KariV | Sunshine in my pocket

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“Take a photo” Card Challenge

By KariV on May 27, 2013 in Paper Crafting

It’s a perfect day to send a card or two. Today I was up for the challenge from Simon Says Stamp. The theme for the challenge is: Take a Photo.

I was also a bit inspired by “Memorial Day” and the memories of loved ones. I love the idea of taking a picture and holding it in your heart…so you can always feel those good times and bring them to mind. See how I “framed” those good times in the card below?

So here’s my card:

Inside card:

I’ve been playing with a new technique that’s kind of fun: I embossed the arrows with white embossing powder and then watercolored over the top of them. The embossing resists the watercolor and the arrows remain white, but adding that color behind them makes them really pop!

I love the red glitter heart added to the frame, too. I used Stickles in Christmas red on that little heart.

Until next time, hold onto those good memories in your heart!

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Dose of Sunshine Monday — God Bless the USA

By KariV on May 27, 2013 in 4th of July, Holidays, Inspiration

Happy Monday and Happy Memorial Day! This is a wonderful day to give thanks to all those who serve or have served in the military. A BIG THANK YOU!

Both of my Grandfathers served in the military and sacrificed much to keep our country safe. (I can’t even imagine how my grandmothers worried when they went off to war…)

So I wish all of you a safe and happy Memorial Day and a time to reflect on all those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We are blessed beyond measure.

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bruleed-orange-french-toast-with-orange-sauce

Bruleed Orange French Toast (so worth it!)

By KariV on May 24, 2013 in Brunch, Recipes

We’ve been making good use of our Arizona oranges from our very own orange trees, and since the season is almost over, I’m making the last of them really count! This is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch recipes. It’s full of flavor and so easy.

And I’m so excited because I’m guest posting over at Mom Endeavors…so click on over to get the recipe and full instructions.

Then try this recipe and let me know what you think!

Thank you, Sara, for giving me the opportunity to guest post today. Until next time…Enjoy!

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A plain box to a fancy box!

By KariV on May 23, 2013 in Gift Ideas, Paper Crafting

I got these plain kraft boxes from PaperMart and they are small and cute, but they are PLAIN! So, to dress them up a bit, I am going to show you how easy it is to add an initial, some paper, and a ribbon to make this box Spectacular.

You can use any color scheme you like. I chose pink and black today. It would be cute in purples or red, white and blue, even!

Here’s a quick video on how I made them:

I got the initials from here, but I did have to reduce them in size so each initial was about 2 inches. I printed them on white cardstock and cut them with a circle punch.

Aren’t they cute? And they don’t take long to decorate this way. I have to admit, it was the first time I used the Xyron Sticker Maker and I LOVE it!! Why didn’t they have these around when I was a kid? I would have turned everything into a sticker!! 🙂
But don’t worry, you don’t have to own a sticker maker, you can attach the initial with glue dots, pop dots (or you can print the initial out on sticker paper). Lots of options!

I’d love to see your box decor, send me a comment with a link or email me. See ya next time!

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Taste Test Tuesday– Chocolate Souffle vs. Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

By KariV on May 21, 2013 in Dessert, Favorite Things, Holidays, Inspiration, Recipes, Taste Test Tuesday, Valentines

It’s a great day. Not only is it Taste Test Tuesday, but my Dad is here for a visit! I knew that there needed to be CHOCOLATE for him. And he agreed to be a taste test panelist. (I may have gotten my love for taste tests partially from my Dad…we have been doing taste tests at home ever since I was a kid!)

So this is a special edition of Taste Test Tuesday. The taste test results will be posted next week, but today I am sharing the recipe for “Foolproof Mini Chocolate Souffles with Sauce.” Oh. My. Goodness. These little souffles are amazing. I got this recipe a couple years ago from my co-worker, Aubrey. (Hi, Aubrey!) And I’ve made them only a few times for special occasions, but these are some of the easiest and BEST Chocolate Souffles I have ever eaten!

I’m going to challenge these homemade Souffles to a taste test versus homemade Chocolate Molten Lava Cake! (I’ll share this recipe next week.) The Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is a favorite recipe of my daughter, Amber. (Hi, Amber!) They are both amazing recipes that I honestly don’t know which one will be crowned the winner!

I will have some more pictures and results for you next week. Until then, try this Chocolate Souffle Recipe. You’ll either be glad you did, or you’ll be cursing me for sharing such a tempting dessert that you crave weekly! 🙂

Foolproof Mini Chocolate Souffles with Sauce

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Chef’s Note:

This recipe may look intimidating, but it is rather simple, with just a few ingredients. And it is Foolproof. The first time I made it (for Valentine’s Day a couple years ago), I left the vanilla out of the souffles, so I added it to the chocolate sauce instead. They still came out delicious…proof: my husband ate TWO of them!

I like to serve mine with a little whipped cream and a strawberry on top, but if you’re a chocolate purist then you can certainly leave this part out!

Tip:

To help get the soufflé dishes out of the oven easily, bake them on a cookie sheet and then simply lift the cookie sheet out of the oven.

You may have noticed that one of the choices I categorized this under was “Inspiration”…if you are in need of a little inspiration, I’m convinced that these souffles will do the trick. Chocolate can be very inspirational, right?! 😉

I can’t wait to post the results. Until then, Enjoy every bite!

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