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It's summertime and that means grilling. 

We tried a new recipe last weekend.  It's super easy.  Taco seasoning and lime juice.  Does it really get any easier than that?  I don't think so.  I marinated the chicken for several hours, but it can marinade only for 30 minutes if needed.  

Another thing, I always have taco seasoning and lime juice in my kitchen.  I'm loving the recipe for that reason alone.  

We just grilled the chicken and had some side dishes.  I could easily see recipe being used as chicken tacos.  Slice the grilled chicken into small pieces, place on a shell, top with your favorite toppings.  Also, squeeze a slice of lime over the chicken.  

Taco Lime Grilled Chicken

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1/2 cup lime juice, or about 2 limes

1 pound chicken, boneless and skinless breasts

Combine the taco seasoning and lime juice.  Add the chicken breasts and marinade for a mininum of 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Grill over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.  Let rest for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Now, can you understand why I think they will make a good chicken taco.  If you don't have access to a grill, I think just cooking on the stovetop would also be good.  Personally, I would throw everything in a skillet and see how it goes.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper  

 

 

 

 

 

Night of Navy and Pool Party.  Why not put them together?  Some wouldn't think to put them together, but look how great they are together!  

I was glad to use the other stamps with the Daisy Delight stamp set.  Usually, I go for the actual daisy stamp and punch, so this is a change of pace for me.  They are a two-step stamp.  First stamp the flower base in the Pool Party.  The outline is then stamped in Night of Navy.  The stamps don't have to be lined up perfectly to look good.  

The flowers are staggered for visual appeal.  It's no fun having three flowers always the same height.  In the real world, they are all different heights anyway.

Want a little more bling?  The flowers would be beautiful if colored with the Wink of Stella.  A little shimmer won't hurt anyone.

Here is my Color Combo for the card.  I'm liking it.

As always, click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

   

 

  

I have to say...I hate jetlag.  Last night and tonight, I've felt more tired than when we first came home.  I was on my computer last night and was falling asleep.  I wasn't this bad over the weekend.  Maybe a delayed reaction?  

I actually made this card when I received my very first order with the new product.  I couldn't wait to use the Varied Vases stamp set and punch.  Because it was a new stamp set and punch, I wanted to use some new colors.  Looking in my stash of paper, I found some Mossy Meadow and Blackberry Bliss!  sometimes it pays to keep a small stash tucked away.  Upon further look, I found the ink pads too.  

After determining the dimensions of the Whisper White and Blackberry Bliss, it seemed lost on the card base.  I stuck another piece of Whisper White and it almost gave it a framed look.  Perfect. 

On one of the colors, I think it was the Mossy Meadow, I didn't actually have the ink pad, but the marker.  I used the same principal with the Blender Pens and inked right from the marker.  It worked out. I pared with the Blackberry Bliss vase.  

It's a very simplistic card.  I couldn't decide on a sentiment, so for now, I left it off.  That can always be added later.

This is all for now.  I've to get some sleep.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

  

This isn't your typical graduation card.  Do they all have to have the Motorboards and a diploma on them?  I think not.  

The colors aren't something I would usually put together.  But, they are the school colors and I do like to use those colors for graduation cards.  They were just a challenge to me.  Personally, I think it works.

I love this stamp set, Beautiful You.  Aren't all the female graduates dancing at the end of the ceremony?  That's why I thought this stamp works.  She is celebrating.  Doesn't have to be just a birthday.  This would be great for a new job, promotion, or a graduation!  I like thinking out of the box for things like this.  

Do you like how the Timeless Texture stamps  make a frame around the girl?  Puts her in the spotlight where she should be for her graduation.  Love the two colors together - Crumb Cake and Dapper Denim.  Kind of gives her an old fashioned look.  

Keep this stamp set in mind if you need a feminine graduation card.  It really does work.

Click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

I was on vacation and I didn't plan ahead so well with the catalog starting.  Well, I'm back ready to roll now.  

The catalog is live!  Have you seen it?  It's loaded with a hold bunch of wonderfulness.

Do you want to hear some more good news?

• The Stamparatus is now available for purchase!  Yes, no more reservations necessary. It's available for any and all to sorder.  The Stamparatus is great when making multiple cards.  It's also great if you don't get a good stamp the first time around.  Re-ink the stamp and stamp again.  Click here to watch a video about the Stamparatus that Stampin' Up! has made.
• Another bit of good news is that the Stampin' Blends will be available after June 15!  People have been waiting to get their hands on these Blends.  If you like coloring, they are perfect for you.  Click here for a video Stampin' Up! made for the Blends.

Later this afternoon, I'm planning on going in my stamp room to clean up, organize and play with my new products.  I had been stressing about vacation and getting ready so it feels like forever since I've been down there.  The Color Revamp stamp pads are calling my name.    

