Little Gems by Kari

Lighten Up a Decadent Breakfast

2012-01-19T10:13:00.002-05:00

This pregnant lady loves french toast right now. I first had this bake at a bridal shower and fell in love. Here is the original Paula Deen recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup-recipe2/index.html
And here is my version - next time I think I'll swap butter for margarine and a couple eggs for egg whites. Both the original and my tweak version are super yummy! If you can think of anymore calorie savers I'm all ears!!
Ingredients

10 pieces of wheat bread torn in half

4 large eggs

3 cups skim milk

1 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sprinkle nutmeg

Praline Topping:

1 stick butter chunked

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Arrange slices of bread in a non stick sprayed small casserole dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Prep praline topping- Chunk butter over bread (with egg mix poured on). Mix dry ingredients and sprinkle over the entire dish.

Cover with foil or cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup if desired

In Love with Sweet Potatoes

2012-01-07T13:08:00.001-05:00

Currently I cant get enough of sweet potatoes! This baby has healthy taste. I'm trying to perfect my fries and I think I'm almost there.....

-Peel and cut sweet potatoes
-Microwave for 5 minutes
-Bring an oven with a baking stone in it up to 375
-Place potatoes on stone
-Drizzle with olive oil
-Sprinkle with paprika, adobo, and kosher salt
-Bake 20 minutes and flip
-Bake 20 more
I served my portion with light cottage cheese ( with pepper ) - what a great light lunch!

1st Dinner of 2012

2012-01-01T19:03:00.001-05:00

Chicken tenderloins
Roasted red peppers
Capers
Onion
Mushrooms
Olives
Garlic, Adobo, and Italian Seasoning
Served with wild rice and corn

What did you have for dinner New Years Day ?

The Wonder of Christmas Crack

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Be warned this is a wonderful Salty Sweet, highly addictive Holiday Snack! Toffee, chocolate, nuts- what's not to like? I have yet to meet anyone who's said "eh no thanks". Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in the house! I found the recipe on craftster.org

http://www.craftster.org/blog/christmas-crack-recipe-oldies-but-goodies/

a few years ago and haven't looked back.
Are you baking this week for Hanukkah or Christmas?
PS-I'm in need of Hanukkah recipes so if you have any send them my way!

Wordless Wednesday- Christmas has Begun!

2011-11-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday- Baby Kurtz in 3D

2011-11-23T15:53:00.002-05:00

Fantastic French Fries at Home

2011-11-18T16:48:00.002-05:00

A tip I took from Rachel Ray took my fries from baked yummy to baked out of this world! Instead of using a sheet pan, bake them on a pizza stone! Crispy crunchy and done in 30 minutes!

These are just cut red potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt and Adobo. flipped them at 15 minutes and gobbled them up in roughly 2 minutes :)

I almost ate my DH's half.

Warning this will change the way you make french fries!!!

Hand Stamped Tags for Crochet Items

2011-11-10T09:40:00.004-05:00

Finally a crochet stamp!!! When I saw this ball of yarn from cupcaketree on etsy that came customized I had to have it! Why should the knitters be the only ones to have yarny fun?!

I whipped up these tags last night with a Creative Memories punch and some of my existing stamps (my website stamp is from Creative Memories too). I love them and they'll be a perfect extra touch for my craft fair crochet goodies this season. First show is at the Plattsburgh State Field House- Saturday and Sunday 10-5 in Plattsburgh NY. Let the fun begin!

Fingerless Gloves

2011-10-12T13:21:00.004-04:00

As the weather starts turning chilly my crochet hook and I become best friends again.
Lately I've been working on these fingerless gloves.
For my fellow hookers these are just granny squares closed off (and a hole left for your thumb). It takes roughly an hour to whip up a pair and they are super cute if I do say so myself. The pairs you see in the pic are now at yellow boutique but fear not more are coming soon!

A Warmer Neck

2011-09-19T15:42:00.004-04:00

I've been SLOWLY finishing this Cowl for what may be forever. Done on a Knifty Knitter with Homespun yarn I think I'll be a bit warmer this winter.

Materials:
Long rectangle Knifty Knitter (done on 1 side)
1 Skein Homespun Yarn
Crochet Hook (to join together the 2 sides)

Have you recently tackled any projects that found their way to the bottom of your list??

News and a Dressed Up Treat

2011-08-30T20:23:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the lapse between blogs. A lot has happened since we last spoke- most importantly my husband and I are now expecting! We are 11 weeks along! Advice from any Mommies is VERY welcomed!

Speaking of Mom's - my Mom and I went to a Scrap Book Expo and saw a cute idea for dressing up Tic Tacs done by Stampin Up .

I think these would be great for a baby shower- put on some baby theme paper and decorate with cute baby buttons and ribbon. These just might be at my shower!

New Favorite Thing

2011-07-20T09:25:00.003-04:00

I've been drinking 2/3 bottles of water a day. With the plastic piling up and the water fountain at work not being a glacier spring I needed a solution. Intro the new Brita Bottle this little invention is WONDERFUL! Even my tap water (which I usual enjoy sans filter) is more enjoyable! I picked mine up at Target for 9.99 - do you have a favorite new invention?

Southern Eats - Sausage Plate

2011-07-11T19:51:00.005-04:00

On our road trip we tried a sausage plate- my Brother in Law swears that they are the thing to eat in the south, and it was TASTY!
So I decided tonight to try my hand at a version.
Dill Pickles
Extra Sharp Cheese
Beef Polish Sausage Pan fried
Creole Mustard (Scratchamos- picked it up in New Orleans)
And home made deviled eggs (leftover from 4th of July)

In Tennessee it had dill pickles, a mild cheese, a slightly spicy sausage, crackers, a mayonnaise like dip, and pickled peppers.

Bon Temps!

Wordless Wednesday- Jean Lafitte's Bar, Fountain

2011-06-29T14:13:00.001-04:00

Back from the Epic Road Trip

2011-06-23T20:21:00.004-04:00

We are back from our super road trip and our favorite part of our trip was Sun Studio
Johnny Cash, Howling Wolf, Elvis, and sooo many more recorded in these walls. You can just feel the air change when you are in there. Almost as magical as New Orleans.....

Back to NY and back to our routine.... I'm off to work on some new products for yellow boutique (Saratoga is starting to swing already!).

Do you have any summer plans?

Road Trip!

2011-06-06T21:12:00.013-04:00

The DH and I are about to embark on a very adventurous road trip.

Find it on Etsy Here
-Saturday we will drive to Nashville, TN and pick up DH's brother.

Find it on Etsy Here

-Sunday we will head to Memphis, TN and see Graceland and Sun Record Studios

Find it on Etsy Here

-Monday off to NOLA! (honestly can NOT wait to get back)

-Monday and Tuesday max and relax in the Big Easy

-Wednesday back to Nashville, TN to drop off the brother

Find it on Etsy Here

-Thursday back to Albany, NY

PHEW! Any roadtrip survival trips? Or amazing places to stop??

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T13:37:00.003-04:00

A piece of the majesty that is the US. This is right outside where I grew up in Keeseville NY, the beautiful Ausable Chasm. Thank you to our Veterans past and present for defending everything we love in the States.

Upcycle Jewelry Boxes

2011-05-22T22:22:00.005-04:00

Upcycle Jewelry Boxes! Super EASY!

My family amasses large amount of boxes with store brands on them- by switching them a bit they are perfect for using with my own jewelry line.

What you need:

Box

Glue

Paper

Paper Punch

(this is a scrap from my cricket, scotch glue stick, and the punch is a Martha Stewart Punch)

Trim the paper- and glue it on the box- DONE :) You can add ribbon, rhinestones, stamps, the sky is the limit.

En Vogue

2011-05-17T15:35:00.003-04:00

Did you ever put together an outfit you were just so darn proud of? I did! To the Left is a cute little number I put together out of my closet for my dear friend Danelle's wedding (also pictured is my other BFF Jocelyn). Belting may be my favorite trend ever and it saved me from a OMG I have nothing to wear moment. Have you had a style triumph lately?

PS- this pic was taken by the very talented Kristy Akey from Kristy Mae Photography if you need photos in the north country she is your lady. She has a super discount for a lucky bride on her facebook page right now too!

My 1st Rubberband Ball

2011-05-13T14:43:00.003-04:00

My desk was piling up with rubberbands after cleaning out a file so I started my 1st rubber band ball. What do you do with extra office supplies?

Banners!

