Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Pecan Pie Bar Cookie Recipe

Hello, Ladies!

Since I didn't bring my recipe to the shin-dig, I thought I would post it here for anyone who might be interested:

Ingredients:
***Crust***
1 1/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 egg yolks
2 1/2 cups flour
***Filling***
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/8 cup heavy cream
2 3/4 cups pecan pieces, lightly toasted


Directions:

Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 15 x 10-inch sheet pan; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and egg yolks, mixing until smooth. Slowly add flour, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix. Press into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until barely golden. Let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Filling

In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, sugar and honey. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Stir in cream and remove from heat. Stir in pecans and pour into the pre-baked cookie shell. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling on top. Cool and cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.

Source: Bakery Cafe at El Pedregal, Boulders Resort, Carefree, Arizona.

Monday, December 28, 2009

January meeting?

So, in all of our cookie craziness, we neglected to talk about January's meeting. Mom, Chrissy and I did a little talking at church on Christmas Eve and decided we should meet for Chinese food one evening in January and come with our ideas and calendars and plan our meetings for the year.

I can get the small private room at Helen's Gourmet Chinese at Fresno and Alluvial so we can be loud and silly, like we tend to be.

What do you all think?
Which of the following dates works best for you?

Jan. 5
Jan. 7
Jan. 11

Respond to the blog and as soon as we have a date that seems to work for most of us, I'll make the reservation.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and have a great New Year's holiday as well.

Talk to you soon,
Carey

Saturday, December 12, 2009

December's Meeting was a Good Thing...

We had a full house as all The Good Things Girls made it to the party!!!

Dipping into the non-sweets, quite a necessity of the evening...

That's one big pile of gifts to grab...

Did we really try ALL of these cookies? (just one little bite)

Now THAT'S what I call a Cookie Exchange!

Great Job, as usual, GTGF's!!!

Thanks again for such a fun night...


Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bless the Bohans

Hello, ladies! I posted this on facebook too, so this will be a repeat to some of you.

Would you like to be a blessing to a dear family in need? We have some dear friends, Chris and Diane Bohan (Diane's maiden name is Dunbar, for all you People's Church youth groupers), who received the news that Chris has liver cancer and must be taken to the Mayo Clinic early next week for a possible transplant. It is very difficult financially for Diane to stay in Arizona with Chris, so I would like to give all my friends the opportunity to bless Diane with one night's stay at a hotel near the hospital. If several of us chip in, she can stay there for the duration of his treatment (about two weeks). Contact me via phone 323-5576, and I can arrange for the blessings to reach Diane. Thank you all in advance!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Cookies and questions

Well girls, we did it again. I don't know how but each year gets better than the last. Thanks for a fabulous night filled with sugar highs and giggles. Tracy, your house was so beautiful and your hospitality appreciated.

I do have a few questions, though:
Chrissy -- Was my breakfast this morning from one of those Amish Friendship starter deals? Do you have starter I can have? I'd love to start that up again. I miss that stuff! And, thanks SO MUCH for the fudge, candies, curd, scarf and all those goodies! You are generous and kind and a very good thing. I'm sorry you're sick!
Suzelle -- Are you ready to abandon us as a group after we made you open all the presents last night?
Cheri -- How does Eric like that apron?
Tracy -- Is Jesus' love surrounding you today? I sure do hope so! :-)
??? -- I don't know who ended up with the cookie jar, but are all those cookies safely inside it this morning, or did the fam rob your stash?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Number of attendees

Hello, Ladies!

Are we all ready for fun and excitement?!

Just thought I'd remind everyone, just in case you didn't see my RSVP before, my mom will be coming to tonight's festivities. We can hardly wait!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Another little thingy....

So, in my Reminders section of the invite...I forgot to include...

Bring 10 copies of your cookie RECIPE to pass out along with your exchange packages
...mine is on a regular size letter size sheet with 3 hole punched sides,
(to go right in your Good Things Recipe Binder)
...but some of the 'more creative types' (like Nola-mom)
cleverly incorporate their recipe into the packaging.
How you do it is up to you!