If you should have any questions about the new catalog, don't hesitate to contact me.  I'm here to help.  

On a personal note, my vacation was great.  We went to see Alyssa who is doing a semester aboad in Frankfurt, Germany.  Frankfurt was surprisingly very modern.  During WWII, it was bombed and there was a fire so not many buildings survived.  We never could have navigated the trains and buses if it were not for her.  I couldn't believe she figured all that out in 3 months.  We also did some overnight trips to Prague, Czech Republic and Salzburg, Austria.  We would have loved to spend more time in both cities and would definately consider going back. 

Prague is so interesting.  We made our way to the Castle and was so glad we did.  It's on a hill looking down on the city.  The view alone made the trip worthwhile.  The first picture was looking down on the city.  The second was looking at the Castle.  Just notice how long it is!   If you ever get there, you also have to go to the City Center.  It's full of shops, restaurants and a whole lot of excitement.  

Did you know the Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, Austria?  The girls and I were kind of geeking out because we saw where some of the scenes were filmed.  There were actual tours people could take based around the movie.  If we had more time in the city, we would have considered it.  But as it was, we had just over 24 hours and had to make the most of it.  Mozart was also born in Salzburg.  We visited a museum about his life.  I'm not a huge fan of classical music, but it was interesting.  Another must to do in Salzburg is the Cable Car Untersberg.  It's outside of the city, but public transportation can take you there.  The cable car takes you over 1700 meters into the mountains.  Once up there, you can walk around and enjoy the panoramic sights of the surrounding cities.  It was an incredible experience.

      

The sad thing about vacations is that they come to an end.  Tomorrow is back to work.  

Have a good week!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

So, I tried something new with this card.  Usually we stamp on Whisper White or Very Vanilla.  Instead, I stamped directly on the Smokey Slate. I like the look it gave.  Definately a more masculine look.  I had a hard time not adding pearls or rhinestones to this one.  

It needed a little something, so I used the Silver Metallic Thread in the corner.  I wrapped it around my fingers several times and hung it over the corner.  To adhere it, I used some leftover washi tape.  We all have some of that, right?  I like the look of it more than a sun.  Actually, on my first version, I stamped a sun in the corner and absolutely hated it.  This was my second try and it was much better.

I used Mossy Meadow on the evergreens.  On all the remaining colors, Highland Heather, Smokey Slate and Pool Party,  I stamped off first. This gave the trees more of the spotlight.   

Did you notice the two new colors?  Highland Heather and the returning Mossy Meadow.  I always did like the Mossy Meadow and was glad it was returning.  I wasn't quite sure about the Highland Heather for an initial response, but I like how it looks in this card.  I'll definately be trying it more in the future.

Click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Who doesn't love pineapples?  Alyssa does them.  I made this card for her and sent it to Germany.  My first International card!

Notice the pineapple on the right that is a little off-kilter?  I popped it up with a Mini Dimensional and turned it just for the fun of it.  My husband actually was going to try to turn it upright.  Fooled him.  

The Fruit Basket stamp set, Itty Bitty Punch Pack and Tutti Frutti DSP pack are on the retirement list.  They will be available only until May 31.  I will miss this set.  I think it's absolutely adorable.  

The sentiment is from the Hanging Garden stamp set.  This too is on the retirement list.  I like the words and the fact they are just in a straight line.  Makes it super easy to add to a card.

If you like these sets, don't wait.  Grab them while you can.  You won't be disappointed.

Click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

I was finally able to get some time in my stamp room.  Yippee!  It will be the last time for a while for me.  In two days we leave for vacation!  My house sitter is all lined up so now I have to clean the house before we leave for her.  That amongst all the other packing that needs to be done.  Tomorrow is all about getting ready to leave.  

Do I love this Waterfront Stamp Set.  I went with a mountain and water view with this card.  No beach this time.  

The mountains is stamped in Crumb Cake.  I stamped several times, overlapping the mountains.  In order to get the lighter tones, stamp once and then again without re-inking the stamp.  It's called Stamping Off.  If your ink pad is very juicy, sometimes you can get up to 4 stamps before the ink wears off.  Great effect for little effort.

You can't tell by the picture, but the evergreen trees are colored with the clear Wink of Stella.  This highlights the trees with a shimmer effect.  Love it!  Everyone should have the Wink of Stella in their stamping supplies. 

Unfortunately, the ribbon I used is retired.  It's the Sycamore Street Ribbon in Pool Party.  I added it because I thought it needed a little something else.  If you don't have any ribbon, the Whisper White Baker's Twine would look great too.  Just wrap it around the card several times and tie it in bow.  It's great if you tweek my designs to make it your own.  

That's it for tonight.  Hope you like the card.

Click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper