Nana's Place

Card Challenge #3- Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-09T23:42:00.000-08:00

Two1/2- year old grandson folding laundry!

2012-02-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Junque Journal Entry - Unconditional Love

2012-02-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

My first painting in an art gallery!!!

2012-02-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine Treat Box made with Sissix Heart Die

2012-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Card Challenge - Sweet Baby Girl Card!

2012-02-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

My 2011 Faves and Must Haves Tag

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

A yummy healthy supper!

2012-01-26T23:47:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Pinterest we had the most amazing supper tonight. Stuffed Green Peppers that were stuffed with brown rice, cheese, mushrooms and Italian sausage, and we also had Quinoa Burgers. So delicious! If you haven't checked out Pinterest yet you must!!

Card challenge inspired by roxyfur!

2012-01-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

Junque 'Daytimer' Journal!!

2012-01-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

Easy Valentines for Kids-'Crafting with Turner!'

2012-01-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

Card made with 'Straight From the Nest' Cricut cartridge and yummy mail ...

2012-01-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

My Fitness Quest- 2012

2012-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Michaels Haul (well a little one!)

2012-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

Happiest of the New Year to you all!

2012-01-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

We started our new year with our traditional Soul Food dinner including black eyed peas,rice, greens, cornbread, yams, ham and fried chicken. It is considered good luck to eat black eyed peas on January 1. We have always celebrated with a large group of family and friends and the food was spectacular!!My sister surprised us with a visit from Seattle for the holidays and she did the majority of the cooking!
All the best of the new year to all of you. Here's wishing you all health and happiness in 2012!

Junque Journal Entry- What's your word for 2012?

2011-12-31T19:02:00.000-08:00

Our Mayan vacation

2011-12-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful vacation in the Riviera Maya. My favorite things we did were snorkeling, authentic Mayan meditation and participating in the Aztec energy dance classes. I loved the resort we stayed at called the Gran Bahia Principe. I don't think I've ever eaten so much in my whole life and I never felt the least bit guilty!!!

Junque Journal from the Mayan Riviera!

2011-12-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Monica's 13th Day of Christmas 2011 and Giveaway winner announced!

2011-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day #12- LAST DAY!-Butter Tarts!

2011-12-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day #11 - Cookies for Santa

2011-12-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day #10 - Glittery Ornaments inspired by...

2011-12-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day #9 - Rustic Tree Ornaments

2011-12-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas 2011 - Day 8 PILLOWCASE SLEEPING BAGS!

2011-12-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day #7 - Re-useable sandwich bags

2011-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas 2011 - Day 6 - Stamped Cookies

2011-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5- Bandana Dresses!

2011-12-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4 - Standing Pin Cushions!

2011-12-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas 2011 - Day 3 - Charming Measuring cups!

2011-12-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas 2011- Day 2 - Banner

2011-12-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas 2011 - Day 1

2011-11-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

Monica's 12 Days of Christmas Eve!

2011-11-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Easy No-Sew Throw-Great Christmas Present!

2011-11-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Join the Challenge with me!

2011-11-22T22:13:00.001-08:00

So most of my regular blog readers know that I follow a low GI (glycemic index) diet and for the most part its been a life saver, especially this year with the start of weight gaining treatments for Lupus. So why would I switch it up? Well,I need a change to my system,a shock, you might say and under as I've hit a plateau for sometime now. Under the recommendation of my son (owner and fitness trainer of PHAT Training), I've decided to do the Body by Vi 90 day Challenge. I started yesterday and it is so simple!I plan on blogging and vlogging my journey so stay tuned!

A Day In the Life- My Birthday!

2011-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

Blog Candy!!!

2011-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Check out my friend Linda's blog for a chance to win a beautiful advent calendar!!she does beautiful work. Good luck!

!2 Days of Christmas - Preview!!!

2011-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Huge Success!

2011-11-12T21:04:00.001-08:00

Our Craft sale was a huge success again this year. Not only did we sell the fruits of all of our hard work, we had the opportunity to visit with friends and family over a cup of warm, spicy Peach tea. To top things off,the weather cooperated with a light dusting of the first snowfall of the season. All in all it was a huge success!

