Giveaway on Dianapantz

Wow!  I am beyond excited about the amazing amount of people who have commented on my giveaway for the Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!  Each comment makes me so happy!!!  And guess what -- I have another giveaway going on right now over on Diana's awesome blog - check it out right here!!!!  And as always, thank you for reading :)

Apples for Jam

Source: amazon.com via Katie on Pinterest

I was so excited to see this book at TJ Maxx while I was waiting in line last night!  I have read about Apples for Jam on Soulemama before and have had it on my wishlist for a while.  I picked it up last night at the bargain price of $6!!!

There are so many delicious looking photos and recipes in here - I can't wait to make Risotto with Fried Egg, Chicken Sauteed with Cheese and Milk, Pomegranate Sorbet, Mixed Brown Bread and more!  All in all, the book includes more than 200 recipes for all-natural and delicious sounding recipes...have you ever tried something from this book? 

Owls!

Hello there!  :)

 I've been building up quite the little collection of the cutest owl things and I wanted to share them with you today....

Here are some owl things that are on my wishlist (which keeps on growing!!!)

~Tiny Owls fabric~

~Kokka Owl Fabric~

~Owl Necklace~

~Letterpress Coaster Set~

~It's a Hoot Crochet Pattern~

~Owl Magnets~

I could easily add 50 more things to my owl wishlist - these are just a few of my favorites!  I found all of these on etsy - there are a million adorable owl items to be found on that site :) What are you collecting right now? 

Small Business Saturday - Part 2

 

I'm back with some more shops to share on Small Business Saturday!  As I kept looking around the internets, I realized I had more I wanted to share so I added another post :)

Dianapantz - Diana sells winter wear, babypantz (the cutest!!) and awesome bags in her shop.  She recently made the leap to focus solely on her business, so go check her out and show some support!!

Plum Island Soap Company - a local company with the most amazing, all-natural products.  The facial moisturizer is a must in the winter!!!

Vintage Wanna Bee - Nichelle is having a HUGE sale in her shop of rosette and charm necklaces and hair accessories.  I want a Keep Calm and Carry On necklace for myself!

Gussy Sews - What can I say here?  I love Gussy, she's my blogging and small business idol!  You have probably already heard of her but if not - go shop her ruffly accessories!!!

The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery - cute, cute, CUTE cross-stitch patterns.  You will fall in love :)

Pink Lemonade - Another one of my blogging and small business idols, Paige is only 15 years old and running a hand-made business with adorable accessories.  I've already placed an order with her this holiday weekend for some cute little rosettes :)

Savor - handmade soaps and lotions and more.  I have purchased here and I can say that the soaps are just lovely :)

Keys and Memories - vintage style jewelry made from old typewriter keys - pretty and unique~



Small Business Saturday

It's Small Business Saturday!!  Hopefully next year I will have my own small business to promote, but for this year, I'm going to share small businesses from my favorites list on Etsy for you to check out. 

Two Marie's Jewelry - run by one of my best friends, she makes beautiful, professional looking pieces that will get you lots of compliments!  And free shipping on everything, every day!!

Gem and Metal - adorable jewelry featuring lots of owls (my favorite!!!) 

Kiwi and Green - vintage Pyrex, and other vintage treasures!!

Jenna's Attic - vintage sheet goodness!!!

Erin Ink Design - cards, art prints and magnets - some featuring my fave thing ever - Pyrex!!!  I have some of her magnets and they are awesome!

City Chic Country Mouse - ironing and kitchen accessories - I recently received the Sewing printed ironing board cover and pad and it brightens up the mundane task of ironing!!!

Keykalou Patterns - awesome sewing patterns - I have a ton of them and highly recommend Michelle's designs - and all patterns are on sale for $5!!

Simbiosis - sewn items such as Ipad sleeves, pouches and clutches of all different sizes and styles.  I have purchased here before and Julia sews everything so perfectly!  She's having a huge sale right now!!

Hope you find something for everyone on your list - support handmade whenever possible!!!  :)

Oreo Truffles

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

I have had this recipe pinned for a short time now and I was dying to try it!  These truffles are a 3 ingredient recipe that are so easy to put together :)  And, they were a big hit on Thanksgiving - they will definitely be made again!!

Here are my ingredients - melting chocolate picked up at Joann's, Double-Stuffed Oreos and a block of cream cheese - that's it!

I got to use my awesome new food processer - just toss in a bunch of the Oreos and pulse away till you have this....

Then you simply mix it with the cream cheese, roll into balls and refridgerate.  Cover with the melted chocolate and garnish with some of the crushed Oreos (click the first photo above to get to the original and more detailed instructions :)  Like I said, they were a huge hit and so easy (if a bit messy!!!) 

Pleated Tote Bag

Hello there!  I know it doesn't seem like it, but I have been sewing :)  I recently finished this bag and it came out awesome!  It's all I can do not to use it myself, but I really want to make a few tote sized bags to sell and this is the first one!  I've used this pattern before (it's an OOP Simplicity) and it's a quick and easy pattern to sew up.  I've made it before (here and here) and I will definitely make a few more of these.  It's lined in chocolate brown and has one patch pocket.

I'm trying to be better about my photographs, too.  I have no patience though!  I took a few photos and when I put them on my computer I knew I had to take a step back and try some different lightings - the original pics I took were SO BAD!! 

 The first photo above is in my bedroom, in the morning, with lots of natural light.  I like taking the picture with my dressform, so that you can really see the size of the bag.  The second photo is in my bathroom, no natural light at all.  Not too bad, but I think I like the first one better.  I guess it's true, there is no substitute for natural light!

Next up, I will be working on a ton of custom ordered make-up bags.  I've already made one up and it came out really cute :)  I also made some Oreo truffles that came out soooo good!  I have it Pinned on my Yummy board and will post about it tomorrow!  Hope you are all having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend :)