Double Dipped Sweets- OLD Blog

New Blog!

2009-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have a new blog home!

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

2009-09-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-08-13T09:52:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-30T08:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-07-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-06T06:43:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-30T07:46:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-23T09:03:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-21T18:31:00.001-07:00

Front Page today! Yippee!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T13:47:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

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

Announcing...

2009-06-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-06-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Tuesday Treats

2009-06-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Let's Tempt your Tastebuds Today!
A few of my favs...from Team EEAT of course!

My Nutella-Wanna Be Caramel Apple

Nutella Fudge from Fudge By Maggie
(Even my hubby loves this, and he normally hates fudge!)

This Herb blend is fantastic! I use it in my Homemade Spaghetti Sauce...mmmm
From Kitchen Stories

And...finally...

Pecan Pie Bars from Just Bakin' ...mmm...

There are SO SO SO many more mouth-watering treats from Team EEAT!
I'll show you more next week!
Search "Team eeat" on Etsy.com to see more!

Lemony Goodness Giveaway! CLOSED!!

2009-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

****CLOSED!***

The winner is: silvercloud07! Congrats Yolanda!

What happens when you mix a bit of DoubleDippedSweets and a bit of Heathen's Hearth? A blend of deliciousness for your tummy and your body!

We have decided to team up and offer some smell-goods and some taste-goods! Something that will satisfy your taste buds and your skin!

Since Summer is almost upon us, we have chosen a flavor (and scent) that will be refreshing, sweet, dreamy and just altogether wonderful...

From DoubleDippedSweets, you can win 16 oz (that's ONE POUND!) of Lemon Cream Caramel Popcorn. *** MIGHT HAVE TO BE SUBSTITUTED FOR AN APPLE - WEATHER PERMITTING

"The flavor of this is incredible! Tart, yet sweet, and very smooth. We take our Homemade Caramel Popcorn, and cover it in White Chocolate that is flavored with Lemon extract. Lemon zest is then generously sprinkled over the entire batch."

From Heathen's Hearth, you can win a 5 oz bar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Natural Goat's Milk Soap...and a 10 oz jar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Shea & Aloe Sugar Body Polish! These items are so new, they aren't even listed in their shop yet!

A zesty lemon rind aroma rounded out with buttery yellow sponge cake, toasted coconut and buttercream frosting....in our all natural goat's milk soap and our brand new, thoroughly decadent, 100% natural Shea & Aloe Butter Sugar Body Polish.

So how do you enter this delicious giveaway? Let me count the ways....

* Go to our shop, DoubleDippedSweets, choose a favorite item, and leave a comment with your favorite pick.

*Go to Heathen's Hearth, and choose a favorite item, go to her blog, and leave a comment on HER BLOG with your favorite pick.

* Blog about our contest (make sure you comment here with a link to the post for verification).

* Twitter about our giveaway, and again, comment here with a link to your Twitter.

* Link our giveaway on Facebook, Myspace, or another social network site (you know the drill....comment here with a link to your site, lol).

* Purchase from either or both shops: Any purchase made from our shops will earn you entries into the give away. **1 extra entry for each item purchased. Make sure you leave a comment letting us know you purchased!

* Be a follower of our blogs. If you already are, make sure you leave a comment letting us know!

This giveaway will end Sunday, June 7th at 11:59 PM! The winner will be randomly chosen after all entries are tallied using random.org and announced the week of June 8th.

Announcing Edible Arts Team Sampler Boxes!

2009-05-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Can't decide what to buy?
Too many shops making you drool?

Well, no more worries! Here is your opportunity to try many different sellers at once!

Introducing...
The Etsy Edible Arts Team Sampler! (The boxes will not look like this!)

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO:
The Great American Bake Sale!
100% of the funds we raise go to help FEED KIDS!

The boxes include treats from up to 15 of our Team Members!
A Sugar Affair
Double Dipped Sweets
Just Bakin'
Caramel Jubilee
Vintage Confections
Del Alma Bakery
Sweet Treat Maryann
Sugar Smitten
A Thyme 2 b Comforted
Fancy That Cookies
Le Bella Caramella
Sweet Lollipop Shop
Ciao Hound (Pet Treats)
Megs Creations
Fortune Cookie Cafe

Boxes are on sale NOW!
Buy them right now:

Cost: $30 total
Price includes Shipping!
BOXES WILL SHIP ON JUNE 16TH.

OR
Buy them HERE on Etsy.com (coming soon)

Please help feed KIDS by feeding yourself!

Donate directly to the Great American Bake sale here: http://gabs.strength.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=1080&team_id=69422

Oh, my Sweetness!

2009-05-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've now been immortalized in a LOLLIPOP!

The DoubleDippedSweets caramel sour apple lollipop

The description says:
Vintage Confections
Pucker up! Sour apple lollipop drenched in caramel. A sweet and sour treat that can usually only be found at Halloween time by a famous candy maker. Now you can have these delicious pops year round and they're better because they're made by me.

These are not so sour that you'll actually tear up but they have a bit of a bite that is quickly eased by the sweetness of caramel. These suckers are inspired by fellow Etsian and TeamEEat member, DoubleDippedSweets who offers a caramel apple selection like no other. Thanks DD! Check out her shop after you're done purchasing these: http://doubledippedsweets.etsy.com

Six lollipops to an order. Each are individually wrapped. Perfect for gift giving. Each pop is about 2" in diameter.

THANK YOU HEATHER OF VINTAGE CONFECTIONS!

Be sure to check out the rest of her shop! It's sinfully sweet and delightful!

Memorial Day and "The Good Guys"

2009-05-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

How was your Memorial Weekend? I hope that you all enjoyed it, and stayed safe. I wanted to share a little tidbit straight from the mouth of my 3yr old daughter. It really caused me to think about what Memorial Day is all about.

Sunday, we went with Mark's family, and visited numerous family grave sites throughout Utah. As we were driving around one cemetery to get to the far side, we drove up a hill, looking down at a field of military graves. Lines of white markers with the American flag proudly waving. My kids noticed this and asked what they were for.

"Those are the graves of the men and women who fought in wars for our country. They helped to keep our country safe, and to keep us free." A simple explanation for young kids.

"Oohh..." Said my 3-yr old. "The good guys."

