Happy New Year's Eve

Hello Everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you bring in the New Year with lots of love and excitement! I know I will be spending it with friends and family, reminiscing memories of 2009 and anticipating what lies ahead in 2010.

As you reflect back on the last 365 days, think about what you have learned and experienced about yourself. Make a list of the top five things that you have accomplished, write them down and share them with someone special. Celebrate your list as you carry these lessons and personal growth into 2010. Better yet, create a layout and tell your story. Who knows you may even learn more about yourself than you realize.

I personally am soooo excited what’s in store for the New Year! I have been busy working and setting goals for my business; Premier Scrapbook Designs and I can’t wait for the début coming this spring. You will be thrilled with the designs, dazzled by the embellishments and smitten over the gorgeous paper featured in these kits.  It's going to be so much fun!

Best wishes to you all.  May peace, love and happiness surround you and your loved ones.

Hugs,
Nanci

Sweet Tradition

I don't know about you but the last few weeks I have been busy decorating, shopping, creating handmade gifts and baking for the holidays. I am absolutely crazy for Christmas! It's pure joy for me and I love everything about it- but more than anything the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends is by far the most cherished.

This past weekend was indeed a memorable event to kick off the Holiday.  Being from a large family, Christmastime is much more than just one day.  It is a month long celebration!  We gathered together for  breakfast, sang Christmas carols and exchanged gifts.  All of which have become a tradition with my dad and brothers.

I have also started my own traditions.  My holiday goodies have become the top requested items of the season.  Chocolate covered pretzels and Christmas "white trash" are among them.  You all must try these delicious treats! I have included the recipes and a few fun photographs of this memorable "sweet tradition".

Happy eating,
Nanci

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1 bag Snyder's Old Tyme Pretzels or Pretzel Rods
1 lb. Vanilla or Chocolate Almond Bark
Wilton Candy Melts Red or Green
Assorted Candy Sprinkles

Melt chocolate in glass bowl in microwave for 30 seconds. Take out and stir.  Repeat until chocolate is melted to a creamy consistency.  Dip pretzel in chocolate and shake off extra, place on wax paper.  Decorate with candy sprinkles or drizzle colored candy melts over top.  Note: Be sure to add sprinkles while chocolate is still wet.  Enjoy!

Christmas "White Trash"
5 cups Corn or Rice Chex
5 cups Cherrios
10 oz. Minature Pretzels
2 cups Peanuts
1 bag M&M's red/green (no nuts)
2 bags White Chocolate Chips
3 tlbs. Vegetable Oil

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a very, very large bowl or pan.  Melt chocolate chips & oil in a glass bowl.  Put in microwave and heat for 30 seconds.  Take out and stir.  Put in for another 30 seconds, remove from microwave, stir and repeat until all of the chocolate is melted and smooth.  Pour over the dry mix and toss well to evenly coat everything.  Spread out on wax paper til dry.  When dry, break into small pieces and place in an airtight container.  Be very careful as this white trash is hazardous to your waistline!!!  Enjoy.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring are you listening in the lane snow is glistening...these were the words I was humming as I was joyfully scraping off the driveway this morning. Wow! What a beautiful morning to wake up to. I absolutely love the first snowfall of the year because it brings back so many wonderful childhood memories. As a child I anxiously awaited the arrival of the first fallen snow because that meant my dad would be saddling up the horse to pull us along on the sled. My sister Tami and I have some amazing photographs that capture the fun we had and I am very grateful that we have those to look back on.

We create memories everyday in our lives. Sometimes these memories even turn into traditions in which we carry on from generation to generation. That's why I have such a passion for scrapbooking and paper crafting because they both allow me to creatively share my story.

I would love to hear about your traditions and memories that are special to you.

Warm regards, Nanci

A new beginning

Today is a new chapter in my life. I am pursuing a life long dream of opening up my own business. I am so excited to share with you what I have been dreaming about. I have been very busy brainstorming and planning my new adventure and hope that you will join me as I prepare to launch Premier Scrapbook Designs. Over the next few months I will be posting my progress and hope to be up and running by early spring.

Thank you to everyone who have encouraged me to follow my heart and reach for the stars. I love this quote by William Cobbett,"You never know what you can do till you try." I am going to remember this as I go through my journey and I would like to encourage each of you to follow your dreams no matter what they may be.