Zappyturtle's Budget Living

New Changes to my blog

2009-06-12T13:51:00.002-04:00

Soon I will change the direction of my Blog. I want to offer tips and how to for budget living. I hope to inspire you to do it yourself, save money and even time. My Etsy shop will reopen in August. Then I want to offer items that will help you to complete some of the projects I will have here and supplies so you can do it yourself.

Remember to Smile Everyday!

Earth Day Callenge

2009-03-22T21:09:00.002-04:00

Coming soon EtsyFriends Earth Day Challenge!
This is the first thing I am considering for the challenge, It's an coiled hot pad resembling the Earth. The hot pad is created using scrap pieces of fabrics that I have left over from project that range from clothes to gifts for all my Nieces and Nephews. This hot pad used various blues, greens and purples. The continents are stitch down fully. Tell me what you think

EtsyFriends Treasure Hunt

2009-03-03T08:42:00.002-05:00

Lucky Charms

Come by our blog and find all the lucky charms for your chance to win prizes! There's over $150 of merchandise being given away from members of our team (Plus a ton of awesome sales!). AND there will be 3 winners! Enter between 3/3 and 3/17 midnight PST. (For more details on how to play, click here)

US only 18+.

To enter head to out blog:

http://www.efpromotions.blogspot.com/

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

First place (first randomly drawn): Wins first pick and gets to choose 9 of the prizes being offered.

Second place (Second randomly drawn): wins second pick out of the remaining prizes and gets to pick 6 of the prizes being offered.

Third place: Gets all of the remaining 5 prizes being offered.

(Possible: 4th place, if there are any left over prizes that the 3rd place can't use then 1 extra person will get some prizes).

List of prizes: http://lefpreviews.blogspot.com/

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

On top of all the awesome prizes, you can get Sales and discounts from all the participating shops! Sales good from March 3rd - March 17th

To find all the discounts head to our blog

http://www.efpromotions.blogspot.com/

Shops offering awesome discounts:

Zappyturtle.etsy.com
TagsAndButtons.etsy.com
RetroReesa.etsy.com
ReesasFavorites.etsy.com
Herbjungle.etsy.com
MVincent.etsy.com
Sygnetcreations.etsy.com
Designedbykrhf.etsy.com
Recupefashion.etsy.com
AMOzarkian.etsy.com
MyissaG.etsy.com
MondrysYknotShop.etsy.com
Babymoon.etsy.com
GeckoJewelry.etsy.com
Roxiesgourmettreats.etsy.com

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For information on Team Etsyfriends

http://team.etsy.com/profilest/etsyfriends.shtml

Visit the EtsyFriends:

http://etsyfriends.blogspot.com/

To find items by EtsyFriends use the tag "etsyfriends team"

And if you would like to find our most current team thread, search for "EtsyFriends" in the Forum Posts

Sale Time!

2009-02-27T18:05:00.002-05:00

My Spring Cleaning Sale!!
2/27-3/1
Spring Cleaning on all Jewelry
The more you buy the more you save:
Buy 3 Jewelry listings save 20%
Buy 4 Jewelry listings Save 30%
Buy 5 or more Jewelry listings Save 50%

Organize Your Home- Winter Extras

2009-01-06T12:56:00.004-05:00

Do you have winter hats, gloves, scarves? This is an easy and inexpensive way to Organize them. This small over the door organizer is actually sold as a shower organizer at the Dollar Tree. It comes complete with the hangers that will fit over a door. This one has 9 pockets, just the perfect size for your gloves, hat, and scarves. You can even write names on the pockets if needed with a Sharpie Marker.

New Year! So much going on

2009-01-02T11:20:00.003-05:00

It's a new Year!! There is so much to do and so much going on!

My Organize that shop will be closing Jan.31 Due to new regulations I think it is time to close shop. I will continue to sell my recycled items in zappyturtle.etsy.com

I hope this year to give you low cost ideas of how to get organized!
Some ideas will be organizing your winter wear, organizing your etsy shop needs, and much more to help your home and business!

Black Friday Cyber monday sale!!