Mark and I had a good chuckle over that, but in all seriousness, they are the "Good guys".

THANK YOU to all those that serve our country. You put your life in danger so that we can live ours as we wish. Thank you.

Bounds of Creativity Unlimited

2009-05-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Posted: 02 Apr 2009 01:00 AM PDT

"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next."You may think you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us (see D&C 46:11–12). The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."What you create doesn't have to be perfect. . . . Don't let the voices of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119

I couldn't help it...

2009-05-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

I had to take NCDesigns up on their Buy 2, get one Free offer on my previous blog post. The wonderful ladies there were kind enough to extend the offer to me to include the brown watch I had previously ordered.

So... here's what I got!

PLUS a new silver watch face!

I wore red to work today...so as soon as I paid the "delivery man" (her husband) I slipped on the red one! I LOVE it!

Thank you Danielle and Nicole!

Our Winner is...

2009-05-20T07:11:00.001-07:00

The winner of the Pretzel giveaway is Michelle from http://nmgills.blogspot.com/

Congrats Michelle!
Please respond w/in 24 hours, or another winner will be picked.

Dipped Pretzel Giveaway!

2009-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

The giveaway is now CLOSED!
Double Dipped Sweets is giving away 5 FREE Chocolate Dipped Pretzels!

Why? Cause I feel like it!

Contest runs until Wednesday, May 20th.

How to enter:

This Giveaway is now closed! Thanks for playing!

Quote of the Day

2009-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I Used to Have a Handle on Life But It Broke
~ Mary LoVerde

Friday Food Fest with Team EEAT!

2009-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a party?

Come on over to Etsy Chat rooms and join the Team EEAT Food Fest!
Friday, May 15th, 8pm EST

Super Sales listed on the Team EEAT blog!

I am doing a 10% off sale
and
2 Secrets. Look at the blog to find out more!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-05-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday!

I know I need to blog today...it's been a few days...but I have no ideas of what to write about! So... Random Tuesday!

* Saw a brand new baby last night. Had no desire for one of my own. :)
* Met a lot of my hubby's coworkers last night. Now I understand why he enjoys work so much. Lots of laughter!
* You can always tell what color popsicle your child ate by looking at their chin...and neck...and shirt...
* They are shocked by mom's amazing powers. "How did you know?"
*Today is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. What is fibromyalgia?
* Find one humorous moment today, and write it down!

Shine Your Hiney!

2009-05-07T07:22:00.001-07:00

My dear readers know how much I have become addicted to Handmade Bath and Beauty.

Today I am featuring Shine Your Hiney Soap! She is not only a good friend, and amazing woman, her products are top of the line!

Here are a few of the products that I have tried, LOVED, and will keep using!

Sugar Scrub, Amazing Whipped Soap, WONDERFUL Lotion, and Kid's car soaps!

She has a wide selection of soaps, from bars to whipped, and amazing scents. She recently sent me a "sampler" pack of 15 lotions in different scents. I fell in love with many of them, but my absolute favorites were the Monkey Farts (try it), and Coconut Lime Verbana!

So, go Shine Your Hiney today!

Angels around us

2009-05-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

Emissaries from God

Posted: 05 May 2009 12:00 AM PDT

"I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. '[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved' (Moroni 7:36). On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."May we all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord's promise as contained in one of President Monson's favorite scriptures: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, . . . my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88). In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and 'the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 31

Feature and Thanks!

2009-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, I walk up to my door on Saturday to find a package! My kids yell, "Mom, you have a box!" Yes. they know by now that I am the only one who gets boxes in the mail! Thanks to Etsy!

So...I take a look and see the best sticker on the box! It's from Bonnie at JustBakin'! My wonderful friend has sent me a box of goodies for my birthday! I was so excited!! Here's what was inside!

A wonderful book called "Mommy Diaries, The: Finding Yourself in the Daily Adventure" by Tally Flint. Bonnie and I talk a lot about our kids, and our role as a mom. She read this book, and knew I had to have one!

Then she sent TONS of goodies from her business! I got Dark Chocolate Brownies, Pecan Pie Bars, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. She knew that I had picked these as my favorites!

The brownies are amazing. Soft and moist. FULL of flavor! I can only eat 1/2 at a time!
Don't get me started on the Pecan Bars! Soft, full of pecans... mmm... they definitely were better than I thought they could be!

I HIGHLY recommend you RUN to Bonnie's shop! You won't be disappointed!

THANK YOU BONNIE for being such a great friend!!

Feature Friday!

2009-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Feature Friday with NC Designs!

I recently discovered NC Designs, and fell in love with their watches! I work with her husband, so I had the opportunity to have her designs brought into the office so I could drool over them!

Her shop is fantastic, and her prices are great! She has tons of variety to choose from, and will gladly do custom orders! You pick a face, and then choose 1, or 2, or more watch bands that you can mix and match!

Here's the watch band that I had her make especially for me! I'm not a fan of "huge" so she made me a band with smaller beads.

Go NOW to her shop and find a band that you will fall in love with too!

NC Designs would love to offer my readers a special deal!
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE! Mention my blog in notes to seller!
(Watch faces are on back order, but expected by second week of May)

Birthday Sale!

2009-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

I'm turning 30 today! So...

************* 30 Birthday Sale ************
30% off entire purchase*
Use code: Birthday (Must include in notes to the seller to receive discount)
*Excludes shipping. Discount will be refunded to your PayPal account at the time order is processed. Offer Expires at Midnight 05-03-09

Growing old, or growing young?

2009-04-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, this is it. Tomorrow, May 1st, I will be 30!

Does this bother me? Maybe. Not in the "oh-my-gosh-I'm-so-old" way...but in a more reflective way. Here are the things I'm pondering, in no particular order.

* I'm glad that I married an older man. So, no matter how old I get, he's always older! LOL!! (Honey, I love you! :) )

* I'm wondering when I'll feel like a mom. It's been 6 years now. When do you feel like a mom? My memories of my mom show a women who is on top of things, who always knew just what to say, who fought for her kids tooth and nail. She was/is a MOM. I really don't feel like a mom. But who knows, maybe she didn't either. *shrugs* I don't know if this makes sense...but it's the truth. You always look up to someone older, and then when you get there, when you are that person, it doesn't feel like you had imagined it would.

