LilyBean Paperie

loads and loafs...

My day has consisted of the above....loads of laundry, and loafs of banana bread---gotta go make one more batch---but it's yum.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

5 T. butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

2 egg whites

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Beat butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add in sugars; beat well.  Add egg, egg whites and vanilla;  beat until blended.  Add mashed banana, and beat on high speed 30 seconds.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder in medium bowl.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with cream, ending with flour mixture.  Add mini chocolate chips to batter and mix well.

Pour batter into greased loaf pan.  Sprinkle top lightly with sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

This is made using a new fabric label from Melissa Frances---so sweet and fun.  Paper, trim, buttons, and glitter chipboard are also from Melissa Frances.

The next two cards use new paper and cardstock stickers from Melissa Frances and the Hush A' Bye collection, along with stamps, buttons, trim, and glitter chipboard.

And, just for fun---a layout---I know, I know...I don't DO layouts, haha.  But, this is for CreativeXpress and I was forced into it....but the pictures are cute anyway, huh?

And, to share a favorite blog or two tonight---I'd love for you to enjoy these as much as I do:
I LOVE THIS ONE---The Antique Cafe.  I get lost here--Sherri's work is amazing and mesmerizing---be sure to check out her store as well here at The Antique Paperie---some of her beautiful tags are finding their way to my home soon--I can't wait.

And one more for you then I'll be off...Bella Cafe makes me weepy--I feel like I'm on an exotic vacation every time I visit--or maybe like I just had a looong bubble bath--or maybe just even the most beautiful dream---it's so beautiful!

One more little tidbit---I just downloaded Shabby Miss Jenn's Weedy Freebie---so cute and I just brought home a new color cartridge, so tonight I have a date with digi, haha.  Anyway---check 'er out, huh?

Night...and just because I think it's funny, I have been working on this post for approximately4 hours and 24 minutes, haha---that's life with a 4 year old.

Melis

donald...donald...donald...

what were you THINKING??   For you Celebrity Apprentice fans...this post is for you, hehe.

I actually missed the end---bathtime, storytime, bedtime...I don't think I've watched anything all of the way through for about 4 years now, haha, BUT I heard the bad news...bummer.  That's all I'll say..I want to keep my friends even if they wanted Trace booted.

Enough of that stuff...all I have for you tonight is a lonesome, little card.

I love the cardstock stickers from Melissa Frances---there are oodles on each sheet and so many sweet, vintage images---this is one of my faves. 

I forgot to link you to one of my favorite sites on yesterday's post...sorry...but you'll love it just as much today, I promise.  I faithfully stalk this blog---Miss Candice Carpenter---isn't it the cutest place to visit!  I would just love to touch an inch of one of her creations---so beautifully filled with creativity!

And since I missed yesterday---here is one more for you.  Another delightful place I love to visit is this blog--Flea Market Studio.  I can't possibly get enough of this blog...it makes me happy.

That's it from me tonight...it's late, and I'm still working away.

Can't wait to see your cards for the challenge.

Have a happy Friday.

Melis

welcome wednesday...

I used to LOVE Wednesdays when I worked---they always meant 2 more days until the weekend!  Now that I'm a mommy---my days seems to all flow together in a way that I sometimes forget what day of the week it actually is.  And..I don't have a favorite anymore---BUT---since today is Wednesday and I know oodles of you are getting yourself through the work week---I thought I'd have a little fun and start a challenge for you each and every Wednesday.  It will be the "Welcome Wednesday" challenge and each will run for 1 week---Wednesday to Wednesday.  No prizes for the challenges---just lots of fun and inspiration from each of you I hope.  I've given myself an ulcer in the past hosting challenges and trying to pick a winner---I can't ever just pick one and am always so afraid of hurting someone's feelings--that I lose sleep and worry---so this is just for fun!

