Sarahndipities ~ fortunate handmade finds

Things to Make: Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

2012-01-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I'm in love with my Crockpot. As a mother of five ravenous children...and caretaker of one even more ravenous husband...The Crockpot is a savior in my kitchen. Life is busy...and slowcooker meals take some of the edge off! ;)

But I don't want to just make the same things over and over, so I'm constantly looking for new recipes to try out!

So for today's

I chose this:

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore by A Little Nosh

And here's how mine came out:

My family LOVED this recipe. Seriously. Even my picky five-year-old proclaimed this to be great...and even cleaned her plate! I will definitely be making this again! Woot!

The only changes I made for this recipe were omitting the red wine (since we don't have wine in our house...which probably affected the color of the final dish somewhat), and leaving out the mushrooms..because we didn't have any on hand. (And although I think the mushrooms would have been great in this, I didn't miss them...and I'm sure Miss Picky was much happier with the lack of mushrooms!) I also doubled the amount of vegetables I added...'cause we have a big family!

If you're looking for something yummy and simple, give this recipe a try!

Make Something Monday link Party #44

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend? Hope you've had a great one!

We had kind of a serious weekend. A good friend, and his sweet wife, lost their newborn baby girl last Monday. So heartbreaking. My hubby went down to Arizona for the funeral, while I stayed home with our kiddos. There's nothing like seeing that kind of loss, to make you appreciate what you have. In the LDS church we believe that little children and babies are free from sin, and therefore return immediately to be their their Heavenly parents. And although there is comfort in knowing this...it doesn't take the sting and hurt of loss away. (You can learn more about our beliefs by clicking here.) I feel so blessed to have my children and my husband...and also the knowledge that there is more to life than just this mortal existence.

Sorry for that super serious start to the week. I just felt like I needed to share!

Anyway...
Last week we had a great turn-out to our little shin-dig here! Our most-viewed links were:

Blackberry Salad Striped Afghan by My Two Butterflies! Isn't it gorgeous...plus there's a FREE pattern! LOVE!!! :)

Granny Triangle Bunting by Rainbow Bunting! Can't wait to try this pattern out!!

If you've been featured feel free to grab a button from my button section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week!
Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog! (You can add my Make Something Button to your blog, too, if you wanna be extra nice! It's over in my buttons section! ;)
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Please know that I retain the right to delete any link which I feel violate the above conditions!

The link party will be open until NEXT WEDNESDAY (December 28th)...I thought we'd all enjoy a little break for the holidays...so there won't be any new features next Monday...but I'll be sure to feature a few of my faves on January 2...so be sure to come back then!!

And just a reminder...be sure to check out my fantastic sponsors!!

Shabby AppleMyMemories.comFamily Ever AfterThe Orange Windmill
I'm loving all of the fun projects you've all been sharing! Thanks so much for joining me each week!

Things to Make: Inside Out Carrot Cake Muffins

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've done a Pinterest Inspiration Project!

I spent A LOT of my 'resting' time last week browsing Pinterest...and basically drooling on my keyboard. There are SO. MANY. AMAZING. foods to try out there!!!

So for today's

I picked these delectable looking Inside-Out Carrot Cake Muffins ~

{source}

...from my Things to Eat pinboard!

Aaaaaaand...

Here's how they came out!

Ok. I am NOT a food photographer. You've probably already noticed that. Sorry. I can't be awesome at everything, I guess. Just kidding. (I mean about the being awesome thing...I mean I know I can sometimes be awesome, but I meant about the food photographer thing...I really suck at it. Seriously.)

These were AWESOME!!!! They smelled so good...they tasted even better. And even though mine don't look as beautiful as the ones I pinned...I will definitely be making these again...and I may even try using the filling in other kinds of cupcakes, too!

Make Something Monday Link Party #43

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome back to another Make Something Monday!!

So sorry I bailed out last week! Thank you so much for all your sweet thoughts and comments! I got in to see the doctor that day...His diagnosis was that I had a sinus infection and bronchitis. Blegh! He prescribed antibiotics and rest. (hahaha...with five kids? Was he nuts?)

Anywho...I'm feeling MUCH better this week! The cough isn't gone completely...but at least I've been able to get some sleep at night!

Because of our little hiatus, I'm posting the top three links from the last party! Here they are (in no particular order)...