* I need to realize that I have more say and more authority over my kids then their school teachers, church teachers, and even sometimes their doctors. I love all the aforementioned!! But, sometimes, in their presence, I fell less, like I should be deferring to them. Ultimately it is ME who makes the decisions in my child's life. It is ME who knows them best, and will do what is best for them. I guess realizing that does make me a mom!

* I was told by someone I trusted when I was 12 that my life would be full of joy. That I would have difficulties and trials, but overall that my life would be grand. And, you know what? It has and is. I graduated from University. I worked in the career of my choice, (but not the one I went to school for) and ended that career doing my dream job. How many people can say that they had their dream job by age 23? I can. That fact makes me secure in my homemaking, and in the low-skilled job that I do now. (sorry employers- you know I could do more!)
I married the most wonderful man on earth. My soul mate. Yes, we've had difficulties and trials, but we've stuck together and pushed through them. Together.
And the best blessings of all are my 3 wonderful, beautiful, brilliant children. They are my dearest treasures.

So, no matter what the next 30 years bring, I can handle it! Because I have everything I need right now. And besides, I won't be a year older on May 1st; I'll only be a day older. Just like every other day. As my mom said every year on her birthday, "You are only as old as you feel." And only you can decide how young you really are!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Rock On!

2009-04-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

It's Random Tuesday!

And believe me, with a wonderful headache friend with me today, anything I write would end up sounding random!

*I love breakfast for dinner. In fact, that's what I'm feeding my parents when they visit this week.
*Someone is always watching you. (That doesn't sound mental, does it?)
*My 4yr old is planning on marrying my 25yr old sister. He said so on Sunday.
*Shopping with a 3yr old little girl is a lot of fun!
*National Food Month ends on Thursday! So my 20% off sale does as well!
*My birthday is on Friday. I'm not getting older, I'm getting wiser.
*I'm getting BITTY BITES from TheFetchingHound for my birthday cake.
*I am in love with anything and everything that smells or tastes like coconut.
*THE END.

Bread Machine Challah! Yum!

2009-04-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

Bread Machine Challah Bread

Italian Spiced Challah Bread!

I wanted to make bread in my bread machine, so I searched for a good recipe. This one is A-mazing! Very easy to make, and you can turn it into so many different flavors! Here we go!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Milk
3 Eggs
3 TB margarine/butter
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teas. salt
1 1/2 teas. active dry yeast

1. Add ingredients to the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. (Usually wet ingredients first, and then dry)

Then do EITHER of these options:
A. Select Basic Bread and Light Crust settings. Start. Bread will be cooked completely!
B.(I did it this way) Select DOUGH settings and press Start.

After the machine is done, take the dough out, and place it on a very lightly floured board, punch the dough down, and let rest for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough in half. Then divide into 3 equal pieces, roll into ropes about 12 to 14 inches, and braid into a loaf. Do the same with the remaining other half. Gently put the loaves on a greased cookie sheet, mist with water, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm, draft free place, until double in size.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water.
Brush risen loaves with egg mixture. Sprinkle with sugar. (optional)
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, cover loosely with foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This prevents the crust from browning too soon.

Then, check out all the variations I have thought of... and let me know if you come up with more!
* Add 1-2TB Italian herbs to dough. Sprinkle garlic powder on top of loaf after spreading egg/water mixture. This tastes BETTER than Italian Bakery Bread! (The top picture is of the Italian bread!)

* Add Cinnamon, Sugar, Nutmeg to dough. After cooking, drizzle cinnamon roll frosting on top!

*At your machine's add-in cycle, add shredded cheese and spices.

Etsy Day!

2009-04-24T08:23:00.001-07:00

Friday Food Fest 4/24/09

2009-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Come party with Team EEAT!

It's Friday Food Fest once again!

Rules:
* Sales are good for Friday nights only
* Secrets: Find the word "Secret" in an item description and you get the prize that the shop owner has outlined.
*Only 1 secret per person per night please!

Sales and Secrets!

CiaoHound
20% OFF
1 SECRET worth a $5 gift certificate for my shop

Sweet Treats by Maryann
10% off entire purchase excluding shipping. Refund will be sent via Paypal.
2 Secrets! Find the word "secret" in item description, and get a half-dozen Red Velvet cookies with your purchase.

Just Bakin'
10% off entire purchase excluding shipping. Refund will be sent via Paypal.
2 Secrets! Find the word

A Thyme To Bee Comforted
15% off entire order, excluding shipping
2 Secrets! Find the word "secret" in item description, and get a free order of my Dark Chocolate Covered Pecan Fudge-Brittle

Double Dipped Sweets
Buy One get One 1/2 off!
*Discount applies to product equal or less in price. Refund will be sent via Paypal.
2 Secrets! Find the word "secret" in item description, and get a $5 gift credit towards your purchase!

Giveaway from DigitalRoom.com

2009-04-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Head on over to this wonderful blog: Alas4Lads to win a FREE 16x29 High Gloss Poster Print from DigitalRoom.com!
DigitalRoom.com is sponsoring a giveaway for Alas 3 Lads readers. One lucky winner will receive a free 16x20 high gloss poster print. Photo poster prints are a fun and easy way to accessorize a room in your home or office. And, they also make lovely gifts, especially with Mother's Day right around the corner. Just choose one of your own favorite digital photos and have it transformed into a high gloss poster.

See the blog above to enter! Hurry! It ends tonight! Or...don't hurry...so I have a better chance at winning!

Random Tuesday Thoughts... on Wednesday

2009-04-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

I'm joining The Un Mom in her quest for all things random! I know, I know...don't you hear enough random from me? Well, now my randomness can have an official day! If you would like to do your own randomness, check out her blog! (And, yes, I realize it's Wednesday. Who cares about being on time?)

*I just finished writing a "book". The story has been in my head for years, so it only took about 2 months to write. Can a best seller be written in 2 months?
*I started writing another "book" last week. This one will take longer.
*I was craving ice cream last night. Luckily, I was too lazy to go to the store.
*My parents are coming to visit next week. Somehow, I need to get up the willpower to clean the house. Not sure it's going to happen.
*Do my neighbors really care if my lawn is mowed regularly?
*Is anyone even reading this?
*April is National Food Month. Go ahead, eat. You have an excuse.

National Food Month!

