Friday, April 30, 2010

A Thank You Is Not Enough...

...for all the hard work you've put into the EtsyBABY blog, Sandra!!
You are so talented and have such an amazing eye for fabrics. I have always felt blessed to have met you while a member of this team and was honored when you asked me to help you with the blog. I was happy to help and although you had to stop to take more time for other important things in your life, I know we will continue to be great friends!! I have learned so much from you and this blog is no different.
You are incredible - as a person, as a team member, as a creator of super, adorable things!! I have loved all the adorable things that you have done through AmyRoseDesigns and Bloome and I know great things are to come!! I look foward to seeing what the future holds for you and what all your hard work will bring.
I know thank you does not say enough, but...
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Meet The Amazing Woman Behind the Yarn!


Meet The Amazing Woman Behind the Yarn!

Our very own Elaine, from GrannysKnits is "working overtime" on Etsy's Handmade Blog! Read her story here.

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes...


Team EtsyBABY© has the pleasure of introducing 4 new members!
Ella Joe Couture has a wonderful selection of handmade "Petite Chic" designs for your little one! Her handmade onesies are made specifically for your princess or prince. Please stop by her shop to see all the wonderful items she has to offer.
M&M Baby & Morockin' Creations has been selling her handmade baby slings since 2004. She offers a variety of ring slings, wrap carriers, pouch slings and "whatever strikes her fancy".
At Oh Sew Cute Designs you will find boutique style for babies and mommies! Her items make wonderful, unique shower gifts and perfect for "everyday cuteness"!
Stop by the Playful Peanut to see her wonderful collection of toys, accessories, nursing covers, bibs, burp cloths, soother clips, sock monkeys and more.

Monday, April 26, 2010

April Showers {Bring May Flowers}


April showers are bringing us May flowers! Here are just a few of the beautiful items EtsyBABY shops have to offer. If you are looking for the perfect handmade baby, toddler gift shop EtsyBABY.
Featured in this showcase is:
1. ChewChewsCloset - Blooming Lilacs Sundress
2. DolceVitaMia's Shop - Purple, Lavender flower with a splash of shine on a lavender headband newborn infants baby toddlers girls ladies womens
3. AmyRoseDesigns - Wrap N Snap REVERSIBLE Car Seat Belt Covers for Infants Toddlers and Adults (c)
4. cootiepants - Parisian Bouquet Boutique Burp Cloth
5. Neishasblue - NEW ITEM Orchid Purple Double Dainty Flower Headband with Swarovski Crystals in Super Soft Elastic Fits Infants to Adults
6. sunshineshoppe - Baby Snap Clips - BRIGHT AND PASTEL CROCHET FLOWER COLLECTION

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earth Day



Today the entire country will be celebrating Earth Day. Earth Day is where as a nation, community, and as a family, we make a concentrated effort to take the necessary steps to be more diligent about conservation and the energy we waste in our daily lives.

For the last four years my family has changed the way we do things in our home. We have changed out all of our energy guzzling light bulbs and changed them out to the more energy efficient bulbs. Every plastic container gets washed out and put into the recycling bin along with every newspaper and envelope mailed to us. We are using more cotton towels in the kitchen rather than paper towels. It may be small steps, but every step we take is a step in the right direction. make the change in your home today.


Here are a few ways you can start today:

Change out incandescent light bulbs to high efficient bulbs

Change out your old windows for more insulated windows

Change out your old washer and dryer for a high efficient brand

Use power strips for all you heavily used outlet sockets

Turn off lights when you leave a room

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees during occupied times and 85 degrees when your not

Turn of equipment on nights and weekends when not n use

Use a energy saving setting on printers and copiers

Install solar panels to your home

Take a shower that is no longer than ten minutes

Contact your local home or utility center for rebates to upgrade to a more efficient home



Happy earth Day and remember change starts with you!


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

In Celebration of Earth Day


Good Clean Fun!


