Heart in a Cupcake

I've been really busy lately so I haven't had time to post anything but I had to share these with you. I saw these adorable cupcakes over at Bake it in a Cake , Where you will find the directions on how to make them. They are supper easy. I can't wait to make these for my grandkids!

I will be posting more Valentines ideas soon. We have another 4 day Retreat this weekend so I will probably not be back until Monday. Have a great weekend.

Banana Pecan Waffles

If you are looking for a Specail Breakfast for Valentine's Day (or anyday) these waffles are sooooooooooooo good.

Pecan Waffles with Roasted Pecan and Banana Syrup

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup ground pecans
1/3 sugar
1 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoons salt
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons melted butter
2 egg whites
1 cup pecan pieces
2 whole bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 1/2 cups maple syrup
Directions
In a mixing bowl combine flour, pecans, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl beat the egg yolks and vanilla slightly. Beat the milk and 1/2 cup melted butter into the egg mixture. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir until combined yet still slightly lumpy. In a small bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter, leaving little fluffs of egg whites. Pour 1 cup batter onto grids of a preheated, lightly greased waffle iron. Close lid quickly: do not open during baking. Bake according to the manufacturer's directions for the waffle iron.

In a saute pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the pecan pieces and saute until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the banana slices and syrup and bring the liquid to a simmer


I saw the recipe on Emeril Lagasse. I made them this weekend for the girls at the retreat and they loved them.

I haven't had time to doing any crafting this week....it's a really sort week. My last retreat ended on Monday and the next one starts on Thursday so I've been busy trying to get ready. I hope to get some Valentine crafts done this next week. I hope you are having a great week.

Red Hot Valentine Popcorn

This is a favorite anytime of the year especially if you like cinnamon.

Red Hot Valentine Popcorn

Ingredients
2 cups popcorn, popped
9 oz bag Red Hots or Cinnamon Imperials
1/4 cup Karo syrup
1/2 cup Butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:
Microwave candies, Karo, and butter 4 minutes on high, stirring after 2 minutes.
Add vanilla and baking soda and stir until light and foamy.
Pour syrup over popped popcorn in large brown paper bag. Microwave at 1 minute intervals, shaking after each minute, until corn is evenly coated.
Repeat several times.
Cool on cookie sheet.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Enjoy!

I can't believe the weather here.....last week we had snow on the ground and this week it's in the high 60's - low 70's. I'm loving the warmer weather. I was just telling my DH that it was about time for me to go stay in my old stomping grounds for a few days so I could get a break from the snow. Now I guess I will have to use the beach for an excuse to escape here for a few days. LOL

It's time to go make breakfast so I better run. Have a great day!
Bonnie

Head on over to Alpha Mom to make these adorable bird feeders for your little feathered friends for Valentine's Day.....aren't they adorable.

Valentine's Day Crafts

I thought it would be fun to share Valentine ideas with you so stop by from now until Valentine's Day to see all the ideas. I would also like to see any ideas you have. We will be having a GIVE AWAY for anyone who sends us a Valentine craft or recipe idea. The drawing will be on Valentine's Day. You can add your link at the bottom of this post.


Here is one of my favorites.



Valentine's Day is just around the corner so I thought it would be fun to start sharing some Valentine ideas with you. I made this heart last year for a swap I was in. They are so much fun....I am going to make a couple this year for friends.



Here's a list of supplies
1 Heart Shaped Box I used an 8" box
Paint whatever color you want you heart to be
Lace
Bird
Flowers
or whatever you would like to decorate your box....anything can be used.


Step 1
Paint your box and let dry





Step 2
Decorate with whatever you like. I used a white bird I died pink (I used red food coloring to dye him) I printed the banner on my computer and cut it out.
The at is paper covered in glitter.

I hope you have fun making these. I love to use them for gift boxes This is my first time using Mr Linky's so I hope this works.

2011 Calendar

This has been a truly wonderful Holiday Season for us. All of our children and grand children came to visit at some point during the Holidays. The last of the family left yesterday.