The first challenge is as follows:

Create a card that includes the following:

1.  TAGS!  You can create your actual card out of them (see example below), or just include one on your card.

2.  ACCORDION style!  Your card must have at least 2 folds.

3.  Something OLD!  Doesn't matter if it's a vintage button, aged sheet music, vintage trim, an old photo, or anything else that is old enough to have been loved and used!

That's it---does that sound easy enough?

When you're done, link your card by posting a link to this thread so we can all enjoy each other's creations!

I hope you'll play along.

This card is published in Paper Crafts 101, a special issue of Paper Crafts magazine.

I was inspired once again by my friend, Linda and a card she made a while ago with a row of adorable paper-pieced houses on it--thank you Linda!

This special issue of Paper Crafts magazine is certainly worth the wait---it's loaded with unique ideas on how to use your paper crafting products and many techniques. You can check it out here.

I hope you're all having a great week---we are up to the mid 70's here---we have radishes and peas planted and lots of blossoms on the trees---it's beautiful!

Melis

things I love...

I'm finally sitting down to answer a few tag questions about myself---I won't bore you, but I didn't want to be a ninny and not play along, haha.

So...I'm going to approach the game a bit differently and list things I love and perhaps a few quirks about myself as well.

1.  CARDS---my first paper-crafted love.

2.  SOFT colors and embellishments.

3.  GLITTER---no surprise there.

4.  Anything OLD---notice my abuse of vintage sheet music and book pages lately.

5.  Getting STUCK in a rut---I notice this about myself, and when I find something I love---I use it over and over and over again---and I enjoy it each time.

6.  DIMENSION---I don't care if the card won't fit in an envelope---we just throw them away anyway---so I forget about it and just make something I love and that makes me want to touch it.

7.  SCRUBBING my kitchen and bathroom sinks---here we go with the quirks---but I have to scrub my bathroom sinks everyday and my kitchen sink at least twice a day.  I can't stand dishes in my sink---not even one---so as soon as they're dirty---they are washed and my sink gets shined all over again---pathetic, isn't it?

8.  MAKING the bed---I love to do this---a wee bit anal I suppose, but I can't leave the house if the beds aren't made---I'll make it 3 times a day if a certain little person decides to play under the covers a time or two, haha.

9.  BAKING---something about the smell it leaves in my house reminds my of growing up and makes me all mushy inside.  I bake at least 4 times I week.

10.  My SLIPPERS---how I love them.  First things off are the shoes, next things on are the slippers---and then everything is OK, haha.

11.  SOUNDS---I love the sound of my dishwasher as I fall asleep each night---the dryer too, and my washing machine busily humming away throughout the day---it's the darn buzz at the end telling me it's time to fold that I don't like!

12.  Last one---promise...I love to SNIFF...you can catch me sniffing deodorant, detergent, soap, body wash, lotion, shampoo, markers and glue---(it's true, I love the smell)---I even love the smell of diesel fuel---this totally answers many questions about me and the above quirks that I've listed---but I have to smell it before I buy it---tell me I'm not alone--you've popped a top of deodorant a time or two haven't you?

I'm not going to tag anyone---as I've totally botched this game, but instead I want to highlight some favorite blogs I've come across and will do that throughout the week---so stay tuned.

Next up---have you check out Linda's blog lately?.  She has the most adorable Spring project up on her blog---honestly, I have never seen anything so cute---check it out and leave her some love.

And...if you're up for a give-a-way, Kelly has a gift she is giving away on her blog--FISKARS goodies---so visit her if you have a minute!

That's it for tonight...time to go turn my dryer on one more time today---pheeew!

Have a great Tuesday.

Melis

what a wonderful world..

What a beautiful weekend.  I was able to be with most of my family---but sure missed those who weren't with me.  I have so much to be thankful for and this weekend proved that---and I even got a bit of a sunburn!

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter---mine was certainly very special.

I created this with my Cricut Expression machine using the Joys of the Season cartridge for the wreath and bird, and my Beyond Birthdays cartridge for "love".   

