Thursday, March 29, 2012

Fun Friday with Easter Part I

My step daughter will be with us all next week for her spring break...and we will be creating some of these cute Easter craft ideas!

CARDBOARD TUBE EASTER BUNNIES from easter.tipjunkie.com


CRAZY YARN BASKETS from AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com plus the site has 18 other fantastic Easter craft ideas!


ONE STUFFED BUNNY from ParentMap


EASTER BONNETS from Red Ted Art's Blog


PEEK A BOO CHICK from All Kids Network plus many other Easter craft ideas on their site!


EGG CARTON BUNNY & CHICK from rebeccacooper.blogspot.com


Enjoy your weekend with these cute Easter crafts!



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Sarah Bella's Boutique

Please welcome Chan Tell and her Etsy shop Sarah Bella's Boutique


If you are looking for beautiful jewelry plentiful with bling...then you will love Sarah Bella's Boutique! Offering trendy accessories for all styles and ages that are all handmade by her and full of personality!

Currently her shop is all on sale for 15% off...what a fantastic deal!

Now let's meet Chan Tell and discover her shop Sarah Bella's Boutique!


What is the first creative memory you have?

I have always been a creative kid...I come from a crafty family. My first memories were being in my Granny's basement working with her on floral arrangements that she made and sold. We also made floral straw hats that people would buy and hang on their doors for spring.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My Granny always worked on crafty projects and I guess I got it from her that I always needed a project to do. I started helping
her with her crafts then got into painting, then started quilting, then tried to sew, then tried scrapbooking, then jewelry making. Of all those projects I had finally found MY THING. I started making jewelry for family members and they told me I should take my talent further. So I researched Etsy and began a shop in May 2011. It took off very fast and I am glad I did it because I love what I do.


How did you come up with your shop name?

My Great Grandmother was my best friend and she passed away when I was 13. I always said if I had a daughter I would name her Sarah after her. When I started my business it was a no brainer that it needed to be Sarah something. Then I added Bella because it means beautiful...which I thought my pieces were. Sarah Bella's Boutique was born.


Describe what creations you have in your shop?

I make trendy and fun jewelry that everyone can love. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, you name it. I realized people love to follow trends so I kind of went with that...even though I have a few things that I make with one of a kind in mind. Later I got into hair bows for little girls. Instead of opening a separate shop I sell them all under the same name.

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me. Fashion, Photography, People, etc. I can just see something and my mind takes off.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to music. It does not matter what kind...music has always been an important part of my life and it really soothes me while I work on my creations.

Please share a favorite recipe

Cheddar Bay Biscuits
(tastes just like Red Lobster's)
Biscuits:
2 1/2 cups Bisquick
4 Tbsp cold butter
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Butter Glaze:
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp dried parsley flakes

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease or line one cookie sheet with parchment; set aside.

Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter (I just used 2 forks). Don't worry about mixing too thoroughly; there will be small chunks of butter in the mix about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix.

Drop 1/4 cup portions of the dough onto the lightly greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes in preheated oven until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown.

While the biscuits are baking, melt butter is a small bowl in the microwave. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread the garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits. Sprinkle a little kosher salt on the freshly coated biscuits. (Optional...I didn't add salt to mine) Makes one dozen.

Where else can we find you?

Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest

Now please follow Chan Tell at all of the previous links, heart her shop and a few of her items and come back and tell us which ones you love!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Mommy Monday with How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer

I came across this book on Pinterest...and I actually think this is one I would find time to read! You see...I am so busy with my business, toddler son, keeping up the house and being a wife; the only books I end up reading consist of the ABC's and colors these days :)


I am going to post highlights from an interview with Jonah Lehrer, but you can listen to the entire interview on NPR.

What makes people creative? What gives some of us the ability to create work that captivates the eyes, minds and hearts of others? Jonah Lehrer, a writer specializing in neuroscience, addresses that question in his new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works.

Lehrer defines creativity broadly, considering everything from the invention of masking tape to breakthroughs in mathematics; from memorable ad campaigns to Shakespearean tragedies. He finds that the conditions that favor creativity — our brains, our times, our buildings, our cities — are equally broad.