We had plenty of snow for the kids to go sledding. They all had so much fun. It was my youngest grandson's first time to play in the snow. He tried so hard to keep up with the bigger kids from making snow angels to snowball fights or sledding he wanted in on the action.

We were even snowed in for day. My DH wasn't able to make it home from work.....luckily I had 2 of my grandson's here to keep me company. We played games and drank hot chocolate.

They even filmed a short film here of this past weekend so the grand kids that where over the weekend got to see how movies are made. Here is a sneak peak of them getting ready for a scene








Now that the Holidays are over and all the company's gone it's time to get back to work so I thought I would post our 2011 Calendar here for those of you who may not receive our newsletter.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPECIAL WEEKEND

JAN.14-17 for SNOW MUCH FUN! 7 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND

We may not have snow but we are going to give you AN EXTRA SNOW DAY to
scrap on us.
Snow or no Snow we are going to have Snow much fun....join us on 3 on
Friday and stay until Monday at 3. The fire will be roaring the chocolate
will be brewing and the creativity will be flowing....so grab your
supplies, call your BFF'S and join us for a SNOW MUCH FUN WEEKEND!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Jan.20-23
Full
Jan.28-30 4 Spaces Available
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FEBRUARY
Feb.3-6 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
Feb.10-13 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
Feb.18-21 3 SPACES AVAILABLE
Feb.24-27 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPECIAL WEEKEND

FEBRUARY 10-13 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
It's my birthday on Thursday so come join us for MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
We will be having cake and ice cream on Thursday. Come join us for cake
and ice cream and stay for the weekend. I will be giving you a present for
joining me on my birthday. How would you like an extra day of crop time
for HALF PRICE? Join us for 4 days for $375 COME AT 3 ON THURSDAY AND STAY
UNTIL 3 ON SUNDAY.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MARCH

March 4-6 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
March 11-13 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
March 17-20 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
March 25-27 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPECIAL WEEKEND

March 17-20 LUCK OF THE IRISH 11 SPACES AVAILABLE

Come CELEBRATE SHAMROCK SEASON IN STYLE. We will be serving up a blend of
traditional Iris fare like Corned Beef and Cabbage,Colcannon
Potatoes,Irish Bread and treats like Blarney Stones and Lucky Leprechaun
Cookies. Feeling like a LUCKY LEPRECHAUN? You should we're going to add
SAINT PATRICK'S DAY to your weekend on us....an EXTRA 24 HOURS OF CROP
TIME at NO COST TO YOU. The LUCK OF THE IRISH is certainly with you this
weekend!
****************************************************************************

APRIL
April 1-3 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
April 8-10 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
April 14-17 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
April 22-24 FULL
April 28-May 1 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
****************************************************************************
SPECIAL WEEKEND

APRIL 15-17 TAX BREAK
I don't know about you but I need a break after I do my taxes. So for all
you tax preparers and for those of us who just frazzled getting
everything ready to give to your tax prepare we are going to give you a
nice little break. How would you like to join us for 4 days for a nice
PRICE BREAK OF $100 OFF? Yes join us for a 4 day weekend and we will take
a $100 off the regular price of $425. This offer is NOT good for 3 days.
****************************************************************************
MAY

WE HAVE TWO SPECIAL WEEKENDS THIS MONTH!!! ONE FOR MOM'S AND ONE FOR
MILITARY!

May 5-8 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
May 13-15 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
May 20-22 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
May 27-30 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL
MAY 5-8
Bring MOM for a 4 day weekend and still be home in time to CELEBRATE
MOTHER'S DAY with YOUR FAMILY. That's right sneak away for a 4 day weekend
(don't forget to bring Mom) so the family can plan something special for
you while you are away,and as a special gift to all you MOM'S out there we
want to GIVE YOU THURSDAY ON US as our way of saying HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
Join us for a 4 day retreat for $325. Happy Mother's Day!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MILITARY DAY
MAY 27-30
Do you have a Military ID? If so you will want to join us on MILITARY DAY.
Anyone with a MILITARY ID GETS A 4 DAY WEEKEND FOR $300....can't get away
for 4 days COME FOR 3 DAYS FOR $250. Mark and I want to say THANK YOU FOR
ALL YOU DO.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JUNE

TWO SPECIAL WEEKENDS THIS MONTH TOO!!!!!


