New Blog!

I have a new blog home!

Double Dipped Life

My new blog will be full of parenting and home tips, pet care, giveaways, and challenges to make your life better! Come be a follower, and come back often!

Vent

It hurts.
Most days I think I'm over it, and don't miss it.
I enjoy the freedom I have.
I don't know how I would fit it into my schedule now.

But then... I search edibles.
Halloween excitement.
Fall Thanksgiving.
The rush of Christmas orders.
The deluge of feedback. Is it vain to bask in the compliments?
The knowledge that I have a unique product in my popcorn.
That my Apples were one of a kind.

Now others are making them.
I can't stop them. I don't have any right too.
But it hurts.

Trying to be positive.
I will be able to decorate for the holidays.
I will have time to create with my kids.
I will have time to create memories.

But it hurts.

Just a reminder...

I have a new blog home!

Double Dipped Life

My new blog will be full of parenting and home tips, pet care, giveaways, and challenges to make your life better! Come be a follower, and come back often!

My last post was a great recipe for Cilantro Lime dressing. Today's recipe is for the great looking chicken in the photo! Paired with the dressing, this is a fabulous meal!

Lime and Cilantro Chicken
(Original Recipe found HERE, but changed to fit my families' tastes!)

Enough skinless, bonesless chicken breasts, cut into strips, to feed your family
Juice of 2 limes (can also use the zest for an extra kick)
2 TB Sugar
2 teas. dried Oregano
1/2 teas. Cayenne
1 teas. ground Cinnamon
2 teas. Cilantro
Vegetable Oil

Mix all the ingredients except for the chicken in a large bowl. Add chicken and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Add chicken and cook until done.

Here's the fun part! What to do with the chicken?
1. Salad! Add the chicken to a salad, and be sure to use Cilantro Lime Dressing over the entire thing!
2. Make burritos! We made ours with black beans, chicken, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
3. Add onions and peppers to the pan to make Fajita's!

What can you come up with? My husband took one bite of this chicken and said "WOW!" This is a keeper in our house for sure!

Cilantro Lime Dressing

I found this amazing recipe on Rara Bakes.
It's a great food blog! Check it out today!

This dressing is similiar to the salad dressing at some mexican places like Cafe Rio and Bajio. Pour it over your salad, or any mexican dish.
Easy to make, fabulous to eat!

Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing

1 packet Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 lime
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
1/4 cup La Costena green salsa (I used another brand!)

Put dressing mix, mayonnaise, and buttermilk in the blender. Juice the lime into the blender. Peel the garlic cloves and then grate them using the small end of a cheese grater. Add to the blender. Add cilantro and green salsa.

Blend until everything is well-combined and then refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Easy, right? And best of all, it's sooo yummy!

Look for my next recipe post- some fabulous chicken that pairs perfectly with this dressing!

Sadly, there are still rumors running around about me and my business. Let me show you something.

I am being called out by ONE person. I wrote about her in an earlier post. This person went through a huge debacle a year ago. I didn't want to say anything bad about her, but I wanted you to see just how many people called her out. Power in numbers.

Here are just a few of the links you find when you search her name.

http://www.handmadeartisanfraud.blogspot.com/ Her blog

http://annaliisa.vox.com/library/post/september-snack-o-the-month-ice-cream-scoop-shortbread-cookies-by-ullja.html read the comments

http://www.skyisland.com/blog/2008/june/international_criminal_my_own_backyard

http://etsynews.com/698/allegations-of-fraud-on-etsy/

http://pussdaddyblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/bitter-party-of-one.html current puss daddy

http://moreglassmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/ulljas-lampwork-blog-about-beads.html

http://subeeds.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/lampwork-fraud-on-etsy-and-ebay/
https://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Chatterbox&file=viewtopic&forum=13&topic=14514&start=70 Artfire current

https://www.artfire.com/modules.php?mop=modload&name=Chatterbox&file=viewtopic&topic=14749&forum=1 artfire current

http://etsynews.com/?p=698&cp=all

http://themermaidtale.blogspot.com/2008/06/merlot-and-email.html

http://dancingwinddesigns.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/lampwork-fraud-on-etsy-and-ebay/

http://etsybitch.blogspot.com/2008/06/dont-let-door-hit-you-in-ass-on-way-out_15.html \

Anymore questions?

I say that facetiously, but if you really do have questions, please contact me!

Building Character and Increasing Compassion

"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It, Ensign", Nov. 2008, 27

My shops are closed...and here is why

Summer Heat.

That is all.

No, actually, I wanted to address some of the rumors that have been flying around the internet. A few sellers and myself have been targeted- for reasons unknown- by a woman who sells on ArtFire (AF has since closed her shop) after being banned from Etsy.

I really don't know why I was targeted. I knew nothing of her previous scandal, so when she came back telling us that her bakery was being reopened, and seeing who wanted to be listed on her blog, I signed up. Then, the truth started coming out about this lady and her shady dealings. I'm not normally one for gossip, but I also don't want my shop associated with someone that might be cheating. So, I emailed her and kindly asked her to take my link off of her site.

