Thursday, August 30, 2012

Meet Monday (ON THURSDAY) with Bella Bambini Decor

I know it's Thursday...but here is a Meet Monday with Noelle and her Etsy shop Bella Bambini Decor




Stylish, Classy & Trendy Hand Painted Canvas Art for Nurseries & Bedrooms

Receive 10% off with the purchase of 3 or more initial letter canvases. Shipping not included.

Paisley Splash Letter Initial Painted Canvases
What is the first creative memory you have?


My first creative memory is when I was around 8 years old. I would play Barbies with my sister and the only part I was concerned about was what outfits I would dress them in. I loved putting together different looks with all of the accessories, styling their hair, picking out shoes..also, around 12 years old when I learned to sew, I would sew clothes for my dolls (since they seemed to be a more manageable size than anything that would fit myself!) using scraps of different materials cut from old shirts, random buttons, a bit of lace trim, etc. I loved taking stuff that I already had and repurposing.


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?


I began my shop on Etsy after I had my daughter, Isabella (and whom my shop is named after). While putting together her nursery, I wanted some unique additions, but personal ones too, so I painted a bunch of canvases and a mural. I wanted to paint more once she was here but didn't need anything else around my house so I thought maybe other people would like me to paint something for them! It really is a hobby for me and a way for me to enjoy my down time from home now that I am a stay at home mom.


How did you come up with your shop name?


I came up with the name Bella Bambini Decor because first of all, Bella (beautiful) came from my daughter's name Isabella. Bambini means children in Italian. I am first generation Italian. My husband and I did not find out the gender when I was pregnant with Isabella so we referred to the baby as "bambine," which is gender neutral for baby. I added decor on there after figuring a way to combine these ideas and voila-there you go!


Pink & Green Bird Painted Canvases


Describe what creations you have in your shop


Everything is custom made, all handpainted canvas paintings for the home. Most of them so far are for baby nurseries...I only paint something when an order comes in because I want to give the customer the chance to personalize everything-down to the colors, font, patterns, size of canvas, etc. Often, customers will send me pictures of beddings or things they like and we can work from there. How many times have you been in a store and wished they had your child's initial, name or the color you are looking for? Now I can give people a chance to custom create their own artwork!

What insprires you?

I am inspired by everything around me. Things I see in magazines, on design shows, Pinterest, Etsy, catalogs, just random ideas that come in my head...my wheels are always turning as to how I can incorporate a fun unique style into my own home decor.


Yellow & Gray Patterned Monogrammed Painted Canvases
What do you listen to or watch while creating?


Nothing really at the moment! I paint when my daughter is napping. She is only 22 months and I am 5.5 months pregnant so downtime is limited. I have to wait until nap times or bedtime to paint so I keep the house relatively quiet during these times.



Please share a favorite recipe


I love to cook especially being raised by an Italian mother who made home cooked meals each night. Now I do the same for my family. Here is a recipe I found recently online and have already made more than a few times and it is delish and relatively easy! Perfect for summer!

Servings: 4 people
Ingredients:
Roasted Vegetables:
4 roma tomatoes halved
1 tbsp fresh thyme (1 tsp dry thyme)
1 tbsp sugar
1 onion cut into 8 intact wedges
2 bulbs of garlic with tops cut off
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper

Crust:
pizza dough-I buy from grocery store and shape it myself

Remaining Pizza Toppings:
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella (bocconcini)cut into 1/4 inch slices or 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
balsamic glaze (reduced balsamic vinegar)
2 tbsp roasted pine nuts (optional)
1 cup arugula