Christmas Craft Slae

2011-11-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy pricing and creating getting ready for our annual craft and bake sale which is going to be on Nov. 11 and 12. I spent most of the day pricing items and I'm starting to get super excited for the big sale! If you live in the St. Albert/Edmonton area please send me an email and I'll send you the address for the sale! Now I'm off to bed for some well deserved rest !

junque Journal -lessons i've learned at 60!

2011-11-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hola! Ole ole ole ole!

2011-11-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm going to the Mayan Riviera!! Hoot.hoot! My husband and I are celebrating two big birthdays and our 40th anniversary this year so we thought it was TIME for a special holiday so we are going to the Gran Baha Principe Coba just outside of Cancun, Mexico, just before the holidays! I am so excited!!!

I'm knitting this hat.

2011-10-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting this hat with White Buffalo wool that was given to me by my son in law's grandmother. I use to knit with this yarn years ago but it's hard to find! White Buffalo Yarn has been discontinued which probably means nothing to you unless you live in Canada. According to the yarnharlot's blog It's unspun and drawn out for knitting, several strands come off the puck at once. It has some oils it in, and it is absolutely water resistant. Historically, it's been used in here in Canada for sweaters that are a knock off of the Cowichan sweaters. Wearing a sweater made of of white buffalo wool is like wearing a furnace!I'll post a pick of my hat when I'm done!

'Make a Wish' Birthday Card

2011-10-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

An Apple A Day?!!

2011-10-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've heard apples are good for you but this getting ridiculous! I am up to my ying yang in apples. Today I made homemade applesauce and some delicious applesauce cake which was very yummo but it seems like I haven't begun to put a dent in our apple harvest!!!

Apple Bread Pudding

2011-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal Entry - Good Medicine!

2011-10-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Vintage Distressed Frame- inspired by Somerset magazine

2011-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Christmas Cards

2011-10-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Canadian Style!

2011-10-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

This year we kind of celebrated Thanksgiving twice! First was a couple of weekends ago at my sister's place. Her daughter was here visiting from Jersey so we all got together and it as extra meaningful because my brother, who last year at this time was in a coma, was there bearing gifts and thanks for all of us who helped him through his ordeal. It was potluck and my grandson made a 'casserole' for the birds on my deck. So Sweet!

We also celebrated this past Monday and my mom stayed over and we cooked together.

My Backyardigans! - Our farewell to summer party with the grandsons!

2011-10-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Autmnal Equinox 2011

2011-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just look at the gorgeous roses that I just picked in my garden today being the first day of Autumn. I swear the flowers are more brilliant in the fall as if to say notice me before I'm gone! We've been having a stretch of Indian summer so the weather has been beautiful. Fall is my most favorite time of the year!

Halloween Lunchbag Upcycle for YPP

2011-09-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

Oven Baked Zuchinni Chips - Yummo!!!

2011-09-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal Entry - Young at Art

2011-09-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Very proud moment- My son sings the national anthem!

2011-09-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Canning can be dangerous!!!

2011-09-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well it's harvest time again which happens to be my most favorite time of the year!

I've been grating zucchinis for muffins, eating vine ripe tomatoes daily and making jams and jellies. Yesterday, while I was making some crab apple jelly, I dropped a mason jar on the counter which shattered and then cut my foot in three different places, I thought it was so funny as I've never heard of anyone getting cuts and wounds while making jelly!! The jelly tastes really, really good though!

'Take Note' Mini Notebook Swap at YPP - September

2011-09-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Back to School Card using ABC Primer by Graphic 45

2011-09-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Back To School!

2011-09-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

It seems like yesterday when my first born was starting Kindergarten and now my first grandson has begun his school journey. Time truly does fly! Enjoy every precious moment and congratulations to all of the mommies and daddies out there that are bravely watching their little ones leave the nest for the first time!
I'm taking my grandson out for lunch today so I created this card using the the ABC Primer paper collection from Graphic 45.Have a beautiful day everyone!

