. (cleaning out the fridge).

Doesn't it look yummy?

Here is the recipe!

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf

2 sprigs oregano

2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1¼ cups small dried pasta (such as orecchiette, elbows or mini farfalle)
1 bunch kale, roughly torn
One 15-ounce can kidney beans
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup pesto, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery, and sauté until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
2. Add the tomatoes and broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the bay leaf, oregano, thyme and rosemary. Simmer until the soup is flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Bring the soup back to a simmer over medium heat and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Stir in the kale, beans and ½ cup Parmesan.
5. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with a heaping tablespoon of pesto and a few teaspoons of Parmesan. The soup will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, for up to five days. (You may need to thin it out with water when you reheat it, as the pasta can absorb some of the moisture as it sits.)

Enjoy

Close to my Heart and the New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone stayed safe!

I want to share the front of Seasonal Expressions and hope that you will go to my website and look through it!  There are some gorgeous products in it.  So fresh for the new year and spring.

Here is my first project from the Sugar rush Scrapbooking kit.

Happy scraping everyone and have a happy and Healthy new year.

Ronda