Preparation
Roasting Vegetables:
Preheat oven to 300 F. Scoop out flesh and seeds of tomatoes and place tomatoes skin side down on baking sheet. Sprinkle tomatoes with thyme and sugar. Place onion wedges (narrow side up) and garlic bulbs on sheet with tomatoes. Sprinke onions and garlic with a generous pinch of salt. Sprinkle olive oil over tomatoes, onion and garlic. Place in oven and roast for 1 hour. Take out of the oven and let the vegetables cool. Once cooled, squeeze out the roasted garlic gloves into small bowl. Slice onion in half lengthwise and separate the wedges. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper. (Roasted vegetables will keep in sealed container for 2 or 3 days)

Assembling Pizza:
Preheat Oven to 450 F
Roll out pizza dough until 1/4 inch thick. Place rolled out dough on the pan. Spread garlic and onion slices over pizza . Cover with slices of mozzeralla (so onion and garlic won't burn). Place tomatoes on top of cheese. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden. Take pizza out of the oven and sprinkle parmesan over hot pizza. Sprinkle pine nuts and arugula over pizza. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Slice and enjoy!

www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/CAPRESE-PIZZA-ROASTED-TOMATO-MOZ...


Where else can we find you?

 
At the time, I just have my Etsy shop-BellaBambiniDecor!
www.etsy.com/shop/BellaBambiniDecor

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with S. Auman Smith

It's Welcome Wednesday...so please help me welcome Sara and her Etsy shop S. Auman Smith




What is the first creative memory you have?

Iv'e always wanted a Trapper Keeper and my parents would never buy one for me. I had to make my own out of cardboard, paper and masking tape. I think it had a hippo or something drawn on the front in crayon.

Mini Monster Duo - You Pick the Color and Size
What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

When I first heard of Etsy I instantly knew I wanted to sell here. There are so many possibilities because of access to an entire world of people. I first tried selling jewelry- none sold. After a few years I started making purses. I was really getting into it and started getting hearts and favorites, but once again... none sold. And I figured they were much more work than it was worth. Now I make animals and I love it. 

How did you come up with your shop name?

It's my name. I'm not very creative at coming up with names. My husband was given the wonderful gift of coming up with nicknames on a dime but it is A LOT of work for me to come up with something I can feel good about.

Describe what creations you have in your shop


My shop is filled with colorful felt animals and monsters. All made by me, all hand embroidered. I started making some cat brooches too.

Stuffed Whale Fish


What insprires you?


My two boys and my super funny husband inspire me at the moment. They are funny and come up with all sorts of crazy ideas and sometimes that triggers an idea.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?


If I'm not listening to the radio, which is usually just backround noise, it's my two boys wrestling, yelling or screaming. When I embroider, I love watching all the great auction shows like Storage Wars and American Pickers. Mike Wolfe is super hot- I could watch him all day.


Yellow Cat Stuffed Toy
Please share a favorite recipe


Grilled cheese with pickles and thousand island dressing.
It's easy- you can make it any way you want.

Where else can we find you?

Right now I have a few pieces in a local coffee shop and in a really great old antique store/ flea market type place.

You can also find me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/#!/SAumanSmith

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tribute Tuesday with Chikk Vintage

Let's all help welcome Sandra and her Etsy shop Chikk Vintage




Have fun treasure hunting through Sandra's vintage shop AND enjoy a sale!!! 20% OFF SUMMER SALE is going on right now over at Chikk Vintage!

Vintage Multicolored Crochet Doily


What is the first creative memory you have?

 I remember sitting by my grandmother's sewing machine while she worked on her quilts and she'd give me these little pieces of very colorful fabric to put together with needle and thread. I was only four and don't remember anything ever coming out of that but in my mind they were wonderful creations.


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My love for all things from other eras and my yearn to create daily.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I used a web site that suggests hundreds of names for businesses. I did give them a few keywords and picked my shop's name from the different combinations that they gave me. That was a lot of fun.


Vintage Handpainted Dutch Clogs


Describe what creations you have in your shop

I sell wonderful vintage creations that were made at a time when we were a lot more relaxed and actually did take the time to stop and create something. I deeply admire these works of art that came out of the hands of women of a lost era. And, of course, I consider my entire shop my creation since a lot of care and attention goes into photographing those items and putting the whole thing together in a creative way that pleases the eye.