2009-04-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Did you know that April is National Food Month? No? Well, now you do!

To celebrate, Etsy's Edible Arts Team is offering special discounts in their shops! What could be better? Nothing!

So, click on THIS LINK and go shopping!CONTACT the store owner BEFORE making your purchase to make sure that they are accepting the discount! (I am accepting it! lol)

Here's the technical stuff. No small font stuff here!

National Food Month Sale!
20% off entire purchase*
Use code: April EEAT (Must include in notes to the seller to receive discount)

*Excludes shipping. Discount will be refunded to your PayPal account at the time order is processed. Offer Expires at Midnight 04-30-09

Have fun shopping!!

Kids say the funniest things...

2009-04-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when someone tells a joke that has to be explained? Well, I'm about to. Michael said the funniest thing at dinner tonight, but it requires some background. Sorry!

*We play the "Animal Game" in the car. Describe an animal, and the others guess it.
*We have 2 cats. A black/white cat, "Brigham", who is our lover cat. Then there is "Wednesday", part Siamese, who is our devil cat. Seriously.

Lately our game has turned into the following dialogue: prompted by McKenzie (3yr):
"It's (the animal to be guessed) black and white... nice...it is Brigham!!!" This is hilarious in itself, since she does either cat every time, and never lets us guess. Last night in the car, we did all Black and White animals, just to be funny.

So...fast forward to dinner tonight. Dad starts the game..."What's black and white..." Michael immediately thinks he'll be funny and shouts "Brigham!"

A few more guesses and laughs later, it's Dad's turn again. He starts to describe Wednesday.

"What is brown and white..."
"Brigham!!!" yells the kids.
"No...BROWN and white...and hisses when she gets mad."
Michael promptly responds: "MOM!"

Yeah... game over.

Quote of the Day

2009-04-16T06:54:00.001-07:00

"Cleaning your house while the kids are still growing is like shoveling your walk while it's still snowing."

Life with Triplets.

2009-04-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Triplets? You have triplets? Well, not technically. But close enough! My kids are 6, 4, and 3! They are all roughly the same height and weight. Triplets.

Taking kids to the store, any store, is never fun. Try taking 3. I really don't have a choice though, as hubby works in the afternoons, and doesn't get home until 9:30pm.

Last week we went grocery shopping. Not for much. Just a few things for my orders. We went to the self-checkout, where I start warning the kids to NOT touch the scale! Every time they touch the bagging area/scale, the machine thinks I skipped a step. *sigh* So... there we are, Tanner on the other side of the cart, Michael IN the cart...and McKenzie...where is Mckenzie??? I look around to find that she is not to be seen. My heart falters a little. I peek around the corner to where the balloons and flowers are... no daughter there. The shop attendant hears me calling her, and gets on the phone and pages: "McKenzie, please come to the front doors". I look at her and mouth - "She's 3." A minute later, we have at least 5 employees searching for her. The paging attendant stands guard over my sons, as I run around the store. Nearly a month later...or so it felt... probably only 5 minutes... as I'm waiting for Tanner to check the boy's bathroom, I hear another page. "McKenzie has been found." Oh, sweet relief! I grab Tanner from the bathroom and hurry back to the cart.
Where was she?? In the flowers and balloons. Hadn't I checked there 5 times? Yep. I hugged her, and then scolded her for running away. Such mixed emotions! I then plopped her into the shopping cart, and let her whine about getting out until the checkout was complete.
THANK YOU!! to the wonderful Smith's employees who helped me find my daughter! What a terrible, frightening 5 minutes!

So...yesterday we were back in Smith's. This time was a good trip. The kids were amazingly good, which resulted in a soft-hearted mom who bought way too many treats for them. (Do they realize how this works? Naw....)
Anywho...Tanner and I had a great time in produce. We were picking out items for salsa, and he was touching all the greens, and I had him smell the wonderful scents. (Especially cilantro! yum!)
At home, we proceeded to make the salsa. He stirred while I chopped! It was a lot of fun, and a good bonding activity. We determined that Tanner liked the smell of cilantro, but NOT the taste!
Oh, well. Maybe when he's older.

So... in recap... good times and bad times in the grocery store. I still hold my breath until we are safely back in the car...hopefully with minimal tears!

What are your fun shopping with kids experiences?

Oh, yum!

2009-04-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

I was in a mood to bake tonight...but not from scratch! So, I went to the cupboard and pulled out this fantastic mix from Kitchen Stories.

Let me tell you, these were FABULOUS! They didn't look like other oatmeal cookies I've had. The oatmeal was big, and the mix was chunky. I'll be honest. I was a little worried. But, oh no! My family of 5 ate the 2 dozen I made in less than 2 hours! They were delicious!

Here they are! (Go ahead and click to make the picture bigger...you know you want too!)

The best part is that Deirdre from Kitchen Stories is the nicest person! Go ahead and check out her BLOG and especially her ETSY shop! She has so much more to choose from! Spices, mixes, and salad dressing! You won't be disappointed!

Creativity

2009-04-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Creativity

Posted: 01 Apr 2009 01:00 AM PDT

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."Everyone can create. You don't need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty."Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. . ". . . Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination."But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25). Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 118–19

Fibromyalgia - It is real.

2009-04-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Time to rant.
NOT a time to get pity, or worry. Just a time to rant.

What is Fibromyalgia? One definition says: "A debilitating chronic syndrome characterized by diffuse and or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms"

This is a REAL condition!
Some Doctor's still refuse to acknowledge this condition. But IT IS REAL! Any Fibro sufferer will testify to this!

Think back to the last time that you were working out and over-worked your body. The next morning you felt SORE and STIFF all over, remember? Fibro patients feel like this ALL OF THE TIME! Each person has varying degrees of pain, but there is always pain.

Think back to the last time that you had the FLU. Remember how exhausted you were, even after sleeping all night and all day? Remember how weak your body was, and how shaky and unsteady you were? Fibro patients feel like this ALL OF THE TIME!

Think back to the last time that you forgot someone's name, or forgot where you left your keys. Fibro patients have what they call FIBRO FOG. It makes it hard to concentrate, to remember things, and they sometimes lack the motivation to do anything at all.

Okay, so maybe this is the worst case scenario. But, let me tell you, any combination of any of these symptoms makes it hard to get through the day.

