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Friday, October 31, 2008

Friday Feature Happy Halloween

Well, first off I am in the process of getting ready for a show in the morning and totally forgot about the Friday Feature. So I don't have an interview available. But I do have some Halloween favorites.

First we have HorrorDecor with their great horror items everything from eyeball candles to bloody Christmas stockings.

Next is FoldedPigs with there spooky dinnerware. You can get brain plates and skull plates in this shop.

SistersOfTheMoon has some awesome scary head gear. Glowing Skeleton hand clips and skull headbands. Oh there is more in this shop folks check it out.

The last shop on my list is MistysCreations, this is not a Halloween shop but they do get in the mood. Check out these Weeping earrings and this Blood Thirsty Man print.

Well those are some great shops to get your spook on in. But hey Etsy is full of spooky stuff you just have to look for it.

Sorry no pics today of the items. Click on the links and be ready to fantasize.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Gifts In A Jar: Candy Cane Bath Salts

gifts in a jar:candy cane bath saltsPretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers. Sparked with the holiday scent of peppermint, Candy Cane Bath Salts are a seasonal treat.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable gift tags. New! Print the Candy Can Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Candy Cane Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peppermint essential oil
12 to 15 drops red food color

2 pieces cardstock (for tags)


Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

In second large mixing bowl, empty one carton Epsom Salts, and add 3 cups sea salt. Stir well. Add 1/4 teaspoon glycerin, 6 to 8 drops essential oil, and food color. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even.

gifts in a jar:candy cane bath saltsCEO's tip: use a heavy-duty stand mixer (such as Kitchenaid-brand) to mix bath salts easily. Set mixer to lowest setting and mix until color is even--but don't try this with hand mixers or smaller stand mixers!

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print two copies of the Candy Cane Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try red or green gingham lids for Candy Cane Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers!

Makes 12 gift jars.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Gifts In A Jar: Peaches and Cream Bath Salts

gifts in a jar:bath saltsPretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable print gift tags! New! Print the Peaches and Cream Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Peaches and Cream Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peach essential oil
12 to 15 drops orange food color

3 pieces cardstock (for free printable gift tags)

Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

In second large mixing bowl, empty one carton Epsom Salts, and add 3 cups sea salt. Stir well. Add 1/4 teaspoon glycerin, 6 to 8 drops essential oil, and food color. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even.

CEO's tip: use a heavy-duty stand mixer (such as Kitchenaid-brand) to mix bath salts easily. Set mixer to lowest setting and mix until color is even--but don't try this with hand mixers or smaller stand mixers!

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print three copies of Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO's tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try Peach lids to add a designer touch to Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

We got busy being CREATIVE

Tonight after dinner we got busy carving our pumpkins. It is a tradition for us to get 3 pumpkins and we each get to decide how to carve it. (I know most people do this) Well we have to make sure hubby is going to be at home and not working. This is what we came up with this year.
All of our pumpkins


April's Pumpkin


My pumpkin

Hubby's Pumpkin


April posing with her pumpkin.

Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla's

Ingredients

Serves 4.

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (2 1/4 cups) button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces (about 8 cups) prewashed spinach, shredded
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add spinach in two batches, letting the first batch wilt slightly before adding the next; cook until spinach is completely wilted and mixture is dry, 2 to 3 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Brush one side of tortillas with remaining tablespoon oil. Place 4 tortillas, oiled sides down, on two baking sheets. Layer each tortilla with cheese, spinach mixture, and more cheese, dividing evenly. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas, oiled sides up, and lightly press to seal.
  4. Bake until cheese has melted and tortillas are golden brown, turning them once, about 10 minutes. To serve, cut quesadillas into quarters.
Provided by Food Everyday

Monday, October 27, 2008

Weight Loss Challenge

One of the teams that I am on is doing a weight loss challenge and today was the first day. We all weighed in and shared some of the things that we plan to do to try to lose weight. I was pleasantly surprised when I got on the scale today. I lost my job in June and have been home munching all the time. But I also had all of my teeth removed in August and had to relearn to eat solid foods. I am actually about 10 or so pounds lighter than I was when I was working.

We are not actually going by pounds lost we are going by percentage lost. I can't wait to see how we all do.


My Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

OK I am going to give y'all my secret recipe. Everything is to taste. I don't measure.