This cute FESTIVE BUNTING from JayNic Knit Knacks! Soooo cute!!

These DIY Dishwasher Soap Packets from Lady With the Red Rocker! AWESOME!

This gorgeous Ripple Baby Blanket from Sweet Bee Buzzings! LOVE it!

If you've been feature feel free to grab a button from my button section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week!
Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog! (You can add my Make Something Button to your blog, too, if you wanna be extra nice! It's over in my buttons section! ;)
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Things to Make: Big Button Scarf and 'About Crochet' Contest!

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the work of Dutch crochet designer Elisabeth Andreé? If not you NEED to go check out her lovely blog, About Crochet! She shares such amazing projects and patterns there!

She has been holding a fun crochet contest since December! For the contest we were given three different stitch patterns to choose from, and were asked to make one of the following: a scarf or shawl, a pair of fingerless gloves, or a cushion cover.

I knew the moment I saw the stitch patterns that I wanted to make a chunky Big Button Scarf! The texture of the stitches just looked so cozy and elegant!

For this project I used Red Heart Boutique Midnight Yarn in Harvest Moon. The yarn is super soft and has just a tiny bit of sparkle to it! I LOVE this yarn!! So pretty!

I used a size N (9.00mm) hook, because I wanted the scarf to be light and stretchy, but still have that chunky texture!

I used the first variation of the chain-single crochet stitch pattern. Here is the basic stitch:

chain-single crochet (ch.sc)

Insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook and draw up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over hook and draw through the first loop on hook (2 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through both loops on hook (1 loop remains on hook).

The basic pattern for the first variation of the stitch can be found HERE.

I altered the basic pattern by basically doubling the width to 31 sts. The pattern I used looks like this:

Ch 31.
Row 1: 1 ch.sc in the 3rd ch from hook, 1 ch, *sk 1 ch, 1 ch.sc in the next ch, ch1*, repeat from * to * to end of row, end with 1 ch.sc in the last ch, ch2, turn.
Row 2: 1 ch.sc into the first ch1 space, ch1, *1 ch.sc in the next ch1 space, ch1*, repeat from * to * to end of row, end with 1 ch.sc into the top of the turning ch2, turn.
Row 3 (and on): Repeat Row 2.

I used an entire 2.5oz skein of yarn, and the final measurements for my scarf are approximately 9" wide by 33" long. I added a BIG button (2" in diameter) to one of the corners of the scarf.

The great thing about this stitch is that it has a lot of stretch...so I didn't even make a button hole! I just pulled the button through the scarf itself...makes it very versatile!!

What do you think?

Go visit the blogs of the other contestants, and take a look at the other wonderful creations that have been made for this contest, by clicking HERE!

Make Something Monday - Postponed!

2012-01-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Sorry, gang! There's not going to be a link Party this morning...

by articipe

I've been battling a major cold since about Thanksgiving. I've gone from the sore throat, to runny nose, to congestion, to cough, to chest cough...and now sinus press plus cough. Yesterday I started feeling dizzy and had the chills...This darn thing just isn't going away! I've tried nearly every home remedy known to man, and nothin' is kickin' this thing!

Anyway...

I was able to get an appointment to see the doctor...and hopefully he'll be able to get me better fast!

We'll hopefully be back to our regularly schedule party next week! Wish me luck!

Things To Make: Ginger Bread Pudding

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

One my favorite things to do with the kids during the Christmas season is making gingerbread houses.

This year I cheated. I totally bought a Gingerbread House Kit, complete with pre-baked gingerbread and Royal icing mix.

It was awesome! The kids had a ton of fun decorating it...and I didn't have to roll out any dough!

The one downside was that it wasn't as soft as the homemade variety...especially after sitting for a week on the dining room table. It was like rock.

So...after the kids had scavenged the last bit of candy decor from the house, I told them it was demo time.

The kids really wanted to eat it...but I didn't want to have any extra dental bills this month. (Sugar is bad enough...but add to that rock hard gingerbread? You're just asking for broken teeth.)

My kids love bread pudding, so I took a risk and decided to turn the remaining rubble into Ginger Bread Pudding!

And our little house went from this:

to this:

I know. Not a very good 'after' picture. I had intended to take a picture of it right out of the oven...but I had to nurse the baby...and have you ever tried to keep four ravenous children (and one well-meaning husband) away from a warm dessert/breakfast? By the time I was done feeding the baby, half of the pudding was gone!