What insprires you?

Definitely thrifty stores. Whenever I'm going through a dry creative spell, I head off to the nearest thrifty store and as soon as I arrive, magic begins. All the different colors, shapes, creations, textures, etc. get my creative juices running again. I'm a happy kid when I'm in a thrifty store.

Vintage Williamsburg Collectors' Dish Towel
What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to music on Pandora all the time. Anything to Lady Gaga to Mozart, Jazz and meditation music, depending on my mood.

 Please share a favorite recipe

I have many favorite recipes but lately I've been trying to curb my appetite so I haven't made any in a long time. I usually go to www.cooks.com or www.epicurious.com for recipes.



Where else can we find you?

Here is a link to my shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ChikkVintage

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Harmony Designs & Soaps

Please help welcome Jennifer and her Etsy shop Harmony Designs & Soaps





Kanzashi Flower Hair Clip
What is the first creative memory you have?

I first remember my Mom having a sewing machine when I was a child. I seemed to be fascinated by it. I always loved to draw and paint too!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I did, honestly I knew I could do anything I put my mind to.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I always believed in Harmony in this world and especially in nature. It fit my shop perfectly.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I have Kanzashi hair flowers, lip balms, bath salts, lotions, bubble bath soy tart melts, bracelets and stud earrings.


Icy Peppermint Bath Salts


What insprires you?

Nature inspires me. You can look around everyday and find the beauty in it.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Watch or actually listen to the tv or love listening to the blues.


Copper Wire Wrapped Swarovski Indicolite Ring

Please share a favorite recipe

Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole

Ingredients

1/2 cup uncooked white rice
10 ounces broccoli florets
10 ounces cauliflower florets
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 pound processed cheese food, cubed
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
5 3/8 fluid ounces milk
1 1/2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
Directions

In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Simmer broccoli and cauliflower florets in water for 10 minutes, or until crunchy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large saucepan, melt butter and saute onion. Stir cauliflower, broccoli and rice into the saucepan. Once the vegetables and rice are coated, stir in the cheese, chicken soup and milk. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the crackers on top.
Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 30 minutes.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/harmonydesignsandsoaps
Blog: harmonysoaps.blogspot.com/
Etsy: www.harmony5.etsy.com
I am also the Captain of Team Serenity, a team I created to help shops with a little bit of everything!


Pumpkin Cheesecake Natural Lip Balm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Tribute Tuesday with This -n- That Boutique

It's Tribute Tuesday...so let's welcome Etsy shop This -n- That Boutique





What is the first creative memory you have?

Sitting at my grandmothers on a hot summer day with yarn in hand and her teaching me how to make my first blanket. I think I was about 10 years old and loved learning from her. It was our special thing together.


Sleepy Owl Hat

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I was searching for patterns and found out that you could sell on Etsy and it was more craft based then eBay where I had been selling.






How did you come up with your shop name?

I always had a little of This and That in my store on eBay and it just sort of stuck. I have thought about changing it but every time I do I add new items that make it this and that again.


Describe what creations you have in your shop

I focus on hand made crochet hats, booties, and photo props for babies. I also love to do purses and older children's items. I am dabbling in headbands now too.


Twin Set, Princess and the Frog


What insprires you?

My children inspire me every day. I want to be able to stay home and watch
them grow up and spend as much time with them as I can. With 7 kids one income is just not enough. My passion for crochet and my kids is my driving force to turn this hobby into a business to keep my kids home with me and out of daycare.


What do you listen to or watch while creating?


Usually I have Disney on in the background with kids thats the only tv I get to watch.
Pixie/Elf Hat with Pom Pom



Please share a favorite recipe


I love this dip for fruit that I had at my baby shower for my first son 13 years ago. I have always loved it. Not to healthy but hey it sure does taste good. You mix a jar of marshmallow creme with a package of cream cheese and there you go a nice sweet dip for any fruit of your choice.