2008-11-27T10:30:00.003-05:00

Take this oppotunity to get the best deal in my shops available!!
For Friday Nov.28th through Cyber Monday Dec. 1st recieve 40% off!!
check out both shops:
http://zappyturtle.etsy.com for recycled treasures
http://organizethat.etsy.com for organization needs

Etsy :: CritterHabitat :: Friends Forever amigurumi Squirrrels

2008-11-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

Etsy :: CritterHabitat :: Friends Forever amigurumi Squirrrels

The team challagne winner!!
WE had a team contest to come up with an item that fits the Theme Fall into Friendship.
She also has a second shop at hildeguardslair.etsy.com that sells chainmaille products. She is a wounderful seller and Friend. Congratulations!!

What I've been doing!

2008-11-08T08:56:00.003-05:00

Well I've been talking about this display to my friends. I actually took pictures of this display so I thought I would share. The reverse of these was used for the summer display, they were waves. Now the waves on this side have been turned into Elves! I used spary paint for a majority of it, then painted the details in acrylic. It tooke me a few days but I got them done!

Team Challange

2008-11-06T20:10:00.003-05:00

http://loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com/2008/11/special-edition-11-prizes-up-for-grabs.html Follow this link to your chance to win 1 of 11 prizes! Just vote for your favorite item.

I did it! I made a sock Monkey

2008-11-04T11:32:00.004-05:00

I just love Carol Duvall, I've always seen her sock monkey but never tried to make one. Well a Friend posted a link to a site that shoed how to do it. I have two kids who'd love them so I decided to try! It was easy. I used a knee high sock so his legs are really long.

Butternut Squash Casserole

2008-10-25T10:24:00.002-04:00

Butternut Squash casserole
3 Cups Butternut squash, mashed
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Eggs
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1/2 Cup Raisins, optional (I don't use)
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Nuts, chopped (I use pecans)
1/2 Cup Butter
1/3 Cup Flour
Directions:
Mix together the butternut squash, 1/2 cup butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and raisins and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Mix the brown sugar, nuts, butter, and flour in a seperate bowwl with a fork. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the squash and bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Or untill nice and golden brown on top

Okay just in case you've never baked a butternut squash here's how;
Peel the skin off the with a peeler. This takes a little time. Slice off each end. Cut in half. Scoop out pulp and seeds, this is similar to a pumpkin. Then chop ino cubes. Place in a pan and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 350* until tender about 30-45 mins.This is my way of baking sqash, and the butternut squash is great just like that as well with a little pepper.

Some of my troll friends

2008-10-24T21:16:00.000-04:00

This is some of my trolls. This is what I spent my hard earn babysitting money on when i was a young teen=)

A great Little Givaway

2008-10-23T11:19:00.003-04:00

Little Window shop is having a great contest! They are giving away a Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse to a lucky winner and also donating one to Children’s Hospital. This is a great opportunity! They are also looking to get e-signatures to add to the card. Stop by http://littlewindowshoppe.com/help-giveback-and-enter-to-win-a-mrs-goodbee-dollhouse#comment-5651 to enter and get all the information!!

What is it?

2008-10-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

Many don't know but I love taking photographs! If it's not of my kids, it's of Nature. I was scrolling through some pictures and thought it'd be fun to let people guess what this is. So lets see who gets it right=)

Please DO NOT use my photo without my permission.

Thank You

2008-10-18T23:40:00.000-04:00

This is a post for all those who helped make the Fall Festival A sucess!! I don't have the final numbers yet but I hope to soon!!
Thank you all

What I've done

2008-10-18T23:20:00.002-04:00

Well I created some new items today, 30 to be exact!

Here is my project board. As I create my items they get hung on this board. After I'm finish creating then i creat the earring cards. As each pair is put on an earring card then they are re-hung on this board ready for thier pictures to be taken.

I got my stuff For the Fall Festival DONE!

2008-10-04T21:11:00.003-04:00

I finally got these done for the cooking basket for my son's class. Now I can just make other things if I like. I made a matching Apron and Chef hat for an adult and child.

Here is the Pokemon Jacket!