Anyway, for those of you who like bread pudding, I highly recommend trying this recipe out!

Ginger Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

5 cups of gingerbread crumbs (I threw pieces of our rock hard gingerbread house into our food processor - frosting, candy cane bits and all - and pulverized them into fine crumbs)
5 or 6 eggs, beaten
4 cups of milk
1 cup raisins, optional

(I didn't add any sugar, cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg to our pudding, because I felt like the crumbs were already sweet and seasoned enough.)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spread crumbs in the bottom of a 9x13 glass or stoneware baking dish.
3. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour over the crumbs in the baking dish, pressing into the crumbs
4. Place another baking dish filled with hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. This helps the pudding to bake evenly.
5. Place dish with pudding mixture on middle rack of oven.
6. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy!!

Ready or Not...Here's 2012!

2012-01-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

So, you may be getting tired of hearing what everyone has resolved to do this year...but I'm about to add my two cents...just a little heads up.

The Anderkids

Last year, in this post, I shared some of my goals for the year.

Well...

Here's what actually happened: I didn't take it easy. It was a crazy year for us. I was having a baby. My hubby was working as a half-time school teacher...and supporting a family of six with one more on the way isn't easy.

At the beginning of last year I decided that I would try a little experiment. I buckled down and made blogging a priority. I posted at least three times a week. I linked up and networked with other sites. I interacted and commented. And guess what? It worked. Big time.

My blog and business grew! I went from 45 followers to 865 and from just 1000 page views to over 300,000. I went from just 60 orders in 2010 to over 260 in 2011...CRAZY! Seriously. I know. My mind is a little boggled by it, too!

I was VERY busy. Yes, I loved doing it! But, it didn't come without some HARD work and a lot of persistence. I completely re-designed my blog FOUR TIMES! I edited thousands of pictures. I wrote, tested and re-wrote several patterns. I hosted giveaways, sales, and guest posted on other blogs.

Not that this busy year hasn't been a HUGE blessing for our family! I feel so blessed that I've been able to stay at home with my children AND that my business was able to help support our family!

I have also loved getting to know so many wonderful and creative crafters, crocheters, and people! Thanks so much for making this journey so much fun!! I wouldn't be here without YOU!

However...I hate to admit it, but sometimes I worked on these things at the cost/neglect of other things that are important to me...like housework...and meal preparation...and showering...and my family.

So...my biggest dilemma in making goals for this coming year has been...where do I go from here?

After a lot of prayer and thought, I've realized something:

I've discovered that blogging and running my business really do matter to me, and I want to continue the relationships I have formed this past year! I'm just not going to be as structured in my approach to things...I'm going to take a break if I need it...and not worry about pushing so hard for success...don't worry...I'm sure I'll still be here OFTEN...but...

This year I really want to just SIMPLIFY, AND FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST.

I'm going to enjoy the little successes I have everyday; whether it's finishing a new pattern, making a great sale, or watching my baby crawl for the first time.

And I feel peace about that.

I loved this message, from LDS.org, about slowing down and paying attention to the Moments that Matter Most...I hope you will, too!

I look forward to this year, and all of the unexpected joys and trials that this year will surely bring. Thanks for being a part of my life!

The REAL Anderkids

After Christmas SALE!!!

2012-01-03T08:08:00.002-07:00

Don't miss out on my After Christmas SALE in the Sarahndipities Shop! Come by and get a great deal on something cute and stylish to keep you warm this winter!!!

Use the code HOLIDAY20 to get 20% OFF your order from Sarahndipities on Etsy!*

Sale ends TONIGHT @ 10pm MST - TUESDAY, JANUARY 3RD... Don't miss out!

*Coupon code is only usable in the Sarahndipities Etsy Shop...and NOT on Ravelry or in any other Etsy shop!

Make Something Monday Link Party #42

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to another Make Something Monday!!

How was your Christmas? We had a great Christmas morning followed by a wonderful church program! It was really nice to be celebrating the birth of the Savior on a Sunday.

In the coming weeks I'll try to post about the gifts I made this year!

Because of our little hiatus, I'm posting the top three links from the last few weeks! Here we go (in no particular order)...

