recycled paint samples

One of things I collect are cookbooks, I have so many that I decided I needed some more book markers for them. I always say you can never have too many (cookbooks or book markers!). I fixed these up with paint samples from the home improvement store. Paint samples are are the perfect size and they already have a base background because of the colors. All that you have to do is cover the back and add your own embellishments. Of course the possibilities are endless. Here are a some food themed ones I made...

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Sunday salad #1- pasta salad

At the beginning of the new year a lot of people like to make food resolutions, usually to eat better and lose weight. I already eat pretty well (most of the time) and I'm not into losing weight (although maybe I should), so I thought I'd share a series of salads with you that are filling, without making you feel as if you've over-eaten. You could even call them side-dish salads, to go with your choice of protein, some even have protein in them and could be a meal themselves. So, start your new year with 12 Sundays of salad ideas that are healthy, hearty, and homemade.


The first salad is a very common one, so easy it is ridiculous. Add the raw veggies you like and your favorite Italian dressing. Here's my version...

PASTA SALAD
12 oz. tri-color rotini (cook and cool)
-don't forget to add salt while cooking pasta
1/2 medium purple onion (chopped fine)
1 green bell pepper, or any color (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 c. black olives
1 c. Italian dressing
-toss all together then add 
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste
-makes six servings

2011 snail mail challenge

Happy New Year! As some of you may know, I am really into snail mail. Letters, postcards, recipes, and photos are the type of things I like to share. In my blog readings this past week, a friend mentioned a 2011 challenge for letters in the mail and of course I was interested. So check out these sights and get some inspiration. 

52 weeks, 52 letters

Letter Writing Superhero

The challenge is to send one piece of "real" mail, once a week for the whole year.This may be a fun way to get into or back into the art of letter writing. You can send whatever you like: a handwritten or typed letter, a handmade or picture postcard, mail art like ATC's or handmade envelops, newspaper clippings with a note, favorite recipes, photos of your kids or outdoor adventures, the sky is the limit! I guarantee whoever receives this lovely piece in their mailbox will absolutely love it and feel special. And as a last thought, I always say: 
KEEP THE LOST ART OF LETTER WRITING ALIVE!

Here is some simple stationery I made on the computer.