2008-10-04T08:22:00.002-04:00

Well I forgot to post this earlier but this is the jacket I made for my son for bookcharacter day. THis is a Pokemon trainer jacket. Don't laugh but the pattern started out as a paper bag jacket, like we did in school for Thanksgiving! I adjusted it and freely cut the collar and sleeves. I am only dissappointed in the zipper but for doing this in just a few days I think it turned out wonderful! He loves it and that is what matters the most.

IT's Fall!! I'm celebrating with a Sale!

2008-09-22T08:11:00.003-04:00

It's Fall, My favorite season of the year. I just love the colors and the cool air. My family always makes a trip to the apple houses and pumpkin patch this time of the year. As a celebration that Fall is finally here I'm haveing a sale!!

This week only Sept 22 - 27 All items in my shop is buy two get one of equal or lesser value for free!! All you have to do is buy your two items and then list in notes to seller the item you want free. No waiting for revised invoices and THe item is totally free you don't even pay shipping on it.

The Final cake for the party

2008-09-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Well I have to say it didn't turn out just like my picture I drew. I planned on having round towers on each of the four corners. I made them out of rice crispy treats, and they fell apart =( I've learned over the years sometimes things don't work out as planned. So I modified it a bit and this is the result. I just hope the kids love it.

Advertisment Opportunity

2008-09-11T20:25:00.001-04:00

My children’s school has a Fall Festival every year to raise money for the school. I am in charge of collecting donations for this year’s Fall Festival. We are looking for donations of prizes to be awarded at bingo. This was the most popular game last year among adults and children. Some of the prizes from last year included gift certificates from retail shops and restaurants, salon gift set, jewelry, tools and luggage. This year we hope to make it an even bigger event. All prizes were put into gift bags with the business card attached to the front from the business that donated the item. Also all businesses were listed on several posters that surrounded the stage of our basket auction. Also businesses will be recognized throughout the festival. This festival draws family and friends of the students as well as members of the local communities. The date of this years festival is October 17th.

In addition to the bingo game we also will have a basket auction. These baskets all have a different theme and you may wish to donate for that. Some themes for this year include:
Movies
Spa
Cooking
Barbie
Hot Wheels
Baby
Chocolate
Dog
Girls Sleepover
I love to Read
Office
Coffee
UGA (University of Ga)
Game Night
High School Musical
Hannah Montana
And more to come.

Anyone donating will receive a letter from the school with their letterhead that can be used for tax purposes. (Please check with your accountant to make sure this is appropriate for your state.)

Thanks, if you have any questions please feel free to convo me.

THe winner!!

2008-08-24T20:04:00.002-04:00

The winner of the First contest is STEPH!!!! from http://socalledmommy.etsy.com

All other participants if you wish to purchase something from my shop I will give you a discount. Please convo me for detail. Thanks to all who participated in my first blog give-a-way!!

Applebutter Bread- Recipe

2008-08-19T18:34:00.001-04:00

It's almost fall time and we are getting apples from our neighbor's tree. This is so good! I've also made it using pumpkinbutter instead of applebutter. I'd like to thank WaHa for this wonderful recipe!!

Applebutter Bread
Makes 1 loaf

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons soda
2 cups flour
1 cup apple butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 cup pecans

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and beat well. Combine buttermilk and soda. Combine flour and spices. Add alternately with buttermilk beginning and ending with flour. Stir in apple butter and pecans. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr or until wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 mins; remove to wire rack and cool completely.

Wanna Win??

2008-08-11T20:04:00.002-04:00

http://zappyturtle.etsy.com
THis is my first give-a-way on my blog!
To qualify just comment on your favorite item in my shop! That's it, then you are entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Certificate to my shop! The contest will end on August 23rd. THe Winner will be posted on August 25. Please leave a way to contact you.

MMMmmmmmmmmmmm......Blueberries

2008-08-09T18:06:00.002-04:00

I share recipes with bakers all over the world and here is a few from the Baker Chicks

Blueberry Buckle

3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c veg. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 c. fresh or dry pack frozen blueberries, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. soft margarine or butter

Mix sugar, shortening, eggs and milk until well blended. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg & cloves. Fold in blueberries. Spread batter in a greased 9" square pan. Combine last 4 ingredients & mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 for 45-50 min. or until top springs back when lightly touched. Serve warm, cut into squares.

blueberry cream pie

9" pie shell, baked and cooled

1/4 c. cold water
5 Tblsp. all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
4 c. fresh or dry pack frozen blueberries, rinsed and drained
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water

Make a smooth paste of the cold water, flour and salt. Boil 1 cup of the blueberries w/sugar and 1/2 c. water. Add the flour paste and stir until it thickens. Remove from stove and cool. When cool, fold in the remaining blueberries and pour into pie shell. Refrigerate. When cold, top with sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping.