Lehrer joins NPR's Robert Siegel to talk about the creative process — where great ideas come from, how to foster them, and what to do when you inevitably get stuck.


On comparing Shakespeare with the inventor of masking tape

"I think we absolutely can lump them all together. I think one of the mistakes we've made in talking about creativity is we've assumed it's a single verb — that when people are creative they're just doing one particular kind of thinking. But looking at creativity from the perspective of the brain, we can see that creativity is actually a bundle of distinct mental processes.

"... Whether you're writing a Shakespearean tragedy, or trying to come up with a new graphic design or writing a piece of software, how we think about the problem should depend on the problem itself. Creativity is really a catch-all term for a variety of very different kinds of thinking."

On how Steve Jobs redesigned Pixar studios to maximize collaboration and creativity

"The original design for the Pixar studios consisted of three separate buildings, where they'd put the computer scientists in one building, and the animators in a second building and the third building would contain everybody else: the directors, the editors and so on. Steve realized that that was a terrible idea; that the real challenge of Pixar was getting people from these different cultures — these computer scientists and these cartoonists — to work together, to really collaborate. And so he insisted that Pixar studios just be one vast, cavernous space."

On forcing people to meet and mingle ... even if it's in the bathroom

"[Jobs] insisted there be only two bathrooms in the entire Pixar studios, and that these would be in the central space. And of course this is very inconvenient. No one wants to have to walk 15 minutes to go to the bathroom. And yet Steve insisted that this is the one place everyone has to go every day. And now you can talk to people at Pixar and they all have their 'bathroom story.' They all talk about the great conversation they had while washing their hands.

" ... He wanted there to be mixing. He knew that the human friction makes the sparks, and that when you're talking about a creative endeavor that requires people from different cultures to come together, you have to force them to mix; that our natural tendency is to stay isolated, to talk to people who are just like us, who speak our private languages, who understand our problems. But that's a big mistake. And so his design was to force people to come together even if it was just going to be in the bathroom."


On why you should stop trying to harness your brain, and instead help your brain get out of its harness

"The question becomes, what happens if you hit the wall? Because we've all got experience with this. You're working on a creative problem, and then all of a sudden that feeling of progress disappears ... What you should do then — when you hit the wall — is get away from your desk. Step away from the office. Take a long walk. Daydream. Find some way to relax. Get those alpha waves. Alpha waves are a signal in the brain that's closely correlated with states of relaxation. And what scientists have found is that when people are relaxed, they're much more likely to have those big 'A ha!' moments, those moments of insight where these seemingly impossible problems get solved. So when you hit the wall, the best thing you can do is probably take a very long, warm shower. The answer will only arrive once you stop looking for it."

On the relationship between creativity and originality — and being triggered by other people's ideas

"The brain is just an endless knot of connections. And a creative thought is simply ... a network that's connecting itself in a new way. Sometimes it's triggered by a misreading of an old novel. Sometimes it's triggered by a random thought walking down the street, or bumping into someone in the bathroom of the studio. There are all sorts of ways seemingly old ideas can get reassembled in a new way."

On the creative processes that resulted in Nike's "Just Do It" campaign

"This is a great story from Dan Wieden at Wieden+Kennedy, the very honored Portland ad firm. ... He'd come up with seven videos for the new Nike ad campaign. ... He knew these different videos which featured different sports needed a shared slogan. But he just couldn't think of the slogan. ... At some point during the day, somebody must've mentioned Norman Mailer to him. And so Norman Mailer was in the back of his head somewhere.

"It's near midnight. His deadline's approaching. He's really, really frustrated at this point because he can't come up with this damn slogan. And then suddenly he thinks of Norman Mailer. He remembers Norman Mailer wrote this book called The Executioner's Song about Gary Gilmore. And he remembers Gary Gilmore's last words right before he's executed by a firing squad in Utah. His last words were, 'Let's do it.'

"And Dan Wieden thinks to himself, Geez, that's pretty brave. That's a pretty brave sentiment to have right before you die — to just get it over with. But he realizes 'Let's Do It' isn't quite right, so he tweaks one word. And there you get 'Just Do It.' ... But that's a perfect example of how, in a sense, that's an old idea. It was a line in a Norman Mailer book, and he tweaked it ever so slightly. He substituted one word and came up with one of the most influential advertising slogans of the second half of the 20th century."

