Bottle Swap Update

Hi There Swappers!

I'm working on the swap partners right now. I will be emailing all of you a short questionaire of your likes and dislikes so your partner will get them with your mailing information.  That way we don't have to go back and forth checking blogs, etc. 

I'm so thrilled with the response and have been putting stuff together for my partner all month!

If any of you do not happen to get a questionaire in the next day, please email me so I can get it out.  You know how things can happen and I certainly don't want to forget anyone!

If anyone needs to drop out, please do so now.  No hard feelings, there will be other swaps.

Ready...Set...Swap!

Recipe for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I've had a number of emails requesting the recipe for my Pineapple Upside Down Cake that is made in a cast iron skillet....so here it is!

1/2 cup nuts chopped (I used pecans)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices
5 Maraschino Cherries, drained
1 package (18.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
Water
3 Eggs
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.  I also put a cookie sheet or pizza pan on the rack to set the skillet on while it bakes to prevent dripping.
Spray cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat sides well.
Melt butter in cast iron skillet on rangetop, add brown sugar and stir until bubblly. 
Drain pineapple, reserving the juice; set aside.
Arrange pineapple slices and cherries in skillet, sprinkle nuts on top. 
Add enough water to pineapple juice to make 1 1/3 cups liquid. 
In bowl combine cake mix, liquid mixture, eggs, oil and whisk until well blended.  Pour over fruit mixture and bake 35-40 minutes or until cake test comes out clean. 
Allow to cool 5 minutes.  Carefully run knife around sides of skillet.  Place cake plate on top of skillet and invert (this may take two people).

Bottle Swaps

If you love to swap, there's a new type of swap out there that is so much fun!  Bottle Swaps!  I received my first last week and it was like getting a treasure! I can't even imaging what the postman thought when he delivered it!

If you're interested in be part of a 2 liter bottle swap send your name and address to:  bottleswap@joannmckenzie.com by July 1st.  Deadline for the swap to be mailed will be August 1st.

In the comments section and/or in your email please specify your likes and dislikes to help your partner fill your bottle with things you love.

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Radiothon

Please call and donate today to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital!

Each year Norfolk, Nebraska raises phenominal amounts of funds for this wonderful cause.  You can join in and be a partner in hope.

US92

St. Jude's

Memorial Album of Poetry

My very goo friend Melia just lost her father a few months ago.  Richard was a very unique individual and wrote some very lovely poetry which is unique in itself in rural Nebraska!  Shortly after he passed, I offered to help retrieve his poetry from his computer and compile it into  something all family could share.  Melia has been my friend through thick and thin so I decided to make her a small album showcasing some of his poetry.  She loved it so much and showed it to her mother, Myrna who also enjoyed it.  Myrna celebrated her 80th birthday this week so for a gift Melia had me create a similar album for her.  It was so much fun making the album as ecletic as Richard's poems.

Altered Rolodex/Password Keeper

I had a wonderful time altering this Rolodex that I found at the Goodwill for $2.  I normally use a larger rolodex for a place to store my passwords to websites, etc. but decided I wanted one that was smaller and easier to stash away. 

I used K & Company papers and a lot of Sticky Strip!   This particular Rolodex has straight angles so I didn't have to deal with curved tops or sides so the paper adheared beautifully.  If I happen to come across another sometime I'll alter it and put it up for a giveaway.

 

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I thought I would give you just a window into my kitchen to show you the yummie pineapple upside down cake that I made this weekend.  It was gooey heaven!  I make one of these for one of my best friends every year for her birthday so a little practice in between time never hurts. 

I make my cake in a cast iron skillet in the oven.  I have never had anything turn out so pretty and good almost every time.  If you'd like the recipe just leave a comment and I'll post it, or if you have a great one, post it in the comments section.

Back to the world of paper....

You made the trip!

I welcome all of you to my new blog address. If you have not already subscribed to the new one http://paperpiazza.blogspot.com   please do so.  The old Blog will remain in place and look much like the new one for awhile.  I will post several reminders on the old blog to hop on over here to the  new one. 

It's a new year and I want to make some changes for a fresh and updated look!

Thanks much!

JoAnn

Mini Album Swap

I've been wanting to do a mini album swap for sometime. I've watched YouTube and see some of the gorgeous albums people are creating.

If you would like to participate in a swap with me and as many others who are interested please sign up below.

Rules:

1. Please sign up only if you intend on partipating.
2. Mini Album should be a minimum of 6x6 (can be larger if you wish) and made only from supplies, items you have aroung the house. Use your creative imagination!
3. Sign up will until January 1, 2010. Email miniswap1@joannmckenzie.com with your information.
4. I will contact you requesting your full name, address, email address, and blog if you have it.
5. Partners will be announced by January 15th. 1 swap partner per partcipant. US only this time please. I will email invidiuals with their swap partners so spammers won't snag your addresses.
6. Albums must be post marked by January 25th.
7. Please email me photos of the albums you received by February 15th so I can put together a gallery of all those swapped.
8. Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to me at miniswap1@joannmckenzie.com.

See my YouTube Channel for further details.

Scissor/Phone Charms For Sale

I have had so many complements on my cell phone charms I decided to make a few to sell. My Stampin' Up! group uses them on their scissors as charms as well. No two charms are alike but I can custom make one in specific colors if you wish. They are for sale for $3.00 each. Free shipping.