Organic Quilt by Organic Quilt Company and sells for $325.00

Organic Noonie by Lalasequenos and sells for $62.00

Organic Bodysuit by Pumpkin Pie Original and sells for $20.00

Organic Sweet Pea Hat by Boston Beanies and sells for $25.00

Organic Baby Bob by Squirmy Worm and sells for $11.00

Organic Hat and Boots by Betty and Todd 2 and sells for $38.00


Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd!


Monday, April 19, 2010

Are you an Etsy Seller who caters to infants and toddlers? {Join EtsyBABY}



Are you an Etsy Seller who caters to infants and toddlers?

Looking for a well established Etsy Team to join?

EtsyBABY Team Members are:
*Highly Active
*Featured in the STORQUE
( Etsy's Blog )
*Featured in our Blog
*Featured on our Web Site
*We average 10 or more TEAM treasuries a week
*A Weekly Promotional Thread
*A Private Members Forum
*Multiple Promotional Events a year

For more information on the EtsyBABY© Street Team, please go here
We look forward to meeting new clients and applicants!!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake



Mmmm
... Brown Sugary love!


"What is so new about Pineapple Upside Down Cake?"


Nothing really, but I have two reasons to make this cake...


First:
TODAY
is Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day.

Second:
Do I really need a second reason?



There are a two common ways to make this cake; by scratch or by the box. I have made this recipe both ways. Today I am going to cheat and do it by the box, but I am going to give you some new steps you might not have thought of. Don't worry, I will include a recipe to make the yellow cake by scratch. Lets get started!




1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix
2 - 3 Tablespoons of Butter
1 Can (20 ounces) of Pineapple Chunks, reserve the juice
1 Jar of Maraschino Cherries
Brown Sugar
Parchment Paper



Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

New Tip:
When you go to mix the boxed yellow cake together, substitute a portion of the water with some of the pineapple juice from the canned pineapple. My boxed cake required 1 1/3 cup of water and substituted the 1/3 portion for the pineapple juice. Too much juice and it will change the recipe. I also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract just for a little push.

New Tip:
I also use a professional cake baking pan. They are taller than the average baking dish on the general market and think this cake looks better fuller.

Place the butter in the baking pan and place t in the oven to melt. When the butter has melted take it out of the oven and this is when you have to work quickly, so the butter doesn't cool and congeal.




Place the pineapple chunks in a nice pattern along with the cherries. I don't put too many cherries on the cake, which think can be overwhelming.

New Tip:
Most versions of this cake use pineapple rings or crushed pineapple. I don't use either. It is harder to cut through the rings when serving the cake and they usually slide off the cake leaving other pieces without any pineapple and I think the crushed pineapple has too much liquid in it to give a chance for the brown sugar to settle. With the chunks you can slice through the cake without issues and each piece you slice has pineapple in manageable bites.

New Tip:
Place a ring of the parchment paper around the sides of the pan. This Helps to slide the cake out when it comes time to flip the cake over.




Sprinkle a good amount of brown sugar over the entire cake pressing down the brown sugar around the edges and through out the cake. This will help to secure a solid cake top.

Pour in the entire cake mix over the pineapple brown sugar mix and place in the oven to bake for 40 minutes.

New Tip:
If after 40 minutes the top of the cake is still wobbly and the toothpick test comes out wet cook for 5 more minutes and then turn the oven off and leave the pan in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The heat will continue to bake the wet part of the cake without burning the rest of the cake.

If you use the smaller baking pans then half the cake mix between both pans and cook for 30 to 35 minutes.





After the cake has finished baking and cooled enough I still like to slice the top off the cake for an even bottom layer. This cake didn't necessary need a cutting, but it certainly helps in the flipping process.


Yellow Cake Mix

1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs
2/3 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Milk or Pineapple Juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla



All photographs have been watermarked

Friday, April 16, 2010

HAPPY EGGS BENEDICT DAY!!!


Eggs have been a part of our everyday cuisine for centuries - even before Egyptian times! Maybe due to ease of preparation or availability or maybe even because often times eggs would be found where people where hunting birds for food. Regardless, eggs are a part of our food history and the dish, Eggs Benedict, is certainly one with a fun story describing how it came to be.