FREE Open Weave Beanie Pattern from Daisy Cottage Designs!
I can't wait to make one!!

Cute House Key Ring from Arrriba, en el desván! So CUTE!!!

Big Bow Beanie Pattern from Little Rays of Sunshine! LOVE this!

If you've been feature feel free to grab a button from my button section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week!
Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog! (You can add my Make Something Button to your blog, too, if you wanna be extra nice! ;)
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Please know that I retain the right to delete any link which I feel violate the above conditions!

The link party will be open until NEXT WEDNESDAY (December 28th)...I thought we'd all enjoy a little break for the holidays...so there won't be any new features next Monday...but I'll be sure to feature a few of my faves on January 2...so be sure to come back then!!

And just a reminder...be sure to check out my fantastic sponsors!!

OneLoopShy DesignsShabby AppleMyMemories.comMary C. NasserFamily Ever AfterJenny IglooLittle Sprinkles of FunI'm loving all of the fun projects you've all been sharing! Thanks so much for joining me each week!

After Christmas SALE!!!

2011-12-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Swing by the Sarahndipities Shop and get a great deal on something cute and stylish to keep you warm this winter!!!

Use the code HOLIDAY20 to get 20% OFF your order from Sarahndipities on Etsy!*

Sale ends on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3RD... Don't miss out!

*Coupon code is only usable in the Sarahndipities Etsy Shop...and NOT on Ravelry or in any other Etsy shop!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T10:54:00.001-07:00

I love Christmastime. I love the smell of cinnamon and pine boughs. I love the peppermint candies and Christmas lights. I love Christmas carols and giving gifts.

But most especially I love the reason we celebrate. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior at this time of year. My heart is so full of the blessings that I have been given, and for the gift of the Atonement, from my Savior.

I love these new Bible videos that have been made by The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints. They depict passages taken from the life of Christ from the Bible. They are sweet, simple, and heartfelt.

I hope you'll take a moment to watch this beautiful depiction of the very first Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

Things to Make: Crochet Brimmed Shell Beanie Pattern

2011-12-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my wonderful testers I was able to finish up my latest hat pattern!

Here is my Crochet Brimmed Shell Beanie Pattern:

Crochet Brimmed Shell Beanie Pattern

I love this hat because it's really fast to make...and looks super cute with or without the brim!

You can purchase this pattern right here on my blog!! Just click the Buy Now button below the picture!!

You can also purchase the pattern to make this hat via my Etsy shop, HERE. (Please allow 24 hours to receive the pattern in your inbox!)

Make Something Monday Link Party #41

2011-12-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to another Make Something Monday!!

Only 6 days left until Christmas! Are you all ready??? I've still got some gifts to finish up...but I'm getting excited!

Let's get on to the PARTAY!

Last week's top-viewed link was...

This great pattern for Spiral Crochet Coasters...by Stitch 2 Buttercups!
What a great gift idea!!

If you've been feature feel free to grab a button from my button section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week!
Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog! (You can add my Make Something Button to your blog, too, if you wanna be extra nice! ;)
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Please know that I retain the right to delete any link which I feel violate the above conditions!

The link party will be open until NEXT WEDNESDAY (December 28th)...I thought we'd all enjoy a little break for the holidays...so there won't be any new features next Monday...but I'll be sure to feature a few of my faves on January 2...so be sure to come back then!!

And just a reminder...be sure to check out my fantastic sponsors!!

OneLoopShy DesignsShabby AppleMyMemories.comMary C. NasserFamily Ever AfterJenny IglooLittle Sprinkles of FunI'm loving all of the fun projects you've all been sharing! Thanks so much for joining me each week!

Let's see what's new this week!!

Feature Friday: Sewella

2011-12-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

This week I've chosen to spotlight Sewella from my Handmade Holidays Shop Guide!

Here's a little bit about her in her own words:

"I am a person deeply and incurably in love with crafts. I sew, knit, crochet, make jewelery, spin tales and many other things.
Everything you see in my shop is made by my two hands, my creative whims and my imagination.

I love using fabric to create my accessories and gifts of nature to create truly one of a kind jewelery or jewelery with an organic twist."

I LOVE her fantastic use of color...and her creative and fresh approach to crochet...such wonderful pieces! And her prices are fantastic!!!