Look what I thrifted!

2011-08-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

I was at our local Salvation Army Thirft store yesterday and I came across a large bag of 10 brand new balls of Les Fils Marnel acrylic/mohair yarn. Normally one skein would cost at least $5-$6 on sale and I scored these 10 balls for $4.00 in total!!!
I immediately started on these Instant Mittens from the Mary Jane, Midge and Mink blog. I decided to add a cable for interest.
Gotta love thrift stores!

Dump Cake Recipe

2011-08-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm still watching my weight I like to make my husband a treat once in awhile so tonight I made a Peach/Pineapple Dump cake for dessert. I split the recipe in half and gave one to my son and his wife.
The recipe goes like this:
2 cans sliced peaches (one drained, one not)
1 can crushed pineapple(do not drain)
1 box yellow or white cake mix
1/2 cup butter.
Lightly oil a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Dump all 3 cans of fruit onto baking pan. Evenly pour dry cake mix (yes, you read that right!...dry cake mix!) over and spread out evenly. Melt butter and drizzle on top.
Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
**Note**It's a really sweet dessert so I would suggest serving it with unsweetened whipped cream. Yummo!!! You can also use pie filling as well. Enjoy!

Getting ready for the christmas craft Sale!

2011-08-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Santa's workshop is open for business as we start to prepare for our big Christmas craft sale in November. I usually do my canning items first and this year is no exception. I started with the most amazing Pina Colada Jam and it is a hit!!!
It's great on toast, ice cream or even as a dip for coconut shrimp. Yummo!

Junque Journal Entry - Let your love be reflected back to you...

2011-08-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Winner Announced of the Tim Holtz Giveaway !

2011-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Glammed up Junque Journal for a bride to be!

2011-08-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls - Yummo!

2011-08-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal Entry - Living Proof

2011-08-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Free Tim Holtz paper Pads giveaway!...

2011-08-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

....plus a few other things. To show my apprecIation for all of my subscribers and followers I am offering a giveaway on Youtube. Make sure you follow me here on my blog as well!
go here to get the detailsz; FREE GIVEAWAY!

Healthy Grilled Cheese!

2011-08-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had the most tasty lunch today. I had just baked my daily bread so I sliced a couple of pieces, toasted it and topped it low fat mozza, fresh picked tomatoes and basil from my potager and topped everything with cracked pepper.Move over Rachel Ray!!

Lovin' my Junk!

2011-08-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

I am loving the new junk journal craze right now. The best thing about them is that you use the stuff you already have in your stash to create the most amazing journals. Here is a travel journal I just finished for a swap on YPP. The one I received in return was so amazing that I just may have to book a trip just so I can use it!!

Masculine Sympathy card

2011-08-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Grandsons playing with a Boa Constrictor!

2011-07-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal entry - Love the Ones You're With

2011-07-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Card made with with Graphic 45's "The Magic Oz"

2011-07-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Travel Junque Journals and Art Kits for KIDS!

2011-07-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

YPP July Junque Mini for Kathy

2011-07-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Art Journal Prompts for Junque Journals

2011-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Art Journal Prompts

2011-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get into a rut and your creative mojo has got up and gone. When that happens to me I go to my Art Journal prompt box that I created and pull out a couple and let them take me om an artistic journey!!!
Copy and pate the following into your word program, print them out and then cut them into strips and you're set!