2011-05-10T10:44:00.009-04:00

I'm finally getting a banner! Which one do you like best?

The Latest Book to Bite Me

2011-05-05T10:59:00.006-04:00

Have you been bitten?

I'm a sucker for a vampire read and the latest in the Sookie Stackhouse series is out :) Dead Reckoning - Charlaine Harris's books are like candy sweet, not too long, and fun to enjoy. A little harlequin meets sci fi. These books are also the series that the HBO show True Blood is based on.

I'm a few chapters in but it won't be long until I'm done!

What are you reading?

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T10:41:00.002-04:00

How are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?

The DH and I are pretty low key, maybe we'll sneak off to Moe's for lunch :) Or I'll make tacos for dinner....decisions....

Under the Weather Wednesday

2011-04-27T22:03:00.003-04:00

Hot tea and tissues- allergies/cold whatever it is.....it sure is kicking me.

I plan to be right as rain by Sunday though! Are you coming to the Little Gems party? 12-? at my place. Come on over and have a snack and look at all the baubles!

Wordless Wednesday- Silent for Now

2011-04-20T19:42:00.002-04:00

Shall we start Celebrating?

2011-04-12T08:39:00.002-04:00

Free Gifts it is! Any purchases made in my shop from now until 12 EST tomorrow come with a free gift! Happy Shopping :) The Shop

Pre- Birthday Delights

2011-04-10T19:15:00.002-04:00

Every year my mom makes homemade german chocolate cake for my birthday. Let me tell you it... is.... magical! The family came up this weekend to celebrate and this forkfull pretty much sums it up. How was your weekend?

Help me Celebrate

2011-04-08T15:38:00.002-04:00

I turn the big 2-8 next Wednesday, and I want EVERYONE to be on the festivities. Hop on over to my facebook page and vote on what kind of deal you'd like to see on 4/13. Little Gems FB Page HERE

Sunday WIPs

2011-04-03T14:38:00.006-04:00

I inherited a number of boxes full of beautiful costume jewelry formerly my Grandmother in Laws. A few pieces were broken so I decided to work with those beads today as well as a few things I had on my board already (the necklace to the left being one of them).

So far I have 7 beautiful bracelets, if I do say so myself.

What are you working on today?

Wordless Wednesday- Knifty

2011-03-30T19:21:00.001-04:00

Quirky

2011-03-26T23:04:00.002-04:00

Since I was very little I've been obsessed with hats. My mom used to bribe me with promises of trying on hats if I was good. Not much has changed.

When I pop one on I just feel different.

So, when prepping to take photos for my shop tonight I threw on a hat and clipped on a flower. Try it next time you have a task to do. Vacuum in a tiara, do the dishes in a beret, I think you'll like it.

Wordless Wednesday- Inspiration Grandma Kurtz's Work

2011-03-23T21:20:00.003-04:00

Hip to be Square

2011-03-21T09:08:00.006-04:00

I should probably say hip to be rectangle.

This little guy came out of my imagination one day, the hardest part was finding safety eyes! I whipped him up during Celebrity Apprentice last night and I'm calling him Oscar right now. Any thoughts on making him better? Is he already perfect?

Shape Up or Ship Out

2011-03-18T10:55:00.004-04:00

Shape up or ship out! Ok well maybe not that extreme but something had to be done my clothes were starting to get tight and I refuse to go up a size again. The DH and I joined a gym and while he is going 4 times a week I've decided on 2, mostly so I don't give up :) I also downloaded a free app called myfitnesspal. It is a super calorie counter and helps me make decisions through out the day (should I grab that soda? ooo those cupcakes look good...but then I can't have). I've already lost 2 lbs! I don't intend to be Jane Fonda but I do want to look good for my 10 year high school reunion.

Anyone else get bit by the fitness bug? Any tips?

Wordless Wednesday- How to Keep your Wednesday Sanity

2011-03-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Discount Days

2011-03-14T09:49:00.003-04:00

Discount code for my followers! 10% off anything in the shop now until St. Patrick's Day- Enter IRISHEYES when you check out :) May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Giving Something Back

2011-03-09T22:28:00.004-05:00

Lent usually brings up thoughts of giving something up, but what about giving something back?