On my previous project--the spring cone---I also used the Joys of the Season cartridge for the vine that wrapped around it---for those who are interested.

And, this is my card for the CPS blog for the week. 

Such a fun sketch, and I love what the others girls have done, so be sure to check the blog throughout the week for more ideas.

I have lots to do today to get caught up.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Melissa

little bunny fu-fu...

Each day is more beautiful than the last here...a bit warmer...the windows cracked a bit wider...playing later into the evening...getting the garden ready for peas...thinking about my flower bed and daisies...I have the fever, do you?

Thank you to Linda, my most favorite of favorites, for offering a tutorial on one of these little creations.  She is such an inspiration.

I used my Cricut Expression to cut the leaf garland that wraps around this and added a bit of glitter to shabby it up a bit.  My friend Sue gave me all of her vintage sheet music before she moved away, and I feel so lucky to have a hearty stash to create with and preserve in my own way---so thank you Sue as well ...every time I use a bit of this,  I think of you.

My favorites of the day are finding pita bread at my grocery store and making me a pita sandwich for lunch today---you might wonder what in the world is so earth-shattering about finding pita bread in my grocery store???  Let me tell you that there are weeks when you can't buy a banana or lettuce, or eggs, or CHICKEN in this teeny, tiny little town of mine---so it's truly a wonder I tell you.

Another favorite of the day is my little girl of course---not a day goes by that isn't special with her---but today in particular I am laughing with love at the bruised up little shins of a 4-year old---they are too sweet and perfect and I want to remember them like this for a while yet.

AND...as I'm typing this, my husband just brought me in an icy COCA COLA--darn him!  I haven't had one for over a week---trying to quit---not good for me---but oh, so tasty---and now it's here waiting for a little lovin...so I'll give it some, hah!  He's so sweet to me.

Alright---I'm off to play in my corner for a bit---feeling creative tonight.

Hope you all had a beautiful day.

Melis

natural beauty...

This time of year is so refreshing.  I can smell the dirt, the fresh breeze, and crave to feel the sunshine on my neck.  It seems that spring breathes life right back into life itself, and that is one of the many reasons why I love the transformation from winter to spring.  My little girl was playing at her friend's house the other day and came home with this little egg--what a beautiful treasure.  I honestly couldn't dream of a more prefect color, and it has been happily on my counter for days now---making me smile.  It would have sprung a little chick here in a bit if only something were to sit on it and keep it warm--we don't have any mother hens at our house, haha.  I wanted to glitter this little egg so badly, but knew it would spoil it's beauty---so it remains pure.

Here is another spring creation for the Card Positioning Systems blog. 

I used new Crystal Clear stamps from Melissa Frances, along with Melissa Frances paper, Foof-a-la tag, Doodlebug glitter, Making Memories trim, and Bazzill cardstock.

So many of you have asked how you can subscribe to my blog---and I am so sorry for not having that feature.  I am trying and have been searching this morning to try and figure it out---but still can't.  Sorry---I'm not much of a computer kinda girl---so if you know how, please help.  Until then, I try and update every day---but sometimes it's every other day. 

Thank you so much for visiting.  I hope you all enjoy your day.

Melis

Happy St. Patty's...

Such a fun day.  Hope you're all enjoying it.

I have been tagged by so many friends, and thoughtful girls!  I PROMISE that I will respond as soon as I get things wrapped up and life calms a bit---I am happy to play along---I'm just slow as usual!

In the meantime, here are a few things to share from Lime Tart.

This is little me at 3---in cowboy boots and my frilly dress---a good representation of me now I suppose. 

And, this is a peek-a-boo book I made for my little one containing important reminders that I hope she will someday come to know and understand.

Be sure to checkout the Lime Tart gallery for LOTS more!

Have a wonderful day---I can't wait for this to calm down a bit--I have some fun things floating around in my head for you all!

Melis

winter be gone...