• BUBBLE WRAP
• WATER COLOR PAINTS
• DRAW OIL PASTEL INES AND PAINT ACRYLIC PAINT IN BETWEEN
• CHOOSE YOUR PAINT WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED
• PAINT WITH CRUMPLED TISSUE PAPER
• DRAG PAINT ACROSS PAGE WITH CARD OR CARDBOARD,DRY AND SAND
• APPLY TAPE RANDOMLY ON YOUR PAGE
• USE STENCILS
• USE BRAYER WITH PAINT
• PUT STRING OR ELASTIC BANDS ON A BRAYER OR TOILET PAPER ROLL AND PAINT
• JOURNAL IN A CIRCLE
•APPLY GESSO AND THE REMOVE SOME OF THE GESSO
•APPLY RANDOM PAINT SPLATTERS
• USE DIMENSIONALS ON PAGE
• APPLY MAGAZINE GEL TRANSFER
•APPLY CHARCOAL
•DRAG PAINT WITHA CREDIT CARD
•APPLY CARDBOARD
•COLLAGE LETTERS
•USE ANY OF YOUR EPHEMRA
• USE A MASK
• USE RUBBER STAMPS
• DRAW BLACK WAVY LINES FOR JOURNALING
• USE A PALLET KNIFE
• ADHERE TEXT STRIPS TO THE PAGE
• SCRATCH SURFACE WITH A STYLUS
* DIP END OF TOILET PAPER ROLL IN PAINT AND CREATE CIRCLES ON THE PAGE

How To Make Japanese Washi (Masking) Tape

2011-07-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal Entry - True Colors!

2011-07-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Our 39th Anniversary Celebrations!

2011-07-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us!

2011-06-30T11:10:00.001-07:00

It seems like yesterday that we were getting ready for the wedding. I was at my parents home getting dressed. The house smelled of roses as a friend of my parents had roses flown in for the wedding. There must've been 50 dozen roses everywhere. Our wedding was so nice and I was so-o-o scared. The reception was at the Saxony Hotel which was really nice back in the day and we dined on Filet Mignon. Our first dance song was the Theme from Romeo and Juliet the movie.
We changed into our funky outfits and bid farewell as couples used to do back in the day and I remember as we sat in the car to leave my pants split open!!! Ha ha ha ...fun times. We took a road trip honeymoon to Vancouver stopping in cabins at Jasper. Wow...39 years, 3 children and 5 grandsons later...wow!
It takes a lot of hard work and there are MANY hills and valleys to get this far in a marriage and we plan on celebrating in true style with annivesary games...stay tuned!!

Junque Journal Entry - Take Joy

2011-06-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Junque Journal entry - Smile:)

2011-06-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Low Sugar Yummy Lemon Pie

2011-06-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pt. 2 - The Bath - Somerset mag. inspired seed packet bath salts!..Winne...

2011-06-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Soothing The Creative Soul #7 - Pt. 1- The Bath+ Homemade Salt Body Scrub

2011-06-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Male Junque Journals and another Journal entry

2011-06-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

A tour of our backyard....

2011-06-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Easy Microwave Cake!!

2011-06-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on a friend's Facebook page and it looks yummy!!! I HAVE to make this with my grandsons!!!
This was made from a boxed Cake Mix. No real measurements. I dumped about 1/3 of box of cake mix in a bowl. Poured in about 1/2 cup of Boxed Egg Beaters (you can use 1 whole egg), and poured just enough milk to make a thick batter. Fold in Chocolate Chips or any mix in that you like :)
Spray inside of mug with Pam/Non Stick Cooking Spray.
Pour in Microwave Safe Mugs half way , and nuke about 1 minute at a time since all microwaves are different. I took about 2 1/2 to 3 minute intervals til the center was pretty much not wet anymore. Microwave cakes will be more dense and spongy, and DON'T Overcook!
Cool for about 5-7 minutes (it will still be warm) top with Cool Whip, Whipped Cream or Ice Cream, and drizzle with fave topping!
Great way to 'portion control' without making a whole cake! Use any flavor cake mix and come up with your own combo!!
Makes for a VERY quick and yummy dessert!
For Single Serving:
*3-4 Heaping TBS of Cake Mix
*1 TBS of Egg Substitute (you don't need to add eggs if you don't have it, it will still rise a little)
*Just enough water to make a thick batter
*any mix-ins to fold like Chocolate Chips.
Microwave til center is done, and add fave topping and enjoy :)

My purple creations! A Facinator, card and mini scrapbook page!

2011-06-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Super cute and sassy birthday gift!