Just take a gander at these lovelies:

Crochet necklaces

Royal Crochet Headband Pattern

Anemone - a crochet brooch

Crochet tube necklace - going tribal

You can find out more about all of Sewella's treasures on her blog, HERE. Also check her out on PINTEREST and FLICKR!

Crochet Shell Brimmed Beanie: Pattern Testers Needed!!

2011-12-14T09:49:00.002-07:00

Hey!

So you know the hat I showed in my post about my Crochet Holly Berry Pin?

Well...

I think the pattern is ready to be tested!!

The Shell Brimmed Beanie

If you are interested in testing my new SHELL BRIMMED BEANIE crochet pattern here's what you need to know:

***If you are interested please leave me a comment on this post. I need any pattern testers chosen to be able to finish a hat in 2 or 3 days tops, and to be able to send me a picture (via e-mail) of your finished product, with any issues you had with the pattern. Those chosen will get the final draft of the pattern for FREE to keep!!***

EDITED: I have all the testers I need right now! Thanks so much, everyone! When I have the pattern up I will include a special limited-time discount coupon for all you others! :)

Things to Make: Crochet Holly Berry Pin

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little guest post I did over at Good Knits a couple of weeks ago...And here it is just in time for the Christmas season! It works up super fast and was fun to make! Here's my little Holly Berry Pin!

Materials needed:
Small amount of medium weight red and green yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft in Cypress and Autumn Red)
Crochet Hook size F (3.75mm)
Yarn needle
Scissors

If you want to make it into a pin you'll also need a bit of felt for backing and a pin back.

For the Leaves:

Ch 20 (make sure you leave a three or four inch beginning tail).

Row 1: Sl sl in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next 3 sts. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in last ch. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Working along opposite side of ch: Sl sl in next. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next 3 sts. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in next. Sc in next. Dc, ch 1, dc in next. Sc in next. Sl st in last ch. Pull up long tail, fasten off.

Sew the long tails down the center of the leaves using a simple running stitch. Overlap the leaves nd stitch them together:

Fasten off, and weave in ends.

For the Berries:

Ch 2.

Row 1: Sc in in 2nd ch from hook 5 times. Do not join.

Row 2: Continuing in a round, work 2 sc in each sc from previous row. (10 sc)

Row 3: Sk next sc. Sc in next sc.* Rep around, fasten off, leaving a three or four inch tail. (5 sc)

Turn the berries right side out and tuck in the beginning tail. Make as many berries as you desire.

To turn your holly into a pin, hot glue a small circle of felt and a pin to the back!

You can use your little pin to embellish a scarf, jacket, hat, or gift!

Isn't it so cute?

I'm working on getting the pattern for the hat shown above finished up, so look for it in the next couple of weeks!

You can find my other FREE PATTERNS by visiting my blog HERE. And you can see the patterns I have for sale by visiting my Etsy Shop, HERE!

Hope you all have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Make Something Monday Link Party #40

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to another Make Something Monday!!

How have you all been this week?!?! I've been busy. Busy. BUSY! I've had a bunch of custom orders to finish up in addition to all the regular holiday craziness and it's been keeping me on my toes this week!

Let's get on to the PARTAY!

Last week's top-viewed link was...

This cute pair of crochet earwarmers by Crocheting the Day Away! (Maybe she'll share where she got the pattern with us next week!) ;)

If you've been feature feel free to grab a button from my section section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week!
Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog! (You can add my Make Something Button to your blog, too, if you wanna be extra nice! ;)
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Please know that I retain the right to delete any link which I feel violate the above conditions!

The link party will be open until Wednesday, and I'll be featuring the most popular links each week...so be sure to click on your faves and spread the word!

And just a reminder...be sure to check out my fantastic sponsors!!

OneLoopShy DesignsShabby AppleMyMemories.comMary C. NasserFamily Ever AfterJenny IglooLittle Sprinkles of FunI'm loving all of the fun projects you've all been sharing! Thanks so much for joining me each week!

Let's see what's new this week!!

Feature Friday: Oh My GOODKNITS!

2011-12-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

This week I'm featuring one of my favorite crafty ladies...Lisa Gutierrez from Goodknits!!!