The origin of Eggs Benedict is thought to be one of two tales. Both occuring in the late 1800's at a posh New York hotel and both involve people with the last name Benedict. The first tale reports of a wealthy woman who was unable to find anything to her liking on the menu and together with the maitre d, concocted what we now know of as Eggs Benedict.


The second, more whimsical tale, reports of a hungover Wall Street-er who made his way through a breakfast buffet slapping bacon and eggs on buttered toast and topping it with Hollandaise sauce. After seeing what he had done, the maitre d substituted ham for bacon and an english muffin for toast... making what we now know of as Eggs Benedict.


Which one is true? We'll never know! (But it sure makes for a great story, doesn't it???)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

THESE INCREDIBLE (not so), EDIBLE EGGS!


So Sweet!!

(starting top left and moving clockwise)

1. Easter Egg Bow by Tatertotsboutique

2. Nest of Eggs by mrowe

3. Easter Egg Cocoon Bowl Photographer Prop by joliem6201

4. Easter Bunny doll by MiniMonster

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....


Team EtsyBABY has the pleasure of introducing 3 new members!
Fashion Touch is the home for cool knits for mom and kids! She has a large variety of handknitted baby beanies, hats, photo props, baby cocoons, fringe blankets and gift scarves!
Gracie's Garden Designs has a adorable selection of hats and accessories for the little prince or princess in your life. The inspiration behind every little girl hat is thanks to her sweet daughter "Gracie Jane".
My Vintage Blankie is classic, nostalgic and timeless. Her collections are made to "look old" but are "new & improved" with detail and quality. Most item's are embellished with an embroidered vintage motif. Each blanket has matching accessories. All items are pre-shrunk, washable and dryable.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Those Amazing Little Eggs



With International Eggs Benedict Day just around the corner, I just had to share with you just how amazing those little eggs are!!



Did you know???

* the main purpose of the egg is to nourish new life until it is strong enough to live on it's own??

* eggs have lots of vitamins like riboflavin and B12 (plus all sorts of other important minerals) ??

* eggs have a shelf life in your refridgerator for up to 60 days and egg whites can be frozen for up to a year??

* eggs are used to make some of America's favorite foods: omletes, quiche and deviled eggs??

* that eggs have become the symbol for spring... not only because they represent new life, but also because chickens naturally lay very few eggs in the winter and only start to make more when the spring sun starts to shine??

* and who can forget how cute they look in an Easter basket??

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Did You Know?



Did you know...

You should sleep at least ONE hour for ever
TWO hours you are awake?


Some research says that lack of sleep ages you while others state it doesn't, because you will age at the same consistent daily rate no matter what. Doctors have stated that at the very least an adult should get no less than 6 hours of sleep every night.

Lack of sleep in children can be very critical to their growth and overall performance in their school work. Without a full nights rest for your child it has been proven that is harder for them to concentrate in school with symptoms of hyper, disagreeable, and sometimes extremes in behavior.




So, what is considered a full nights rest for a child?


Newborns:
Between 16 to 20 hours of total sleep a day, divided equally between the daylight and night time hours, spending 3 to 4 hours of the sleep at a time.

6 to 12 months:
About 11 hours a night with a 2 - 3 hour nap during the day.

Toddlers:
Between 10 to 13 hours a night, with or without a nap, depending on if the child gets overly tired.

Preschoolers:
Between 10 to 12 hours, with or without a nap, depending on if the child gets overly tired or at age 5 years they don't really require a nap at all, if they are getting their full 10 - 12 hours a night.

Teens:
Between 8 - 9.50 hours a night. As your teen progresses through puberty you might find that they require and will sleep upwards to 12 hours, especially if they are active.

One of the most important guidelines for a successful sleeping regimen for the entire family is to establish a healthy night time ritual of getting ready for bed and sticking to it.


Nighty, night!


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ladybug Ladybug Fly Away Home



Clockwise from upper left hand corner:

Ladybug Headband by My Sweet Sunshine and sells for $10.00


Ladybug Step Stool by Growin Like A Weed and sells for $56.00

Ladybug Tutu by Diva Baby Designs and sells for $45.00

Ladybug Maryjane Shoes by JLPerillo and sells for $23.00

Little Lovebug Tee by Taryn Peine and sells for $15.00

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Looking to become a part of EtsyBABY?


