I choose to scrapbook

because it tells a story I never want to forget!

We just couldn't tell her it was one foggy Christmas eve.  It was too cute to hear her say froggy!

Why do you scrapbook?

Scraplifting

Every scrapbooker falls into a rut and feels as if they have lost their creativity.   One of the best solutions to avoid this is to create an idea book.  You can do this any way you wish, but here is a suggestion:


Get a subscription to a scrapbooking magazine or a buy a few from the store.  Tear out your favorite layouts, but them and paste them in a notebook.  I organized mine by 1 picture layout, 2 picture layouts, cute ideas, fun tools, etc.  When you are looking at a couple of pictures to scrap and no layout comes to mind, take a peek at your idea book.

I did just this at a recent crop.  I had one an awesome picture of my son, but wasn't sure how to put it into a layout.   Then I found this layout in my idea book from Creating Keepsakes:

I really liked how it was on a solid cardstock and just had a touch of patterned paper.  I tweaked it a bit and made my own layout:

I think it came out pretty cute and allowed me to add a lot of words about my favorite little boy!

Jenn
~Mama Scrapper

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack.........

I am a mom and I love my job (most of the time...)
I am a scrapper and I love to make layouts (all though I don't have a lot of time)
I am a writer and I love to write (any time I can)

so therefore Mama Scraps is making a comeback.  It will be better than ever.

I will be back with scrapbooking tips, cooking tips, and childrearing tips, but I need all of those too because I am by far no expert in any of those areas!  So please comment, write a post or do both.  This is a community and I need you to keep it going.  



Jenn
~Mama Scrapper

Please join me...

Where have I been?

Well the short answer to this question is EVERYWHERE---doing ministry work, preschool work, launching two home businesses and keeping house!!! 

The long answer to this question goes something like this...
I had every intention of setting this blog up as a community blog.  I never wanted to be the sole author.  I wanted a couple of contributors to keep it going on a near daily basis.  I thought it would be a great place to share scrapbooking ideas, kitchen recipes, and kid things.  So my question is, will you join me in this endeavor?

You do NOT have to be a writer.  Just a mom.  Even if you don't scrap, just share other things about motherhood.  

Unfortunately if I can't find some friends to help out, I don't think I can keep it going on my own and that breaks my heart.  Seriously.  Don't break my heart...

Are you in?

~Jenn
Mama Scrapper

New Adventure

Ever had a friend start a home business that they are SO excited about?  It becomes all they talk about.  They just simply can't wait to throw a party at your house.  How can you possibly say no?!?

I have had friends like that.  Thank God for Caller ID.  I knew when they were calling and I could avoid them and their party throwing schemes.  Seriously.

I swore I would never become one of those people.  Ever.

So I am happy to announce that I am the latest consultant of Close to My Heart Scrapbooking.  Want to throw a party?

Kidding! :)

The new consultant part is true.  But, I will not be throwing parties, unless you are dying to have one.  But, I will be placing orders.  Mostly for myself.  I love their products and their ideas.  I don't have a lot of time to get to the craft store anymore, so I thought this was a fun alternative.  I also love to entertain, so I thought it would be fun to have a few crops and workshops at my house.   For my first event, I am going to share a little TLC with you....

Treats, a Layout, and a Card.

If you leave in the Houston Area, I hope you will join me on Sunday, September 12th at 3 pm for a little fun.  If you don't leave near me, I will be sure and share the layout and card on this blog.

And if you would like to check out Close To My Heart, go here.  Let me know if you want to order something.  I plan on putting in an order on September 15th.  And because it is my very first order, I want to give my first customers 10% off!

I promise not to bombard you with my new business adventure.  No parties unless you want one.

Jenn
~Mama Scrapper

Dinner & A Dare

Let's start with Dinner:

Bacon Roasted Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons butter
1 (4 pound) whole chicken
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 carrots, cut in chunks
paprika to taste
8 slices bacon
2 cups beef broth
 

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
 

2. Rub butter over the entire chicken. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Place the carrots inside the cavity, and tie the legs together. Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Lay bacon strips across the top of the chicken, and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle with paprika. Pour the beef broth into the roasting pan - do not pour over the bacon.
 

3. Roast for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, the reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Baste with some of the broth. Continue to roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F when taken in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste every 15 minutes with the broth.
 

4. Remove the bacon and discard toothpicks. Roast the chicken for 15 more minutes to brown the skin. Transfer to a serving platter, and remove the ties. You may eat the bacon, but it is best to discard the carrots.

I got this recipe from the All Recipes App on my iPhone and my whole family loved it! It was much easier than I thought.  If you are looking for a healthier version, just don't eat the bacon!

Now for the Dare...
One of the things I am doing in my family is trying to eat healthier.  I have stopped buying the cheapest milk and meat and spend time looking for organic options.  My newly adopted motto is spend more on food now and save money on medical bills later.  Along with this new challenge of mine comes trying new things.  I decided to forego the regular fruit choices of bananas, apples, and strawberries and instead purchased some Plumcots.

 What is a Plumcot?  Well it is a cross between a Plum and an Apricot:

I had never heard of them nor tried them.  I just nonchalantly placed them on my family's lunch plates and let them dig in.  And boy did they.  My daughter ate 3 in 24 hours.  She loved them and so did I.  So, I dare you to try something new.  Share it with your family.  Don't make a big deal about it, just let is show up next to some familiar foods.  It may just become a favorite-it did for us!  Let us know what you try!

Jenn
Mama Scrapper

Explanation...you ask?

Where have I been?

I wish I could tell you that I have locked myself in a room and I have completely caught up with all my scrapping.

Not so.

I wish I could tell you that I have been cooking up a storm to find easy, yummy delicious recipes to share on here.

Not so.

I wish I could tell you that my husband whisked me off to some remote island for the last three weeks and there was no internet connection.

Not so.

Truth is...
I haven't scrapped since last month.  My family has eaten out more in the last few weeks than I would like to admit and my husband did whisk me off....not to a remote island but to the beach in our teeny tiny RV.  But hey, a vacation is a vacation, right?

But, despair no longer...I am back.

Check in tomorrow for Dinner and a Dare!

And it's not too late to try out the La Ti Da Challenge.  I'll give you til the end of the month to come up with something.  If I can get some entries, I may just go out and buy a prize!

~Jenn
Mama Scrapper