I crochet/knit with a lovely group of women and make shawls and blankets for the sick and for new babies being baptized. They put me to SHAME at how quickly and wonderfully they whip through projects. To the left is the project I'm currently working on. And a few hours of my time brings a smile to someone's face. There are tons of non profits looking for crafters to help their cause but if you aren't the creative type there are still ways to help your neighborhood. Maybe it is as simple as holding a door for the person behind you, saying please and thank you at a check out, smiling kindly at someone, the list goes on.

What can you do today or anyday to make someone happy?

Wordless Wednesday- Crochet WIP

2011-03-09T10:22:00.002-05:00

Book Addiction

2011-03-07T08:38:00.004-05:00

Hi I'm Kari and I've always been addicted to books.

I just finished reading The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch, which is a fun piece of historical fiction. But it is rare to find a book that leaves me desperate to know what is happening next.

The following book on my reading list was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I started it yesterday and am 70% of the way through. I'll be finished by Wednesday if not sooner. Now this is that oh my I can't leave these characters alone kind of book. I hope the movie does it justice!

What's on your night stand? Any super page turners that I should pick up?

It's about Time!

2011-02-22T10:12:00.003-05:00

That Little Gems by Kari got a facebook page! Join me for more rambling won't you?? Find it HERE

See you over there :)

Worldess Wednesday- Triple 3 D

2011-02-16T19:28:00.003-05:00

(we've been going to the movies a lot lately)

Wordless Wednesday- Projects in Process

2011-02-09T21:07:00.003-05:00

Hash Brown Bake

2011-02-07T18:31:00.006-05:00

One of my dearest friends came over a few weekends ago for a slumber party. Since she is the Pugancious Vegetarian I wasn't about to serve meat for breakfast!

Intro a twist on my Mom/Grandmom's Hash Brown Bake:

1 26 oz frozen hash brown potates

1 stick margarine melted

1 can cream of mushroom soup (Non-Vegetarians can use cream of chicken)

80z of sour cream

16 oz of Shreded Cheddar Cheese

Onion powder

Adobo powder (optional)

Garlic Powder

Black Pepper

Mix together and cook at 350 uncovered for 1 hour. You can make the night before and pop in when you wake up (great for busy holiday mornings too)!

I served it with Maple flavored Morningstar Sausage. Enjoy!

Love is in the air at yellow

2011-02-03T16:46:00.004-05:00

Check out these great corsets- fun Valentine's Day attire! I'll be set up at yellow Boutique this weekend (491 Broadway, Saratoga NY). If you haven't been to yellow yet run to your car and drive there asap! Or come say hi this weekend :)

Wordless Wednesday- the cats in the bag

2011-01-19T21:05:00.002-05:00

vs. letting him out of a bag

Blondie Brownie Treat

2011-01-14T21:25:00.005-05:00

I found a recipe for blondies and modified it a bit to make them easier and fudgier- not a crumb left a day later so definitely a hit!

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Vegetable oil- 1/4 cup or less

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees . Spray non stick spray in an 8x8 inch pan.
Mix all ingredients together, add vegetable oil as needed to make the batter moister (next time I think I'll try an egg white instead). Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes give or take your oven. Cool slightly. Cut and eat! Great out of the pan (demonstrated by the Hubby)!

Belated Wordless Wednesday- SNOW

2011-01-13T09:24:00.003-05:00

Oh coffee!

2011-01-06T09:35:00.003-05:00

I’ve always enjoyed coffee but didn’t necessarily depend on it.

Most mornings I’d drink tea and then a couple times a week grab a coffee. BUT Santa brought me a Keurig and man oh man this is one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten! Since Christmas I’ve had coffee every morning. If you can try a cup of joe from this little machine you will not be disappointed. I haven’t tried my refillable k-cup yet (a friend of mine has coffee for me from his family’s plantation and I think I’ll save the inaugural cup for that), but what a great idea to be able to use it and be green.

PS- the apple cider k-cups are down-right yummy! I was worried they’d be plastic like or taste like fake apple but much to my surprise it’s like hot cider from an orchard.

What’s your favorite Coffee/K-cup?

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

2011-01-01T17:28:00.004-05:00

Here is one of my fav pictures from 2010 (the fella and I at my best friend's wedding).

2010 brought so many wonderful things into my life- Weddings (Josh and Jocy), Births (Little Noah), Graduations (Brian), Vacations (Miss you NOLA)! Not to mention new product lines to Little Gems- key fobs, fabric covered button creations, soap experiments and th list goes on!

