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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Education - well Sorta :)

Got these in an email from a fellow Bus Driver :)

Girl:
“Too bad you flunked the test, how far where you from the right answer?”

Boy:
“Two seats”

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Teacher:
“Johnny, give me a sentence with a direct object.”

“Teacher, everybody thinks your beautiful.”

Teacher: “Thank you, Johnny, but what is the object?

Johnny: “A good report card.”


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Teacher:

“Billy: what did you do when Ed called you a liar?”

Billy: I remembered what you told me: A soft answer turns away anger.”

Teacher: “Very good, Billy. What answer did you give him?”

Billy: “I answered him with a soft tomato.”


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Student: “I don’t think I deserve a zero on this test!’

Teacher: “ Neither do I, but it’s the lowest mark I can give you.”

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A father was examining his sons report card. ”One thing is definitely in your favor” he announced “With this report card, you couldn’t possibly be cheating.”


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In explaining her tardiness to English class, a high school junior stated demurely , ” The boy who was following me walked very slowly.”

Friday, February 25, 2011

Chili Dip!

Need a dip with some zip? This is it! Got the recipe from a fellow Quadder (4-wheeler/ATVer) at a camping pot luck last fall. We all love chili, cheese, salsa, cream cheese and this has it all. It's super easy to make.



CHILI DIP!
2 tubs of cream cheese
2 cans of Stagg Chili (I use one regular and one Dynamite)
salsa
shredded cheese

Soften cream cheese, than spread onto bottom of 12" x 9" foil pan. Top with mixed cans of Stagg Chili. Cover chili with a thin layer of salsa, then shredded cheese.

Warm oven to 350F. Place pan of dip in oven, heat till cheese has sufficiently melted (may take 15 minutes).

Grab some Tostido Rounds or Scoopables and dig in!! Yummy!


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Twitter Tree Today:
Sweetybird09

BNE - Buy N Enter Thread and Team:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter
Draw for 5 big prizes tonight!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Featuring - Aubrey Made

One of the wonderful things about Etsy is - you get to meet some really amazing people from all over the world! I have a set of Hearts from Aubrey - LOVE them!! She really does an amazing job with sewing. If you have a little girl - there are really cute dolls and teddies in this shop. Take a look around, I know you will find something you like :)


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Aubrey from Israel. I'm a wife and mom of 2 wonderful little darlings. I love to create dolls, quilts, bags or anything to do with fabrics.


*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I'd like to be known by my name and would like everyone to know that its handmade with love by me.


*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
  • happy
  • cute
  • great quality
  • affordable prices
  • buy ...hehe


*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
laces, trimmings, ribbons, buttons, yarns, scraps, fabrics,


*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
Family quality time.


*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
Waldorf dolls. It's hard work but when I finished one, I see a little girls face full of delight in playing with it. :D


*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Not to be shy and participate in all what Etsy could offer. Join teams, bnrs, make treasuries, etc.


*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
Facebook www.facebook.com/AubreyMade
Twitter twitter.com/#!/aubreymade



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Twitter Tree Today:
a Needle in a Haystack

BNE - Buy N Enter Team on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Artfire - Front Page!!!

I joined Artfire in 2009, but kinda forgot about my shop there after 4 months, since nothing was happening. With all the upheaval at Etsy, I re-opened my Artfire shop about 2 weeks ago.


Yesterday I made a "Coffee" collection - decided to to my first collection featuring one of my favorite addictions :) There were a few comments this morning on my collection that they saw it on the Front Page!!!! I wish I'd seen it, that's amazing!!


Here is my collection - they are really great shops, stop by if you have a minute.




Hope you all have an Awesome Hump Day!!

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Twitter Tree Today:
Eluna Jewelry Blog

BNE/BNS Team:
Come join the Buy N Enter/Buy N Stay team!
No purchase necessary - just join the fun :)
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Twitter Tree Tuesday!


My friend Jacki over at Christie Cottage came up with an ingenious idea for promoting items in your shops.
The Twitter Tree will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: Christie Cottage
Tuesday: Audrey's Country Crafts
Wednesday: Eluna Jewelry
Thursday: I Wish I May, I Wish I Might
Friday: Sweetybird09


Here are the instructions:
You tweet the item(s) for me and all the posts above yours, along with your twitter account so we can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for all those posting here to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See above) Check back throughout the day and tweet all the new items posted from other online shops. Etsy, ArtFire, Zibbet, Bonanzle, ebay, your own website, etc..

