Pink Paper Peppermints - Craft. Create. Celebrate.

hip cool batty prize-winner

Hey Ya'll!

We're in Austin!  Just got checked in and now I'm enjoying an extra-hot mocha in the hotel lobby listening to (of course) live music as I blog! (I am so hip.) 

The band is playing a funky, acoustic guitar version of "'til there was you" right now and they are fantastic! Wish you could hear them with me.

Could it get any better?? (Having a Starbucks & live music just downstairs from your bedroom is sooooo cool!)

It'll probably be a little slow here this week, since we're out of town, although if I have time (and can figure out how to download them from my camera) I will post some photos!

{the band is now taking requests}

We're hoping to see some of these while we're here:

Bats over the Congress Ave Bridge!

This is pretty much the view from our hotel, so hopefully the creepy, little guys  will make an appearance while we're here because my boys are going crazy wanting to see them!

And now for the big announcement that I know you're all waiting to hear! 

The winner of my Bloggy Giveway drawing!

I used the Random Number Generator and got number 64!

And the winner is...

Naomi from superdumb supervillain!  Woo-hoo!

Send me your snailmail address Naomi and your goodies will be on  the way!

Little-O and his Daddy just joined me in the lobby and he's dancing around the whole lobby and making the band smile. (Little-O not his Daddy...heh-heh)

Gonna go have fun with my family now.

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
-John 14:27

ten on tuesday - art and paper and the you-know-who

ten random thoughts on tuesday

one

Happy Earth Day! 

Thank you Lord for this amazing place you created for us.  Please help us to be better stewards of it while bringing glory to Your name. amen.

two

I realize you are all probably tired of hearing about the dentist (thank you so much for your well-wishes and commiserating by the way) but I have one more visit this week that will involve "a little pressure" as the dentist likes to call it and some more heavy medication.  In the meantime I have a short:

Floss your teeth people.   I'm just sayin'.  Floss.

three

Remember this post about the artwork I experimented with by one of my favorite artists Claudine Hellmuth? 

I really wanted to try and not be a big, gigantic goober about this, but it appears I have no control over that so I have to tell you that Claudine commented on my post! 

Isn't that cool?  (I really hope she doesn't read this and realize what a goober I am)

four

Yesterday when I got home from the dentist and was feeling really yucky I got the best package in the mail from one of my bloggy friends.

It just couldn't have come at a better time and it makes me smile how God uses people in your life to do small, sweet things for you.

The very generous package included a beautiful handmade card and was filled with goodies from another one of my all time favorite artists Jenni Bowlin.

What an incredible treat it was to open that package (which was wrapped in gingham ribbon!!) and see all those lovely, papery things.  Thank you so much Tammy!

six

It's been forever since I've done any impulse art so I thought I'd try it this morning with my new goodies. 

I just love the scripture in Hebrews 4:12 that says,

"For the Word of God is alive and active and sharper than a double-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, joint and marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

seven

I am currently enamored with spelling numbers, graph paper, circus fonts, paper lanterns and of course flowers. You might notice some of those in my collage.

I really love the way numbers look when you spell them and it seems to help me memorize scripture references when I see the numbers spelled out.

eight

In case you were wondering I am still working on  the April edition of the HeART & Soul ezine.  It's a little delayed because of the visit to the you-know-who (trying not to mention it again) but it's going to be lots of fun, the theme is one of my favorites, Birdies!

nine

The you-know-who is getting blamed for this too. My lack of Fitness Friday fitness. *sigh*  Oh well, try again next week I guess (I did do the stair stepper twice last week though and drank lots of water for what it's worth).

ten

My hubby brought me a big basket of red geraniums over the weekend.  I just love red geraniums.  Aren't they beautiful?

When I went to the quilt show I found this fantastic company, My Sampler, that sells embroidery kits that are so sweet. 

They have one that I really want to do for my kitchen called, (what else?) Red Geraniums.

Actually, I want to do them all, especially the scripture ones, they are so cute!

Hey, that's ten already!  Be sure and comment on my giveaway post for a chance to win some goodies!

