Happy fall, y'all!

I blogged this over on our family blog, but I couldn't resist sharing here, too. Isn't this a great pic that Matt managed of the kiddos from our trip to the pumpkin patch last weekend? Apparently the secret to getting both of them to smile simultaneously is to have Daddy wield the camera!!

I've been feeling scrappy!

I've been scrapping up a storm lately for the Sketchapalooza class and other Feeling Scrappy fun, so most of my pages are top-secret until class starts next week. (If you haven't signed up yet for Sketchapalooza , there is still time! The new class format is absolutely awesome, and we are set for a month full of sketch inspiration and scrappy camaraderie that I promise will not fail to impress!)

I was feeling the need to share something scrap-related today, and it dawned on me I had never posted this layout here after it was on the FS site for the last challenge. This was based on my very first original sketch (go me!), and I had such fun with it. The felt embellishments at bottom left didn't scan true to their color, but you get more of a feel for the way it all comes together from the closeup shots below.

By the way, in addition to the class fun that is set to start next Monday (with some pre-class conversation already taking place on the class board!), our second challenge at Feeling Scrappy will be revealed tomorrow. Be sure to venture over to the site tomorrow to see what the latest round will entail. You won't want to miss the amazing prize package of goodies lined up for the lucky winner of this one!

Have a happy Weekend Eve!

T minus 6 days and counting until Sketchapalooza!!

There is less than one week until Sketchapalooza starts over at Feeling Scrappy! With FOUR WEEKS of amazing sketches (plus a few goodies here and there ;), this class promises to be a terrific chance for you not only to make a dent in that pile of photos you've been intending to scrap for ages, but also to chat and share with fellow scrappers. What a terrific value!

Head over to Feeling Scrappy for more information and to sign up for the class. I hope to see all of you there!

Penny pinchers, unite!

Considering the current state of the economy, I know I can't be the only one paying special attention these days to my scrapping budget. I am always looking for everyday items to use in my projects, and I was particularly pleased with myself for this little discovery. As I was mincing shallots for supper a few nights ago, it dawned on me that the little storage bag they came in would be really fun to use on a card or layout (after it was thoroughly washed out, of course!). You can ink it, staple it, lace it with ribbon, tack it on with brads...the sky's the limit. I was able to make about 10 cards with this one little bag. Cool!

The moral of the story? Keep your eyes peeled. You never know where you'll find some fresh inspiration!

An ode to honeycrisps

I love fall. I love everything about it. The foliage...the cooler weather...and the apples. Honeycrisps, to be exact. I became smitten with these little jewels two seasons ago, and they are truly one of the reasons I yearn for the early days of fall.

You must. Try. These. Apples. Like, yesterday. ;)

I did it!

Thanks to the advice from you lovely ladies, I am now sporting a fake-bake Mystic Tan even Ross Geller would be proud of! :) It looks great - very happy with it! Thanks for your replies!

I need your help!!

This is probably a weird question. Ok, not probably - definitely. :) I have a wedding to attend Saturday (yay, Leigh!), and I have a strapless bridesmaid's dress waiting in the wings. The problem? I could rival Casper in terms of pastiness. Anyone with a suggestion/tip for a good self-tanning product that works quickly and won't leave me looking like a ninny? Not wanting to wear orange stripes as an accessory. ;)

THANKS!
A.

Cards to share

World Card Making Day was this Saturday, and I found myself on a roll! There is just something so NICE about sitting down to make a card or two: it is such an immediate source of gratification to be able to complete a project from start to finish so quickly. There just isn't much like that around here these days!! :)

Something other than FOOD for thought :)

I've been cooking up a storm lately, but I've also been enjoying lots of scrappy time, too. This is the page I created especially for the Feeling Scrappy DT call. I had tons of fun with this one! My goal was for this layout to really reflect the feelings of childhood. I love this pic of Jack in the "dinnee jacket" Mammo made for him - so boyish and sweet. :) He's growing up so quickly.

Patterned paper here is Chatterbox - this is such a great line!

Check out the NEW Feeling Scrappy!!!

As I mentioned here a couple of days ago, there are some truly exciting changes afoot over at Feeling Scrappy! The current general board will be replaced with an all-new blog format to go along with a new message board format for the classes. But the fun isn't reserved just for those taking classes! There will be challenges (with yummy prizes :), cooking and decorating tips, and so much more! What a great way to reach tons of new scrappers while also catering to all of the current loyal Feeling Scrappy members!

In honor of the excitement, Jayne has put together an INCREDIBLE Tim Holtz prize pack. You can be entered to win by following the guidelines on the new blog. So head on over to the new site by clicking here to check out the fun goodies and the new complexion of Feeling Scrappy! You won't be disappointed!!

YUM

This week has been absolutely crazy. Teaching MDO two days and also sandwiching a dinner party in between can take it out of a girl! It's times like these when some good old fashioned Italian comfort food is just what the doctor ordered. Bring on the chicken parmesan! This dish was on the cover of Bon Appétit a couple of months ago, and the minute Matt and I both saw the recipe, we had to try it. Oh. My. Goodness. It is so good. The sauce is so simple, yet so flavorful. The inordinate amount of cheese it calls for (the obvious parmesan, PLUS mozzarella, PLUS pecorino) might seem obscene, but trust me: you'll be fighting over who gets to eat the biggest hunk of the browned cheese "crust" that develops as this bakes. Yet another knock-out recipe from our beloved Bon Appétit, and one that became an instant staple at Chez Bell.

Enjoy!

Chicken Parmesan