Happy New Year to you and yours and bring it on 2011 I hope you live up to last year!!

Wordless Wednesday- Soapy Goodness

2010-12-29T21:08:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T09:42:00.004-05:00

My friend Jenn and I with the Work Santa and Mrs Claus! Hopefully your day is filled with your favorite people, wonderful food, and great memories. Happy Holidays everyone!

Wordless Wednesday- (belated) Crafty kitty Christmas

2010-12-09T14:17:00.002-05:00

Hello yellow!

2010-12-04T22:32:00.003-05:00

One of the Rooms in Saratoga's latest Boutique- yellow! 491 Broadway is open for business! Little Gems products and other adorable wares are available. I'm a bit bias but the service is amazing and the shop is down right fantastic!!! If you are in the area it is a must stop :)

Wordless Wednesday- Color Palete Inspiration

2010-12-01T18:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! And a Coupon!

2010-11-24T15:03:00.005-05:00

This week is jammed packed!

-I'm under the weather (boo!)

-Thanksgiving is coming- bring on the Pecan Pie!

-Steph and I will be with Tight Knit at 5pm Black Friday at the Frear Building in Troy for a show- come say hi!!!

-Saturday the Hubby and I will be married for 6 years!!! (time flies)

-Also on Saturday we fly out to see my newest nephew - Can't wait to meet lil Noah!

To celebrate the insanity here is a coupon for 10% off anything in the shop :) just enter WINTER while checking out :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

New Boutique in Saratoga!

2010-11-16T09:14:00.006-05:00

491 Broadway, yellow boutique opening Dec 4th!
I've been speaking with the owner Emily and the list of clothes, shoes, as well as other amazing goodies is overwhelming and this wonderful shop will be carrying Little Gems creations! I'm psyched :)

This Weekend

2010-11-10T22:54:00.003-05:00

First Craft Fair of the Holidays for Little Gems!!!!!!

If you are around the Plattsburgh State Field House Steph, Mom, and I will be there from 10-5 Saturday and Sunday 10-4.

We'd love to see you!

Wordless Wednesday- Making Things

2010-11-10T18:47:00.003-05:00

Snack Attack! Sweet Potato Fries

2010-11-05T20:00:00.007-04:00

I have never been a fan of sweet potatoes...until I met them in fry form! And isn't everything better homemade? Intro my try at Sweet Potato Fries (which are AMAZING, if I do say so myself!)

Ingredients:

2 Sweet Potatoes

Olive Oil

Paprika

Rosemary Sea Salt (or sea salt)

Adobe

Other things to have on hand:

Marinate Shaker (or container with lid)

Tongs

Cookie Sheet

Heat your oven to 400. Peel your potatoes (2 will fill an entire cookie sheet).

If you have a marinate- this is a tupperware one pop them in (a container with a fitted lid works too)- put the chunks in there, drizzle with Olive Oil, sprinkle on adobe and paprika.

Shake Shake Shake

Pour on a cookie sheet and sprinkle on rosemary sea salt (normal sea salt will work too).

Bake at 400 for 1 hour and ENJOY!!!!!!

On the Hook

2010-10-25T20:43:00.003-04:00

Here lies the start of another baby blanket :) My Sister in Law is due in November and I'll be darned if my newest nephew doesn't get a blanket just like his big brother! It will be a medium size granny square- airy enough for the Carolinas but snuggily enough to keep the latest edition to the Kurtz family warm. What color to finish this off with will be the next question.....

What is on your hook?

Wordless Wednesday Freestyle Embroidery

2010-10-20T17:39:00.002-04:00

Branching out for Dinner

2010-10-11T20:05:00.003-04:00

Or should I say fungusing out? Is that a word?

The hubby and I tried Quorn for dinner - he unwittingly. Gruyere Chik'n Cutlet to be exact. Add in some minute rice (sprinkled with sesame seeds) and corn- a convincing dinner for my meat loving man. (Extra perk done in 20 minutes)

So, what is it? According to the website: "Mycoprotein is the main ingredient in all Quorn products. It's made from a member of the fungi family, which includes mushrooms and truffles, and is a high-quality meat-free protein that's naturally low in fat with very few calories."