Please add this tag to your tweets. " #BlueBird"
This way we can Retweet later in the day, simply by searching the tag.
Thanks!

By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. After all, we all have our online shops to make money.


Here are my 3 items for the day:
these are all give aways I'm hosting


Mom Coaster with Butterflies
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68372793/ #bluebird #etsybot

 
Bff Bottlecap Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/67483782/bff-bottlecap-necklace #bluebird #etsybot
 
 
Coffee Coaster for Mother's Day
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2923340  #bluebird #etsybot

Hope everyone has fun promoting and maybe we'll get some sales!!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Friday, February 18, 2011

Cream Puff Dessert

This is the second time I've made this dessert. We love banana cream pie and I thought this would be a nice change - but almost the same. The recipe doesn't call for banana's but I added a layer on top of the cream puff crust. It turned out really well.


Cream Puff Dessert

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs

Filling:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups cold milk
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix

Topping:
1 carton (8 ozs) frozen shipped topping, thawed.

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Continue beating until smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour into a greased 15 in x 10 in x 1 in baking pan. (I used a 9 x 13). Bake at 400F for 28-30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. (when you take it out of the oven - it might be taller than the pan - but it will shrink)

For filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk and pudding mixes until smooth. Spread over the crust; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Spread with whipped topping. Store in the refrigerator.


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Twitter Tree Today:
Sweetybird09

BNE - Buy N Enter Thread and Team:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter
Draw for 5 big prizes tonight!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Feature - Beautiful Hand Stamped Jewelry

I love personalized items. Giving one as a gift actually lets the person know you where thinking about them, not just picking something up at the last minute. Personalized jewelry is one of my favorite things. Here is a really amazing shop I've got to know on Etsy.


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been married for a little over a year. We bought a house in April and we have spent the last few months fixing it up. I have had mostly retail jobs and I would love to be able to stay home and create all day. Interesting facts about me, I recently trimmed my hair. It now hoovers 3 inches above my ankles. I'm incredibly short with very long hair and my husband is incredibly tall with hair. We are opposites attract. I love music. I love that our new house has a music room and we can play the many guitars and drums and I have my own room for all my jewelry and crafts. I usually get along with just about anyone. I love to make new friends and learn about people.


*How did you decide on your shop name?
I was sitting there pondering about what I wanted to call my shop. I knew I wanted to get into doing more with Metal and there was some name that I tired and it was taken. So I thinking along the lines of descriptive words and I came up with Metal Adornments. Really it works for supplies, for any accessory's and my hand stamped metals and anything I choose to do in the future. I love that it tells you what my shop is.

*Why did you start your business?
I have been struggling with many health issues over the last few years. I always have loved making new things. I remember I just had surgery and I had to have some bed rest and I kept thinking what am I going to do? At the time my aunt let me put some my stuff I had made at her salon and I love that I could create things that women wanted to wear. This was amazing to me. I really didn't seem to have to much of an interest in the sparkly jewelry type of style. I am more bohemian, and didn't want to be under that label of wearing girly jewelry. So it amazed me that I started making jewelry and people wanted to wear it. That made me feel so good. Just the idea of seeing someone get excited about a gift or little things I make.


*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
I want people to think of special occasions that they can personalized that special hand stamped charm to give for a wedding or for a birthday. Think of memories and keepsakes. Think about family and the people you have around you. I want people feel like they can express themselves with a little individuality.


*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up? 
I have a ton of charms and flower beads. Although.. just seems to be supplies. I have a ton of scrap booking stuff and I have only ever done 1 page. How sad. I have a ton of charms and older necklaces. I have a ton of candles. I like to mix it up and have a collection of things.


*What do you do when you’re not being an artist?
I enjoy spending time with my husband. Watching movies and spending time with the telescope or camping. I love to spend time with my family. I like to go down to the physical therapy pool when I can find the time.
I enjoying getting lost at the library. I think my favorite is to stay home by a warm fire and a nice warm cup of chai.


*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I have a lot new personalized charms that I don't have listed yet and my garden markers. I love that you can express yourself and make it so unique. I love hearing the stories behind each custom order. The mother who wants to encourage her daughter to try out for medical school with charm to remind her of who she is. The daughter giving her mother the gift of remember she is a mother to 4 children and no is quite as special as she is.