Hey Carolyn, We want you to attend too! ;o)

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Sticky Gingerbread Recipe

Since Chrissy requested the Sticky Gingerbread recipe that I found, I figured I'd post it here:

1 stick + 3 T butter
3/4 C dark corn syrup
3/4 C molasses
2/3 C packed dark brown sugar
2 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger (I used powdered and it tasted fine)
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 C milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp baking soda, dissolved in 2 T warm water
2 C flour

Preheat oven to 350 and line cake pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (grease foil).

In saucepan, melt butter over low heat along with syrup, molasses, sugar, fresh and ground gingers, cinnamon, and cloves. Remove from heat, and add milk, eggs, and dissolved baking soda in its water.
Put flour into a bowl, and pour in liquid ingredients, beating until well mixed. (Batter will be very wet.) Pour into pan and bake 45-60 min. until bread rises and is firm on top. Do not over-bake; it will continue to bake as it cools. Transfer pan to wire rack and let cool before cutting gingerbread into squares.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's December...So you know what that means...

Time for another GOOD THINGS GIRLS GATHERING,
and It's only a week away!


You're invited:
When: Tuesday, December 8th at 7pm
Where: Tracy's House
Why: For the annual Cookie Swap & Gift Grab (Oh, I mean exchange)
Who: Hopefully all 10 of us fun-lovin' Girls

Don't forget:
...to bring a $20ish wrapped Gift (fit for fightin' over)
...to Bake up 6 dozen cookies
(packaged up, 1/2 dz. each to give your GTGFs, but
leaving out 1 dz. to share/taste at the meeting)


Ribbons will be awarded to:

~ Best Decorated Cookie
~ Most Creative Cookie Packaging
~ Yummy-est Tasting
~ Best All Around


Don't worry, I'll have some nibbles of the NOT so sweet variety
in an attempt to balance out the sugar rush!


December is Upon Us, so if you haven't done it already
...get shopping & baking, dear friends

...we've only got 1 weekend left, before our meeting...

Can't wait to share some Holiday Cheer with you!


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope your day is filled with family, good food, good friends and God's blessings. I am thankful for each of you and the friendship that we share. I am truly blessed!
Love, Nola

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

November





Wreaths, Glorious Wreaths!


The Good Things Girls were at it again...
...balls were flying & popping all around the room,
and super glue helped save the night...
but we managed to complete our crafts.

A big Thanks to Chrissy for having us all to her humble abode,
with her usual 'Hostess with the Most-ess' Style.

Sadly, Cindy was missed :o(
and we certainly hope she's are feeling better today ;o)




Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

A ball question :)

I failed to buy balls from Chrissy.......so need to know how many I need to make a wreath ???

Thanks........

a "ball-less" Suzelle

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Tea Time...

A Fun Fall Tea Time Treat...
with the Good Things Girls!

....umm....maybe Carey or Nola can add some more photos...
since I only got 1 with actual GT girls in it?!?


...food & table settings are a good thing though, too? right?


Friday, October 16, 2009

Tea Time Tidbits

Good Morning Ladies! I was just thinking about our get together last night and really started to laugh!! What a mix of topics we covered! We went from trying to enact our own health care reform program, one doctor's office at a time (Lori and Tammi are the girls for you when you go to the doctor!); bashing repair people that don't show up; AT&T is 'screwed' up; Savemart better get their act together and lower prices; calls from people we don't know or like, for husbands who aren't home and never answer the phone anyway!!! We also discussed Maurice's membership in the National Rutebaga Assoc. and his chances of taking a Norwegian Cruise are good. Nola revealed a BIG secret...her underpants are half off....oh my! And Seth may know Victoria's Secret. Husbands that come home for lunch are a good thing,,,husbands that work fom home...not so much (jk). Cheri was quite dazed and confused at Trader Joe's and couldn't find her nuts or the funny guy who went looking for them AND her in the parking lot. She needs to go with Tracy next time because she knows how to use their dingy thingy. And Carey, PLEASE work on your check out speed before you get whacked by some gang member.

Thanks for hosting Tammi and Cheri. As usual, the tea service was wonderful. And thanks for all the goodies ladies. Delish! And thank you for all the take away goodies everybody.

Please rsvp to the blog by 11/6 for the 11/10 Good Things. B.Y.O.B. (bring your own balls).

Hope your little ghost helped you find your keys in the dark and made your car smell good.