Blueberry Banana Bread

2 cups sugar
2 sticks butter
5 medium bananas : mashed
4 eggs
4 cups of all purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs; add bananas, then 2 cups of flour. Measure 2 cups more reserving 2 tablespoons to coat blueberries. Place remaining flour in sifter with other dry ingredients. Sift and fold into the banana mixture. Sprinkle 2 tbs. flour over the blueberries and coat well; then fold into batter. Divide the batter in to prepared loaf pans. Bake for approximately 50 minutes.

Blueberry-Pineapple Cream Cheese Salad

Salad:
1 (6 oz.) pkg. raspberry-flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups cold water
2 cups blueberries
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained

Topping:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz.) container dairy sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Stir gelatin into boiling water until dissolved; stir in cold water.
Stir in blueberries and pineapple.
Pour into a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
Chill until firmly set ( about 3 hours ).

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla
until smooth; spread evenly over set gelatin.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Makes 12 servings.

SHHH....! This is top Secret for my Blog readers.....

2008-08-08T11:33:00.002-04:00

A contest is coming soon! Be sure to check back Tuesday Aug 12th for the anouncement!

Recycled Booty Bags- Trashion

2008-08-08T08:45:00.005-04:00

What can ugly pants become?

Great Looking Bags!!

This artist gives unwanted pants a new life! The great bags can be used for a tote, reusable grocery bag, or even a book bag. She also has other wonderful items in her shop check her out! http://recycledbootybags.etsy.com

A bit from her profile:“I am a thrift store fiend. While shopping one day I found a really loud pair of pants. I thought why would anyone ever buy them-they were neon orange. Being a bit silly I felt bad for them cause they would never find a home. Kinda like the Humane Society meets the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was there that the inspiration hit me for my bags. I bought the homeless neon orange pants. I experimented with them and created my first booty bag. The rest is history. Now I regularly "adopt the unadoptable" of the horrible pants world.
Bad pants = COOL BAGS!”

I'm terrible

2008-08-07T21:21:00.002-04:00

Well here today is Trashion THursday and I forgot. However I hope to feature a Trashion artist tomorrow. Today my kids started back to school and I finally got that mountain of paperwork filled out!

Taco Soup

2008-08-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

Taco Soup

1.5 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
1 (15- ounce ) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, Grated cheese, Chopped green onions, Pickled jalapenos, for garnish
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

I changed some ingredients original recipe can be found:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/paula_deen/0,1974,FOOD_11023,00.html

Treasury

2008-08-04T22:31:00.002-04:00

WEll I finally got a treasury!
I made one for Trashion!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=20919

Come give it some love!!

A Great Idea- Recycled Tags

2008-08-04T17:35:00.003-04:00

I needed some tags for some promos I was working on for a show. I wanted something recycled and sturdy. So I decided to try paper grocery bags. I cut the bag into sheets that were approximatly 8 1/2" x 11 1/2" and would fit into my printer. I created my tags in a program and printed out onto the bag sheets and they turned out great! Count on a few extras just in case. Be sure to turn any print on the bag away from the printing side.

Specialsuds- Feature Friday

2008-08-01T09:58:00.006-04:00

So far Feature Friday has been a shop that I have made a recent purchase from and this week is no exception.

Tina and her three boys run this wonderful shop. I first found this shop in the promo thread. She was offering the cupcake samples. I bought a Lavander Vanilla and absolutely love it. They also make larger bars and Tubby paint! This is a great set of tubby paints and a paint brush for your kids to use in the tub. Come by and check out the shop, don’t see a scent you want? She is very Convo friendly!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13504818

Trashion Thursday- Multi Artists Feature

2008-07-31T09:14:00.008-04:00

I got such a reaction from my thread that I decided to feature more than one artist today. These are Trashion artist who turn trash into real Treasures. These are just a few of the Recycled Treasures I have found.