I am definitely going to purchase this book...I love the part about Steve Jobs wanting all of the employees of Pixar together and only having two bathrooms to "force" them all together and to share stories while washing their hands...brilliant! I am a true believer that we all "borrow" our creativity from others. I personally look to my sons t-shirts, toys, coloring books, my husbands brain and other Etsy creations for many of my inspirations.

Purchase the book at amazon.com

I would love to hear any thoughts you have on this and Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!


Friday, March 23, 2012

Fun Friday with Think Spring Kids Crafts

It is definitely spring here in Tennessee! With all of the warm weather and every plant, tree and flower blooming this last week...our household is stuffed up with allergies; but the warm weather and beautiful blooms have us thinking spring! Here are a few crafts that you could enjoy with your kids to really get in the mood for spring.

MILK JUG DECORATIVE WINDOW CRAFTS from alphamom


Seems simple enough...washed out milk jugs, scissors to cut out the butterfly shapes, sharpies and FUN! Make sure and check out alphamom for more details and wonderful step by step photos!


B IS FOR BUGS from Snails and Puppy Dog Tails with Paper Plate Bugs

This has become one of my favorite blogs for kids activities. She has crafts to go along with a list of related books! Love it!


They read these two books to go along with their bug activities:



Hope everyone has a craft filled and fun, warm weekend! See you Monday!





Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Holly's Homemade Goodies

Please welcome Holly and her Etsy shop Holly's Homemade Goodies


Every item in her shop is hand-sewn, hand-stitched and handmade; making her creations wonderful and unique gifts. Hand stitching entire quilts is an amazing feat to me and reflects her artistic care for selling top quality and handcrafted items.

Now let's meet Holly and discover her Etsy shop Holly's Homemade Goodies!

What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory would have to be making a Barbie house and furniture out of whatever I could find in my mother’s pantry. I would use soup cans as chairs, small boxed food as couches and beds, and cereal boxes as walls.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I read about an Amish girl who was banned from expressing herself artistically through paintings because it was against her religion. She started expressing her self through her quilts. I had never thought of a quilt being a piece of art until then. Since I have a passion to sew, very creative, and needed an outlet from staying at home during the day, I decided to start making baby items old-school or the Amish way…Hand-Stitched.


How did you come up with your shop name?

When my boys were little I would always refer to my expensive knickknack and what –not’s as Mom’s Goodies. These were items that were dear to me. So, when selecting my name I thought it would be appropriate to call my shop Holly’s Homemade Goodies since my quilts and such are dear to me.


Describe what creations you have in your shop.

Every item I make is hand-stitched, hand-sewn, and handmade. I offer unique baby quilts, crocheted blankets, crib blankets, and children's items for a price that won't break the bank.


What inspires you?

Everything inspires me really. I could be at the store and see a lady’s dress and 100 different ideas would pop in my head with what I could do with the colors, fabric, or texture.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I do all of my sewing in the Family room, usually in my recliner. I generally work in silence; however, occasionally I will turn the TV on just for background noise.


Share a favorite recipe

The Best Apple Pie

Ingredients
• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
2. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.


Where else can we find you?

Facebook

Now please show Holly some love and favorite her Etsy shop and share with us which one of her items you love in a post comment...also leave your blog address so we can jump on over and follow you too!



Monday, March 19, 2012

Mommy Monday with 2012 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

I came across this fantastic contest for mom based businesses...and thought I would submit my little company and see how I do. You can vote daily until April 16th...and then through votes and a panel of judges; the top 200 US mom-based businesses will be selected and the women that run them honored.

Here is a link to vote for my shop...and thanks in advanced for all of the votes!
fAveritte creations - 2012 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Here is a little more information on the contest:

A TRIBUTE TO MOMS IN BUSINESS from StartupNation

Everybody knows one. Like a super hero, she balances running a family with the heroics of running her own business. We’re talking about moms in business, of course. And now, StartupNation is conducting its third annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.