I am including the recipe for the pimento & cheese dip. Let me just say though that I use two cans of corn and about half the cheese. I used reduced fat sharp cheddar and jack and Low fat mayo. I like chives but only use fresh if you choose chives. Dried chives don't work in this recipe. I don't add salt but do add a little Mrs. Dash Table Blend. And we love the Tomato Basil Wheat Thins but good with any cracker that you like.

Pimento & Cheese Dip

1 (8 0z) pkg sharp cheddar & 1 (8 oz) pkg medium cheddar
1 jar pimentos 1 can white shoepeg corn, drained
Chives or 1 green onion chopped
Mayo to consistency you like
salt and pepper to taste

Best if chilled overnight or at least several hours.

Enough procrastinating. Time to clean. YUCK!!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Tea Party Date!

Oh, my goodness! I re-read my post and realized that the date was left off! The date was rescheduled to Thursday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m. We kept it at the normal time to avoid further confusion.

Time for Tea!

Hello, Ladies! Well, it's time for tea at Tammi's house. We will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the tea will be pot-luck style -- or would that be teapot-luck style? Here is a menu from which our guests may pick their goodie of choice:

  • Scones (any flavor you'd prefer)
  • Chicken Salad Sandwiches
  • Ham and cream cheese sandwiches (wouldn't some sort of cranberry sauce added to the cheese be yummy and autumnal?)
  • Egg salad sandwiches
  • Cookies (any kind you like)
  • Sweetie of your choice (must be some sort of dessert, not your hubby)

*Special request of Chrissy: could you bring some of your lemon curd? It was simply divine!

Tammi's making an apple/walnut green salad, and Cheri's going to make a pumpkin dessert.

Just comment on the blog which item you wish to bring, that way everyone can see what is still available. If you have something particular in mind that I haven't listed, please feel free to post that item on the blog too.

Looking forward to a T-rriffic time!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Next Month's Tea Party

Hello, Ladies!

When Tammi and I started comparing notes and calendars for the Tea Party, we realized that the next meeting will only be a week away. Would everyone like to bring their calendars to tonight's meeting, and maybe we can find a date a little farther out? We were looking at Thursday the 15th or Monday the 19th as potential dates. That would separate the Sept., Oct., and Nov. meetings by two weeks each. What do ya'll think?

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Nola is back in the hospital ... and that's not a good thing!

Nola is back in the hospital due to her heart arrhythmia. She's at St. Agnes and should be there for a few days.

I was happy to be able to see her today (tuesday) and interupted her lunching alone. She looked dazzeling in a small paisley type print dress with a special pocket adorning the front for a special box that had many colorful wires coming out of it that made a beautiful, but heavy assessory. Her makeup was light but tasteful and her hairstyle was combed and in correct porportion to her outfit. She sat comfortably in a chair at her bedside with a tan table in front of her that housed her tasteful lunch of cut melon with a cute little chocolate cupcake on the side. It was a delight to see her beautiful smile. She has a nice size room and a roommate that was rather quiet and said nothing. She had plenty to read as Cindy and Carey had been keeping her well equipped with every kind of magazine and she hadn't started missing scrapbooking yet as the nurses had been keeping her busy with new medications to try and shocking her heart into the correct beat again. At one point Nola thought the hospital was being bombed as the noise of the first shock to her heart last week was so loud, but this time they sedated her for the shocking of her heart three times and she found it to be much more relaxing.

She was hoping the doctors would release her in a few days if her EKG's were approved of daily. She can be found down a long whinding hallway after a long walk to the information desk from the parking lot. Just before you arrive at the desk you'll see that the shuttle was available but you missed it. Becareful not to ask a doctor for directions as they may be frustrated and lost too and not able to tell you which way to find anyone.

My best regards, Lori

Nola gave me permission to post this to pass along the news. I told her we would be praying for her speedy recovery so she could start working on her foot problem and her postponed dental work she wanted to get done before the Christmas holidays.

Monday, September 21, 2009

September Meeting DATE CHANGE

Tomorrow night's meeting to create Fall Banners
is being CHANGED to NEXT TUESDAY, Sept. the 29th.

Still at the same Bat-time....7pm
& still at the same Bat-channel....Suzelle's House.