Jenellsrevenge
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5294054

Jen takes old plain purses and gives them new life. With some paint she turns plain old purses into a work of art. Stop by and see these and other wonderful creations she has in her shop.

IMOTIME-This Guy knows the Time
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=90650

Nothing is safe around this shop owner, he turns almost anything into a clock. If you want a unique clock for your home or office then this is the shop for you. Eric uses discarded items and makes them useful again. Come by and buy a few clocks they make wonderful gifts and every room can use a clock.

Lostandfoundobject2
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5179039

What do bike tires, soda cans, game pieces and forks all have in common? They are all made into jewelry. This shop owner makes jewelry out of whatever she finds. It playful and a conversation starter.

15 Reasons Mr.Rogers was the best Neighbor ever

2008-07-29T19:53:00.002-04:00

This article was sent to me in an e-mail and I felt Like I should share it with all.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/28/mf.mrrogers.neighbor/index.html

Recipe: BBQ Taters- Just in time for the Trade Game tomorrow

2008-07-29T09:34:00.004-04:00

This is for all U tradeaholics who just love the Trade game. On WEd. I look forward to playing but the first game is at 5pm the time I start Dinner, so I make sure I've got a delicious dinner going in my crockpot so when I'm done, dinner's done:)

This week it's BBQ Taters with Homemade BBQ sauce, this sauce is so easy you'll never buy bottled again. I make the sauce the day before while making dinner for that night.
What is a BBQ tater? It's a bake potato topped with great BBQ....it's so delicious! I had these at a fair last year and fell in love with them.

Homemade BBQ sauce:
2- 15oz cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 tea. Garlic Powder
1 1/2 tea. Onion Powder
2 T. Liquid Smoke
1/2 tea. salt
1/2 c Brown sugar
2 1/2 T. Vinegar(I use white)
1/2 tea. Mustard powder
1 tea. honey

Pour tomato sauce into pot. Whisk in each ingredient one at a time or you'll get lumps. Put on med.-high heat and bring to a low boil. Stir constantly. After it comes to a boil remove from heat and cool. This allow the flavors to come together. Put into a sealed container unless using right away.

Meat:
Okay differnt people love differnt meats for bbq so use what you like; chicken, pork or beef. You can cook all three in a crockpot using the same method.

Add meat to crockpot, I add a little garlic and onion to my meat, then just cover meat with water. If you are going to let this cook all day do it on low. When you get home or after meat is done, drain broth. Save broth for another use. Debone meat if you need to. Add bbq sauce and allow to cook 1 hour longer on high. If you need faster than an hour after adding BBQ sauce then cook in pot on stove top. You will need to stir this alot so it doesn't stick. You want the sauce to thicken up a little on the meat.

Potatoes:
I bake my potatoes wrapped in foil for 2 hours. If you don't have this kind of time you can microwave your potatoes for 5-10 mins. Don't forget to pierce potatoes when putting them in the microwave or they can explode and make a potato mess all over the microwave. Then you can bake the potatoes for 45 mins to give them that baked flavor. If you are in a really big hurry just microwave them til done. That takes about 10 mins for small and med potatoes and 15 for large ones. Test by pushing a fork into them. If it's really easy thier done, if not then cook longer.

When everything is ready; Place potato on plate and open up. Top with a little dab of butter, let melt. Top with BBQ and then what ever else you like; Cheese, Jalepenos, Sour Cream, More BBQ sauce, onions, or tomatoes.

Sale for the week- Seed Catchers or seed skirts

2008-07-27T18:30:00.005-04:00

If you love sales then be sure to sign up for my new posts as I will mention all sales here first.

Seed catchers are 1/2 off this week- ends Aug. 2 Please note P27 in notes to seller.

New things coming!

2008-07-26T13:01:00.005-04:00

There are new things coming to my shop next week. I've been working hard on new earrings and more. Check out my store for more to come!

Who doesn't love louffa?