Where else can we find you?


You can find me on
Facebook www.facebook.com/Thisnthatboutiquefans
Twitter twitter.com/T_N_TBoutique
Pinterest pinterest.com/valerycagney/

Monday, August 20, 2012

Meet Monday with Thoughtful Stitches

It's Meet Monday...so let's meet Sharon and her Etsy shop Thoughtful Stitches!




Receive 10% off of your purchase from Thoughtful Stitches for 10 days ONLY, August 20th - August 30th with coupon code: myfAverittesale



Black and pink crochet hat and booties set

What is the first creative memory you have?

 
My family moved to central Michigan in 1970, when I was 5, and I think that's when I can first remember becoming "creative". We moved from the suburbs in southern Michigan into what used to be a one room school house "out in the country". With 5 kids in the family we were often encouraged to "find something to do" (usually with an explanation mark at the end). 

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?


Everyone. People kept telling me "you should sell these". Etsy is the perfect platform for me!!

How did you come up with your shop name?


Thoughtful Stitches... it just came to me. I wanted something that could include any "stitched" (sewn, crochet, or knit) items and I AM very thoughtful. ; )

Describe what creations you have in your shop


Right now in the shop I have crochet baby booties, pixie hats, beanies, diaper covers, wool mittens, arm warmers, leg warmers, apple and coffee cozies.


Pink and grey baby sandals


What inspires you?


I am more inspired in fall (my favorite season) and winter. I love the idea of my handmade creations keeping little toes around the world warm and cozy!!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

If I'm working at night (which I do a LOT) during family tv time, we watch a lot of reality tv (Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Great Escape, etc.)
I am also a huge fan of anything with a paranormal theme. I love all the ghost hunter shows and anything that deals with the "afterlife".

 Please share a favorite recipe

Crochet baby loafers
This is something super quick and easy (probably not the most nutritional meal around, ok it's not nutritional at all, but it does have meat and "potatoes")

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Put this in a bowl and mix:
2 to 3 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
Put in a greased 9 x 12 pan and top with a bag of crinkle cut french fries. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or so.


 Where else can we find you?
 
I am not a "social networker" (I don't know how people find the time!!)... I am on Pinterest and Wanelo... even though I don't really know what I'm doing : ) :
pinterest.com/tfstitches/
wanelo.com/thoughtfulstitches


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Acts of Craftiness

Well today I not only ask you to welcome my featured Etsy shop and artist Jen...I am asking you to also leave her HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes in the comments!!! Today is her birthday!!! Happy, happy birthday Jen!!! Let's discover her Etsy shop, Acts of Craftiness




What is the first creative memory you have?

I don’t know if this is my first creative memory, but it is definitely an early one. I was visiting my grandmother and I begged her to show me how to crochet. She handed me a ball of thick brown nylon yarn and a jumbo crochet hook and showed me how to do single crochet. I got started and eventually ended up with a lopsided, concave “thing.” I was so excited to give my parents my new creation! When I presented them with my gift, they asked what it was. I had no clue, but blurted out, “It’s a bread basket.” They loved it (of course!) and that bread basket was used for years. It has since mysteriously disappeared though.


Rainbow rain cloud embroidered hoop art
What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I have always been a crafty person, and I viewed Etsy as a place where I could share my creations with others and possibly make enough money to keep up with my crafting habit. Like many other shop owners, I wanted to open an Etsy shop for a long before I finally did it. There never seemed to be enough time to work my day job, make products, and get a shop set up.

After I had my son, I quit my day job so I could stay home with him. During the first few (sleep-deprived) months, I started sketching up some designs, learned more about Etsy, and researched the market. In February of 2012, my shop was ready for its debut.