Prayers Abound for WELLNESS for all our Good Things Girls!!!
We are wishing 'Healthy & Happy' for everyone...

Looking Forward to seeing you :0)

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Our fall banner for Sept meeting.....

Happy Fall Good Things girls.......

This is what we will be making (well, a variation of it). Tracy and I have made each of you a kit.....included in your kit is the paper, chipboard backer, flowers, ribbons and buttons. I have stamps available for the word FALL with a selection of fall color stamp pads. If you would like your letters to be something other than stamped letters, then bring whatever your heart desires. What you need to bring is whatever kind of adhesive you like to you use.....glue stick, tape runner, glue dots, etc....... Also, if you want other trims other than ribbons......ric rack, lace, etc. Plus, any kind of rhinestone or glitter, would be fun to add. The cost to you each is $6.00






I had a ball making it......hope you have as much fun too :)
Please RSVP to the blog or by phone :) If you need directions to my house, please call....439-5305. See you at 7pm on Sept 22nd.
Suzelle


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Nola is home and that is a GOOD THING!

So glad you are home and feeling better Nola. Tell John to stop making your heart skip a beat! Now settle down you two!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine

Just wanted to say how Carolyn's cheerful attitude serves as a shining example of Prov. 17:22. You wouldn't know it to talk to her that she is facing any challenges whatsoever. Her smile is a joy to behold, especially when you realize that she chooses to be joyful ~ this is a conscious decision to walk by faith and to be of good cheer. Carolyn, you're an inspiration!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Food for Thought!

Guess what I bought yesterday??? I bought my first cookie recipe magazine for the season. Yes, I did find lots of good possibilities but not the right recipe, YET! Only three months and some days until the big cookie exchange.

I hope all of you are having a good end of Summer. The Fall bug has already been at my house but so far I haven't put out anything orange yet. I have been knitting pumpkins and thinking about decorating. I guess it is trips to Michael's and Joanne's that put me in the mood.

Lori and Carolyn I hope that you are recooperating nicely and you are thought of. Tammi, I hope you are doing good. We miss hearing from you.

A happy first day of school tomorrow for Cheri.

Suzelle we look forward to our September meeting and project. See you all then!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

THANK YOU and WOW!

Thanks to all who came to movie & charity night last night. I so enjoyed that movie and loved the fact that we filled a whole row at Edwards! My friend Cynthia will be joining us next month to accept the stack of checks you so wonderfully donated to her charity, All About Care. Together, we donated nearly $200! Good job, Good Things gals!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Movie/Charity Night

Hey gals! It is about that time! Let's go see a movie!

Julie and Julia will hit theaters soon. Once it gets closer, I'll post the official time of our showing. I do know this. We will go to the show that's most close to 7 p.m. and it will be at Edwards. Have you heard about the movie yet? Click here to see what it is all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvJHsJD8ic


The movie is about finding joy in what you do. Part of what we're doing for August's meeting is sharing our bounty with others.

In addition to your movie ticket (which you will buy at the door) I'm asking everybody who can to donate some pocket change (hopefully the kind that folds) and we will make a donation to a charity. This idea was inspired by a group I found out about that does this every month. Their mission is simple. They have a lot. They would like to give. Individually, they can't do a lot, but together, they can truly make a difference in people's lives.



The charity I've chosen is All About Care. I'm an active volunteer with the organization, operated by my dear friend Cynthia Karraker. She is passionate about her nonprofit group and gives it 150 percent of her time, energy and gifts.


Let me tell you a bit about Cynthia. Her husband Randy was Fresno's first AIDS case. He contracted the disease well before Fresno knew what it was. He was faced with intense prejudice, apathy and fear by the doctors and caretakers he came in contact with. People were scared because they didn't know what the disease was or what to do with this man who had these strange symptoms. He was isolated, with most medical professionals simply refusing to treat him. Throughout it all, Cynthia was at his side. She was just as confused as the rest, but her heart told her to stand by her husband's side. She fought for him when he couldn't fight for himself. In the end, she lost her husband to AIDS, but developed a life-long mission to fight for better treatment and support programs for families who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

All About Care provides practical, emotional, spiritual, and charitable support to people with terminal illness, especially those with HIV/AIDS. Because of donations, All About Care is able to offer food, nutritional support and support groups for Women with HIV/AIDS, their children, siblings and parents. Additionally, All About Care offers individual counseling, bereavement counseling, phone support, and crisis counseling.

Once a year, All About Care also operates Camp Care, a four-day camp for All About Care families. For these four days, these families can be around others that know and understand what they're going through. They never have to worry about a snide remark or a prejudice. They can simply be kids, families and moms and dads at camp. It is truly a joy to see what freedom comes from that.

My most recent project with All About Care is something I'm so excited about. For the past year, I have been meeting monthly with a dozen women, two children and several health workers, coaching them on writing. They are working on writing their stories, or as we like to call them, dispair-to-hope stories. They have a disease, but it does not define them. They are hopeful to be living now in the age where living with AIDS is possible. Surviving it is possible and thriving despite it is absolutely possible. It is an exciting project. When the stories are complete, we will be publishing a book that will be sold in bookstores throughout the Fresno area and hopefully beyond.

Join me in letting Good Things support Camp Care. I'm hopeful our financial support can help send a kid to camp!

Please RSVP to the blog, so we know to save you a seat. Like I said earlier, before I got on my soap box, everybody will buy their own movie tickets at the door and I will post the exact time the week of Good Things.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

All the World's a Stage!!!


I'm Late I'm Late, but I do have time to say... Christian and Corrinne are performing in the CMT Production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. The show starts July 24th and runs through August 1st. If you have time come see a fun show and my kids! For more info check out the website www.cmtworks.com. Hello...Goodbye, Tammi

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Another Carolyn Siteing!

I ran into Carolyn with her hubby, Dan, MIL & sister at Jamba Juice today!!!!
...we had a bit of a crowd around us while we shared a 'gentle hug' & 'how's it going'.

She was full of laughter & smiles...as she always seems to be.

Her pathology came back good after her surgery (great news!)
& she has had several appts. with the radiologists
& is getting started on her treatments, beginning next week.
She seems really in a positive frame of mind.

Continued Prayers, Dear Carolyn!

Tammi's Mom is Home

Just a note to let everyone know that Tammi's mother went home from the hospital yesterday, and is doing much better. Tammi sends her thanks for all your prayers!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Update on Carolyn

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to say I had a good time this month making scrapbook pages with you all. Thanks Nola for hosting a successful time for us. Cindy, I did get to Michaels and buy myself a cupcake favor like you gave away. I treated myself and feel alittle guilty about it so I'll have to make something good with it!!!

I did want to update you on Carolyn. I had the opportunity to see her friday morning. She is feeling well and in good spirits. I took her dinner and she seemed happy with what I brought. I know every bit can help when your feeling tired. She is hugging gingerly due to her surgury but she was dressed, smiling and looked good. I know she is tired and said she has trouble returning everyone's phone calls so we'll all keep praying for you Carolyn. Let's try to update each other if we see her or talk to her and blog about it so we can help if she needs it.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Good News about Tammi's Mom

As of Thursday, Tammi's mother had stopped bleeding and was improving. I have yet to hear from her today, but I will keep you all posted.

The Dreaded Shorts


Well, ladies, hope you enjoy the picture of the dreaded shorts. Let this be a lesson to me for opening my mouth on embarrassing topics. Please note the convenient snaps that allowed for expansion, and the paint splatters which prove I really do use these for painting.

My humiliation is complete.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

MEETING DATE

Hey... we made a mistake. The meeting is WEDNESDAY the 8th of July. Please make a note and we will see you soon!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Color Copy Info

Cindy and Nola-Timing is everything! I just got home from Office Max where I made 49 cent color copies and I go to Judy's Donuts, pick up the Java News, and there is a coupon for 29 cent copies (no limit) at Minuteman Press in Clovis and Fresno. Remind me to give it to you Monday night.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

FIVE is the word for July!

Hey ladies!

Are you ready for some scrappin'? This month is all about US. We are going to create a two page scrapbook spread (6x6) all about ourselves, and then we will copy them and distribute to each other and create our updated scrapbook of us. The theme this time is "Five Good Things".

