STAMPCHIC, Stamping and more!

Nica's Cafe review...

On Monday, my friend Heather P and I went to Nica's Cafe.  Nica's is a new restaurant in the Crossroads district.  Check it out at www.nicas320.comfor a fun new spot.  I ordered an appetizer sampler of the sliders.  The Thai Chicken was hands down my favorite of the three.  YUMMY!  I also really enjoyed the pulled pork which had a wonderful spice.  The Jerk Steak just wasn't my thing.  Heather ordered the Personal Pizza with mushrooms and she said it was tasty.  We finished the meal off with a small orders of Beignets which were more dense than what I've had in New Orleans but definitely worth the calories.  :) 

Heather and I always enjoy eating out of the JOCO area - we would encourage all of you to step outside of Johnson County and really enjoy all Kansas City has to offer!!  I give Nica's a B+; loved the atmosphere, food and service - parking was my only negative.  I can't wait to go back and try some of their signature dishes and Pot Smash.  Try it out, you won't be disappointed!! 

Potato Skins

Ok, I know this sounds simple, but they really are better my way!!! 

 
So, here goes!! 

Bake your potatoes any way you like!  Cut them in half and scoop out the inside potato leaving 1/4 inch on inside of skin.  (Reserve the scooped potato for dinner the next night.)  Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter and brush both sides of the potato with the melted butter.  Sprinkle both sides with Tastefully Simple's Seasoned Salt (All Natural) and a little Fiesta Party Dip Mix (All Natural).  If Fiesta is too spicy for you sub any of your favorite TS dip mixes!  I bet it would be great with Spinach and Herb Dip Mix too!  Place the skins on a baking sheet skin side up and bake at 425 for 15 minutes.  Remove them from the oven, flip them over and add shredded cheese, bacon crumbles or whatever toppings you like.  Pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.  Top with scallions (I had to limit due to children) and dip in our prepared Bacon Bacon dip or Ranch if that's what you like!!  Enjoy!!! 

Bayou Bourbon Lil' Smokies

Yummy!  Ok, I would have a picture but by the time I got back with the camera they were GONE!!  I just put a package of Lil' Smokies in the mini crock pot and added 5 ounces of Bayou Bourbon Glaze.  Heat through and eat!  They were literally gone in 10 minutes - you would think I never feed these kids! 

Ok, I'm heading back into blog land!! Trying a new Brisket recipe for the superbowl today and I'll let you know how it turns out!!

Tastefully Simple Gift Idea and Recipe!

This is a photo of the gift basket (bowl) Todd and I donated to State Street for their annual United Way auction.  Hope it brings lots in!!  I put several of my favorites in a mixing bowl with one of the little recipe books I made for my Open House in August!  I made a little tag with the same chef from the Voila set (Stampin'Up!).  And of course used my Big Shot to cut the Top Notes out for the tag!  It turned out super cute if I do say so myself!!! 

So here is a new recipe for you all to try!  I'm making it in my crock pot today - love my crock pot!!! 

Asian Pork

1 cup Sesame Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. cubed boneless pork

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup snow peas

1 cup broccoli florets

Combine first 4 ingredients in a greased slow cooker; cook on low 6-8 hours or until port is tender.  Add snow peas and broccoli or other vegetables during last 10-15 minutes of cooking.  Serve over hot rice or chow mien noodles.  Makes 5 to 6 servings.

To order Tastefully Simple visit www.tastefullysimple.com/web/akennedy2and be sure to add the Easy Slow Cooker recipes to your order for some super easy suppers this fall!! 

Have a great day!!

No layers Thank You!

Ok, there is one layer with the scallop edge, but you could easily put a ribbon there and it would be a true no layer card!!  I like this idea and have used it at several workshops to show people they don't need a ton of supplies to have a nice card! 

I used the following all from Stampin'Up - Heartfelt Thanks Stamp Set, Sincere Salutations Stamp Set, Natural White paper, Pretty in Pink paper, Certainly Celery Marker, So Saffron Marker, Basic Black Stamp Pad, Pastels.  I did use a large oval punch out for the sponging of the pastel that is non-su, but technically, it's not on the card so I'm still calling this a SUO (Stampin'Up! Only) card!!  If you'd like to place an order go to www.stampchic.stampinup.net and Shop Now!! 

Have a great day and let me know if I can help you in any way!!

Christ is Born, Christmas Club Card...

This was one of our first Christmas Club cards this year.  It uses the retired Riding Hood Red ink and striped ribbon!  We embossed the main image in gold on vanilla.  The poinsettias are stamped on Sahara Sand and on the inside there are more poinsettias with the greeting that have gold embossed centers.

Christmas Club was a big hit last night!  Lots of fun!!!  It looks like we are in for a rainy day today in KC!  Mark your calendars for October 4th for Halloween Treats Class!!  I'm heading to the store to buy some candy to complete the projects and will show them later this week!!  Have a great day!!!

Stamp a Stack - this Sunday!!!

Here are three of the four designs we will be making on Sunday!!  If you want to see the fourth card (Cold and Cuddly) you will have to come to class!!  Email me at @sbcglobal.net to reserve your spot!!

I had a lot of fun making these cards and I know you will too!!   Class is Sunday at 2 pm and again at 7 pm!  We will make 13 cards PLUS envelopes and I provide EVERYTHING!!!  So, grab a friend and come over for a fun girls day/night out!!  Cost of the class is $25 and advanced reservations are required!

Stamp a stack cards are easy to duplicate so you can get some good ideas for your own cards!  Plus, you will have 13 ready to go when you leave!!  If you prefer, you can place a $60 order and attend class FREE!!  Please call if you have any questions (913) 481-3304 and have a great day!!

Stampin'up! Catalog Case!

Here is another card we made at Christmas Club!  I cased this from the Stampin'Up! Idea Book and Catalog!  Love it!!  If you don't have a catalog let me know - I have a bunch!!  Place a $50 order and get one FREE!! 

I love making Christmas Cards and can't wait for my order to arrive today!!  I'll be creating the cards for Christmas Stamp a Stack this Sunday and get them posted on Wednesday!  The class is at 2 and again at 7 that night!  We will make 13 cards plus envelopes and probably some "bonus" tags!  All for $25 and I supply everything!!  Just bring a friend and a soda!!  Advanced reservations required!

Colors used in this card are Very Vanilla, Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Ruby Red.  The greeting is stamped in Old Olive Craft ink and embossed with Clear Embossing powder.  I used the Old Olive, Creamy Caramel and Ruby Red markers to color the elves.

Have a great day and let me know if you would like to attend STAMP A STACK!!

Snow much Fun!!!

I just love doing Christmas Cards!!  They are the easiest to create especially with these new WONDERFUL stamps we have!! 

This was one of our first cards for Christmas Club!  There are embossed polka dots on the Bashful Blue layer of card stock using the Texture plates and the Sizzix Big Shot!  It's hard to see on the photo!!  We used Shimmery White for the sparkle and added some dazzling diamonds to the snow and snowmen!!  This is a level three hostess set that I really love!  We stamped in Bashful Blue and used celery, melon mambo and bashful blue markers to color. 

Also LOVE this new polka dot ribbon!  I've already used two spools - LOVE IT!!

Well, gotta run!  Have a great day!!