INGREDIENTS

2 - 29oz cans tomato sauce
1 or 2 - 15 oz stewed tomatoes (sliced)
Italian seasoning
parsley flakes
basil
oregano
garlic powder
chopped onion
1 pound ground meat or meat balls
small can stems and pieces mushrooms

DIRECTIONS

Brown meat with seasonings, mushrooms and chopped onion.
Mix tomato sauce and tomatoes with browned meat. Simmer. It is done when the sauce is warm. Pour over noodles and enjoy.

You can use all fresh ingredients if you prefer. I usually have all of the canned items on hand.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Corn

Something for these cool fall dinners...

CHILI WITH BEANS AND CORN

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney or navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers*
1 tbs chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

* Jalapeno peppers can sting and irritate the skin. Wear rubber gloves when handeling peppers and do not touch your eyes. Wash hands after handling.

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

My kind of dog!

I received this in an email and thought I would pass it on to all animal lovers.





The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.

He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats.

K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Thought you'd find this interesting.

Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!


A New Use For My Coffee Maker

We don't drink coffee but for some reason we have a coffee maker. I just came across this recipe on Cooks.com and I believe that I am going to try it.

HOT APPLE CIDER (WASSAIL)

1/2 gallon of apple cider
2 pts. of ginger ale
16 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 c. of red hots
Pour cider and ginger ale into large coffee pot. Place cloves, cinnamon sticks and red hots into coffee pot basket. Perk for 15 minutes.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Friday Feature Bailey's Basics

Today I would like to feature a great seller by the name of Andrea. I had the pleasure of receiving several samples for a show that I am doing and, well, I had to sample the samples. She sent me Lotion Bars, Tub Cleaner and Laundry Soap. Well the lotion is great for my daughters eczema and the tub cleaner, well, lets just say my scummy rental tub is now clean. I have not used the Laundry Soap yet but I will. This shop is just great. Now a little from Andrea.


What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Our shop is Baileys Basics, and we sell natural health and cleaning products, herbal products, and will soon feature some sewn goodies.

What is your shop's URL?
Baileysbasics.etsy.com, or you can just use www.baileysbasics.net and it’s linked right to Etsy

When did you start selling on Etsy?
We posted our first items in July 2008

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The wide variety of items available, and the quality of most of the handcrafted items!

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
That it’s all natural! Everything in our shop is chemical free, and the only fragrances are from essential oils. It’s all good for you, good for your home, and good for the environment!

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I personally love the skin salve, and any of the teas.

What teams do you belong to?
We’ve applied to join the Christian Artists Street Team (CAST), so we’re waiting to see about that.

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
My mother took some of our products to an event she was helping with and sold them there. We offered gift boxes for auction there, too, and made samples to offer. It was lots of fun to get such a big effort organized and spend a few weeks making everything. It was stressful, but a great experience!

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I just received some great earrings from amberpurejoy, and a candle that smells great. And we both absolutely love soaps from agoodwitchtoo. I really like caughtredhanded and theblackapple, too!

What do you do in your spare time?
What is that??! We both have full-time jobs and Brian runs a computer repair business, too, so we’re seriously busy people. But, we enjoy spending time with our families, having friends over, and being outside on gorgeous fall days! I love to cook, too.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I’d just like to thank everyone for being so friendly, kind, and willing to help! We’ve had a great experience on Etsy so far, and look forward to growing our little shop in the future. Thanks for featuring us!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Coffee Marshmallow Crispy Treats

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan and hands
  • 1 (10-ounce) package mini marshmallows
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso
  • 6 cups rice cereal (recommended: Rice Krispies)

Directions

Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan.

In a large pot, melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the marshmallows, getting them all coated with the butter. Slowly melt the marshmallows, stirring frequently. When the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the instant coffee (2 tablespoons for a rich coffee flavor, 3 tablespoons for a real kick) and mix until it is dissolved into the melted marshmallow. Gently fold in the rice cereal. When it is completely coated, lightly press the mixture into the prepared pan with your buttered hands. When cool, cut the treats into bars and serve.

Yield about 24 bars


Recipe from the Food Network


Doll House Giveaway

Can you believe this. Little Windows Shoppe is giving away a Caring Corners Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse, and donating another to a Children's Hospital. You can enter to win by going to the Little Window Shoppe blog and entering to win. The drawing will be on Friday Oct. 24th.

The only dollhouse that comes to life and encourages caring, sharing and preparing as your child plays! It has 12 big rooms; 400+ activities, songs, words and sounds; it helps children learn social and emotional skills through imaginary play and real-life experiences; and it is a 2008 Outstanding Product Winner!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Portobello Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 portobello mushrooms
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning, crushed
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, split
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 to 8 pieces bottled, roasted red sweet pepper
  • 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Scrape gills from mushroom caps, if desired. Drizzle mushrooms with oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and crushed Italian seasoning.