*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - Remember to have fun and be creative. Don't get your hopes up. When you do nothing, you see no results.


*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
I like to add updated pictures to my facebook. I love to share stories to my blog that I am just staring to get together.http://www.facebook.com/MetalAdornments or follow my blog for updates and giveaways! - metaladornments.blogspot.com/









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Twitter Tree Today:
a Needle in a Haystack

BNE - Buy N Enter Team on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Etsy is making me Angry

First they take away the forums, and everyone is scrabbling trying to find a place to promote their shop.  Now someone has started a "TEAM" that should run the way the forums did.  Good Idea - I think it will work - but all this moving is making me dizzy!!!!  I'm to old for Change!!!

Sales have gone down the drain since the forums closed, But I still keep listing items in hope of a sale.  Am I crazy?  Might have to stop for a bit.  Can't just keep listing and spending money with no returns. 

So here are my new coasters that I listed this morning. Will probably be the last listings for a bit, though I might change my mind by tomorrow :)





Oh - and a new magnet:




How is your day going? Only a couple of days until the weekend! Can hardly wait :)


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Twitter Tree Today:
Eluna Jewelry Blog

BNE/BNS Team:
Come join the Buy N Enter/Buy N Stay team!
No purchase necessary - just join the fun :)
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Twitter Tree Tuesday!


My friend Jacki over at Christie Cottage came up with an ingenious idea for promoting items in your shops.
The Twitter Tree will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: Christie Cottage
Tuesday: Audrey's Country Crafts
Wednesday: Eluna Jewelry
Thursday: I Wish I May, I Wish I Might
Friday: Sweetybird09


Here are the instructions:
You tweet the item(s) for me and all the posts above yours, along with your twitter account so we can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for all those posting here to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See above) Check back throughout the day and tweet all the new items posted from other online shops. Etsy, ArtFire, Zibbet, Bonanzle, ebay, your own website, etc..

Please add this tag to your tweets. " #BlueBird"
This way we can Retweet later in the day, simply by searching the tag.
Thanks!

By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. After all, we all have our online shops to make money.


Here are my 3 items for the day:
these are all give aways I'm hosting


Win a $25 Gift Certificate to DaSweetZpot! - 02/17
http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/01/dasweetzpot.html


Win a Ninja Logic T-shirt 02/25
http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/01/tshirt.html


Winners Choice of Earrings 03/04
http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/02/earrings.html


Hope everyone has fun promoting and maybe we'll get some sales!!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Truth About Love - according to Kids

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! Wonder if hubby will remember? Sure would be nice if I didn't have to cook dinner :)

Sometimes if you want to know the truth - you just have to ask children. Here are some funny views on love that were found on the internet.

How do two People wind up Falling in Love?

Andrew, age 6: "one of the people has freckles and so he finds somebody else who has freckles too."
Mae, age 9: "No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell . . . That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular."
Manuel, age 8: "I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful."

What is Falling in Love Like?
John, age 9: "like an avalance where you have to run for your like."
Glenn, age 7: "If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long."

How Important is Beauty in Love?

Brian, age 7: "It isn't always jut how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't go anybody to marry me yet."
Christine, age 9: "Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time."


What's Your Personal Opinion about Love?

Floyd, age 9: "Love is foolish . . . but I still might try it sometime."
Dave, age 8: "Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I've been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me."


What's a Surefire way to Make a Person Fall in Love with You?
Del, age 6: "tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores."
Camille, age 9: "Shake your hips and hope for the best."

So - are you wondering what your children think about love? LOL Some of those are just too cute!
Hope everyone has an amazing Valentine's Day tomorrow!

Friday, February 11, 2011

My new Journal and Biscuits & Gravy

I've mentioned before how much I love journals and note books.  Well, I found this amazing Etsy shop with the most beautiful handmade journals, in fact I have 2 of them now :) This is my newest one that came yesterday.


This time I remembered to take photo's before I ripped open the wonderful wrapping!
Relaxed Beauty is a shop on Etsy with not only the beautiful journals, but also the most wonderful earrings! Please check out her shop if you have time :)


This is one of our favorite breakfasts, though I only make it a few times a year.

BISCUITS & GRAVEY
3-4 lbs. farmer sausage
1/2 large onion chopped
3/4 tsp. sage
Fry onion, sausage and sage in large pot until the sausage is done.
Add 8 tbsp. flour, mix well and fry, stirring once in awhile, on med/high heat.