But, how do we know who’s the best of the best? We’re leaving that in part to you. Over the next few months, it’ll be your daily votes that determine the top 200 Leading Moms in Business. In addition our judges will determine special awards and accolades for moms within the top 200 who deserve special recognition.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • April 16, 2012: You can enter your business until midnight Pacific Time on. Judging and vote tabulation will occur after April 16. StartupNation will select a variety of moms from among the finalists and create editorial feature stories about them.
  • April 30 , 2012: Winners are announced.

  • A HUGE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOU THAT VOTE FOR FAVERITTE CREATIONS!!!

    Friday, March 16, 2012

    Fun Friday For the Birds...and Possibly the Squirrels

    I recently purchased some bird seed bells to put out on our back deck...after 3 days they are gone. I am assuming the squirrels pulled them down...or possibly possums...or maybe even a racoon. So.....I am off to buy more, but I thought it might be great to have the kids and I make some bird seed wreaths this weekend.

    HOMEMADE BIRD WREATH from Under the Table and Dreaming by Stephanie Lynn


    Simply by combining a bag of mixed bird seed and gelatin, you can create fun shaped and bird safe snacks by molding them into shaped cake pans.


    Please check out Under the Table and Dreaming for complete step by step directions and great pictures!

    HOMEMADE SUET CAKES by Chiot's Run


    1 1/2 pound of beef tallow or lard (preferable organic & pastured)
    2 cups birdseed mix
    2 cups black oil sunflower seeds
    2 cups organic whole grain flour
    1 cup dried fruit or peanuts (I used dried cherries from my bounty this past summer)

    Mix all seed and flour in large mixing bowl while melting tallow or lard in a skillet over low heat. When tallow is melted, mix in with birdseed. If tallow thickens too quickly place entire bowl in a warm oven until melted again. If your house it cold it would be beneficial to warm birdseed mix and bowl in oven before adding melted tallow. Pour into 9 x 13 pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Let cool for a few hours. Cut into 6 squares, which fit perfectly into a regular suet feeder.

    And you could use cookie cutter shapes to make fun, child inspired ones by the kids!


    Thursday, March 15, 2012

    Vivid: Featured: fAveritte Creations

    Vivid: Featured: fAveritte Creations: Today we are hosting our first ever feature with the lovely Amy Averitte of fAveritte Creations !  Tell us a bit about yourse...

    Tuesday, March 13, 2012

    Welcome Wednesday with Willow's Nest Creations

    Please welcome Bethany and her Etsy shop Willow's Nest Creations


    Using patterns that are designed by herself, Bethany creates wonderful items handmade from vintage, custom embellishments with one of a kind repurposed materials and trims. You will see her love for nature in each of her creations. I personally was lucky enough to win one of her wallets and love it! The unique batik fabric is stunning and I love all of the pockets on the inside to hold all of your cards.

    Currently she is running an exclusive sale for the readers of this blog. Use coupon code: NESTBLOG12 to receive 10% off of your entire purchase from her Etsy shop...how cool is that!?! Now lets meet Bethany and discover her shop Willow's Nest Creations!


    What is the first creative memory you have?

    My first creative memory would have to be the time when I was about 4 and thought it would be an awesome idea to make myself look like a cat…using colored markers. My older brothers cheered me on which made me more confident and expressive with my “artwork”. When I was all done I proudly went to show my mom…Needless to say she was not too happy when she saw me!



    What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

    I had been sewing, making purses, pillows, painting, etc for years. Back in 2009 at a craft show I met this amazing lady who makes jewelry, Judy Glende; and she was the first one who told me about Etsy. I was really inspired by her as a person and by her work. Finally in 2011, I got the courage and time to get my etsy shop started!

    How did you come up with your shop name?

    The first part “Willow’s Nest”, came out of a creative brainstorming day with my friend, while discussing what we would name a B&B/artisan shop if we ever opened one. Since that hasn’t happened yet… I named my Etsy shop Willow’s Nest Creations. I think it really embodies so much of what I love and what I hope to convey as an artisan.


