Tuesday, January 26, 2010

100 Ways To Say I Love You


What better way to tell your spouse,
"I love you", than to say it 100 times?

Forget the flowers and boxed candy and make a Jar of Love!


Supplies:

1 Canning Jelly Jar
100 Love Sheets, measuring 1/2" by 3"
Ribbon, for decoration


Hand print or type 100 "Love" notes with all the things you love about your spouse.

Decorate the lid with ribbon.

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....


Team EtsyBABY has the pleasure of introducing 2 new members!

For cute gifts for babies and children visit BabySmith! All of her items are made to be played with by babies, toddlers and children of all ages. Her items are soft and durable and can be used for many years to come. She offers a wide selection of blocks, balls, quiet books and more!
SweetSmilesBaby has an adorable store filled with lots of very cute diaper covers, patterns, shirts, skirts and more. She has just introduced a NEW style diaper cover called ~ the Classic Bow.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sweet Rolls for Your Sweetheart



Sweet Rolls


Dough:
1 1/2 Cups Warm Water (105 F to 115 F)
1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Envelopes Dry Yeast

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 Teaspoon Salt
3 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour


Preparation:
Combine the warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over and let it stand until it becomes foamy (about 6 minutes). Mix in the vegetable oil and salt. Add enough flour, 1 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, adding more flour if it's too sticky (about 10 minutes). Lightly oil another large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl; turn to coat with oil and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then cover with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm draft-free area until it has doubled in volume (about an hour).


Frosting:

3 Ounces of Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 Cup Butter, softened
1 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/8 Teaspoon Salt

Cream the Butter then add the remaining ingredients. This can be made while to the dough is rising and then placed in a container inside the refrigerator.


Cinnamon Roll Center:

1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 1/2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 - 1 Cup Pecans, chopped
(optional inside and topping)

In a small bowl cream the butter and add the remaining ingredients and set aside.


Assembling the rolls:

Roll the dough into a 16 x 21 inch rectangle. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch backing pan. Cover the rolls and let them rise until they have doubled in size (10-30 minutes). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the rolls for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool slightly until frosting the rolls.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....




Team EtsyBABY has the pleasure of introducing 4 NEW members!
If you are looking for adorable hairclips or shoes, stop by Cutienessers. She has a wonderful selection! Great colors and fabrics!
For boutique baby gifts and crib bedding go to MimiandMeg! They are a mother-daughter team who love coming up with fun things to sew for babies and children.
TheClassicBaby is a shop committed to providing one of a kind, timeless, classic clothing that children have worn for generations. All items in her shop are one-of-a-kind, hand sewn and smocked.
Take your time and have a good look around the Lullabyloft. All items are hand made with extra love and special care. No two will be exactly alike. She offers hand embroidered and appliqued items, and loves custom orders ~ embroidery can be added to any gift!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Lentil Soup with Beef

One of the best meals to have during the winter months is something with spice, warmth and feeds the soul. Soup has always been a main stay for the cooler months and it is sturdy and light enough to satisfy. I have never cooked lentil soup and I have always wanted to try. I found that this recipe had a great deal of taste and the beef made it hearty. It turned out to be a good recipe to share. Enjoy!


Lentil Soup with Beef

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large celery stalks, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
6 (14-ounce) cans beef broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
2 cups (about 11 ounces) lentils, rinsed
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves


♥ Heat the oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper. Add half of the beef and cook until brown, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining beef.

Add the celery, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, and oregano to the pot. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Return the beef and any accumulated juices from the bowl to the pot.

Add the broth and tomatoes with their juice. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the meat is just tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.

Add the lentils. Cover and continue simmering until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes.

Stir in the parsley. Season the soup, to taste, with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

EtsyBABY Valentines Day Challenge


The Challengers!

Left to Right:

Valentines Photo Album by Alphabulous

Heart Shaped Pillow by Tiges and Weince

Valentines Body Suit by Little Tumble Weeds

Lucy the Love Bug by Imogens Garden

Fuzzy Legs Leg Warmers by Posh Pips Squek

Valentines Day Felt Cookies by Claire and Janae

Bee Mine Valentine Tee by Daisy Creek

Valentines Wood Plaque by Growin Like A Weed

Valentines Day Birdie Card by Trendy Peas

Red Octopus Poncho by Elise Hooper Designs

Valentines Cashmere Blanket by MRowe

Swing Skirt/Headband Set by Aunty Ann Designs

Damask Skirt/Tee Set by Hot Tots Bowtique

Love is in the Air Quilt by Kims Crafty Apple

The heart Breaker Tutu/Tee by Diva Baby Designs

Andalucia Valentines Bib by Sarita Baby

Valentines Baby Shoes by Little Jumping Beans

My baby's Garden by Lady La Duke

Little Miss Poppy Tee/Skirt by My Sweet Sunshine


Vote HERE!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....


Team EtsyBABY has the pleasure of introducing 8 *NEW* members!
Babyette is inspired by the love of all things Baby Wearing...especially Ring Slings & Wraps. She also offers unique neckscape cowl scarves for men and women.
BabyStepDesigns has a wonderful selection of baby wipe containers and sets! Please check her shop frequently.....as she is adding new patterns all the time!
Browniesnbutterflies love making custom baby gifts! They can embroider anything! Please visit their shop to see the products they carry ~ boppy pillow covers, bibs, burp cloths and children's clothing.
DivaBabyDesigns is where every little girl and boy's dreams become reality! They are only little once....so let them have as many tutus, capes, tiaras & wings they desire!
Fairyshred offers a wonderful selection of crocheted and knitted items ~ adorable hats, cocoons that would make great photo props! You can tell from visiting her shop she adds love in everything she creates.
Pillowsewcute offers her designer OUCH POUCH! No more scrounging for a bandaid at the bottom of your purse! Your OUCH POUCH will neatly hold all of your "owie" supplies in one savvy tote!
SaritaBaby is a Canadian line of modern funky baby accessories made out of designer fabrics. A great selection of quilts, blankets, bibs, burps, dresses and diaper clutches!
TaterTotsBoutique is the sweetest boutique! She offers upscale children's hair accessories. Your little girl will love wearing one of their fluffy bows!