So, now she is attacking me all over the internet.

Just to set the record straight, I am NOT being investigated. Everything is under control. When my vacation is over, I will come back stronger. Any press is good press, right?

Thank you to all those who have had kind words to say. I appreciate all of my customers, and apologize that this woman is getting you involved.

Need to blog...but...

I'm just not feeling it. So... I did what I normally do to get inspiration- I read other blogs!

Check out these fabulous blogs I found today!

Three Bay b Chicks Her first post "The top 10 things I said..." is just hilarious. I go through this every time I take my little ones outside the safety of my house. I guess I should start laughing about it!

A Day in Rhonda's Life Rhonda is the featured seller on SITS today. I spent at least 30 min. reading her blog. Her writing style is so fun, and down to earth. Plus, we have the same interest in books! What could be better? :)

Her Cup Overfloweth Muffin Tin Monday! Mom's- check out this idea. I only wish I was home for lunch...maybe we'll do this for dinner!

And...for dessert: Cinnamon & Spice Don't drool!

What are some of your favorite blogs? Or, link me to yours!

Have fun reading!

Mail's here!

Yesterday was a wonderful day in the world of mail. I came home to THREE packages from Etsy friends! I would love to share what I received!

Caramel Jubilee

I got 1/2 lb of Vanilla Caramels, and 1/2 pound of her NEW toasted Coconut Caramels!

For those of you who know what a HUGE coconut fan I am...they were heaven! I LOVE these caramels, and am lucky that she lives close!

Next, I got a huge box of goodies from Fancy That Cookies!

She went way overboard on adding samples! Thank you!

I got the Haystack Spiced Coconut Macaroons which Mark devoured! The Chocolate Ganache Brownies were divine! Very moist and full of chocolate! And, she gave me a sample of her Stroopwafel cookies (baked waffle cookies with Caramel sauce). I also received a big fat chocolate cookie, and some Curry Chocolates! Yum!

And... last but not least...

Cat treats!

I got a Kitty Cheesecake Bundt Cake from CiaoHound. She also sent along samples of her feline Bistro Bites. Mmmm... it was a good night to be a kitty! :)

I HIGHLY recommend that you try these shops! You won't be disappointed!

Crockpot Applesauce

I had some extra apples lying around, so I thought I would make applesauce. It was so easy to make! I think I'm going to make it from now on!

Here is the recipe I used. It turned out tasting just like the inside of an Apple Pie! If you don't want it to be as sugary, or taste like apple pie, you can use less spices!

6-8 Apples, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 to 1teas. Pumpkin Pie spice (or add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)

Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hrs, or on high for about 3 hrs. Mash all the apples, and Enjoy!

Dream Decorations

I found the cutest decorations on Etsy today. Things I would love to have. Now, keep in mind, that we've been in our "new" house for a year now...and I don't have anything hung up. But, wouldn't these look cute? Anywhere?

This print looks so much better on Dierdre's site: Costellos
This print is #1 on my "Want" list. I want it!!! The colors are perfect for my house!


Then, I discovered Single Stone Studies today. I have a thing for vinyl stickers.

Cute, Cute, Cute!!!
And her prices are great too!

I'm sure there is a million more...but I only have so many walls!

Christmas in July!

CONTEST IS CLOSED!!!

Team EEAT is celebrating Christmas in July!
July 6-11

Come WIN PRIZES in our scavenger hunt,
or just take advantage of shop discounts!
(But we know you want to do the scavenger hunt...the prizes are too good to pass up!)

PRIZES!

Grand prize: A Team EEAT Sampler Box! ($50 value)
1st Place: $10 Gift Certificate from Double Dipped Sweets
2nd Place: $5 Gift Certificate from JustBakin'
There might be more prizes, depending on # of entrants!

How to Play:
Look for the image above in the shops listed here. They will be hidden in an item listing! One listing per shop.
Email 5 of the listing Id's where you found the picture to teameeat@gmail.com
DO NOT put them in the comments please!!!

A winner will be chosen on the 12th.

Additional entries:
Go shopping! Every item purchased from a team eeat store gets you 3 entries!
Tweet or Facebook- 1 entry! Leave a comment below
Blog: 2 extra entries!

Find 5 pictures in these shops: (1 per shop)
Also- many of these shops are offering discounts!
(All discounts are before shipping)

Double Dipped Sweets - 15% discount
Just Bakin' - 10% discount
Lucky Dog Treat Company
Del Alma Bakery - 10% discount
A Thyme To Bee Comforted - 10% discount
Bears Baked Goods - 15% discount
Fancy That Cookies - 20% discount
Sweet Treats by Maryann - 10% discount
Little Snowflakes - 15% discount -This one is hard!
Nicole's Homemade Treats - 10% discount (please wait for revised invoice)
Megs Creations - 10% discount
Cake Box Cookies- 20% discount
SweetLollipop 10% discount

Other shops offering discounts only!
(no hidden pictures)

Fat Daddy Sweets - 10% discount
A Sugar Affair - 15% discount
Cakes By Sugarplums - 20% discount
SugarSmitten - 20% discount

I am so honored!