2011-06-12T10:33:00.001-07:00

After a visit to Michaels Craft Store and their bargain bin I was inspired to make the cutest birthday gift for my daughter in law. First I purchased a Paula Dean recipe card box and the matching cards and some really super cute coordinating muffin liners. I then embellished the box with her name in glittered Thickers and some flowers after watching roxyfur's how to video. I then went on to make yoliebeans apron design for her out of a waffled green tea towel I picked up at JYSK. I added a fabric flower I made using my Tim Holtz tattered flower die cut and placed a pink button in the center. It turned so so cute and sassy and she loved it! Nothing like homemade gifts!

Italian Pancake Lasagna Casserole

2011-06-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

What do pancakes and Lasagna have in common? Just a whole lot of yumminess, that's all. I made this delicious recipe (see below) from yoyomax12 on Youtube.( I would reccomend watching her video on how to make this as the recipe seems complicated but it is so super easy!) You have to check her out. Every single recipe that I've made from her has been so good and so easy. If you want a really yummy easy supper recipe give this a try. I made three of them as I made one for a new mommy and one for my friend recovering from surgery. The top one in the second picture,is made with ground turkey,whole wheat pancakes and partly skimmed mozza cheese, making it low G.I. and just a good!
***The only change I made in the recipe is that I replaced the tomato sauce and spices with prepared pasta sauce which I embellished with fresh herbs from my potager.***Give it a try and you won't be disappointed and it freezes well too!
Perfect with garlic bread and a salad.
Italian Pancake Lasagna Casserole
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup all−purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef**
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste**
2 tablespoons instant minced onion **
1 teaspoon basil**
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt**
1/2 teaspoon oregano**
1/2 teaspoon salt**
1/4 teaspoon pepper**
1 cup creamed cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine eggs and milk in medium mixing bowl with rotary beater. Add flour and salt; beat until
smooth. Heat a 9−inch skillet over medium high heat. Grease lightly before baking each pancake. Pour
batter, 1/3 cup at a time, into skillet tilting pan to spread evenly over bottom. When pancake is light
brown and set, turn to brown other side. Prepare 4 pancakes.
Brown ground beef in medium skillet; add tomato paste, onion, basil, garlic salt, oregano, salt and
pepper. Place one pancake on bottom of 10−inch pie pan, 9−inch round cake pan or 9−inch skillet.
Spread with 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 meat mixture, 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese and 1
tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining pancakes ending with cheese. Bake at 375
degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes.
To serve, cut into wedges.
Yield: 5 to 6 servings
Tip: Refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

My Yolie/Tangie inspired Junque Journal

2011-06-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Vintage Window turned chalkboard!

2011-06-08T19:43:00.001-07:00

I am so blessed to have a dear friend and neighbor who LOVES finding great thrift and vintage finds and LOVES to share them with me!! This great antique window was found by my neighbor in an abandoned farmhouse and with a little spit and polish and application of some chalk paint (she had some leftover that she gave to me)it is now a great new chalkboard that I will hang in my back porch!
Total cost for me:FREE!!! Thanks Laura!

Little Buggers!

2011-06-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

I thought these little garden gloves were so darn cute! I picked them up at the Enjoy Center for my grandsons as they love to garden with their Nana and Papa! They were so inexpensive ($3.00 each)that I bought 2 pairs!

A Walk in my Yard

2011-06-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to step outside and right before your eyes is a wonderful retreat of just plain prettiness. I wanted to catch the Forget-Me-Nots before they were gone and forgotten and I managed to snap a picture of a poppy seconds before it bloomed!
For the past few years I've planted a jardin potager(A potager is a French term for an ornamental vegetable or kitchen garden) right outside of my backdoor which opens right from my kitchen and I have fresh herbs right at my fingertips in nano seconds. The aroma of the herbs wafting through the window is an awesome side effect too!
We have what I like to call tomato alley which is a series of ceramic pots filled with different tomatoes and all I have left to do is plant some lettuce and spinach and my salad garden is done!

Teresa Collins Baby Girl Mini Book - A trip to my friend's house!

2011-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Bridal Shower card using Tim Coffey technique

2011-06-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Reduce,Reuse,Recycle

2011-06-04T14:45:00.000-07:00