Try a few bites, even the meat lovers out there will find this tasty!

Warm Fruit Treat

2010-10-06T19:58:00.008-04:00

Grab your ingredients:

-Sliced Fruit (bananas and pears this time- apples are perfect too)

-Chocolate Chips handful (increase if day is bad, decrease if you need to fit in a dress in a few days)

-Brown Sugar sprinkle

-Butter/Margarine 1 tlb

-Nuts (Walnuts are my favorite)

Mix everything in an oven safe bowl and pop in a pre-heated oven (350) for 15 minutes or longer depending how brown you want it.

BECAREFUL this is SUPER hot but ooooooohhhh so yummy!! ENJOY :)

Wordless Wednesday- ever feel watched?

2010-10-06T18:29:00.002-04:00

Clip it Up

2010-10-04T19:06:00.013-04:00

Who doesn't need an extra clip to hold coupons, lists, announcements, etc on the fridge.
Here is a: How To-

Gather supplies:

Clothes pins

Modge Podge

Paper

Paper Cutter

Paint Brush

Optional:

Clear bags, rounded punch, fancy stapler - use these to decorate a bag if you'd like to gift these

Cut the paper to fit the cloths pins
Cut away- any type of paper will work
Modge podge your clothes pin and place the paper on top

Super cute - right?

Let them dry and do 2 coats of modge podge on top (letting them dry in between coats)

When dry fasten magnets on the back.

All Set!!

These are my new hotcake sellers at craft shows :) Enjoy!

October Project

2010-10-01T08:41:00.004-04:00

Things have been busy in the Kurtz house! October somehow snuck up on us - intro pumpkin pie, fall leaves, my best friend's wedding, etc. And did I mention an amazing array of photos?

My dear friend Amanda creates an October Project every year on flickr. Find mossyliquor and you've found some Adirondack and down home snapshots to stop your heart. Here is a peek at last year's collection and I can't wait for the new pics to start coming in today!

Click here to see all the pics from last year!

Wordless Wednesday- Bronx Zoo to You

2010-09-15T11:46:00.001-04:00

Winner winner

2010-09-11T12:08:00.002-04:00

Congrats Erin! Please send your address to littlegemsbykari@yahoo.com . Thanks to all the entrants!

Wordless Wednesday-Missing NOLA

2010-09-08T15:48:00.003-04:00

Created with Creative Memories Storybook Creator

Metal Stamp Necklace Giveaway!

2010-09-04T12:14:00.002-04:00

Small Heart and G Clef Charms on a ball chain.

Want to Win????
How do you ask? Easy!
1st Follow My Blog
2nd Post a Comment about which one of my shop items is your favorite Little Gems Shop

Do you want more enteries? Blog, tweet, or plurk about my giveaway and post the link and you are in again (again and again even)! I'll post the winner on September 10th!

Open to everyone not just US residents :)
Good Luck!

Wordy Wednesday- Reading Rainbow Intro

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

Catch Us Live in Troy!

2010-08-27T09:53:00.003-04:00

Steph and I are back at Tight Knit! Saturday 9-1 at Troy's beautiful Riverfront Park it's right next door to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Front Street (by the war memorial).

2 new items debuting this weekend!!! Polymer Clay Pie Pins and Rings and Adorable Cloths pin magnets (tutorial coming for this one)!

This is our last one in Troy before the winter market so enjoy the sunshine at the Farmer's Market and stop by and say hello!

Anyway you Want it

2010-08-25T22:48:00.004-04:00

Earlier, I showed you a big pile of soap I unmolded this week. Favorites are strewn through out this little picture.

My favorite base goat's milk (front two) scented with a favorite of the shop Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey. Hopefully a new favorite is in here too! I can't get enough of the cupcake shape lately.

I get all my soap supplies (lip balm too) from Bramble Berry and I'm hoping that I'll get to be part of their S.O.A.P ( Soap Opinion (Awesome) Panel ) Group to review new fragrances. Who is better then a soap addict to try new scents?! Wish me luck! And if you are interested in soaping- Bramble Berry is the place to be.

Wordless Wednesday - Soap Pile

2010-08-25T19:19:00.003-04:00

Quick, Easy, Cheap, Dinner Fix!

2010-08-21T20:18:00.004-04:00

I needed a quick, easy, cheap, dinner fix the other night and came up with this yummy number!