Here's what you need to do:

1. Complete the following list of "fives":

Five things I love
Five things I can't leave the house without
Five things I could live without
Five things people don't know about me
Five places I have lived
Five things I still have yet to do
Five _____ (make your own)

2. Print these out in whatever font you choose, on any paper you desire. Remember they have to all fit on two 6 x 6 pages.

3. Gather some scrapbook papers, embellishments, adhesive, scissors, and other scrappin' stuff you need to complete your page.

4. Gather any photos you want (one about you is required) and any other words you want to write. Don't forget your name.

5. Bring it to our meeting.

We will meet on July 6, at Nola's house, at 7 pm. Please RSVP to her by July 3. If you can't make it this meeting you will need to complete the 2 pages on your own and get it to Cindy/Nola. We don't want anyone to be left out of our book.

Once all the pages are in, we will copy them or have them printed somewhere and distribute the following meeting.

Frequently asked questions-

What is the cost? Nothing for the pages we scrap, because we are all bringing our own stuff. If you don't have appropriate "stuff" call Nola and she'll help ya.

The pages we copy for each other will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on where we can find that can copy them cheaply. If we color copy them only one will fit per 8.5 x 11 page, and if we have them printed at Costco, a 12 x 12 is $2.99. If you have any lead on cheap color copies or prints, call Cindy.

What about the album? Everyone will need their own 6x6 album, but it won't be needed until the pages are all copied. Call Chrissy if you need one, she has a few extras.

If I forgot something, or you have other questions, leave a comment and we will answer them.

Friday, June 26, 2009

July 6th Good Things Meeting

FYI- I have three extra 6x6 albums. $3.00 each if anybody is interested. Just plain beige cover with 20 sleeved pages. Let me know if anybody would like to buy one. See you soon.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Jammin' June

Everyone was in attendance at this meeting
(Which always makes for a FUN night)



Cheri's homemade gift exchange item was ooohed & aaahed over by us all!

(somehow, Nola managed to get her hands on it in the end)



Suzelle got the last gift of the night....

(Wow....not just 1, but 2 Jim Shore figurines)

Thanks for a Great time, Good Things Girlfriends!!








Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sorry Ladies!!!

I thought I would save everyone a trip to Bullard Village Drugs. Although, you can drive by my house and see my new July 4th Cupcake flag that I purchased at 9:05 a.m. this morning. It really looks good in my front yard!!!

I really had a wonderful time last night. Thank you Carolyn and Lori for a very fun time. The food was very tasty and the decorations were fun. Everyone really outdid themselves with the gifts this year. I can't wait until we do it again at Christmas.

Thanks to everyone for a fun time. Have a great July 4th and I'll see you at my house for our next meeting.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Good Time with Good Friends

I had such a good time tonight ladies! The company was wonderful; the gifts were fabulous and the refreshments delicious Carolyn and Lori. You two throw a good party! Thanks for all the laughs too. And I loved coming home and perusing all my goodies. Loved it all. Looking forward to July's get together already. Happy Summer y'all. Love ya.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Virginia would like to attend the meeting

Hello, ladies!

My mom would like to come to our gift exchange, so there will be one more gift for us to choose from! I know that some of you ladies like to give little trinkets to everyone at these shin-digs, and if you've already gotten favors, please know that Mom doesn't expect you to try to make adjustments for her. She misses the group and always tries to make these special meetings.

Can't wait for the stealing to begin! See you all soon.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Chrissy... I found a link for you

Actually, I didn't go searching for this. It showed up on my daily news feed from one of the Web sites I follow.

Click here.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

June's Gift Exchange

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to remind you that we are having the summer gift exchange at Carolyn's house at 6:30pm on June 17th. We will be having snacks so we all have enough energy to swap till we drop. Hope everyone can make it 'cause you don't want to miss out on stealing from your friends!!!

Let the shopping begin for the gift everyone will oooh and ahh over!! Lori

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Picture for you


Hey guys... I thought you might all like to see a picture of Jean and Mark (and Grace) from their visit. It sure was nice to see them.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Happy Birthday Cheri! Hope you have a wonderful day full of everything you love. Birthdays are a good thing!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

It was a fun evening!

Thank you Tracy and Carey for a very fun evening. The charms were really easy and fun to make. I am sure that I will enjoy wearing mine. Cindy was wearing hers this morning at knitting and it looked really good.