    Describe what creations you have in your shop

    I take a lot of pride in my handmade purses. I create them from using unique, vintage, custom embellishments, one of a kind or repurposed materials and trims, even the patterns are designed by myself. Each purse is totally unique. My goal is to create something quality made, artistic and affordable that women will be proud to carry.
    There are two kinds of wallets, both simple and versatile yet with a unique flair. I also have some handmade ornaments and gift sets featuring my other handmade items. More items will be coming as I’m always coming up with new ideas.


    What inspires you?

    I am a huge nature lover; Trees, leaves, birds, animals, etc. so I find a lot of inspiration just being out in God’s creation. FABRICS!!! I have a huge fabric fetish, I love colors, patterns, and textures, a lot of my designs come from the fabric and where it takes my imagination. I also find inspiration from other artists that have more experience than I do, I always want to be learning.

    What do you listen to or watch while creating?
    My favorites are Loreena McKennitt, Norah Jones, and JJ Heller.

    Please share a favorite recipe

    Chicken with Lemon Sauce and Goat Cheese – serves 2
    1 pinch of salt
    ½ c. Flour
    2 (6oz) Chicken Breasts
    2 TB. Olive Oil
    ¼ C. Dry White Wine
    ¼ C. Lemon Juice
    1 clove Garlic, minced
    ½ Ts. Basil
    ¼ c. Cold Butter, cubed
    2 small thin slices of Goat Cheese

    Mix dry ingredients and coat chicken with it, pat to remove any excess flour.
    Heat oil in skillet, add chicken and brown on both sides until cooked and golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and keep warm. Pour wine into skillet, add garlic & basil, allow to boil. Add Lemon juice, boil again and cook for a few minutes. (*Optional, can add Capers or Kalamata Olives to the sauce). Sprinkle cubed butter into sauce, swirl pan to incorporate butter and thicken the sauce. Do not let the butter rest. Remove from heat. Add goat cheese on top of each Chicken breast, plate and then pour sauce over the top. This dish has become one of our homemade favorites, YUM!


    Where else can we find you?

    Please check me out on Facebook There you can find out about sales and discount as well as see the most recent creations and items not included in her Etsy shop, like soaps, aromatherapy pllows, etc.

    Now please show Bethany some love and favorite her Etsy shop and share with us which one of her items you love in a post comment...also leave your blog address so we can jump on over and follow you too!

    Monday, March 12, 2012

    Mommy Monday with Uses for Fruit Rinds

    At our house...my kids eat a lot of fruit, I mean A LOT! Fruit for every meal plus for snack time. We fortunately live out in the country with birds and squirrels so I usually throw the cut up rinds out to them to enjoy for a snack. It got me thinking...what other uses are there for fruit rinds? So I did some lookin' and this is what I found...some of these ideas are very interesting and I will be trying them! Happy Monday ya'll :)

    USES FOR WATERMELON RINDS


    Here are a few uses for the rind instead of just tossing it out in the trash.

    - using the rind for Thai Gaeng Leang Soup, the rind is one of the main ingredients, recipe here
    - candying the rind to make a sweet treat with granulated sugar, recipe here from watermelonrind.com
    - pickling the rind...such as you would pickle cucumbers, recipe here
    - mmmmmmmmmm...watermelon rind preserves from Amazon
    - cut up the rind and toss it in a salad

    DIY PUMPKIN AND LEMON CANDLES from momtastic


    CITRUS VOTIVE CANDLES from Divine Party Concepts


    MAKE A CLEMENTINE CANDLE from Apartment Therapy


    I would love to hear any of your ideas for uses of left over rinds...I didn't even get to uses for apple and pear rinds or banana peels...another post for me in the future!




    Friday, March 9, 2012

    Fun Friday with Harvesting Rain Water

    I have only lived in Middle Tennessee for a year now...I am from out west where it is dry and barren and you are lucky if you see rain. So these crazy and beautiful rain filled thunderstorms here are amazing! And you do not have to have a sprinkler system to water your lawn...that is amazing to me. All this rain has got me thinking(uh oh)...I am curious about harvesting rain water. So todays Fun Friday activity will be links and articles of ways to save, store and reuse all of this rain water. What a great teaching opportunity for your kids too! The value of using our resources.