Ingredients:

Suddenly Salad Mix- Classic

Vegetable Oil

Artichoke Hearts Canned

Chicken Breast (1 really big breast worked for us)

Adobe Seasoning

Italian Seasoning

Make the Suddenly Salad per instructions add a bit extra Vegetable Oil than called for. While doing that cook the chicken breast cut up into bite size chunks in a non stick pan with dashes of adobe & Italian seasoning, and the artichoke hearts (drained). Once cooked mix it all together!

ENJOY!

Wordless Wednesday- My Youngest

2010-08-18T18:21:00.002-04:00

Zakk Wylde and Crochet Today

2010-08-18T11:45:00.002-04:00

This may be the best article I've seen. I love Black Label Society and their front man Zakk Wylde and to see him with the editor of Crochet Today learning to sew.... priceless. (Note: Zakk's language is rough be warned) THANKS REVOLVER MAGAZINE!

Zakk Wylde Shows You How to Sew the Current Issue’s Black Label Patch Onto a Jean Jacket - Revolver Video

Summer Refresher- Minted Tea

2010-08-15T16:23:00.003-04:00

I am a big fan of tea- hot/cold. In the summer a great way to beat the heat is to make a pitcher of ice tea (I prefer sweetened green tea mix) and pop some mint sprigs right in the pitcher. Let it meld with your brew. Right off the bat you'll get the minty taste, but leave it in for a day and the whole pitcher will be infused. Serve the sprigs or toss them. Either way, enjoy!

Massachusetts Here We Come!

2010-08-13T13:22:00.003-04:00

This will be my first out of state craft fair- this Saturday. Steph and I are loading up the Soul and heading to North Adams Massachusetts. We’ll be on Main Street, 8am-12pm if you are in the area we’d love for you to come and say hello!

Wordless Wednesday- Bridesmaid Jewelery

2010-08-10T23:41:00.005-04:00

Sunday Sunday

2010-08-08T20:25:00.004-04:00

Some of my favorite parts of Sundays at home are coupon clipping, a big cup of coffee, my kindle, jewelery, and computer time (the flash drive).

Coupon's don't just come in the Sunday paper though, here are a few of my favorite online coupon sites:

http://coupons.smartsource.com/

http://www.redplum.com/

What do you enjoy doing on Sundays? Where do you find your best deals?

Wordless Wednesday - 6 Years Ago in November

2010-08-04T11:22:00.002-04:00

2010-07-29T22:04:00.001-04:00

Steph and I are back at Tight Knit! Saturday 9-1 at Troy's beautiful Riverfront Park it's right next door to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Front Street.Grab your groceries at the Farmer's Market and stop by and say hello!

PS- I just unmolded some adorable cupcake soap that will debut this weekend too!!!!

Wordless Wednesday- The Road Home

2010-07-28T08:45:00.001-04:00

Fixer Upper Picture Frames

2010-07-26T21:08:00.007-04:00

My best friend's shower is this weekend. I've been working on her favors. Her mom picked up some frames that needed a little something else.

The shiny had to go- lucky it peeled off!I used Versa Magic Dew Drop Chalk Ink Pads all over for a smudgy funky look- in Purple and then in Olive and vice versa (the wedding colors). I let them dry and I think re-invented the favors!

I'm a fan of the dew drops because they are the perfect shape for smudging- try this technique on a card and enjoy a fancy frame. Stamp a saying in the middle and ta da! Card on the quick :) You can use other stamps pads but the bigger they are the harder you'll have controling the color.

Have fun!

Wordless Wednesday - Enjoying the New Design

2010-07-21T20:15:00.002-04:00

Beat the Heat! Smoothie

2010-07-18T20:24:00.005-04:00

It has been VERY warm here in NY as of late. I'm not one for the hot and muggie so looking around the kitchen trying to find a way to cool down I put this together.

3/4 - 1 cup skim milk

12 oz of greek yogurt with honey

Bag of frozen fruit (strawberry, blackberry, blueberry)-thawed 1/2 way

Throw it in the blender.

Pour it in a glass and enjoy. (excuse my photo of the glass- I couldn't wait for the picture I had to have a drink!)