♥ M~

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"...for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!"
-Matthew 6:8

bloggy giveaway time

{This is still a sticky post for the Bloggy Giveaway week!  Scroll down to read more good stuff! Tuesday Ten is posted - imagine that...on Tuesday even!  And don't miss the adventures of the cereal box boys ...a yummy oatmeal cookie recipe and my Friday Faves!...scroooollllllllll dooowwwwnnnn!}

Hey! It's time for the Bloggy Giveaway again!  I'm being a tiny bit lazy and giving away the same prize as last giveaway but really it's mostly because I will be at the dentist twice this week and on lots of heavy medication so...technically it's incoherency and not laziness.

Anyway before I show you the fabulous prize that you can win just for leaving me a sweet little comment, I wanted to tell you about something super exciting that I'm working on for May/June! 



I'm going to be posting 31 crafty, papery, fabricy, flowery things to make and do in 31 days!  There will be lots of links to fabulous tutorials as well as original crafty projects designed by me!

I am so excited about it I can hardly stand it!  So many pretty things to show you! 

So be sure and check in with me all month to see the floral extravaganza ok?  And if you have great flower ideas let me know about them so I can link you!

If you want to share the flower-y goodness on your blog here is the code for the button!!

<a href="http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com"><img border="0" src="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/31_Flowers_noshadow.jpg"/></a>

And now for the fabulous prize!  I am giving away a felt basket filled with paper goodies!

The felt basket is exactly the one in the pictures, but the goodies inside may vary a little bit. 

It will be filled to the brim though with yummy stuff so be sure to leave a comment and be entered!

Here's a hint:

There will be paper, tickets, flowers, tags, ribbon and of course bakery twine!  You will love it!

So leave me a comment by noon on Saturday, April 26th and I will draw a name and announce the winner on Monday, April 28th!

Everyone is welcome to participate including my international friends! 

Don't forget to leave me an email or blog address so I can get in touch with you after the drawing.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  See you tomorrow for ten on tuesday!

♥ M~
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"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above..."
-James 1:17

ten on tuesday - 8

ten random thoughts on tuesday (night)

one

I have been tagged by three sweet friends!  Deanne, Marianna and Quirky.  I  just wanted to say thanks ladies and I am working on these!  There is so much to post and so little time! 

two

We made Glazed Lemon Scones the other day.  Oh what fun! They were yummy too, only I think I flattened them out a little too much so they weren't quite as high as I think scones are supposed to be. I'd never baked scones before though, so I was pretty happy with the way they came out!  The lemon glaze was *dee-licous* I could just eat that with a spoon - yum!  I found the recipe in the most recent issue of Family Fun Magazine. 

three

Here's the recipe and some visuals:  (you can also get the recipe here)

Ingredients:

Scones:
2 cups flour (I used cake flour and this made them very moist)
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Finely grated zest of one lemon
3 Tbsps cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup heavy or whipping cream, plus a little for brushing
1 egg yolk, beaten slightly
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon extract
1 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp heavy or whipping cream

1. Heat the oven to 400°. Grease a large, heavy baking sheet (preferably not a dark one) and set it aside.

2. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest and toss the mixture with your hands.

3. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the cream, the yolk, and the vanilla extract and use a fork to blend the liquids within the well. Then use a wooden spoon to combine all the ingredients, just until the dough holds together.

5. Scrape the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and then, using floured hands, knead it gently three or four times to form a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk about 3/4-inch thick, then cut it as you would a pie into 8 wedges. Transfer the pieces to the baking sheet, leaving at least 1/4 inch between them. Brush the tops lightly with cream.

6. Bake the scones in the center of the oven until golden brown, about 16 to 18 minutes. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack.

7. While the scones continue to cool, make the glaze. Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk them until the mixture is smooth. If necessary, you can thin the glaze with water, stirring in no more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time. When the scones have cooled for another 10 minutes, drizzle each one generously with glaze. Makes 8 scones.

(can you see my banner in the tea kettle?? heh-heh - love that - can you see the fridge open?  LittleO was getting a snack...)

four

Okay, if you've been reading my blog for any amount of time you know that I have a squirrel thing (not like a "thing" for squirrels - that would be weird - a squirrel thing - click here to catch up). 

Well yesterday when taking a peek at what people were searching for when they came across my blog I found the most hilarious search term ever.  Someone was looking for "squirrel bureaucracy".  I kid you not.

five

After I finished laughing I thought...what in the world were they looking for? What human being would want or need to know about squirrel bureaucracy?  I mean, actually, I thought I made that term up...you know?...I don't think there really *is* a squirrel bureaucracy..is there?...