June 3-5 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
June 10-12 11 SPACES AVAILABLE THURSDAY NOT AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND June
17-19 11 SPACES AVAILABLE FATHER'S DAY
June 25-26 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SCHOOL BREAK
JUNE 3-5
This maybe the last weekend to get away before SCHOOL'S OUT so why not
take this chance to pamper yourself before the kid's are home for the
summer. Join us for a 4 day weekend and will give you an extra 7 hours of
crop time for free. Come at NOON on THURSDAY and stay until 5 on Sunday.
We will even include an Lunch on Sunday for those of you who want to stay
late. $425 for the weekend
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Father's Day Special
June 16-18
Join us on THURSDAY Father's Day weekend and leave on SATURDAY so you can
be home in time to do something SPECIAL FOR YOUR DARLING HUSBAND or stay
until SUNDAY it's up to you. We will have a SPECIAL FATHER'S DAY GIFT FOR
YOU TO MAKE AND TAKE HOME PLUS we will be adding extra hours of crop time
to get the project done so it doesn't interrupt with your crop time. So
join us at noon on Thursday and stay as late as you want on SATURDAY
night....if your are staying until SUNDAY you may also stay as late as you
like on Sunday.$325 for 3 days $425 for 4 days
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JULY
JUNE 30-JULY 3 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
JULY 7-10 FULL
July 15-17 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
July 21-24 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
JULY 29-30 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
YES WE ARE DOING IT AGAIN 2 SPECIAL WEEKENDS

JUNE 30-JULY 3 FIREWORK'S SALE
Come CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY with us. Join us on Thursday at 3 and stay
until Sunday at 3. We want to make this a weekend to CELEBRATE so we will
add THUR DAY FOR THE EXPLOSIVE PRICE OF A SPARKLER. YES bring a SPARKLER
and get THURSDAY ON US! You might also want TO make sure you bring your
appetite Mark will be FIRING UP the GRILL with some finger linking tri-tip
and CHICKEN so get out your napkins. If you haven't been here to CELEBRATE
THE 4TH with us NOW is the time!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JULY 22-24 TIMEOUT
Need a little time to yourself. I know it can get hectic with the kids out
of school so WHY NOT TAKE A TIMEOUT to REFRESH YOURSELF! Yes everyone
needs a timeout to time BE REFRESHED. Why not take a little time to get
your sanity back and join us for a fun and relaxing weekend with some of
your BFF'S. so BRING A FRIEND AND YOU SAVE $50 EACH
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AUGUST
August 5-7 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
August 11-14 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
August 19-21 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
August 26-28 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPECIAL WEEKEND

SIZZLING HOT SUMMER DEAL
PICK ANY WEEKEND IN AUGUST AND SAVE $25 OFF A 3 DAY WEEKEND & $50 on a 4
DAY WEEKEND. BRING A GROUP OF 8 OR MORE TO ANY WEEKEND AND EVERYONE GETS
THE 4TH DAY ON US!
****************************************************************************
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 2-4
Sept. 9-11
Sept.16-17
Set.22-25
Sept.30- Oct. 2
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++SPECIAL
WEEKEND

BACK TO SCRAPPIN' SPECIAL
SEPTEMBER 22-25
WOW can you believe Summer is over and the kids are already BACK TO
SCHOOL? Now's the time for you to get back to scrappin' so why not call
your BFF'S and tell them we are running a get back to SCRAPPIN' SPECIAL.
Join us on Thursday at 3 until Sunday at 3 and for a SCRAPPIN' GOOD PRICE
OF $325 FOR A 4 DAY WEEKEND....that's one Scrappin' Good Deal!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OCTOBER
Oct.7-9 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
Oct.14-16 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
Oct.21-23 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
Oct.27-30 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPECIAL WEEKEND
SCARE THE CROP OUT OF U' SPECIAL
OCTOBER 27-30