As usual the dessert was delicious! I wish I had another bite of the delicious chocolate souffle and flavored whipped cream. Thank you Tracy.

We did miss Cheri and Chrissy and we look forward to seeing everyone next month with gift in hand and ready to steal!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Details, details, details....


Here's a little preview of the jewelry charm item that you'll be making at this month's meeting (the part arranged by Tracy...I'm sure Carey has something fun for us too)!!!

....the one in the center is done (and has been, for months now)...it's a photo of my son (from long, long ago) Today, I experimented with a different material for the charm with my daughter's face in it (on the top left) it's not completely dried & clear yet. The photo on the top right has NO Filler in it yet...but it shows how a photo (if the figures are small enough) can be a photo with bodies....not just faces. Then the insert can just be decorative paper...whatever you like. I cut some circles of mickey....they can be used by any of you interested in Disney. :0)

The MAIN reason for this post though, is to show you that you can bring a photo to cut out a 7/8th of an inch circle out of to fill your charm!!! (or a piece of good quality scrap design paper that you like) I'll have the little sticky rhinestones & a few other little options if you don't want to fill your charm with a photo.

I hope this info helps you get the idea...so you don't arrive & say, "I wish I'd known, I'd have brought a picture!" Sorry for rambling on, I should have brought it all to our last meeting & chatted with you about it then.

SEE YOU TUESDAY EVENING

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

A week from now, it's our next meeting...

Just want to give you a reminder that it's:

AT TRACY'S HOUSE
NEXT TUESDAY NIGHT
AT 7pm
on MAY 12th

Tracy & Carey will be hosting this jewelry crafting!!!

Hope you are planning to come.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Nice Evening, except for the soup.....

Ladies -

We had a very nice evening with Jean. It was great to catch up on old times and we had a nice visit. Don't know if the Red Door rates high on the list for Chinese restaurants, but Chrissy, Nola, Carey, Carolyn and Cindy enjoyed Jean's company.

(hint: Chrissy, post the photo)

Earlier, Tracy and Lisa Hendey saw Jean at Lunch at Pane (The Wilson trio was there too).

I think we wined and dined (or dined with lots of iced tea) Jean properly during her visit. She's on her way home now and we miss her already!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

JEAN!!

Jean is here and it is wonderful to see her!!

We will be gathering to have dinner with her Friday, May 1 at 7 pm at the Red Door. That is a chinese restaurant at Fort Washington and Friant Ave. (in the corner by the fountain). Nola has been there and recommended it because it has large round tables so we can all talk to Jean without getting stuck at the wrong end of a long table.

So far we have Cindy, Carey, Nola, Chrissy, Carolyn, Lisa Hendey, and Jean. Any others? Cindy is making reservations, so please call soon.

See you all tomorrow night!

April Meeting was Mosaic Crosses~

Here's My End Result....I hope some of the rest of you SHOW & TELL too!!! (Hint...Hint)

Work in Progress...not yet 'cured' or 'cleaned'...


Work in Progress....'glued' but not yet 'grouted'...


The Good Things Girls....April's Crafting Meeting!!!



Monday, April 20, 2009

Jean is coming!!

Hooray, Jean is coming to town! Better than Santa Claus!

She will be here on Friday, May 1, and I was thinking we could all go to dinner. We'll talk tonight about where to go, but I thought it would be nice to RSVP to the blog.

Thanks!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

April Meeting

Hello, Ladies!

Hope you all had a lovely Easter! Our April meeting is Monday, the 20th at Cheri's house @ 7:00. We will be making mosaic crosses. Everyone should bring whatever broken dishes or glassware pieces that would compliment your home, and Tammi will provide the crosses, grout, and some decorative glass pieces. Cost is somewhere between $5 and $10 (Tammi will let us know for sure at the meeting). Please RSVP to the blog or to Tammi so she knows how many crosses to get.

Hope to see you all there!

Friday, April 10, 2009

April Meeting

Hello all my Good Things friends. Hope all is well and that you have a very Happy Easter. Are we meeting on the 14th?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Another link

This one is for little dot cookies. Oh so cute!