Beautiful, cold, spring day---I had to keep the fire going all day today---craziness, but so glad to be warm--and it put me in the mood for muffins--YUM.  Sierra and I made some Vanilla Apple Blueberry Muffins this afternoon.  Can't believe I love them seeing as how there is no chocolate in them---but I LOVE 'em. 

We also colored Easter eggs--made a happy, stinky, mess--but it killed a good couple of hours.

There are some amazing projects from Anabelle, Lisa, Jessica, and Michelle, our Guest Designer, up at Emma's Paperie blog.  We had one assigned project for this posting and it was a paper-crafting with photo challenge.  So---be sure to check out their creations---I LOVE 'em!

Here are a couple of things from me for Emma's.  Lots of beautiful Melissa Frances here including the metal storage bin---this was so much fun.  You can check the blog for all supplies used in this project.

And, my paper-crafting with photos project--

I thought it would be fun to include a picture on a door hanger for a sleeping babe's room.  This is my sleeping babe who doesn't sleep like a babe anymore, haha.  But---thanks to my Coca Cola diet, all is well.

That's it for tonight.

I'll share my Lime Tart projects tomorrow, but if you want to peek and ooohhh and ahhhhh at Bernie, Jo, and Teresa's projects---head HERE now!

Happy Saturday night!

Melis

old and fat...

haha...

this mini book is a little bit of both of those things--I made it a while ago---and it's plump and overflowing around the edges---kind of how I feel from time to time, haha, but just how I like it.  Next week I can post some newer goodies for you, but here is a little birthday book I created to hold special memories and dates in--I just haven't gotten around to ruining it with my chicken scratches---I can't stand my handwriting, so here it remains---bare.

I had so much fun making this---very relaxing---so tonight I'm starting another---just cause I want to!

Now---off to pack a picnic---that's how nice it is here today.  Before long it will too hot to enjoy a picnic---so we'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Hope you're enjoying your day too!

Melis

if I only had a brain...

certainly not a day to multi-task, haha.  Do you ever have days like this?  I have done so many crazy and forgetful things today---not sure why---but the house didn't burn down, my little one is healthy and safe--my husband is happy and full---so all is well after all.

I don't have much  new to show you for a bit---I'm busy filling assignments, so hang in there for just a while.

For those of you who are much more organized than myself---and are already planning Christmas gifts and thinking along those lines---here is a little merry, merry for you.

These were published a while back in Paper Trends magazine.

For those of you ready to celebrate a friend's birthday, here is a happy, happy for you.

This was made for the Paper Salon booth last summer I think.

And for those of you wanting a quick and easy St. Patty's card and because I adore Paper Crafts magazine--here is a little lucky, lucky for you!  Creative Cafe tags, felt flower, die cut, rubons, button, and paper, Creative Imaginations rubon, Scenic Route stickers, and EK Success mini stickers, and a Making Memories tag.

This is published in the March 2008 issue of Paper Crafts---you must check out the other creations---it's packed FULL of treats for your eyes!

Ohhh---and why not end with thoughts of summer and swimsuits---which I know we all love to hate, haha---who invented the darn things anyway, huh?

Lots of Melissa Frances here---paper, cardstock sticker, and rubon, along with Making Memories foam stamp and ribbon.

And...here is a fun new blog to check out.  I love the fun things they have searched out and posted on this for others to see--thanks Kadee for thinking of me!

Well...I'm sure there is something I've forgotten---don't hold it against me today though---we all deserve to have one of those days once in a while, right?

night everyone.

Melissa

a new love...

I've been on cloud nine since last Friday---all because of a little package delivered to my door containing this: 

I can't tell you how much I love this new publication called Home & Heart---the photography is simply amazing and the projects are so warm, cozy, and irresistible.

I can share a little peek of one of my projects included in this publication with you.

I'm taking the magazine to the park again today to browse through it again---it's one I just can't get enough of!

Here is my card for the CPS blog this week.  The Embellishment Studio was our sponsor---so all of the trim is from their site.  Everything else is from Making Memories.

