Carrots.

We almost always have carrots in our house... but we rarely eat them for dinner. Carrots around here are usually eaten raw with a dip. But last night I made carrots for dinner and they were fabulous. Brian said they were the "best carrots he had ever had". So, in case you have overlooked carrots as well, here is an easy recipe that will help promote them from 'healthy snack' to 'main attraction'.

1. Chop carrots diagonally & boil until tender. ( I used 4 medium carrots).

2. On medium heat add 1 tbsp. each of butter, Dijon mustard & brown sugar.

3. Season with salt & pepper. Stir constantly until carrots are evenly glazed.

4. Transfer to serving bowl & sprinkle with chives.

Enjoy. We sure did.

Layout #229

My Baby by Haley Ross

I love Amy Butler. So of course I have hoarded her paper for years, waiting to have a need for it. And now I do, Molly.

Materials: Patterned Paper: K&Co and Theresa Collins; Cardstock: Worldwin; Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories and My Minds Eye; Flower Die-Cut: Tim Holtz; Ribbon: May Arts; Other: Brad & Button.

Layout #228

Popular Guy by Haley Ross

I started scrapbooking in 2002. Rub-ons hadn't hit the scene. In 2003 I went to Australia for a year & when I got back I was so excited to scrapbook the 900 pictures I took on my trip. While I was gone 2 things happened that changed scrapbooking, in a big way. 1. All the new cameras in the stores were digital. I had taken the last film camera I will probably ever own to Australia. 2. Rub-Ons happened. And the first ones I ever bought were at scrapbookers paradise in the 50% section (At the time, they were regular $12 and I bought two packs, which was a big splurge for me back then,). Why am I telling you this? Because those exact rub-ons are on this layout. I never opened the packs I bought. They are a weird color & I think I only bought them because they were on sale. If you had told me then I would use them 7 years later on a layout about my first child, I would have laughed. Back then I used everything I bought right away & I had no 'stash'. I guess that was the beginning. The beginning of my 'stash' that I still dip into, 7 years later.

Materials: Cardstock: Worldwin; Patterned Paper & Sticker: K&Co; Rub-Ons; Creative Imaginations.

Layout #227

Tiny by Haley Ross

Here's the story behind this layout: I struggled all morning putting together the previous layout. And before I know it, it was 3pm and time for my scrapbooking buddy to head home. Usually I pack up once she leaves, but this time I kept going. And I started this layout. This layout is a rip-off of the layout she did before she left. And I love it. And it only took me an hour. So, thanks Michelle, for leaving me with a little inspiration.

Materials: All materials are by Making Memories

Layout #226

Setting Up Camp by Haley Ross

I stole this LO idea from a magazine. Well, the right side anyway. 

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper & Alphabet Stickers: Basic Grey; Chipboard Tags & Rub-Ons: Making Memories; Ribbon: May Arts; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

I feel lucky.

I was going to be induced on March 17th last year when I was pregnant with Molly. But she had other plans... So the boys never got to wear their shirts to the hospital (my cheesy plan that Brian was willing to go along with only because I was so very pregnant). Instead St.Patricks day was the day we brought sweet Molly (an Irish name, by the way) home & I got to snap this picture of my new family in their green glory!

In honor of St.Paddy's Day...

10 Things That Make me Feel Lucky

1. Finding money in a seasonal jacket.

2. Searching through a million recipes online, choosing one & having it work out. I have gotten so many dud recipes online, I feel lucky when I pick a winner.

3. When Miles says "Mommy, I have to pee." and we're near a washroom. This potty training is tuff stuff.

4. Getting to spend time with my family.

5. When I drop something glass but am able to use my foot to soften the fall & it doesn't break. It hurts, but I always feel lucky.

6. When I sit down to clean my scrapbook desk & end up getting inspired & popping out a layout.

7. When something goes through the cash register cheaper than I initially thought. (And yes, I always let the cashier know...)

8. When I get the 'free drink if you complete a survey' receipt at Starbucks. Heck yes I drive right home & fill it out. I also do the ones from The Gap. If there's an incentive, I am all over it!

9. When Brian sits down on the couch and starts massaging my feet without being asked. Score!

10. When I am able to snap a picture of both my kids looking at the camera & smiling.

Layout #225

ROAR by Haley Ross

The piece of paper that the letter R goes onto, pulls out & has more pictures. I took so many and couldn't decide which ones to use...so I included them all. And this paper line from MME is perfect for our trip to the Calgary Zoo's 'Dinosaurs Alive' exhibit.

Materials: Patterned Paper, Brads & Chipboard shapes: My Minds Eye; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts & Cosmo Cricut; Mini Paper: My Little Yellow Bicycle.

Layout #224

Hopaluk by Haley Ross (Hopaluk for life!)
I love my family. My extended family. Not everyone is as lucky as I am. These people mean so much to me & have made me who I am today. I had (have) the best cousins growing up. Here is my yearly tribute to them. I used these super old canvas alphabet stickers & some old sticky canvas paper I found in my stash. In 2010 I only made 4 trips to a scrapbook store (and two online & home-party orders...) & I can see my stash dwindling before my eyes. I love it. Sometimes it feels so good to be thrifty & resourceful.
Materials: Pattered Paper: My Minds Eye; Canvas Paper: Close to My Heart; Canvas Alphabet & Tab Stickers; Making Memories; Brad & Epoxy Charm: Making Memories; Paper Flower: Prima; Envelope: Lil Davis Designs.

Layout #223

27 by Haley Ross

It's been a while since I have been able to put together a succesful layout. I've lost my 'scrapbook mojo'. But I am happy with this. (The layout is blurry. I can't wait to get a new camera....) I love this layout because it really represents the casual approach we have decided to take towards family birthdays & other occasions. We have decided that we don't need parties to have fun. And that just spending time with each other will be a great way to celebrate. For Brian's 27th birthday we found a great park, packed a picnic & bought a mini carrot cake with sparklers. It was a perfect afternoon. Miles had such a great time. That being said, Molly turned one this week & we had a little bash... I was told that not having a first birthday party is against the law ;)

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Border Sticker: My Little Yellow Bicycle; Patterned Paper & Sticker: Fancy Pants Designs; Metal Notions: EK Success; Pen: EK Sucess Zig Writer.