Add:
6 cups of milk (I use 1%)
1.5 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. worchestershire sauce
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, depending how "hot" you want it.
Let this come to a boil over med/high heat, stirring often. If the gravey doesn't get thick enough, mix flour and liquid (from pot) in a bowl till well blended and add to pot.

BISCUITS:
In a food processor, place 2 1/4 cups flour, 4 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 cup hard margarine cut into 16 pieces. Mix.
Place in bowl and make well in center. Add 1 1/4 cups milk, mix till just blended. Place on a cutting board, flatten with hands, cut with round cutter.
Place on cookie sheet and bake at 400F for 12 minutes.Sometime I use 1/2 milk and 1/2 buttermilk just to add a different flavor to the biscuits.

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Twitter Tree Today:
Sweetybird09

Twitter Tree Team on Etsy:
Bluebird
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7199/bluebird

BNE - Buy N Enter Thread and Team:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter
Draw for 5 big prizes tonight!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Feature - Yummy Cupcakes!

Do you like cupcakes? I LOVE cupcakes!! They are the perfect size for a nice small dessert. My family of "men" thinks they need to have dessert after every meal, and a cupcake is perfect :) I can bake a bunch and put them in the freezer where no one can find them! But wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to bake them at all? All you had to do was order some really amazing cupcakes? Here is a wonderful shop on Etsy that can help you with that!


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am born and raised in Ormond Beach Florida and am currently working in the Daytona Beach area.
I am in my early 20’s spend most of my time working as an Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing at a local University. When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me in the kitchen. Baking is my passion, and more often than not, my therapy. On any given weekend you’ll find my kitchen counters filled with cupcakes, sprinkles, food coloring, frostings, and lots of sugar! I am in the start-up stages of creating my own cupcake business, and I can’t tell you how excited I am about it!! I am currently catering small events like birthday parties and office parties as well as selling cupcakes on my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/StayCalmCupcake). I am passionate about baking, decorating, and delivering the most delicious cupcakes you have ever tasted.

My life is full of little moments that make me realize just how content I can be with a cupcake in my hand and the person I love sitting next to me.

In my world, a sweet treat can fix almost anything! So feel free to comment on my blog (www.fontgirl.wordpress.com), or stop by my Etsy shop and order some treats of your own. Have a SWEET day!



*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
By nature I am a very uptight person – I get stressed easily, and could not live without organization. I have always loved baking and used it as a way to wind down, and relax. The name “Stay Calm, Have a Cupcake” just seemed to fit – so there my blog name was born. When I opened my shop on Etsy, I wanted it to be similar to my blog but not identical. I liked the sound of “Stay Calm Cupcake Shop”… it’s a good reminder that we all should take a second to calm down and enjoy the sweeter things in life.
I started my business because I am passionate about baking, decorating, and delivering cupcakes! I love to see the smile my cupcakes put’s on people’s faces when they bite into a moist little cake and fluffy homemade frosting. Nothing feels better!


*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
1. “That looks delicious”
2. “Cute packaging”
3. “Creative Decorating”
4. “Very reasonably priced”
5. “I have to have that!”

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
I am seriously addicted to sprinkles!! I buy them wherever I go, I drawers full of them, but I just can’t stop myself. Sprinkles make the cupcake!!


*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
Baking cupcakes is a part-time job for me. So I am always very busy and don’t have a lot of extra time. When I get a few minutes to relax though I love going to the beach, watching TV, and blogging.



*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I love all of them!! I really like the concept of my DIY Cupcake Kit –it’s such a fun way to decorate and enjoy cupcakes with friends and family.


*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Network! Etsy is a huge community of people who love what you love. Take advantage of the community and the advice other Etsy shop owners can offer. It starts off overwhelming, but take it one day at a time. You’ll get the hang of it!


*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
· Twitter - @StayCalmCupcake (hosting giveaways, giving coupon codes, recipes, etc)

· Blog – Stay Calm, Have a Cupcake www.fontgirl.wordpress.com

· Flickr – StayCalmCupcake



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Twitter Tree Today:
a Needle in a Haystack

Twitter Tree Team on Etsy:
Bluebird
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7199/bluebird

BNE - Buy N Enter Team on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7498/bne-buy-n-enter
 

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