I also put together a tutorial for the CPS blog on how to tie a bow---so look for that today sometime if you're intersted.

It's so beautiful today---it even smells like spring.  I've got my windows open for just a bit---now we are headed outside to enjoy the sunshine for a whie.

Happy Monday!

Melissa

sweet little lime...

Can you imagine how excited I get each month when my pizza box from Australia arrives with deliciously packed scrapbook goodies in it?

It's always a happy mail day---but, I have to say working with the kits from Lime Tart is even more fun.

I can only show you little snippets of my March projects right now--soon though I'll show you more.

I just LOVE the colors in this kit---and the glitter!!!

And...the Creative Cafe Design Team was challenge to make ribbon bookmarks---and it was fun---took me just a couple of minutes---simple little just because gift .

It's a beautiful stormy, spring day here today--I LOVE weather like this--makes me homesick.

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Melissa

you must be very special...

just a sweet phrase my little girl mumbled as she drifted off to sleep tonight---she is so adorable---and always has a way of melting my heart.

Just a couple of things tonight.  This is my first official attempt involving hybrid.  I created this for the CPS blog--such a sweet, sweet sketch this week.  I used papers from Shabby Miss Jenn Designs---these are from the Love Shack collection---and I'm hooked!

This is just a card I created using up some scraps---Scenic Route, Doodlebug, and Basic Grey paper, Creative Cafe rubon, K&Co. sticker, Heidi Swapp bling heart, and Provo Craft Accent Essentials cartridge.  Scraps are my FAVORITE things---I hold onto far too many of them, but when you love something, you love something, right?  Just think of all the money I'm saving my husband my by conserving the way I do, haha...

Well...it's time to punch the clock and get to work---I have a fresh, icy Coke and warm bowl of popcorn to get my going.

Happy Friday!

Melissa

blue, blue sky...

Love the Nevada sky---so brilliant and deep this time of year.  I find it so interesting how the color and shade of blue changes as the seasons come and go. 

Today was BUSY---but busy is good, right?

I wish I could take a decent picture..but, eh...for the life of me...I just can't.  Anyway, hope you get the idea here.  This is for Provo Craft this month.  I used my Accent Essentials Cricut cartridge to cut the leaves surrounding the picture--I glittered them...you know...gotta have a bit of glitter on everything, haha...and added some flowers and buttons to shabby it up a bit. 

Also... this little wedding card for Provo Craft.  I used my Plantin Schoolbook and Accent Essentials cartridges for this---love that Fleur d'lies shape--first time using it---but it's on my list of faves now.

I remember my mom having a pin one of my brothers must have been awarded in scouting that was this shape---gosh...maybe it's not the right thing for a wedding---don't know...hmmm---can someone save me?

Staring to ramble--time for bed.

Chat tomorrow--have a great day!

Melis

homespun love...

Every once in a while, my hands start craving fabrics, sewing, and stitching---last night was the night and it was so relaxing. 

One of my most favorite things are dried oranges or limes--I just think they are beautiful---and I love to look at them in my home.  These are some of my very most favorite colors as well---love the warmth and the cozy feel they carry---my walls are painted these very colors and I love how it makes my home feel.

Hope you had a wonderful day---not too chatty tonight am I---I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Melissa

happy weekend...

I know...it's over...but it sure was sweet!

I enjoyed 70 degree weather...some shopping...good food...my mom...my little girl...and a long nap!

Just a couple of little projects for Emma's Paperie---a fun cake box from Petaloo, and sweet little tubes for holding all sorts of things---all supplies can be found at Emma's Paperie...and speaking of Emma's...

A little box of sunshine arrived the other day containing these adorable packages and some chocolate of course---didn't take long to make it disappear---but I wanted to show you how Cindy wraps everything up and ships it out to you at Emma's Paperie---so much fun!

I've been playing around with my digi kit from Shabby Miss Jenn's and am just loving it!  Can't wait to show you--but will wait just a bit!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend---chat soon!

Melis