Here's a little bit about her, in her own words:

"I am Lisa, mama to two boys. Nathan is 6 going on 16. He’s smart, sassy, defiant, and loud. He’s also very funny and shy around new people. Andrew is my baby, born May 2008 on a sidewalk. He is responsible for the most amazing day of my life, thus far. He’s squishy, talkative, and has the most amazing cheeks. Keeping me sane is Jason, daddy extraordinaire.

While I love to knit, I also crochet, sew, cross-stitch/embroider, and dabble in the paper crafts (card making, stamping, etc). I’m pretty much a grandma trapped in a 20-something year old body. I prefer making gifts over buying them. Cheap? Maybe. But if you saw the price of good wool, you’d think twice.

Wool is my yarn-fiber of choice. My craft table looks like a craft bomb exploded overhead, and the floor underneath looks like it took the brunt of the disaster. I’m going to try to be more organized and neat, but it’s kind of hard when you have too little (or too much) space and two boys vying for your attention.

I love love love taking photos. Like, really love. Here are a few of my family-favorites. Check out my flickr stream for more. Add me as a contact! Let’s be friends."

Lisa is SUPER talented! She crafts, crochets, knits, does cool photo stuff, and is also a great mommy!

She has a cute Etsy Shop, chock-full of yummy knit and crochet goodies...

Nell 01 - Knit Slouchy Hat

Custom Doily Blanket

Dory 06 - Crochet Shawlette in Watermelon

...and she just published this awesome pattern book, Lace Love, (available in her shop as a printed book!)...

Lace Love

She shares great printables and patterns on her Blog, too....

Christmas Cross-Stitched Signs

Simple Statement Ornaments

Mary Jane Slippers

(I have the honor of being one of her sponsors this month!)

Take some time to go get to know Lisa...Check out her BLOG, ETSY SHOP, and be sure to follow her on PINTEREST, TWITTER and FACEBOOK, too! You won't be sorry you did!

Things to Make: Simple Upcycled Teacher Gift

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it here is the guest post I did over at Two Girls Being Crafty a couple of weeks ago!

My husband is a teacher. He teaches the 5th grade. Over the years he's brought home a lot of interesting gifts from students during the holidays: body wash...candy...coffee mugs...hair gel...cocoa...and even a stuffed animal or two!

But guess what? The best gifts he's ever received are the ones he can actually use in his classroom.

I asked him once what the best thing to give a teacher was and he said, "A raise."

But after that he said, "Hand sanitizer...and tissues."

He knows all about germs. He's surrounded by them all day long...especially at school.

So when I was trying to think of a teacher gift for kids to give their teachers this year that's what I immediately thought of.

But how to make it cute...and something that the kids could actually help with?

Well, here's what I came up with! It's soooo simple, and the kids can help with most of it (unless you don't want them to come anywhere near a permanent marker...which I completely understand, believe me.)

Here's what you'll need:

- A Smallish container of some kind...I used an empty French's Onions can, because it was already white and had a lid...plus I have three of them left over from Thanksgiving meal preparations!
- a couple packages of pocket sized tissues
- a couple of sample size hand sanitizers
- a bit of Christmas-y ribbon
- a sharpie marker

First, remove the label from the container, and wash it thoroughly...you don't want it to smell like french fried onions, after all.

Next, use your sharpie marker to draw eyes and a smile on one side of the container...

...and to color the lid black (like a hat).

Next, tie a piece of ribbon around the base of the container. You might want to secure it with a dab of hot glue or a couple of glue dots if you feel so inclined.

Lastly put the hand sanitizer and tissues into the container, and snap the lid back on!

I included a note on the back of this little guy that reads: "We TISSUE a Merry Christmas, and a HANDY New Year!"

There are so many cute ways to dress up a simple gift like this, but my kids loved that this was an upcycled project that they could REALLY help with!

Handmade gifts are always appreciated...so if you are looking for some great handmade items, hop on over to my Handmade Holidays Shop Guide to check out some wonderful gifts ideas!

Thanks again to Tristin for inviting me to be a part of the fun! Happy Holidays!! :)

Make Something Monday: Link Party #39!

2011-12-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to another Make Something Monday!! Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season so far!!

What do you think of the new blog design? Is it any easier to find things? It's still a work in progress...but I'm liking the results so far! And you may notice that I changed my Make Something Monday Button...again...I like it A LOT more!!

Last week's top-viewed link was...