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I was working full time, I didn’t really craft very much. I was a teacher, so even when I got to go home at the end of the day or was lounging on the couch on the weekend, I was always working on new assignments or grading. So, when I decided to stay home with my son, I was really excited to have more time for crafting. My goal was to do something crafty every day, even if it was only a small project or a bit of a larger project. I thought of it as my “daily acts of craftiness.” When I was trying to come up with a name for my shop, I had this idea stuck in my head, so I took it and shortened to just Acts of Craftiness.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop features cross stitch patterns, cross stitch kits, hand-embroidered hoop art, and hand-embroidered jewelry.

Custom conversation heart cross stitch pattern


What inspires you?

While all of my designs are of things I love, most of them are inspired by my family, friends, nerdiness, pop culture, and things I loved while growing up.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I love to read, but it’s hard to read and create at the same time since I need my hands for both! So, I often listen to audio books while I work. I love mysteries.

I am also a little addicted to TV. I will watch almost anything. I’ve been getting caught up on all the shows I didn’t have time to watch before staying home with my son (and the ones my husband would laugh at me for watching). Most recently, I got caught up on The Glades, and I just rewatched every episode of Psych.


Personalized QR code embroidery art hoop
Please share a favorite recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites With Spicy Sour Cream Dipping Sauce

For the potatoes:
1 lb small or medium red potatoes (one-bite sized potatoes would be even better)
1 1/2 tsp chopped, fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
12-16 oz bacon
toothpicks

For the dipping sauce:
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1 tsp hot sauce - or to taste (Any brand you like will do. I've used Tabasco and an Asian chili garlic sauce, and both were great.)
salt and pepper

Directions:
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Wash and dry the potatoes. Chop them into 1-inch pieces, keeping the chunks roughly the same size. Put the potatoes in a medium pot, cover them with cold water, and salt the water.
• Bring the water to a boil. Let it boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, until you can stick a fork into the potatoes without too much resistance. You want the potatoes to be almost, but not fully, cooked so they don't fall apart while being wrapped.
• Drain the potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the rosemary, olive oil, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Cut the bacon strips in half. Wrap each piece of potato in a half-strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
• Put the potatoes on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. You may need to cook the potatoes in two batches so the baking sheet isn't too crowded.
• Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes, and then flip each piece. Bake them for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and crisp.
• Mix the sour cream and hot sauce in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pile the potato bites on a plate and serve them alongside the dip
• Eat more than you probably should! :)

Where else can we find you?

Etsy: ActsofCraftiness.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActsofCraftiness
Twitter: ActsofCraftines
Blog: ActsofCraftiness.blogspot.com

Tetris heart embroidery art hoop

Friday, August 17, 2012

Fun Friday with Finger Crafts

I found some funny "finger drawings" on Pinterest the other day...so I thought why not have this Fun Friday be about "finger crafts." Enjoy :)

The ever classic finger puppets!!! Check out Oh Baby for these cute puppet patterns!





Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...edible finger paints from Martha Stewart! Do they come in chocolate and Dr. Pepper flavor for me? I wouldn't get any painting done...





What the heck?!? Finger knitting!?! I had no idea...how cool...from Housing a Forest





Finger Friends from favecrafts...holey moley spicy guacomole these are AWESOME!!!





Can you say INGENIOUS!!! There was no link to this picture to give credit for...but it looks like you take a piece of blank paper, squirt some finger paints on the paper, using painters tape you tape over some plastic wrap over the paper and viola...you have mess free finger painting!!!





And finally...what inspired this post today...the cutest finger drawings you may ever see!!! And creative too...check out a gallery of creative finger drawings at bit rebels for your inspiration!!! ***Warning...a few of the finger drawings in the gallery may not be suitable for some children...I recommend browsing through it first to determine which ones you would like your kids to see***


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Diaszabo

Please give a warm welcome to Hardia and her Etsy shop Diaszabo

If you LOVE flowers and you LOVE color...then Hardia's shop is where you need to look! Let's discover her creative story...