2008-07-26T12:50:00.008-04:00

Even the ants and bees love louffa

There are more little louffas appearing and the others are getting even bigger. I honestly expected it to have more by this time but I'm hopeful that more will appear.

Supanerdstef- Feature Friday

2008-07-25T11:17:00.006-04:00

Supanerdstef

Wanted to share with you Supa Designs a great little shop that sells bows. This stay at home mom makes really great bows on alligator clips. I got some really cute clips from this shop for a gift for my nieces. They came nicely packaged and shipped fast.

She has so many wonderful ones to choose from it’s hard to make up your mind. She has crafted Lions, Elephants, Zebras, Butterflies, apples, flowers, ladybugs and caterpillars all out of ribbon and made into bows.

Visit her shop and find something for the princess in your life!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82598

What can you do with a bunch of old magazines?-Trashion Thursday

2008-07-24T08:48:00.004-04:00

What can you do with a bunch of old National Geographic magazines?
Celtic Knot turns them into lucky stars!

These cute lucky stars are origami stars made from old National Geographic magazines. Some are made from pictures of water, skies, and lady bugs. You can use these as decorations or use them to make fun jewelry. You get a lot of little stars so you have plenty to do several projects.

Celtic Knot is attending college to become an English teacher. Besides having great grammar she also makes jewelry, wine charms, bookmarks and recycled lucky stars.
Check out her shop on Etsy!

What a Find! Now comes the Hard part!

2008-07-21T19:10:00.003-04:00

Today while Checking my booth at the Antique Mall I ran across 3 large boxes of Christmas ornaments. I decided to buy them. Well I already found several ornaments that after selling them makes it well worth it. I found these guys in those boxes, I took pictures and was preparing them for sell, now I'm having second thoughts:D
I think these guys are so cute! What do you think?

Time off and announcement!

2008-07-12T09:06:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a week off, no blogging, no dealing with the store, just relaxing and enjoying time with Family.

Be sure to Check back Saturday July 19th for a preview of my Christmas in July Sale. Be sure to sign up to recieve my posts so you can be the first to see my sale!!

Feature Fridays- jlocke38

2008-07-11T09:59:00.005-04:00

jlocke38
Sweet InnoSCENTS...homemade "dessert" candles & more!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
jlocke38

I recently received a candle from jlocke38’s store and I love it. I got a cinnamon bun candle, when it arrived the box even smelled so good you could eat it. The candle came wrapped with a little tie and a matching gift tag perfect for gift giving. The candle is very fragrant and looks like the real thing.

Check out her profile for a complete list of scents:
http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5215130

Choose a creation in her shop or request a custom made candle. All of her candles are made with Soy Wax or a Soy Wax blend. This allows for longer burn times and a cleaner burn on all of your candles. Do you like Cupcakes, Cannoli, pie or ice cream?? These are just a few of the dessert candles she makes.

Just in the mood for a drink? She has Beer, Margarita, Pina Coladas, Cappuchino, Cosmo or Coffee complete with a doughnut. No matter what you are in the mood for she’s got it! Even breakfast!

Check out her shop and Happy Etsy Anniversary jlocke38

Trashion Thursday - MoJo Trashion

2008-07-10T09:37:00.003-04:00

Trashion Thursdays
I want to feature other artists like myself who use what many would call trash to create cute and useful items. Every little bit helps keep more trash from getting into our landfills.

MoJo Trashion

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5542111

This weeks feature shop for Trashion Thursday is Etsy seller MoJo Trashion. She creates trashion from food wrappers. Wrappers include Cheetos bags, noodle wrappers, candy wrappers, and Poptarts packages. With wrappers and some extra materials she creates booties, change purses, purses, pouches, and card holders. I love the creativity and uniqueness of her items. She has been a very popular seller in just 7 months and has excellent feedback. Check out her shop, purchase something cute and save even more trash from our landfills.

Website Wednesday- Hillbilly Housewife

2008-07-09T09:18:00.002-04:00

I am a SAHM who is always looking for ways to save money and good recipes. The website has convenience food recipes, Menu some based on costs, and other useful info for anyone.