The One Year Afghan from Sweet Bee Buzzings...so cute - even if it take her a year to finish!;)

If you've been feature feel free to grab a button from my section section to proudly display on your blog! ;)

Now onto this week! Here's a little reminder of the 'rules!'

Become a follower of my blog!
Please post to a specific blog post...not to your main page or shop!
Limit your links to three per week!
Be sure to spread the love and leave a nice comment on someone else's project!

Please know that I retain the right to delete any link which I feel violate the above conditions!

The link party will be open until Wednesday, and I'll be featuring the most popular links each week...so be sure to click on your faves and spread the word!

And just a reminder...be sure to check out my fantastic sponsors!!

OneLoopShy DesignsShabby AppleMyMemories.comMary C. NasserFamily Ever AfterJenny IglooLittle Sprinkles of Fun

I'm loving all of the fun projects you've all been sharing! Thanks so much for joining me each week!

Let's see what's new this week!!

Feature Friday: Little Amara Designs

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm featuring Little Amara Designs, one of the fabulous shops linked up to my Handmade Holidays Shop Guide!

Lizette Natalie, the owner of Little Amara Designs, has a degree in Graphic Design and loves to create things! Here's a little bit about her, in her own words:

"I also enjoy everything from photography to arts and crafts and anything else that will allow me to use my creativity. My love and passion have always been in the creative arts. For that reason you will often find listings in my shop for items such as crochet items, bows, accessories, etc. and I can't say that I don't put all my love and care into everything I do. I pay close attention to detail, customer satisfaction is my main goal."

Lizette makes and sells beautiful accessories like this...

Felt Dahlia Hair Clip

...and this...

Ribbon Rosette Headband

She also designs super fun invitations, party favors and cards, like this...

Personalized Printable Holiday Card

Lizette also has a darling blog, where she shares more of her creative talent, like this cute Cameo Sweatshirt...

Cameo Sweatshirt

...and these adorable printable straw flags...

Printable Baby Straw Flags

SO. DANG. CUTE.

Go check out her shop and blog...I'm sure you'll find something wonderful there for the holidays!

Work in Progress...

2011-11-30T17:56:00.001-07:00

Please pardon my cyber dust as I try to reconfigure my blog to accommodate some new features! Hopefully it will be all ready to go in a day or two! I'd love to hear your feedback!

Make Something Monday: Link Party #38!

2011-11-28T07:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another Make Something Monday!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday! (Thanksgiving was also our 12th anniversary! It was really nice!)
Our top-viewed link last week was...

This AWESOME Women's Winter hat Pattern by Crocheting the Day Away! Sooooo cute and simple!!

If you've been featured feel free to grab a "Featured On" button from my buttons page to post on your site!! :)

The Rules:

1. Become a follower of my blog!

2. Grab a MSM button and add it to you blog somewhere! (Sidebar, post, page...etc.) You can find it on my buttons page!3. Please only post to a specific blog post...no shops or main pages, please!4. Limit your links to three per week!5. Make sure you spread the love by visiting the link above you...and a couple of the other links shared!!
Please know that I retain the right to remove any links which I feel violate the rules!

The party will be open until Wednesday, and I'll be announcing and featuring the most popular links each week...so don't forget to click on your faves and spread the word!!And don't forget to visit my wonderful sponsors!!!OneLoopShy DesignsShabby AppleMyMemories.comMary C. NasserFamily Ever AfterJenny IglooLittle Sprinkles of Fun

(AND DON'T MISS OUT ON MY 20% OFF SALE IN MY SHOP! USE THE CODE HOLIDAY20 TO GET 20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE!)

Black Friday/Cyber Monday SALE!!!

2011-11-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hope your Black Friday is going well! Still looking for some fun handmade gift ideas?

How about a cute winter hat for a loved one?

The Meanie

The Flapper

Or perhaps a fun toy for a favorite tot?

Felt Matryoshka Doll

Or a cute flower to dress up a scarf or jacket?

Button Blossom Brooch

Rose Flower Clips

Or even a pattern to make something yourself?

Boho Headband Pattern

Slouchy Beanie Pattern

Now's your chance to get a great deal on all of the above in my Etsy shop!!!

I'm offering 20% OFF all orders from Etsy shop, when you use the coupon code HOLIDAY20 at check out!

CLICK HERE to go to my shop!

Happy Black Friday!!