Fibro results from a traumatic experience, or very high stress levels. Researches have found that Fibro patients don't sleep well. They don't enter, or stay in, the Level 4, Restorative sleep that everyone needs for their body to heal. They also have a much lower pain threashold. This adds up to muscles never getting healed correctly, and the mind never able to completely refresh itself.

I have suffered from Fibromyalgia for 3 years now. Ever since my youngest was born. It's not her fault! I believe my "high stress" trigger was having 3 kids in 4 yrs! But, that was God's will, and I don't regret any of it! (That story is for another blog post!)

I was finally diagnosed after 3 yrs and 4 doctors, about 6 months ago. The 1st Doctor tested for everything, and got nothing. "It can't be fibro...you don't have the required trigger points." The 2nd Doctor never said, but clearly thought, that I was depressed. Maybe postpartum. Hmmm... do I still have postpartum 3 years later? And if you are depressed, aren't you supposed to FEEL depressed? Yeah, I was loving life. My 3rd doctor said there was nothing further he could do, so left me on the terribly expensive meds. My 4th doctor a year later finally diagnosed fibro and put me on meds that ACTUALLY WORKED! (I went to so many doctors because of moves and changes in insurance, not because I was searching for the answer I wanted to hear)

My fibro has gotten worse over the years. I now have the "requried trigger points" of pain. The meds help control my pain and "fibro fog", but I still have many bad days. I have days when I look around at my filthy house, at my kids watching tv and playing on the computer, and think "Hmmm..there is nothing to do". So, I lay down and take a nap. I am ALWAYS tired.
I NEED a nap every day. Let me tell you how much that disturbs my schedule! My kids hear "mommy is sick" all the time, even though I try to work through it, and go on with life. My poor husband gets the brunt of my complaints, but is SO AMAZING and SO SUPPORTIVE!

There is a section of my life, BEFORE I got the fibro, that I CAN NOT REMEMBER. This wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't the 1st year of my Michael's life. Good thing we have pictures! And don't even ask what we had for dinner 2 nights ago, or when I shipped an order. It will take a few minutes to track down the info in my mind.

There are some days that I just need to curl up and sleep. The pain is too much, my mind is foggy, and I feel nauseaus. If I'm not at church, this is probably why. I feel like I have the Flu. The other days, when I can't get out of my regular duties, I do the best I can. That's all anyone can do in this life. DO THE BEST YOU CAN! I have found pain meds that help. I find JOY in my CHILDREN. I've discovered that I need to write things down. I find happiness in every moment that I am able to live a normal life. I celebrate the days when I go to bed remembering the smiles and laughter that I had with my children that day. I LOVE LIFE! This is really a small burden to bare compared to others. For that, I am grateful.

Now, again, I'm not looking for pity or despair. I just want people to understand that this is a REAL condition, and if I don't act 100% alert, or move a little more slowly than usual, you know why!

Birthday Party!

2009-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, my baby turned 3. I can't believe that she's that old! On Saturday we had a birthday party for her. With our kids included, we had 12 kids there! Luckily, the weather was perfect for an outdoor party. (It snowed 6inches the next day!)

McKenzie wanted a Dora theme, so she got one! Check out the pics of her fun day!

The cake was provided by CakesbySugarPlums and was DIVINE!

We colored "Backpacks" and made Door hangers. We had yummy cupcakes and amazing cake (for the adults ha ha!). We opened presents, and hit open a pinata!

"Swiper" stole our cupcakes, so we had to go on a scavenger hunt to find them! After sending the kids all over the yard, following clues and finding prizes, they were led into the house to get a cupcake!

As we started to sing "Happy Birthday", McKenzie threw herself on the floor and had a tantrum! We had to stop mid-song! It had been a long day even before the party had started!

It was a great day! Thanks to the friends and family that came or sent gifts!

Monday Madness

2009-03-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last week was crazy in my house. Mark was gone to CA for training, so I took the week off of work. It would have been a terrific full-time mom week, where I would have been able to play happily with my kids all week...if I hadn't had other plans. I had lots of orders, that I'm still trying to catch up on. I was also planning a birthday party for my 3yr old McKenzie. (Pics to come!) So, the week ended up being frantic and stressful.

Today, I am back at work, but dreaming of a relaxing soak in the tub. And you know how much I "love" baths! What does that tell you about my week? :)

Here are a few of the wonderful bath products from Etsy that I have tried, or would love to try!

I would love to try this shampoo/conditioner set from MeaCulpaBodyandBath

I've posted about Satinpetalsoap before, but she still gets my vote for best Whipped Soap!

I just tried lotion from ShineYourHineySoap, and loved it! Her whipped soap is wonderful too!

If you want lip balm, lotion, or soap, check out Pegasussoaps!

Interview with a 4 yr old

2009-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

I've seen this "kid interview" done on other blogs, and thought I'd ask my boys what they knew about me! Not terribly hilarious answers, but fun all the same!

Here is Michael's Interview. He is 4.

What is something mom always says to you?
Put your underwear on. (He was just potty trained in December, and doesn't always like to get re-dressed!)

2. What makes Mom happy?
Eat Dinner

3. What makes Mom sad?
When we play in our bedroom when it's bedtime

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Being silly. (He then commented that my handwriting was not very good.)

5. What was your mom like as a child?
No answer

6. How old is your mom?
Three I ask, really? He nods yes.

7. How tall is your mom?
"This Tall" He says, pointing from my feet to my head

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Eat Dinner

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Play outside (umm...nope. Usually too much to do INSIDE)

10. What is your Mom very good at?
Playing on the computer. (oops)

11. If Mom became famous what would it be for?
Cowboy. (I have no idea!)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Do stuff. Cleaning. (Well, that's true. Not that I'm bad at it...I just have 3 little ones who follow behind me...)

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Clean up. (But obviously, I'm not good at it, so I'll probably get fired...)

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Apple

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Jesus (awww...)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Woody (I don't even want to know...)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Walk

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Dark hair, eyes

19. How are you and your mom different?
I'm a boy, and you are a girl. Oh, I'm a man.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Hugging.

He had a hard time coming up with some of the answers, but it was fun to do! Go see what YOUR kids know about you!
Tanner's interview coming soon!

Front Page twice!