2. On charcoal grill, cook mushrooms on rack of uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Top each mushroom with a cheese slice. Place rolls, split sides down, on grill rack. Grill 2 minutes more, until cheese is melted, mushrooms are tender, and rolls are toasted.

3. Serve mushrooms on rolls. Pass mayonnaise, sweet pepper pieces, and basil leaves. Makes 4 servings.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Kahlua Bowl Cake Recipe

A great dessert, made with chocolate cake, Kahlua, candy bars, and more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 chocolate cake, 13 x 9-inches, cooled, cut in cubes
  • 1/2 cup Kahlua
  • 1 package chocolate instant pudding, prepared
  • 12 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 chocolate toffee candy bar (Skor)

Preparation:

Assemble in a 2-quart bowl:

Put half of the cake cubes in the bottom of the bowl then pour half of the Kahlua over the cake. Spread half of the pudding over the cake and Kahlua then spread half of the Cool Whip over the pudding.

Repeat layers then break the Skor bar up and sprinkle pieces over the top.


from Margo Dupont

Monday, October 20, 2008

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup

Something for these cold days that are coming upon us. If the vegetables are precooked this will work well in the crock pot. This also freezes well, so make some ahead of time for a really cold day. I guess technically this could be considered a vegetarian meal as there is no meat in it. There is cheese though....hmmmm.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1-2 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium potato, shredded
  • 1 carrot, peeled shredded
  • 1 shredded medium onion
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. pre cook medium head of cauliflower and.
  2. medium bunch of broccoli (cook in cold water to boiling point.
  3. turn down to simmer and cook for 10 minutes chop into bite size pieces).
  4. prepare a white sauce made from milk and flour in large pot (can use low fat milk).
  5. stir in cheese and spices.
  6. cook on medium low heat until cheese melts.
  7. add vegetables and stir inches.
  8. simmer until vegetables are tender.
Serves 6-8

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Vegetarian Chili

OK So one of my friends asked me why I don't do vegetarian recipes. Honestly, it is because I EAT MEAT. lol I love meat and put it in everything even my mac and cheese. But I am willing to help out a friend and so here is a Vegetarian Chili. I suppose if you are a meat eater you could easily plop some burger or steak in it. LOL Now for the recipe...

Vegetarian Chili


Ingredients

  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes, plain undrained
  • 14 ounces garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
  • 14 ounces red kidney beans in chili sauce
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup diced parsnip
  • 1-2 cup diced butternut squash
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 2 cups v- 8 low-sodium vegetable juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried chipotle powder or other roasted chili powder
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. Place vegetables in slow cooker with squash on the bottom.
  2. Mix spices with V-8 and honey and pour over vegetables.
  3. Cook on low 8 hours.
  4. Sprinkle with cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve.
Serves 6.

Enjoy

Saturday, October 18, 2008

BBQ Beef Sandwiches (crock pot style)

OK So I didn't blog yesterday, shoot me. LOL It was my birthday and I didn't feel like doing much of anything and I cut mad fabric for heat pads. Now just to sew them all up, fill them and nuke em. lol Ok on to the recipe...

bbq beef sandwiches (crock pot style)

Ingredients:

1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinigar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
10 to 12 French rolls or sandwich buns

1. Place beef in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingrediants except rolls in medium bowl; pour over meat in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours.

3. Remove beef from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Combine beef with 1 cup sauce from slow cooker. Evenly distribute meat and sauce mixture among warmed rolls.

Makes 10 to 12 servings

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

April is singing!!!

Ok well we got this awesome opportunity for April recently. She is taking 2 after school classes. Not as punishment but as extra curricular activity. lol BIG WORDS. Any way on Mondays she is going to Singing and Rhythm and on Wednesdays she is going to Art and Literacy. She had her first music class yesterday and she really liked it. It is very one on one there were only 4 kids there. lol She said first they did rhythym by banging sticks to the beat and then they sang some easy songs. But she had fun. I am so proud of her for doing this. Now just if I could get her on the soccor team next year. She really badly wants to play soccor.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Easy Microwave Fudge

EASY MICROWAVE FUDGE

1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 (6 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
1 can chocolate frosting
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows

Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in glass bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted; mix well. Blend in frosting, fold in nuts and marshmallows. Pour into greased 9 x 9 inch pan, Chill for 1 hour before cutting.