This Saturday

2010-07-16T11:18:00.004-04:00

I'm setting up shop once again in Monument Park in Troy for another Tight Knit Event. (This area is at the intersection of Broadway and River and bordered by 2nd street.) 9am-1pm Saturday you can stop by and say hello to my sister and I! Family affair this time around.

PS- This weekend is also the Pig Out- so BBQ will be in air (and after 1 in my tummy!)

Wordless Wednesday- I miss walking in NOLA

2010-07-14T09:57:00.001-04:00

Why Buy Handmade??

2010-07-09T11:14:00.004-04:00

It's a question that as a crafter I often answer and or ask myself.

I am having very crafty- handmade holidays (beyond Christmas) this year. A number of gifts are from etsy shops and or made by me and my family and friends really enjoyed it. I was nervous but no one else has a creepy clown photo like my friend Amanda (Hey Harriet), my Gram has a rockin pearl necklace from my hands, the earrings my mom wears gets lots of ooos and ahhs (me again), the cats and dogs on my list- mine, my sisters, my best friends' got training treats and catnip (Gneiss Spice), and the list goes on!

BB Bellezza wrote a great article on why you should buy handmade- and I couldn't have said it better myself!
http://bbbellezza.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-buy-handmade.html

Wordless Wednesday- Wedding Present in Progress

2010-07-06T18:10:00.003-04:00

Crafty Housewarming Gift

2010-07-02T19:31:00.006-04:00

My friend Amanda is super crafty and since she and her hubby just bought their first house I wanted a crafty gift to bring her when I got to see the new diggs (amazing house by the way-they did a superior house hunting job). I saw this great tea wreath tut here and my Amanda does love her tea so it made me think what can they use right away while painting etc. Her DH Mark also is a java kinda guy so I wanted to include him too.... intro something that can be out of the way but will let you have access to tea/coffee without it being in the cabinet.

What you need- decorative paper, cardboard, clothes pins, modge podge, glue, embelishments (I added a pretty paper flower cut out) magnets, and tea or instant coffee

1) Cut the Cardboard into a fun shape (I used a creative memories Wavy Frame Pattern)

2)Cut decorative paper the same shape- glue on , and add a layer of modge podge

3)Cut strips of decorative paper to fit over the clothes pins- glue on, and add a layer of modge podge

4) Add another layer of modge podge to everything (you can add any paper cut out embelishments in this step- make sure you seal them if you do with more modge podge)

5) Glue the clothes pins on

6) Adhere the magnets

Yeah Modge Podge! (excuse the drying mp in the 1st photo)

Strawberry Sorbetto - KRAFT First Taste

2010-07-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

Strawberry Sorbetto - KRAFT First Taste

These look really yummy- and I think I already have all of the ingredients in my cupboard! Anyone whipping up anything tastey for the 4th? Or made something amazing for Canada day??

Wordless Wednesday- Special Order Wedding Set

2010-06-29T22:22:00.004-04:00

Little Gems Schedule

2010-06-27T21:22:00.004-04:00

Next Up:
July 17th in Troy's Monument Park with Tight Knit- same day as the Troy Pig Out so if you are up for BBQ- swing by and then get some super tastey treats
After that:
Made with Story Book Creator- Schedule of our next few shows :)

Craft Fair this Weekend!

2010-06-23T23:38:00.001-04:00

Steph and I are back at Tight Knit!
Saturday (6/25) 9-1 at Troy's beautiful Riverfront Park it's right next door to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Front Street.Grab your groceries at the Farmer's Market and stop by and say hello!

Wordless Wednesday- Happiness Is

2010-06-17T22:07:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-17T21:58:00.005-04:00

To all the Dad's out there:
THANK YOU!

For all those hugs, kisses, oil changes, loans, words of advice, and the way you clear your throat when you don't quite agree- Thanks and we love you!

Wordless Wednesday- Edging

2010-06-14T20:42:00.003-04:00

Craft Show Saturday & New Design

2010-06-13T21:54:00.006-04:00

Crete Civic Center Plattsburgh NY 10AM-3:30 PM- Saturday 6/19

Craft Fair, Garage Sale, and Car Show! Phew lots of things to do at the Crete!

I will be joined by my sister and mom for 1 HUGE booth. And I'll have this new adorable design with me (in a ton of colors):

(they even look cute with Reese's Peanutbutter Cup T-shirts)