Language of Love

What do you do when it cold or rainy outside? And it’s been that way a lot here in North Georgia – it’s winter after all. I don’t tend to get cabin fever like the rest of my family – for some reason this type of weather makes me want to bake!

blueberry buckle

Yep, I said bake. I love the way it warms up the house and enjoy smelling all those wonderful aromas as I bake. Not that my family complains – they’ve got a freezer full of goodies now.

So today I thought I would share with you one of our favorite recipes for coffee cake that uses the blueberries from the yard. Blueberries are soooo easy to grow and once they get going they give you LOTS of berries.

Freezing the extras is really easy too. Just rinse them off, lay them out on a cookie sheet, dry and pop them in the freezer. (This lets them freeze individually so that you can just pull a few out at a time.) Then place them into bags or containers. I’ll find my containers partially emptied at times, since Larry and our kids love snitching from the containers LOL. A little taste of summer year round!

blueberry buckle piece

Blueberry Buckle

Topping:

½ c. brown sugar

1/3 c. flour

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ c. butter, softened

Mix topping ingredients together and set aside until batter is finished.

Batter:

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

¾ c. sugar

¼ c. shortening

1 egg

½ c. milk

2 c. (1 pint) blueberries, washed and drained

Mix together sugar, shortening and egg. Stir in milk. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to shortening mix. Fold in blueberries. Spread batter in greased and floured 8×8 inch pan. Sprinkle with topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 – 50 minutes.

Fresh blueberries are best, however you can use frozen. If frozen, do not rinse, as they will turn batter blue – just gently turn into the batter. A few extra minutes may be needed for bake time when using frozen berries. Just check for doneness with a tooth pick.

You can see one of our favorite recipes for fresh blueberries that I share with you last summer by clicking HERE.

Anyhow you want to see the Language of Love stamping project, right?

Here is a card that I received during Leadership that uses the Language of Love and So Very Grateful stamps sets from the Occasions Catalog. Karin shows another way to use the Language of Love stamp set to create a thank you card – it’s clearly not just for Valentine’s Day.

Language of Love Leadership Swap

I am hoping you can see it – but there is a torn edge on the floral pattern of designer series paper that adds interest and texture to this card.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Language of Love (133074/133077) and So Very Grateful (133050/133053)

Inks: Real Red (126949) and Coastal Cabana (1331175)

Paper: Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996), Real Red (102482), Coastal Cabana (131297), and Whisper White card stock (100730)

Accessories: Full Heart Punch (119883), Small Heart Punch (19883), Bitty Banners Framelits (129267), and Rhinestones Basic Jewels (119246)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code UQJ7HZ76

NEW CIRCLE MONOGRAM STAMPS INTRODUCED

Circle Monogram Stamps Demo Banner Image

Now you can say it your way! You’re going to love these NEW Circle Monogram Stamps (132852)

Circle Monogram Stamp image

With our personalized stamps you can create a cool address label or even use it for everything from marking your territory on books or other belonging, to having a fun way to give a personalized touch to gifts and goodies.

Leadership Circle Monogram Stamps screen image

Here are just a few customization ideas (for you or for the perfect gift).

  • Address stamp
  • Thank you
  • From the classroom of (for a teacher gift)
  • From the kitchen of
  • Made with love
  • This book belongs to
  • From the desk of
  • Just married
  • Save the date
  • New Baby

What ways can you think of?

Circle Monogram Stamps Flyer image

Click HERE to see a flyer with more information

Click HERE to see it on my Online Store

This stamp is only available in photopolymer and coordinates with the 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119860). Clear Block B (117147) is recommended for the Circle Monogram Stamps.

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code UQJ7HZ76

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends February 10th, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through February 10th, 2014)

2014 SAB FREE Event-baner

Don’t forget to RSVP for Sale-a-bration Saturday – Click HERE to see a flyer with details

Language of Love

With Valentines Day’s coming up I thought this card using the Language of Love stamp set from the Occasions Catalog was a wonderful swap. Not only does the card work for the holiday, but I can also see changing out the sentiment and making it into a an Anniversary or even Wedding card.

Language of Love Leadership 2014 swap

The layers and sponging on this card make it look like it’s more complicated than it really is, since punches make it so easy.  I think anyone who received this card would be impressed with the time you took to make them something special.

Supplies: 

Stamp Set: Language of Love (133074/133077), En Francais (128562/127790),  and Delightful Dozen (128541/122592)

Inks: Midnight Muse (126860) and Crumb Cake (126975)

Paper: Midnight Muse (126843), Crumb Cake (120953), Marina Mist (119682), Pool Party (122924), and Very Vanilla (101650)

Accessories: Full Heart Punch (119883), Small Heart Punch (117193), Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (125601), Neutrals Candy Dots (130934), Stampin’ Sponges (101610), and Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 4V3FQSB9

PAPER PUMPKIN SPECIAL OFFER

Sign up now for Paper Pumpkin and not only will you get a wonderful kit in the mail each month but you’ll get a set of our 2012-2014 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers for FREE. Why not check it out HERE. These kits make a wonderful gift too.

PaperPumpkin FREE Markers Promo

Clearance Rack Blitz (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends January 20, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Paper Pumpkin Special (Free 2012-2014 In Color Markers when you join now through February 10th, 2014)

Farewell to Leadership 2014

The last day of Leadership 2014 in Houston came to a close Saturday afternoon – and it arrived too early for this stamper. I’ve truly enjoyed the time spent here in Houston learning new things, spending time with my roomie, and getting to know some of my fellow Demonstrators better. I’ve met folks from across the country and Canada – and we all speak the same language – the love of stamping. What fun!

The day flew by quickly –  morning session was filled with a laughter as we participated in our “game show”.

Leadership 2014 Houston  game show (3)

Brian Pilling was just too funny as he “hosted” the show, and of course Bonnie Thurber, whom was on the contestant panel,  was a hoot as the game became “competitive” trying to win for our teams. And who can forget Cori Hancock with her gigantic decorated mug! LOL

Leadership 2014 Houston game show panel

On to a special plated lunch one last time – how pampered I’ve felt these last few days. Stampin’ Up! makes these events extra special ones for us. Where else can you do what to love and pampered so?

Leadership 2014 Houston luncheon

A last spin through the samples and wonderful projects on display.

Leadership 2014 Houston display boards (2)

The last general session included a final message from Shelli along with a surprise announcement of a NEW product we’ll be able to share with you soon – squeal and delight rippled through the crowd – (so stay tuned for more information coming your way soon.)

Leadership 2014 Houston game show

More projects that Shelli shared with all of us using the Sale-a-Bration Banner Blast Stamp Set (133551/133554).

Leadership 2014 Houston (2)

and Language of Love (133704/133077) from the Occasions Catalog
Leadership 2014 Houston display boards (1)

And a final farewell in closing along with more Prize Patrols and all attendee give aways. Whoo Hoo!!
Leadership 2014 Houston Prize Patrol

Does this sound fun and interesting to you? Does it sound like something you’d enjoy and  like to do? Would you like to join in the fun and become a Demonstrator? I’d love to speak with you about joining my team – so why not contact me today. If you would like to learn more about my TEAM, the Blue Mountain Stampers Click HERE.

As we filtered out of the George R. Brown Convention Center I was tired but inspired and energized after a wonderful few days, but the day wasn’t done – since we still had the night to enjoy each other’s company and share time together before heading home on Sunday morning. (Pajama party anyone?)

Stop back by – Starting tomorrow I’ll be sharing some of the swaps I made to share and some that I received.

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 4V3FQSB9

Clearance Rack Blitz (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends January 13, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)