Our Spooktacular Scare the Crop Out of U' Special
Don't be afraid to stay. There will be gruesome meals, spooktackular
prizes and special treats for anyone who wears a costume. Not to mention
if your daring to enough to stay with us we're trick or TREATING you to
Thursday FREE! Don't miss out on seeing Scrap-N-Away adorned in all it's
Spooky attire...it will be SPOOKTACULAR!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Nov.4-6
11 SPACES AVAILABLE
Nov.10-13 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
Nov.18-20 11 SPACES AVAILABLE
Nov.25-28 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GOBBLE UP THE SAVINGS THIS MONTH WITH TWO SPECIAL WEEKENDS

NOVEMBER 10-13
JOIN US ON THURSDAY for a 4 DAY WEEKEND and bring a NEW (someone who has
never been here)friend and get THURSDAY ON US! It's your last chance to
get those Holiday Projects done before the Holidays kick off.

IN BETWEEN BREAK
NOVEMBER 25-28
Are tired from all the Holiday cooking already why not take a BREAK IN
BETWEEN HOLIDAYS and get a much need rest before it starts all over again.
Join us on Friday at 3 until Monday at 3 and we're giving you an extra
savings you'll want to GOBBLE UP BEFORE IT'S GONE. Not only will we be
doing all the cooking I promise no TURKEY. We are giving you MONDAY AS OUR
WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH GREAT CUSTOMERS. WE ARE TRULY
THANKFUL FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DECEMBER
Dec.1-4 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
DEC.8-11 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
DEC.15-19 11 SPACES AVAILABLE SPECIAL WEEKEND
DEC.23-25 NO RETREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT OF GIVING so JOIN US ANY WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
and we are GIVING YOU THURSDAY ON US. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have a great day and be sure and let us know you stopped by.....leave us a comment we love to hear from you!

Snowed In

I know I said I wouldn't be posting anything until next week however since we are snowed in I thought I would show you a couple of pictures. I know those of you back East are going to laugh when you see what it takes to bring Southern CA roads to a halt....just 8" of snow....yes I said 8" not feet! Ya I know go ahead and laugh.

In fact my DH couldn't even get home from work last night. He had to turn around and go back to our son's house to spend the night. Poor thing he never sleeps well when he isn't in his own bed so I am so glad he did make it home this afternoon. We were a little worried when I called for the road conditions and the person I talked to said the roads would be closed until Wednesday. They opened the I-5 around 12:30 this afternoon.

I have two of my grandson's here with me so luckily I had someone to keep me company lastnight while he was gone. We played cards and drank hot chocolate. They were so cute....when they woke up one of them asked "Grandma since we are snowed in does that mean we can't go outside and play in the snow?" They went out sledding for about an hour then decided it was to cold. LOL

100 PRINTS 4 99 CENTS

Here's a great deal for all your Holiday pictures!

SNAPFISH
Penny Prints are here!
Get 99 prints for 1 cent each!
There's still time to get 99 4" x 6"
mail-order prints for 99 cents

Remember all of those great pictures of
friends and family from the holidays? Order
now to get all of them for just a penny
each - 99 4" x 6" mail-order prints for just
99 cents! Don't miss this great opportunity
to get all your favorite moments printed for
less than a $1.

Just use code 2011PENNY at checkout by
11:59PM PST on January 9th

Happy 2011

Just a quick Hello to say Happy New Years. Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with happiness,love and prosperity.

We are still busy celebrating the Holidays with family. Our Grandkids are out of school until Jan 10th. so I am busy playing with grandkids. I will be back on Jan. 10th with some new and exciting things for 2011. So be sure and come back.