By the way, Chrissy made me some lovely little chocolate chip cookies for my birthday! Thanks Chrissy! They were great (and not burnt, I might add).

Saturday, March 7, 2009

I'm on a roll here...

Another link to try!

This blog uses transfer paper on FELT!!! Another surface to iron!!! Lots of possibilities.

The entire site is felty goodness, so check it out too.

Paper and String

And more uses for all those buttons you bought: right here

Need some wallpaper for your computer?

Here is a fun site that has March related wallpapers for free. Right Here

Thursday, March 5, 2009

It was a "twill!"

OK, all you Good Thingsers who just loved that twill tape we used.... I want to do more for my scrapbook, so I'm putting in an order of that Stampin Up twill tape we used. It is $5.95 for 3 yards each of the three sizes we used. Add to that tax and shipping and it comes to about $7. If you want some, post to the blog by Monday and I'll collect from you at the next meeting.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March Makings...

Cindy hosted a fun night of crafting this month:
customized twill tape, fabric covered tacks, & Heart shaped paper clips.
Here is our crafting frenzy in the works!
Lori was only able to stop by briefly...but we were SO GLAD to see her smiling face.
And looky here, she got 'Hostess Nola's' cute party favor to take home...What a treat!
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the FABULOUS desserts
made for us to indulge in last night,

but I did get a shot of Nola~mom's darling button cupcake!

please note: although we quickly gobbled up all the other desserts,
this one we only oooohed & ahhhhed over

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Paperclip link

Hey my bendy friends!

Here is the link to the heart paperclip tutorial. Very cute and easy. Look here.

Monday, March 2, 2009

More March Madness!

Hey Ladies of the Leprechauns!

I'm home (re-entry is hard), and ready for Good Things tomorrow. With the help of Carey, Emily, three laptops, two workplaces, a few printers, and several different software programs, we figured out how to print the little words in reverse and the transfers are ready. It shouldn't be that hard, and now that we've figured it out we'll tell you all we know.

I ironed one little on twill tape and it looks beautiful! I have a limited amount of the twill tape, and a few different kinds of ribbons, but everyone should be able to get a yard or so of twill. I haven't tried it on ribbon yet, but if you have any ribbon that you like, please bring it and we'll experiment. Especially if you want a color, like Tracy might want red for SJM for example. The words are black, so all but the darkest colors should work. Don't know about textures, but we can try.

Likewise, I have several different fabrics for the buttons, but if you have something in mind you might want to bring it.

The cost for this craft is $5.00 - I forgot to post that before.

We will see you tomorrow night at Nola's at 7.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

March on over!

Hey ladies,

Our March meeting is just around the corner. We will be meeting Tuesday, March 3 at 7pm at Nola's house. Please RSVP to the blog.

We will be making cute little things this time. First up will be covered buttons we will turn into adorable little pushpin/thumbtacks. They can also be used to make adorable flowers for use in scrapbooking by adding felt petals. Cute!

We will also be experimenting with personalized twill tape. Sounds weird, but useful for scrapbooking accents or even sew in labels for clothes. This uses iron on transfers and a ink jet printer, and everyone should be able to get a sheet of labels to play with.

All materials will be supplied - BUT - you need to RSVP with what you want your words to be. I did some "handmade by Cindy" to use as labels on knitting, some of my kids' names to use in scrapbooking, and the name of their schools and "Go Panthers". Just some examples to get your juices flowing. We will format them for you (they have to be reversed and printed on the transfers in advance) and you will trim them and iron them on. SO, that means please RSVP soon to give us time to do all the computer and printing work. If you have a particular font that you like, please specify. Or even "block" vs. "script". Whatever. Call or post a comment if you have questions, but beware that Cindy will be out of town Wednesday - Sunday and Emily will be the techie in charge.

Looking forward to crafty goodness!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

My love book.......

I am giving it today as a baby shower gift. She can add baby/family photos :)







See ya'll in a couple of weeks .......



Friday, February 20, 2009

My Love Album...







Hey Good Things Girls...have you finished your LOVE albums yet?

Time's a wasting...I hope you bring your completed (or nearly done) album back this coming month to share with the group!

I converted photos to B&W to go along with my theme....and it took DAYS to do...but the end result was exactly what I was hoping for...I would like to see yours too.