Are you an Etsy Seller who caters to infants and toddlers?

Are you looking for a well established Etsy Team to join?


Our EtsyBABY Team Members are:
*Highly Active
*Featured in Etsy's Blog, The STORQUE
*Featured in our Blog
*Featured on our Web Site
*We average 10 or more TEAM treasuries a week
*A Weekly Promotional Thread
*A Private Members Forum
*Multiple Promotional Events a year


For more information on the EtsyBABY© Street Team, please go here!


We look forward to meeting new clients and applicants!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Happy Birthday To You

Team EtsyBABY wishes you a Happy Birthday!


Happy Birthday
Kate of Tot Toppers

Sunday, April 11th


Happy Birthday
Karen of Lillybelle Designs
Friday
, April 16th


Happy Birthday
Nancy of TuTu Cute & Moore
Friday, April 23rd


Happy Birthday
Jen of The Trendy Tot
Thursday, April 29th

Friday, April 2, 2010

The Color of Eggs




I can smell the vinegar. I can see yesterdays newspaper layered across the kitchen table to catch the occasional spill from the coffee cups filled with that magical colored water that would consume our white, hard boiled egg and turn it into masterpieces of egg-art. All of my brothers and sister gathered around the table waiting, timing our egg bath and having to move your color clockwise to the next awaiting dipper. Always the contest to make the egg that would stand out above all others. It's Easter and it wouldn't be the same if we didn't celebrate the memories of it by dying eggs.

Although the prepackaged store dye is easy to use and comes in a convenient package , I prefer a homemade recipe to dye my eggs with. The ingredients are simple and depending on your color preferences, you can create almost every variable shade possible. So, spread out the newspaper and get started!





Peach to Salmon
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 Drop of Red Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water


Pistachio to Green
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 Drop of Yellow Food Coloring
2 - 4 Drops of Green Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water


Light Yellow to Canary Yellow
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
2 Drops of Red Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water

Robins Egg Blue to Dark Blue
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 - 2 Drops of Blue Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water





Boil your eggs for 15 minutes, starting at the time the water begins to boil. This insures your eggs are cooked on the inside. Cool and dry your eggs completely before you begin the dying process.

Your color preference is determined by the length of time you leave your egg in the dye. The shorter it stays in the dye, the lighter your egg will be and the longer your egg stays in the dye, the darker it will be. To achieve the colors above I kept my eggs in the dye 5 - 7 minutes, keeping the yellow in one minute longer that the rest.




No matter what colors you choose to make your eggs have fun doing it. Make the memories for your child to carry to adulthood, which I know will be recalled when they are sitting around the table with their children making new memories like the ones you created with them.


Happy Easter!




*Since these recipes require boiling water there is always the chance of receiving a potential burn. With anything always use caution, especially when children are participating. I see no reason why the water can't be hot instead of boiling to reduce the risk of a burn.

All photographs are watermarked.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Silly Rabbit



Silly rabbit, crafts are for kids!


2 Toilet Paper Rolls
1 Cotton Ball
Pink Tempura Paint
Construction Paper: White, Pink and Black
Glue
Scissors


Paint the toilet paper rolls pink and set aside to dry.

From the white paper:
Cut two bunny ears
Two eye balls
One pair of teeth

From the pink paper:
Cut two bunny ear inserts, smaller than the white ones.

From the black paper:
Cut two eyeballs, larger than the white ones.
Two long whiskers.




Glue the pink ear inserts on top of the white ears and then glue them in the middle of the two toilet paper rolls securing them and the two rolls together to form the body of the rabbit.

Glue the two white eyes on top of the black eyes and glue them to the front of the rolls, equally spaced apart.

Glue on the teeth just below the eyes in the center of the front roll.

Glue the whiskers on top of the upper part of the teeth and then the cotton ball on top of the teeth for the nose.


Hoppy Easter!




*You can add another cotton ball on the back of the rolls for a bunny tail.

All photos are watermarked