I am featured in SEVEN beautiful treasuries right now, and an alternate in TWO more!
Here are the 7!
(Click to make them bigger!)

They are all so beautiful! Thank you curators!

Tasty Tuesday!

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday! Get your drool bibs out... you are going to need them!

JustBakin' Cherry Bombers
I've tried many of Bonnie's creations, but not this one...Yet! It gets rave reviews from anyone that tries it!

CakeboxCookies
Cherry Blossom Medallions
Aren't these Amazing? The best part is not only are they gorgeous, but they taste DIVINE!

ASugarAffair Paradise Brownie
I've been craving brownies...if only she lived closer...Lacie's brownies are HEAVEN!

And lastly... KitchenStories Garlic and Herb Blend
Sunday night I stuck some chicken in butter and these herbs, added potatoes, carrots, and onions...30 minutes later, I had an amazing dinner that even the kids loved!

If you like what you see here, go to etsy.com and search for "team eeat"! We have over 40 members who have amazing goodies!

Fourth of July Caramel Apple is Back!

Wouldn't this make a great party favor at your 4th of July celebration? They come in regular size (up to 1 lb) or in Mini's!
Purchase anytime between now and June 29th for shipping by the 4th.
Mention this blog and get 10% off!

SHOP HERE

Introducing...

My new Shop! I've opened a shop on ArtFire! You'll find all of your old favorites, plus NEW flavors!

Come check out my new shop, and tell me what you think! I am slowly adding over all of my products. If you want something and don't see it, just let me know and I'll list it for you!

So, go ahead and try something new!

Front Page by Admin!

Front Page today! Yippee!

Happy Father's Day!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful man beside me raising our children. He is absolutely amazing to me, and with our kids. Thank you Honey for all that you do!

Mark is always the one promoting fun and happiness as a family. Maybe cause he's a kid at heart himself!

He is a wonderful dad who takes the time to play with his kids. He can't sit down without having them climb all over him. They know that he loves them.

And even after a long day at work, he often comes home and helps with bedtime, or dinner, or whatever I need. Thank you honey.

Tanner: "My favorite thing that I do with daddy is when I play with him."

Michael: "Nothing!" (We'll get him when he's in a better mood.)

McKenzie: "I love sitting on his leg."

As well as being an amazing Father, Mark is an amazing Husband. We are celebrating our 9th yr of marriage next week, and I have loved every day. We've had some rough times, and he's always been the one with strength and the testimony to get us through.

Love you Honey!

Friday Food Fest

Tonight!!!!!
Join Team EEAT in Etsy's Chat room at 8pm EST for fun, games and PRIZES!!!!!

My sale: Double Dipped Sweets
15% off orders, before shipping.
2 secrets, for a $5 off an order

Secrets: Find the word "secret" in my shop- message me- and get a $5 coupon!

See the Team Blog for more great sales!

More NEW Flavors!

Introducing our latest new Caramel Apple Flavors!

Cayenne Cinnamon Caramel Apple
and
Lemon Cream Caramel Apple



Want them? Get them today in my ArtFire Shop!

TipJunkie is celebrating their 2nd birthday! To celebrate, they are giving away 50 amazing prizes!
Go take a look!

Announcing...

The Pretzel Caramel Apple!


Large Granny Smith apple, smooth rich Caramel, Lots of Pretzels, and then everything is covered in Chocolate!

You know you want it!

Introducing it at a intro price of $7.70 - 30% off!

BUY IT today! Just in time for Father's Day!

Ssshhh....

Don't tell anyone...but I am introducing 3 new Caramel Apple Flavors next week!

Stay tuned...

New Flavor announced at 2pm Mtn time TODAY! (Friday)


If you have a flavor idea, please let me know in the comments!

Yart Sale!

The “2nd Annual Yart Sale” will be held from Wednesday June 10th-Sunday June 14th, 2009. This year the “2nd Annual Yart Sale” will be sponsored by the Etsy Supply Street Team (Team ESST). Although not an official Etsy event, it is Etsy supported as evidenced by the Storque article.

A “Yart Sale” is an artistic spin on the traditional Yard Sale: Art + Yard Sale = “Yart Sale”. There are many art museums, artists, and groups that have Yart sales annually to raise cash.

So, what does this mean for YOU, a customer of Double Dipped Sweets?

For the Yart Sale, get 30% off select items!
*Before shipping.

Go to my special Yart Sale section to choose from items already marked down!

ALSO:
Buy any item at regular price, get 6 Free Dipped Oreos! Yum!
*Blog readers only. Must write "Oreos" in Notes to Seller!