Scrapbooking Retreat

This weekend I was lucky enough to slip away for a Scrapbooking Retreat at the Bloomin' Inn B&B. Dispite some obstacles & stress prior to the trip, I had a really great time, completed lots of projects and feel refreshed now that I'm back.

I've had the chance to go there four times now, and for some strange reason, my family ALWAYS gets sick when I go (including me this weekend with a cold/flu). I'm grateful that my husband stays home with our sick little munchkins every time...with a little grumbling...I usually smooth things over by returning with homemade lasanga from the Inn.

If anyone is interested in booking future retreats, the earlier the better. They are booking into 2008 now, that's how popular they are! I currently have booked a block of spaces for two more retreats in 2007 and three in 2008...and am already looking forward to them. Here's a little bit from this trip:

Kim, myself & Darla enjoyed the weekend together.
The scrapbook building has space for approx 30 guests to spread out and craft on their own table. All exteriors of the buildings there have been re-sided with cedar and it looks great!The Scrapbook Cupboard store (located in the scrapbook building) has all the supplies you need to scrap...or if you forget something at home.
The beautiful relaxing view of the mountains near Pincher Creek, Alberta...just breathtaking.
Kim made me feel special by putting rose petals on my comfy bed in the cabin we stayed in...what a sweetie.
A new addition on the main house made room for a little store that houses homemade canned goods, fresh baking & cooler full of beverages (so you don't have to run to town to stock up on diet coke to stay up and craft till 3am).

I could go on an on about this place...I believe everyone needs to get away to relax and enjoy it for themselves...and you don't have to 'scrapbook'!

Yellow: A Year of Color - Week 1

I'm excited to enter Dee-Ann's weekly photo challenge. If you'd like to enter it's free & fun...and you don't have to have a blog. Here's my entry for the week of 'Yellow'. Tulips are my favorite flower and I love to have them around the house this time of the year.

OPI Nail Polish

Who else out there loves all the quirky names of OPI nail polishes? When I was at my sister's hair salon today (getting a color obviously) I could not resist this book. Here's some of my favorite colors/names:

Introducing: Jacqueline Marie Hill

Born to our friends Adam & Jenny Hill

We went for a short visit to meet this little cutie tonight...just 3 days old (Scarlett wasn't feeling well, so we didn't even hold her - didn't want to spread our germs). Can't wait to go back and get a cuddle from this sweetheart. You can check out more photos of her on Jenny's blog.
Little announcement card I made up...inspired by her nursery decor & a beautiful blanket her Grandma Hill knit for her.

Starbucks ~ Excellent Customer Service

Wow, I'm so impressed with the customer service I received from Starbucks! I just called them to report that the lid to my Barista coffee carafe had broken. They are shipping me a new one, no questions asked, for free. I'm not just impressed about getting the part I need, the woman who helped me knew exactly what I was calling about and related to the inconvenience of not having a coffee maker up & running in our household. The part will be here in a week and our brewer will be good to go. In this day & age of poor customer service everywhere, I have to give Starbucks a gold star for their excellent service...they really did an outstanding job!

Pecan Pie Squares

This is a recipe I've made several times since December, it's so good! I've had many requests to post the recipe...thanks for the reminder Bridgette. The recipe is from my friend Chantel Cameron. If you end up trying it, let me know what you think.

Pecan Pie Squares

Base:

1/4 cup margarine (softened)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

pinch salt

Filling:

1 large egg

1 large egg whites

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In medium bowl, beat (I use my KitchenAid heavy-duty mixer) margarine and brown sugar until creamy. Add flour & salt and stir until well combined and crumbly. Press into a 8" x 8" pan that has been greased with non-stick spray. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until golden around the edges.

In the same bown (no need to wash it) combine egg, egg whites, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add flour and salt and stir until just blended. Arrange the pecans evenly over the crust and pour the filling over the top. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Makes 16 squares.

I often double the recipe and put in a 9" x 13" pan. Chantel says they freeze well, but I wouldn't know, they are eaten too fast around here. Scrumptous!

Park Playdate

Kelly, Dee-Ann & I recently rounded up our kiddies and visited the 'Pirate Park' in our neighbourhood. Here are a few photos taken by Dee...they are wonderful and I can't wait to scrapbook them. Thanks Dee, you're always taking great photos of our children!

Kyran, Kaeden, Ace & Scarlett

Dee-Ann has a BLOG!

I think some of you will be happy to hear that my friend Dee-Ann has started a BLOG! I'm so excited for her since she's been talking about starting one for such a long time. I love the name: *Sparkly Things*

Dee-Ann is one of my best friends and a great crafting buddy...we can often be caught staying up way too late drinking Dr. Pepper and snacking on popcorn, making masterpieces!

Hey Sis

Cute photo of my sister Amber...love ya!

I love Jim & Pam!

For all you Jim/Pam lovers of The Office (the show will seriously make you laugh):

the best video ever

Thanks to Kristina for the link!

Introducing: Charlie Jayde Craig

Born to our friends Cam & Tara Craig

Sister to big brother Brendan & big sister Jarilyn

We got our first look at this little cutie tonight...just 6 days old. We did a mini photo shoot (will have to go back in the daylight for another shoot) with the little announcement card I made up. Here are some more favorite photos.

The baby & I...it's been a while since I held a little one, brings back memories.

Scarlett was very interested in the baby...this meant, she is no longer the baby in our group of friends.

Monthly Card Class ~ March

Here are the 6 cards everyone was able to make & take at last night's "monthly card class". It was alot of fun to use all the new stamp sets from the SU Spring Mini catalogue...such cute stamp sets. I'd like to thank all my blogging friends for their inspiration while I was preparing these cards...you guys are great stampers!

The next card class is on Wednesday, April 4th (first Wed of each month)...if you're interested, I'd love to have you stamp with us. Email me at starrmercer@shaw.ca for more information.

We Just Got Back...

...from a trip to my hometown, Oxbow, Saskatchewan. My DH Cory prompted this spur-of-the-moment trip since work was slow. So we headed out on Thursday and stopped to visit our friends, the Allans who just moved onto an acreage near Medicine Hat. We stayed overnight and met Dawn's parents, toured their new home and went hot tubbing...we had a really fun time & their new place is amazing!

We arrived in Oxbow on Friday after driving on very icy roads for most of the trip. We stayed with my parents and had a wonderful time. We really wanted to go to Oxbow to check out my Dad's new ice-fishing shack (will be pulled off of the ice on March 15th) and to look at lots in my hometown, since it's so expensive in Calgary (don't worry, we're not making a decision anytime soon, just thinking about it). We did a wide variety of things while there and of course I took a ton of photos. So here's some snapshots of our quick little trip...thanks Mom & Dad for everything.

Pieter & Dawn; very steamy...in the hot tub that is!

Scarlett & Dawn's parents; Noella & Henry

Kyra figure skating

Saw lots of friends; Alexa & Patty Avery

Papa's ice fishing shack (that he built)

Ace fishing for the first time...too bad they weren't biting

Scarlett enjoyed cuddling with Great Grandpa Krieger

...And Nana

Christa was soooo busy for the entire weekend; Figure Skating event on Saturday & in charge of the Fishing Derby on Sunday at Alameda Dam.

Playing outside in ALL the snow! (Ace, Kyra, Scarlett & Kelby)

Warming up with hot chocolate & marshmallows...acting goofy

Ace gettting told to stay out of Nana's bell collection