2009-03-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

I was on the Front Page of Etsy twice today! Of course, I missed both, but I was able to see them on another website.

Here they are! (Click on them to make them bigger!)

Here is the link to see all the treasuries I've been in! What wonderful treasury curators! http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?w=779551%40N24&q=doubledippedsweets&m=pool

Thanks for good people.

2009-03-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

My dear, dear husband has been at me for months to join facebook. He even made me a special avatar! I finally gave in last night and joined. What resulted was an amazing journey down memory lane. Facebook pulled up all the people who went to my high school, and it was so much fun to go through them and see old friends (now looking much different!).

As I looked back, I realized how lucky I am to have had such a wonderful, full life so far. It's been full of friends and family, of life and celebration. Now, don't get me wrong, life has brought it's fair share of trials, heartache, and tears, but overall, I can say that I've had a great life.

No worries...just reflection today...no terminal illness or near death experience to report! It sounds like I'm writing my obit!

There is a part in one of my favorite movies where the daughter asks her mom if she's had any regrets in her life. Her mom says no. When questioned further, she says that she has learned from all of her regrets. (13 going on 30)

The only thing I regret is not keeping in touch with my friends of the past. Not only High School and College, but also all of the wonderful people I've met in all the 9 places we've lived in the last 9 years! (not kidding) PLEASE, if you read this blog, and know me from the past, please respond! Maybe I'm just getting sentimental in my old age (not that old!), but I've learned so much from everyone that I've ever come in contact with.

So, I dedicate my musings today to all who have touched my life.

For my High School friends. I hope we can get back in touch and rekindle a friendship. Life was different then, but I hope to recapture some of those carefree days!

For my College friends. I miss you. There are some of you who became life long soul mates, but we've separated. Let's find each other again.

For all the hundreds of wonderful people we've met over the last 9 years as we've moved. I miss you, I love you, and you have made a difference in my life. We've moved from Provo, to Orem, to San Jose, to San Leandro, to Salt Lake, to Orem, to Lehi, to Salt Lake, and now to Sugarhouse (Salt Lake). I'm always touched when I think about the people I've met along my path. We may not have had fortune, or fame, but we had FRIENDS. And that is the best word of all.

For the wonderful on-line friends that I have met. What a odd world the internet is. In my EEAT team alone, I have so many close friends that I've never even met! Some of us chat daily, and support each other not only in business, but in home and family, in weight loss, even in study.

And mostly, for my family. They are always there, no matter the storms. I can't count how many times my dear BIL has helped us move, or my In-laws have babysat and helped us. I can't count the hundreds of phone calls and thousands of prayers from my dear parents. For the love and friendship I have with my Aunts. For the love and friendship I have with my dear sister, brothers, and Mark's sisters and brothers.

Above all, for Mark. For Tanner. For Michael. For McKenzie. Life would not be worth living without these precious gems in my life.

I have been richly blessed, and I pray that I have made a difference in some of your lives.

Go out today and be a difference in the lives of those around YOU.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-18T07:03:00.001-07:00

St. Patty's day sale!

2009-03-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Double Dipped Sweets is celebrating by offering Buy One Get One FREE in my etsy shop! Sale ends Wednesday the 18th at Midnight MTN time!

Come order your first item (or 2, or 3), then just write what you want free in Notes to Seller! Easy!

Come visit right now!

Prayer

2009-03-16T06:54:00.001-07:00

I believe in the power of Prayer. I believe that prayers are not only answered, but rejoiced over. I believe that prayer can change lives and alter people forever. Here is a wonderful quote and story on prayer that I read today, and thought I'd share.

http://cominsense.wordpress.com/tag/prayer/

Family Prayer Is Powerful

Posted: 16 Mar 2009 01:00 AM PDT

“Family prayer is a powerful and sustaining influence. During the dark days of World War II, a 500-pound bomb fell outside the little home of Brother Patey, a young father in Liverpool, England, but the bomb did not go off. His wife had died, so he was rearing his five children alone. He gathered them together at this very anxious time for family prayer. They ‘all prayed . . . earnestly and when they had finished praying, the children said: “Daddy, we will be all right. We will be all right in our home tonight.”“ ‘And so they went to bed, imagine, with that terrific bomb lying just outside the door half submerged in the ground. If it had gone off it would have destroyed probably forty or fifty houses and killed two or three hundred people. . . . “ ‘The next morning the . . . whole neighborhood was removed for forty-eight hours and the bomb was finally taken away. . . . “ ‘On the way back Brother Patey asked the foreman of the A. R. P. Squad: “Well, what did you find?”“ ‘ “Mr. Patey, we got at the bomb outside of your door and found it ready to explode at any moment. There was nothing wrong with it. We are puzzled why it did not go off” ’ (Andre K. Anastasiou, in Conference Report, Oct. 1946, 26). Miraculous things happen when families pray together.”
James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Liahona, July 2002, 68

Prayer can brighten up anyone's day. It can be a mode of meditation, and silent thanksgiving, or a joyous song of love.

How has prayer changed your life?

I've been immortalized in soap!

2009-03-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

HeathensHearth...gotta love these girls! They were the winner of my Valentine's day gift basket, and have become good online friends through etsy.

They created a line of Etsy-inspired soaps, and honored me by giving me a soap all my own!

Here it is! The DoubleDippedSweets all natural Goat's Milk soap!
Here is the caption from THEIR BLOG

"The DoubleDippedSweets: Renowned for her heavenly caramel and chocolate coated pretzels, 2lb double dipped apples, and other mouthwatering goodies, what better scent could there be than the ice cream that makes everyone happy: Neapolitan! Three Layers of soapy goodness in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla."

Check out their blog to see all of their etsy friend soaps!

I was on the Front Page!

2009-03-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was on the Front Page of Etsy today! This is a big deal, since it helps you get seen. Everyone aspires to be on the front page!

What makes this time so special, is that the treasury that I'm in is AWESOME! I saw it before it was on the FP, and thought it was so clever and original. Here it is!
(Click on it to make it bigger!)

My new kitchen!

2009-03-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

A week before Valentine's day, and the rush that went with that, our kitchen was remodeled! Here are before and after pics! The "after" is not the final, as the kitchen hadn't been painted yet. I cleaned the kitchen to take new pictures today, and then realized that Mark had the camera with him on his trip! So, this is what you get!

