Sands of Time

For me there is nothing quite like playing in the sand at the beach.  I grew up on a lake and spent many a summer's day building sand castles and running my own restaurant; serving up delicate dishes of grass spaghetti with a lovely sand sauce.  My Mom even found a book at the library complete with recipes for all sorts of sand inspired dishes!

I recently completed my first altered canvas project and used one of my favorite pictures as the inspiration. Although it may not be the best quality photo, it makes me smile and brings back memories of how I spent endless days in the sun.  Considering this photo was printed over 40 years ago, I guess it has held up pretty well. 

A special thanks to my friend Ginny at Polly's Paper Studio for photographing my finished work!

I had a great time creating this piece and using all my favorite supplies including Ranger Distress Inks and Prima Flowers.  I even pulled out one of my oldies but goodies - Magic Mesh - Do they still make this stuff?  I also used paint and acrylic stamps to cover the cute little chipboard flowers.

I am happy to say that "The Sands of Time" have returned me back to the lake I grew up on and I spend time everyday down at the beach playing barefoot in the sand. . .

Who Bakes Christmas Cookies in August?

It was a hot and humid 85+ degree day today in Michigan and what did I find myself doing tonight?  Making sugar cookie dough for Christmas Cookies!  I stopped by to visit Polly's Paper Studio on my way home from work tonight and it looks like a pretty full house for my Christmas Card class on Thursday night.  Ginny will be making one of her signature iced coffee creations and we will be snacking on Christmas Cookies while getting a head start on our cards for this year.

If you find yourself craving a sweet treat try a quick batch of these cookies.  They are super simple and taste great too.  We make them for every holiday and they are a family favorite.  Hope you like them as well.

Carol's Sugar Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl - Cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar
Blend in 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice

In a separate bowl combine 2 cups of all purpose flour,
2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Add to dough, slowly stirring to incorporate well.

You can use a stand mixer if you like, but I prefer the old fashioned wooden spoon.  If your dough is slightly sticky you can add a little extra flour.

Divide the mixture in half and wrap in wax paper.  Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8" thickness and cut with the cookie cutters of your choice.  Transfer to a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes.

I like to use a confectioners sugar glaze after the cookies have cooled.

Mix 2 cups of confectioners sugar with 1/4 cup of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.  Add food coloring if desired and drizzle over cooled cookies.