Wait a minute...do squirrels get internet?  Maybe the *squirrels* were doing some research....

six

Congratulations to Lisa at The Scrap Princess Blog she won my prize at The Ultimate Blog Party! Look here to see what she won!

seven

Speaking of prizes I won *two* prizes during the blog party.  How cool is that? 

I won an Arbonne goodie bag from Stacey at The Truest Thing and some *fantastic* felt pins from Katrin at Cuteacious (you must go check her etsy shop, Kaleidoscope Style - so pretty). New bloggy friends and prizes!! What a blessing! 

eight

The quilt show was fabulous.  amazing.  I really can't describe it with words. 

I've always been a paper girl myself, but my mom has been wanting me to sew and a friend or two have encouraged me in that direction so that I was feeling kind of fabric-y already when my mom called and invited me to the quilt show.

nine

I am *so* glad I went. There was so much color and design and texture, everywhere I looked.  It was astonishingly inspiring!  Look at this!!!

This quilt was so tiny!  No bigger than your hand (those are the mini-binder clips holding it up)!

 

Felted cupcakes!! Can you get over it??

ten

My mom bought me fabric and goodies that I can't wait to show you tomorrow (plus more quilt show pics).  So much pretty!

I can't stop touching all the fabric.  Is this normal? 

I never liked the term "fat quarters" before because...you know... it had the word "fat" in it ...heh-heh...but now I {heart} the words "fat quarters"!

You know what they mean to me now?

"Here is some very expensive fabric that you cannot normally afford, but we are going to cut you a little, fat piece of it and only charge you $2.00!!  Now you can have some.  Aren't you happy?"

Yes! I am so happy!

My mom also got me a book on how to make fabric yo-yo's and ideas to use them *and* a heart-shaped yo-yo maker!!

I am so excited, I want to cover *everything* in heart-shaped yo-yos!!

But then

will I have to cut my fabric to do that?

Because I don't want to cut it.

I just want to touch it,

and hold it

and love it.

I have to go now, the fabric is in the other room and I can't reach it from here.

♥ M~
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"All you who fear God, how blessed you are! How happily you walk on His smooth straight road!...Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness!"
-Psalm 128:1 (the message)

girls just wanna have fun

{Hey Ya'll!  This is *still* a sticky post for the party week. But scroll down past the party for "the best chocolate cake recipe in the world", "a truly spring-a-licous handmade kitchen banner" complete with tutorial & printable pattern!" and of course my always exciting "ten on tuesday" post!  Come on...scroll down...you know you wanna!}

{I also just noticed that I invited you all to the ultimate "Bog" party which really sounds more smelly and muddy than fun and pink-ish.  So let's go ahead and just have a "blog" party shall we?}

   

Hey...Hey-Hey...(did that sound like Rerun from "What's Happening"?)

It's the Ultimate Bog Party time!!  Woot!

This is so fun, you have to join in!  Click on that link above and host a party at your blog or hey, just visit all the party peoples!  I met so many great ladies and discovered so many fun blogs last time!  I'm really excited it's here again already!  And there are so many prizes!! 

I forgot we were supposed to list our top prize picks so here are mine:

#1) I would really, really love the:

145 —Photo Insert Tote Bag
Provided by: Expressions Photo Store
Prize details: Carry your memories with you everywhere with a Photo Insert Purse valued at $45 in your choice of colors, donated by Expressions Photo Store, where your memories become unique lifetime treasures.(they have it in pink!!)

#2) I would also be pretty excited about the:

117 — $25 Gift Certificate to Target
Provided by: Mommy Bytes
Prize details: Angela with Mommy Bytes is offering a $25 gift certificate to Target.

#3) And who *wouldn't* love:

100 — 3 books
Provided by: Jill Norwood
Prize details: Jill Norwood from Who Could Ask for Anything More is giving away three cooking and entertaining books bundled together in a fun striped tote bag, perfect for taking on an overnight stay or to the pool or beach. I’ll also be filling the bag with some goodies geared especially toward the winner’s taste (coffee lover, tennis player, scrapbooker, etc.) Jill’s Book Bag is a regular feature on my blog, so, if you don’t win this time, I hope you visit me regularly to enter another time.

