Obsessed with Japanese gyoza

I just wanted to share my new favorite food to make...Gyoza (Asian dumplings).  Each Friday, on my way home and just over the George Washington bridge, I stop at the most awesome Korean supermarket, H-Mart, where they sell many different types of Asian food.  The greatest part of the supermarket is that they have food stations set up for customers to try new foods...brilliant?  Gyoza is super easy to make - Gyoza wrappers, ground pork, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper.  I don't ever do any measuring.

Tim Holtz Configurations



I did not get that far with my Tim Holtz Configurations box because I had some unexpected company (I am not a fan of visitors who show up at my doorstep without calling me first). Despite the interruption, I was able to complete the cover (somewhat). Perhaps the most irritating part is that I will not be able to get back to it until next weekend.  C'est la vie!

Made in the USA - my mission!

I am on a mission to find craft products made in the USA.  Today I purchased Martha Stewart craft paint at Michaels and I was incredibly relieved and excited to see "Made in the USA" on the label. 

Who doesn't know the name Tim Holtz?

I love to shop at Hobby Lobby because it often carries those hard to find craft products that many of the other large craft retailers do not carry.  It is where I pick up Graphic 45 paper pads and Tim Holtz, Ranger Industries and Sizzix products.  So you can only imagine how surprised I was to hear that Hobby Lobby employees did not know who Tim Holtz was.  My jaw nearly dropped to the ground.  I firmly believe that all crafters have a keen knowledge of Tim Holtz, and I was perplexed that retailers who carried his product would not. 

Welcome 2012!

I must say good riddens to 2011 because it was not so kind to me.  I have decided that 2012 will be different, and in the words of Tim Holtz: I will live the life I have always imagined.

I won a box of goodies from Melissa (HoneybeeMp)

Here is a video of a box of goodies I won from Melissa (youtube channel - HoneybeeMp).  She sent me a ton of stuff.  I can't wait to begin crafting with it all. 

Thanks Melissa!!!

Check out my Youtube Channel at

http://www.youtube.com/user/stampinivy?feature=mhee

I passed a kidney stone....

So, in addition to conquering a massive sinus infection, I was struck by this intense pain in the lower left quadrant of my abdomen.  I have never had this type of pain before.  I must say that I am one who never goes to the Emergency Room and the pain was so severe, I considered it.  A call to my RN aunt with the symptoms and she quickly surmised the possibility of a kidney stone.  I have had a ton of stones before, but they always made themselves known by a sharp pain in my back.  Again, this pain was very different.  Well, I made it through the night with a heating pad and the pain suddenly stopped at about 4AM.  At about 4:30 PM, my RN aunt's theory was confirmed with the sudden and glorious appearance of a small stone....hello relief!