BEFORE:

BEFORE:

DURING:

DURING

AFTER! DOESN'T IT LOOK PRETTY?

THE night it was done, I cleaned like a mad women and started in on this valentine's day mess! I ended up doing roughly 800 Pretzels and about 10 dozen Oreos!

Edible Art Team GIVEAWAY!

2009-03-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all readers! Team EEAT has joined forces with the Spring Fling giveaway from The Sits Girls to offer you some fantastic goodies!

PRIZES

2 winners will split the goodies up above! Winners announced on March 16, 2009

Here is what you do:

Visit our main website: Edible Art Team and take a look around! Click on all the yummy pics, drool a little...just find your way back to this blog to comment or to the Team Blog!

You can get extra entries by:
*Following either blog. Make sure you leave a comment saying that you are following!
*Blogging about us on your blog! Leave a comment with your blog address!

Have fun!

Spring Cleaning!

2009-03-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Don't Forget to Clean Your Computer Screen~

I know you don't clean your screen very often and it is hard to do the inside, so here(http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf) is my present to you.

Have fun!

Here are some serious cleaning tips!
*Baking Soda: Clean tubs,toilet,and tiles with baking soda and a brush dampened with water.

*Vinegar: Dip an old toothbrush in vinegar and use it to clean off mildewed grout between tiles.

*Lemon juice: Put the juice on a sponge and wipe shower doors to remove soap scum.

*Chlorine bleach: Get rid of mildew and mold on shower tiles with a solution of one part bleach to five parts water. Scrub with a stiff brush.

*Dryer sheet: After you've finished cleaning the faucets, rub a sheet of fabric softener on them to polish and shine.

A call for help.

2009-03-05T07:10:00.001-08:00

Good Morning dear readers! I am looking for advice, tips, ideas, etc. to help me with my 6yr old son.

He is in kindergarten this year. He is doing very well in art, and is close to genius at building and putting things together. However, he is falling behind in phonics/spelling/reading.

Does anyone have any FUN ways to help him learn these things at home? Have you used a program that really worked well?

I've been working with him: reading the books he brings home from school, playing games with letter sounds, etc., but we need better ways to learn! I also have a 4 and almost 3 yr old, so they will be included in this learning!

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!!

Aren't these photos fun? Do your own here!

Now open!

2009-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

I have decided to reopen a day early! Come shop and enjoy my 1-year anniversary sale!

Buy one get one 1/2 off!

Just order as usual, and I will send you a revised invoice!

Happy eating!

One Year Anniversary!

2009-02-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

March 4th marks my 1 year anniversary selling on Etsy! I can't believe that it's been a year. Etsy has been such a boon for me and for my little business. I want to thank each one of you who has bought product from me. I also want to thank those that follow my humble blog and keep it alive!

My shop will re-open on Sunday, March 1. For my 1 yr anniversary, I will be offering a Buy One Get One 1/2 off sale!

Come on over to MY SHOP on March 1st, and get your favorites picked now!

What it means to be a mom.

2009-02-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

As I take a break from my business this week, I'm stepping back to make sure I am part of the best things in life. My kids.

I received this story in my email one day, and it made me cry. I hope it gives you some inspiration, and makes you want to do better.

Go hug your kids!

Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'

I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England.

Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.

It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.

I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave theirwhole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.'

And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.

But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.

As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM! Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know. The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. The Invisible Mother.

It's the things we achieve through God that gives us our joys in life.

Life.

2009-02-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

My etsy shop is closed temporarily. I will be back up and running very soon!

I just need a break to take care of some personal issues in my life. I want to thank all my wonderful customers who have made my etsy experience absolutely amazing so far!

We look forward to reopening soon!

***UPDATE! I am getting so many dear friends worried about me! Thank you for your concern! No worries though. I just needed some time to take care of my family and house! Nothing major has happened! Thanks for your well wishes!

I WILL be taking custom orders. Please contact me through Etsy if you would like to order!

FAM Birthday Bash 2009

2009-02-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

Would you like an invitation to the Party? Consider yourself officially invited!
It has been one year since the birth of the Fabulous Artistic Moms of Etsy! To celebrate our 388 moms membership, we are having a Fabulous Birthday Bash Giveaway! 38 Artists have donated prizes!! There will be 1 Grand prize winner who will receive handmade items from 28 of these Fabulous Artistic Moms and 10 Honorable Mentions who will each receive one prize! So, here is how to enter ...

POST YOUR COMMENTS ON THE fam BLOG ONLY!

Rules of the Game
1) Visit one or more of the shops below and look for the cupcake hidden (like the one above) as one of the images in their listings.

2) Post a comment below with the listing URL (http://...) where you found the cupcake, your name, and your e-mail address. (Your comment will not be shown to the public.) The game runs from February 15-21, 2009. A list of winner will be posted on the blog.
POST YOUR COMMENTS ON THE fam BLOG ONLY!

Would you like an extra entry?
1)Visit a different shop and find another cupcake! Post an additional comment below with the listing URL (http://...) where you found the cupcake, your name, and your e-mail address. You may leave up to 5 entry comments for finding cupcakes!
POST YOUR COMMENTS ON THE fam BLOG ONLY!

2)For every item purchased from one of the shops listed below, from February 15-21, you will get an extra entry. Simply post an additional comment with the transaction URL link with your name and e-mail address.

Participating Shops and Prizes Donated for the Birthday Bash!!

Giggleberry Creations
http://www.giggleberry.etsy.com
Unisex fabric banner

Whimsical Creations
http://melaniescrafts.etsy.com
Cupcake Ornament & Birthday Hat Ornament

Annie Howes Keepsakes
http://anniehowes.etsy.com
DIY Scrabble Pendant kit w/tutorial

Apple Loves Orange
http://applelovesorange.etsy.com
5 photo gift tags in "Black"

Tender Heart Babies
http://TenderHeartBabies.etsy.com
FAM Princess Bank

Michon
http://michon.etsy.com
freshwater pearl earrings

DoubleDippedSweets
http://doubledippedsweets.etsy.com
Turtle Caramel Apple, your choice of nuts!