Here is a menu complete with shopping list to feed a family of 4-6 on just $45 for a week
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm

Do you love flavored coffee but hate the price? Try some of here recipes for flavored coffee that you can make yourself and save money.
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/beveragerecipes.htm

My favorite Recipes are for:

Family Bread http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/familybread.htm I love making homemade bread and this low cost recipe make allot of bread. Best of all if you use the low yest method you let it rise overnight.

Plain muffins http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/muffins.htm This recipe is so versatile, you can add any extras you like or have on hand.

Oatmeal muffins http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/oatmealmuffins.htm I double this recipe every time and I like to add chopped apple pie filling and cinnamon.

Check out more of her recipes here http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/recipeindex.htm

Enjoy other articles about menu planning, frugal grocery shopping, lunch box food, and how to turn left overs into dinner.

I hope you find this website as useful as I have.

Fast and inexpensive meal- Meatball subs and fries

2008-07-08T16:08:00.000-04:00

This is one of the favorites at my house. The meatballs are so versitile and you can transform the leftovers into something else easily.

Ingredients:
1/2 large bag(2 lbs 6oz) frozen meatballs
1 jar veggie packed spaghetti sauce
1/2 bag frozen peppers and onions
Cheese
buns, hamburger or hogie
Fries

Put a small amount of oil in the pan and sautee peppers and onions. If your meatballa are thawed cut them in half, this makes them stay on the buns better. Add meatballs to the pan and put a lid on and cook for about 5 mins. Then add spaghitti sauce. Stir and continue to cook til meatballs are done. Take the top part of the bun and scoop out some of the bread to create a bowl. Spoon meatball mixture into the "bowl" and top with cheese. Toast in oven if preferred. While the meatballs are cooking fry or bake your fries. Enjoy!

This normally takes me 30-45 mins from freezer to plate and the cost is under $10 for four people. I normally have left overs. I then make pasta and serve the meatball mixture over pasta and serve with a salad and garlic bread.

How to make an eye patch for a child

2008-07-07T17:09:00.003-04:00

This comes out of my own frustrations and I wanted to help others in my position. My son was told he had to wear an eye patch for a few months. I was not able to purchase one from them but was told to check any pharmacy or medical supply store to buy one. Well after making several stops and phone calls still No Child size patch. SO I looked on the internet and no pattern or even how to's just buy them here sites. I needed it yesterday so I decided to make one. This is the second one I made pictured as you can imagine the first one didn't look so good. So here is my materials list and instructions on how to make one. You could also use this as a costume patch if wanted and use much thinner elastic and leave the bias tape casing off
Materials:
*Fabric
*Buckram
*elastic- ¼” wide
*bias tape- double folded
*thread
*paper for making pattern

Start by making a circle that will be 3” across or an oval that measures 3” across. The patch will fit better is it is made a little oblong. My patch measures 2 ¾” across and 2 ¼” tall. Draw the circle on the paper, cut out and hold up to your child’s eye. Make sure that it will cover the entire eye with extra all the way around.
Next you need to use the paper pattern you made to cut out 2 layers of fabric and two layers of buckram. Buckram is a very stiff interfacing, if you can’t find it use a few layers of stiff interfacing. Pin all four layer together and hold up to your eye. Is it dark? If yes then you are ready to sew if not then you need to add another layer or two of fabric. After you have all the layers cut out make a sandwich that has the buckram in the middle and the fabric on the outside and pin. Stitch around the outside edge as close to the edge as possible. Then satin stitch around the outside edges. You can enclose the edges in bias tape but I found that to be much harder since it is so small.
The next thing to do is make a casing for the elastic out of double fold bias tape. Measure the elastic around the child’s head, remember to hold the patch up so that you can measure from the outside edges so you don’t get it too long. Measure how long the elastic is and add 10” to it for the length of bias tape you need. Then just sew the open edges of the bias tape together down the length. Insert elastic and baste on each end. Then sew to the sides at the top on the patch. Covering the elastic makes it a bit more comfortable.

Small louffa

2008-07-06T10:23:00.000-04:00

This is the only growing louffa right now but it is sure on it's way. Yes louffa is grown on a vine not in the ocean.

Louffa's blooming

2008-07-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

The louffa is going strong, it was covered with blooms and bees this morning. Hopefully soon there will be more fruit set.