Now if I was to get to choose other prizes besides those I would also really get a kick out of #'s 59, 55, 62, 140, 129, 107,112, 91, or 49...whew...or you know anything to do with coffee, chocolate, or scrapbooking. heh-heh

You gotta go see for yourself! (but come back here and partee-heartee when you're done, k?)

So Welcome to my party!  Be sure and grab a hat & whistle!

And I hope you like to dance because I even have a....

Disco Ball!!! 

{can you hear the music?   wooo - wooo.....disco inferno....wooo-woooo}

Also, of course....there is PINK CAKE & ICE CREAM!!

And it wouldn't be a party without my friend and yours:

So grab a snack and mingle here in my pink lounge!  I can't wait to get to know you!

               

I'm editing my party post to add a little about me.  An idea I swiped  was inspired by over at Quirky's party!

You can find out what makes me a "one trick pony" by peeking in this room (just step around the giant pink pinata - that's for later - shhhh! - it's filled with chocolate and scrapbook paper).

To find out at about the prize I'm offering head over to my pink & red studio (oh don't I wish).  The prize will be similar (although not exactly) like these prizes!  Wa-hooo!

While you're in the studio you can see some of my scrappy, papery stuff by looking here, here and here.

If you want to know some random things about me including what I will make for you for $5.00 take a look in this room.

To really know my heart you can go over to my quiet corner and read the most favorite love letter I've *ever* received.  It's in the heart-shaped box next to my bible {swoon}. 

{HINT: If you click on the play button a deep, handsome voice will read it out loud to you.}

If you're still hungry sneak into the kitchen and check out my pink chocolatey cuppy cakes! mmmmmm....there's a stack of recipe cards on the counter there, feel free to take one!

Well, I guess that's about it.  (don't look in that closet in the hall...it's just junk)  Thanks so much for coming to my party!!  I can't wait to come visit you at yours!  (so don't forget to leave a comment with your blog address, k?)

And on your way out be sure to pick up your party favor:

A button for your blog!  Just copy the code below and paste into your sidebar code!

 

<a href="http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com"><img border="0" src="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/06/pink_paper_peppermints_party_2.jpg"/></a>

(if you need help putting it on your blog just email me)

Party on Chickadees!

{wooo-wooo....wooo-wooo}

♥ M~
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"But you'll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight."
-Psalm 5:11 (the message)

let us do good

I'm participating in a little "card drive" for a friend of a friend of a friend (you know how we internets are). 

We're all making cards to encourage a fellow believer who is going through a difficult time right now. (to learn more click here)

If you like making cards and blessing people I know Wilna would love for you to participate. 

And as an added bonus there will be a drawing with lots and lots of prizes being given away to all the participants.  (I'm giving away your choice of something from my etsty shop.) 

So let's recap:

♥ friends
♥ crafty
♥ cards
♥ blessing
♥ prizes

Is there *any* reason not to head over there and drop Wilna an email saying you'd like to participate? 

I think not. :)

If you need inspiration, Wilna has a gallery up of all the cards that have been made thus far! 

Here's mine:

Grace & Peace friends,

♥ M~
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"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
-Galatians 6:10

behind door number one

Time to show you the prizes for the winners of the bloggy move giveaway! 

Kate from Costa Rica won this little felt basket of springy paper goodies!

It includes lots of little crochet and appliqué flowers, tickets, tags...

...tiny beads...

...die cuts a library pocket a little chipboard birdie wrapped in ribbons, lace & baker's twine! (and did you notice the clear, crinkly cellophane?)

Angela won a little Birdie Book O' Bakery Twine all wrapped around some tiny ticket tags!

Inside the birdie (28 yards of gorgeous bakers twine!):

Are you drooling yet?  Well don't despair dear readers because you too could soon be opening a package filled with goodies like those above!

That's right, I'll be giving away more little prize packages during "The Ultimate Blog Party" sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom! If you haven't looked at this yet, jump over there and see.  If you have a blog it is such a fun week to get to know other bloggers!

And if you simply cannot wait for the blog party you can sneak over to my etsy shop (yes, that's right, I have actually *updated* my shop - woo-hoo!) and get some twine and other goodies right now!  :)

See you tomorrow for Ten on Tuesday!

♥ M~  {←did ya see what I did there?  a little heart!  and an arrow! look here to conquer some evil technology yourself! ha-ha!}
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"She perceives that her merchandise is good..."
-Proverbs 31:18