Yellow rose necklace
What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creation was a rose. I like flower so I tried to create a rose to make a ring for my daughter. I watched YOU TUBE..:)

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My Craft story began when my daughter had summer holiday, and look for something to do for her summer holiday. I found Polymer Clay, but I don't know about What is that Polymer Clay and what to do with it. So I was googling a lot , went to library, bought a book, magazine and take online course. Anyway.. we did fun with Polymer clay, but when my daughter went back to school. I couldn't stop to play with Polymer Clay, it became my addiction. So I made some of flowers for Jewelry. I found Etsy from Internet , and I saw many people so creative and selling their stuff on Etsy. since I have been practicing and made some of works ( I couldn't wear all my creation for myself) so on November 2011, I started selling in Etsy. I was a buyer though.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Dia Szabo Design, Dia was taken from Hardia, it is just a nick name. Szabo is my husband's family name. I just want use a name that easy to remember since I have Foreign name, so It is not easy to pronounce .
Purple calla lily earrings


Describe what creations you have in your shop

Most my creations are sculpting flower using Polymer Clay. I made Jewelry , Accessories, and Custom Wedding. Currently I am working on Air dry Clay with high quality clay that I will use for wedding stuff such as Flower Bouquet, Boutonniere, Hair accessories. I am working on it, may be 3-4 months later I will be able to sell on Etsy.

What insprires you?

Most my Inspiration come from my Balcony Garden and my house plants. I love plants , and flower .



What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Do you mean while I am doing my works?? Listening radio, while watching TV...:)
Please share a favorite recipe
I do not have recipe. The only thing I can share is . Do a job that you love and believe that you will success!!!

Because when you do your work with your heart and love it, you will never get tired, keep create even though no body buy, keep create something new even though no body care, keep updated , be yourself. Keep trying and believe that you will success !!! Remember, you do it with love.!!!


Red poppy flower bracelet


Where else can we find you?

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Polymer-Clay-By-Dia/178883255527398

Pinterest :
pinterest.com/diaszabo/

Flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/diaszabo/

Blog:
diaclay.blogspot.com/

Tribute Tuesday with Pretty Charmed

Let's all shout a big "HOWDY" for todays Tribute Tuesday with Cheryl from Pretty Charmed!




A shop filled with all of your creative supplies for scrapbooking or making jewelry! Let's discover Cheryl's story...

Glass heart shaped pendant tiles
What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory is creating a beaded keychain when I was 4 years old. It was a blast and I kept that keychain for years!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I started out as a jewelry designer and found myself spending countless hours trying to track down quality products at reasonable prices. I finally decided to open my supplies shop, Pretty Charmed, so that I could pass along those same great products! I love the items I sell and stand behind them 100 percent.

How did you come up with your shop name?

The name Pretty Charmed really just came to me late one night and it stuck!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

Pretty Charmed carries all of the supplies that you need to create pendants or magnets with your own photos or images. It is so much fun that it is borderline addictive!

What insprires you?

I am inspired by beautiful images, ephemera, and vintage items. I find beauty and inspiration in things that are old, rusty and weathered. I enjoy mixing old with new.


Shiny silver plated ball chains


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I have an old radio in my workshop that had belonged to my mother who passed away about 10 years ago. I turn on that old radio and somehow feel like she is there with me.

1 inch square blank pendant trays
Please share a favorite recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, stemmed and quartered
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• Whipped Cream, recipe follows
Directions
Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.
Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally.
Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.
Whipped Cream:
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
Using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrettyCharmed?ref=hl
Pinterest: pinterest.com/prettycharmed/

Small teardropped shaped copper pendant bails

Monday, August 13, 2012

Meet Monday with Hair Brained Boutique and a GIVEAWAY

Everyone extend your smiles and let's meet Erin and her Etsy shop Hair Brained Boutique!