    How to build a rain barrel from The Family Handyman...great tutorial! It offers great pictures and step by step instructions...and the greatest thing is you can build your own for under $100!


    Harvesting Rainwater offers a great variety of books filled with information!


    And they have a wonderful blog...Drops in a Bucketwhich offers abundant information on rain harvesting too from historical harvesting techniques to modern day systems like this awesome salmon one.


    So lets get out there and teach our children the importance of using our resources...especially if you live in such a rain filled climate!

    Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    Welcome Wednesday with Favor Me Designs and a Giveaway

    Please welcome Janice and her Etsy shop Favor Me Designs


    If you need any decor for any holiday, Favor Me Designs is the place to look. Everything is created from paper for those special occasions. Janice knows the importance of making that special event uniquely yours. She would be happy to work with you to achieve the look you desire for your special occasion.

    Currently she is running a promotion for 15% off of your purchase from her shop with coupon code: FAVORME

    Favor Me Designs is offering a great giveaway...please see the details at the end of this post or check it out under the "Giveaways" tab under my blog header. One lucky winner!


    What is the first creative memory you have?

    I was never very creative as a child. I do remember my mother holding knitting lessons for myself and some friends at around the age of 7. The only thing I ever managed to make was a very long, uneven scarf. I discovered paper crafting via scrapbooking after my son was born and fell in love with it. It's the one craft that I can say I do pretty well at.




    What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

    My sister introduced me to Etsy a few years back as a shopper. I decided a year ago to give the selling thing a try-mostly to justify all my "toy purchases". It has really grown significantly and now my goal is to hopefully turn my little shop into a full time job. I have a ways to go yet but I think it is attainable.

    How did you come up with your shop name?

    When I initially was planning my shop I thought I would center it around wedding invititations and favor boxes and a friend came up with the name favor me. Well the wedding thing has taken a detour and I'm now doing children's parties and loving it. No one appreciates the concept of theme parties like children!


    Describe what creations you have in your shop?

    I have birthday and name banners and party favors, little gift boxes and am open to creating anything paper.


    What inspires you?

    I am inspired by my child. He keeps me up on all the trends for kids. I also receive some great inspiration from my customers. My favorite banner is my Dr. Seuss photo banner that was a custom request from a customer.

    What do you listen to or watch while creating?

    Lately I've been listening to Lady Gaga or Adele. I also like to catch up on tv shows on my computer-that I miss when I am stuck in my room creating. Last weekend I watched all 5 episodes of this season's Voice.


    Share a favorite recipe

    One of my favorite recipes is a knock off of Outback's Chopped Blue Cheese Salad.

    Ingredients
    Candied cinnamon pecans
    1/3 cup pecans sliced-lengthwise
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
    1 1/2 teaspoons butter, melted
    Salad
    3 cups chopped butter or bibb lettuce
    3 cups chopped red leaf lettuce
    3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
    1 green onion, chopped
    Blue cheese vinaigrette dressing
    1/4 cup olive oil
    1/4 cup white wine vinegar
    1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    2 tablespoons sour cream
    2 tablespoons honey
    1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
    salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
    Directions
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    Slice each pecan half into at least three lengthwise pieces.
    Combine the cinnamon and brown sugar.
    Toss the pecans with the melted butter, then with the cinnamon/sugar mixture, making sure to coat them all evenly.
    Put the nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until sugar is caramelized.
    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and slide the pecans off of the parchment to cool.
    Chop all of the lettuce into small bite-sized pieces; and rinse them with cool water.
    Slice the green onion.
    Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
    Place the chopped lettuce into a serving bowl large enough to allow you to toss the salad.
    Add the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly.
    Sprinkle with the chopped onion.
    Break the cooled pecan slices apart and sprinkle them over the salad.
    Enjoy!


    Where else can we find you?

    Blog

    Now for the giveaway.....drum roll please.....Favor Me Designs is giving away a $15 gift certificate to her Etsy shop!!! You could have stunning decorations handmade by Janice for your next special occassion!

    ***You do not have to do all of the entry options...but keep in mind, the more you do the higher your chances are of winning!


    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    Now please go show Favor Me Designs some love at her Etsy shop!

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