Todays Featured Artist

Today I would like to present the wonderful crafts created by Celene of MariaSoleil. Celene is a craft addict that is sure that her crafting will someday make her rich. As of this moment she does not have a lot in her shop but that is because she just had baby number 3. I forsee her shop filling back up quickly. Celene resides in Michigan and is a member of the Etsy West Michigan Team. Her favorite materials are paper, stones, wood and glass. I personally have some of Celene's fabulous cards in my possesion and I love them. Here are a couple of items that can be found in her shop.

Boo - Halloween Ticket Tags - Set of 26



Autumn Harvest Tags - Set of 12

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Overflow of Fabric

OMG I was just in my craft room hanging up some of my fabric and for kicks I counted all of the hangers. There are over 100 hangers of fabric hanging on one side of my hallway and there is still more to hang.


This is one side of my hallway/closet in my craft room. There are over 100 hangers of fabric here.


This is a box of fabric that I still need to hang. Oh my gosh what have I done. lol


Have you ever cut your fabric and then just tossed it. That is what this pile is. I need to get out of that habit.

Anyone want to help me organize all of this. lol

Friday, October 10, 2008

Microwave Peanut Brittle

This is my dad's tried and true recipe. He makes awesome peanut brittle in the MICROWAVE. Yes in the microwave.

Ron's Microwave Peanut Brittle

You will Need:
1 &1/2qt. glass casserole (no plastic)
wooden or metal spoon (no plastic)
lightly greased cookie sheet

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 cup dry roasted, salted nuts (peanut, almonds or cashews)
1 tsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
(for almond brittle substitute almond extract for vanilla and 1 cup coconut for butter)

Directions:
Combine sugar and corn syrup in casserole dish.
Microwave on high 4 min.
Add nuts, microwave on high 5 min. (4 min. for 1000+ watt Micro)
Add butter and vanilla, microwave on high 2 min. (1 min. for 1000+ watt Micro
Add baking soda and gently stir.
Pour onto cookie sheet.
Let cool 1 hour.
Break into small pieces and store in an air tight container.

***Recipe must be done exact or it will not work. Do not substitute anything except for the almond brittle.

Enjoy.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Microwaved Caramel Nut Sticky Buns

Well, I got another simple to make recipe for you from that same team member. Enjoy!!!

Caramel Nut Sticky Buns
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional, of course!)
1 can (10 oz) refrigerator biscuits

In an 8 inch round glass dish (I used a glass pie dish) combine butter, sugar, water and cinnamon. Cook on high 1 minute. Stir as soon as butter is melted. Stir in nuts. Separate biscuits and cut each into quarters. Place in sugar mixture and stir carefully to coat each piece.

Push biscuits toward the outside of dish and place custard cup or small glass in the center. Cook on high 2 1/2 to 3 minutes (or until biscuits are no longer raw). Remove custard cup or small glass and let stand for 2 minutes before pulling sections apart and serve warm.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Coffee Mug Cake

A fellow team mate of mine came into our team thread in the forums and said that she was having coffee mug cake for desert. We all wondered what could she mean. Well she came back with this recipe for us...

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if
using)
and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

I am thinking that if you put the dry ingredients in a baggie in a fun mug you could give this as a gift to that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list. I think I may actually do that. I have a few hard to buy for people and I have all of the dry ingredients on hand all the time. hmmmm

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I am having a HUMP day Sale

So here is the deal, go to either of my shops MondrysYknotShop or YknotJewelryShop and select the items that you want. I will send you a revised invoice for 10% off of your purchase price. That is right for all of Wednesday October 8th I am having a 10% off sale. Everything in both shops is 10% off. This sale ends at midnight eastern time on Thursday October 9th. 2 whole days of deals.

Etsy West Michigan Team Photo



This is a picture of a few of our team from our recent show at the Hudsonville, Gymnastiks Unlimited. From left to right, Michele =Craftinator,Reah = Racermann, Joanne = SweetSurrenderCandle, Kari = lilypiedesigns, Dulce = themonkeyshop/Dulcescreations, Jenn = MondrysYknotShop/YknotJewelryShop, Cathy = JustJaynes/LydiaLayne, Amy = thePerennialPiecer, Harriet = ThatIsSoC.U.T.E., Kara = lhsblack, Karin = awindowintowhimsy.

btw the little girl in the background on the left, that is my daughter April. She snuck in on the picture.

Check out these great shops on Etsy today. Everything is made in America by Michigan hands.