The perfect accessory for any age and any occasion, Erin's shop is full of what I like to call "hair candy!" She is also offering a great giveaway...see all of the details at the end of the interview.

Now let's discover Erin and her creative story behind Hair Brained Boutique

Leopard print fabric flower headband

What is your first creative memory?

I've always been creative, but one of my first memories is making sparkly red shoes with a glue gun and red glitter for my Junior Prom. I couldn't find shoes I loved so I made them! I felt like Judy Garland!



What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My creative journey on Etsy began when I bought my daughter a headband at a craft fair and figured out that I could make them. I started fooling around with fabric and beads and I made a few things for her. I got tons of compliments so I decided to try my hand at an Etsy shop.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name came about very organically and comically. When I told my husband that I wanted to try my hand at making hair accessories and selling them he was very supportive. However I will admit that as a stay at home mom I've proposed some pretty crazy ideas for making some extra money, so one day while I was making some headbands he smiled and said very lovingly "You and your Hair Brained Ideas" So there was born Hair Brained Boutique :)


Turn your dress into a custom headband!!!


Describe what creations you have in your shop

The creations I have in my shop are handcrafted fabric flowers made into headbands, clips, bobby pins, and even pins. They are pretty, feminine and bright. They are for both women and girls and are meant to add a fun and flirty touch to any outfit.

What inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me - nature, other crafters, my daughter, and people. I'll see someone wearing a great coat and think - that color would look great in her hair!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?


I don't watch anything too inspirational while I create. It's my relaxing time, my "me" time so I watch TV.


Zebra print fabric flower ponytail holder
Please share a favorite recipe

My favorite recipe is Chicken and Peppers.

1 can fire roasted tomatoes, 1 8oz can tomato sauce, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 orange juice, 2-3 large chicken breasts, 1 red pepper (chopped), 1 green pepper (chopped), half an onion (chopped), 2 Tbs brown sugar, 1 Tbs chili powder, 1 Tbs Ground Cumin, 1 Tbs coriander, 1-2 cloves minced garlic.

Saute onions in olive oil until translucent. Add liquids and spices and stir until combined and bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts, cover, and simmer on low for 45-1 hour or until chicken falls apart. After about 20-30 minutes add the peppers. Take out the chicken and shred. Add back in and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve with rice. It's fantastic. We eat this about twice a week!

Where else can we find you?

I can also be found on www.facebook/HairBrainedBoutique and Twitter.com/HairBrainedErin

NOW LET'S SEE WHAT ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL GET...

...the winner will get to choose any 2 headbands or any 2 clips from her shop!!! These are just a few you could pick :)



NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries...but the more you do the more chances you have to win! Good luck and have fun discovering Hair Brained Boutique on Etsy!!!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e33/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Fun Friday with The Olympic Games

I hope you and your tiny ones have had some time to watch some of the Olympic games together this past week...have fun with these Olympic themed activities!


Start the morning off right for your little Olympian with these Olympic ring themed waffles from Someday Crafts...these are AWESOME!





Next make the Olympic Torch from education.com





...make the Olympic Rings from Tippytoe Crafts





Learn about the different flags for different countries by painting them onto dough shapes or you could even use rocks and pebbles from education.com





...while you are making the dough shapes for the flags...make sure and make some Olympic medals from Red Ted Art's Blog





"LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!"

Potato sack races from dot coms for moms





Some cute ideas for the wee tiny ones with toddler Olympic sports from Rainy Day Mum




Other fun Olympic game ideas...just to name a few

  • hopscotch
  • jumping rope activities
  • bean bag toss
  • hula hooping
  • watermelon seed distance spitting
  • set up obstacle courses
  • gymnastics with sommer saults and cart wheels
  • good 'ol fashion foot races
  • wheel barrel races
  • 3 - legged races
  • thumb wrestling
  • leg wrestling
  • tug 'o war
I would love to hear of any special activities or games you shared with your kids during The Olympics...please share them in the comments :)

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