Handmade by Andrea Baker
http://www.andreabaker.etsy.com
The Oogly Friend - Snowflake

Crafts by Carer
http://craftsbycarer.etsy.com
Crochet Top Kitchen Towel

ChamberryCherryDesigns
http://www.chamberrycherry.etsy.com

personalized cosmetic makeup bag

BerryCreek Soaps
http://www.BerryCreekSoaps.etsy.com/
Monkey Farts Scented Aloe Vera Soapsicle

Crochet by Momma J
http://www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
Sachet Pillow

Sweeet Pickles Pottery
http://www.sweetpicklespottery.etsy.com/
Little Dish many uses

Elegant Snobbery
http://elegantsnobbery.etsy.com
8 x 8 Chocolate and Roses Cupcake Print

ImagineThat
http://imaginethatart.etsy.com and http://imaginethatinc.etsy.com
Original Design with Artisan Handmade Beads Necklace

Ravishing Jane
http://www.ravishingjane.etsy.com
Plum Striped Earrings

GingerKittyDesigns
http://gingerkittydesigns.etsy.com

Pearl bead bracelet and earrings set

Skinner Studio
http://www.skinnerstudio.etsy.com
Red Cherry - Chiyogami and Resin Necklace

Alphabulous
http://www.alphabulous.etsy.com
Iron on patch, letter or number and bookmark of their choosing

LJ Design Photo
http://ljdesignphoto.etsy.com
5x5 photo and 4 gift cards of a cupcake

Macaroni and Glue
http://macaroniandglue.etsy.com
A Hint of Shimmer - Boxed Set of 10 Flat Notes

Oh Mandie
http://ohmandie.etsy.com
Sugar - Whimsy Earrings

New England Quilter
http://www.newenglandquilter.etsy.com
Pink Fabric Coiled Basket

TheTieDyeGirl and TheSewingChic
http://thetiedyegirl.etsy.com and http://thesewingchic.etsy.com
Could I do $20 gift cards

Mock Frog Jewelry
http://MOCKFROGjewelry.etsy.com
bakelite necklace w/ black satin ribbon, ball chain

Valerie's Gallery
http://valeriesgallery.etsy.com
Blue and Green Felted Wool Bowl

KlymyshynDesign
http://Klymyshyndesign.etsy.com
Aqua Thread Earrings

Huggabears
http://www.huggabears.etsy.com
butterfly and flower totebag

Haberheartwork
http://www.haberheartwork.etsy.com
Glass pendant with ballchain necklace

Kims'c Custom Cards and Gifts
http://www.KimsCustomGifts.etsy.com
One free item from my store (excluding printing services), winner's choice

Sensationally Sweet
http://www.sensationallysweet.etsy.com
1/2 pound chocolate assortment

TheBrassHussy
http://thebrasshussy.etsy.com
Brass Musical Swirls with Green Filigree Capped dangles - Earrings

Sweet Pickles Pottery
http://sweetpicklespottery.etsy.com
Fleur de Lis Wine Bottle Stopper

PickleJuice
http://picklejuice.etsy.com
3 Hand Hooked Wool Flowers-spring colors

Tiny Storm
http://tinystorm.etsy.com
Pair of earrings in the Czech glass color of the winner's choice.

Memory Books and More
http://memorybooksandmore.etsy.com
Card

Pumpkin Pea
http://PumpkinPea.etsy.com
A Pair of Flower Duo

Spare Time Crafts
http://sparetimecrafts.etsy.com
First Aid Etui boxes

Edible Art Team

2009-02-10T07:15:00.001-08:00

Hungry? Want something special for those party treats?

Check out: EdibleArtTeam! Full of wonderful surprises, coupons, and drool-worthy edibles!

Go look today! You won't be sorry!

Sale on Valentine's Pretzels

2009-02-08T08:00:00.001-08:00

Don't these pretzels look fabulous! Due to a changed wholesale order, I have 250 Caramel/Chocolate dipped pretzels in stock, ready to ship!

What a Great Valentine's Gift!
50% off $1 each!

These wonderful pretzels are ready to ship on Monday! Pick from White, Milk, or Dark Chocolate Base with another chocolate flavor drizzled on top!

Or...Pick our wonderful and oh, so cute, Valentine's Day Pretzels!

Shop today for your Pretzels for all of your loved ones!

Valentine's Day!

2009-02-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day is coming soon! It's a time to celebrate those you love and hold dear. Why not get them a special treat this year?

Valentine's Goodies from Double Dipped Sweets!

Giveaway Winners!

2009-01-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

My giveaway is over and the winners have been contacted!

Due to the amazing number of entries (432) I decided to pick 2 winners! They are:

Amy from Bailey's Leaf
Misty from Heathens Hearth

Congratulations ladies!!

If, by some chance, the winners do not confirm their winnings, I will pick a new winner!

Thanks to all of you who commented, followed, blogged, twittered, etc! I am amazed at your support!

New Year Giveaway!

2009-01-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR ENTRIES AND KIND WORDS! THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNERS WILL BE PICKED SHORTLY AND ANNOUNCED HERE!

It's the new year...things are new and changing! While it is a time for weight loss resolutions, it is also a time to enjoy the finer things in life! So, to that end...

I am giving away a Gift Basket worth over $50!

What is included in this wonderful delight?

2 Caramel Apples of YOUR choice
2 1/2 sized Gourmet Caramel Popcorn's, of YOUR choice
1 dozen Dipped Oreos
1 set of either Dipped Pretzels (5) or Chocolate Bark (1/2 lb)

WOW!

You will want to RUN over to my SHOP to see the wonderful variety's of options. I guarantee drooling will occur!

How do I enter?
Many ways!

*Leave a comment here stating what you would want in your basket. You must state this or you will not be entered!
*"Follow" my blog and get 1 entry!
*Blog about my contest, and get 2 entries!
*Purchase from my shop and get 4 entries per item ordered. Put "blog giveaway in Notes to Seller!
*Promote me on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. for another entry!

PLEASE post one comment per entry. Ex: 1 comment for blogging, 1 for purchase, etc!

A winner will be picked on January 31, 2009!

This giveaway is a part of the great Bloggy Giveaways. See their site for great giveaways.

NOW...go enter!!

Team EEAT Bake Sale!

2009-01-16T07:30:00.001-08:00

Team EEAT presents our Virtual Valentine's Bake Sale! Held on January, 28th, 2009 in Esty's Virtual Labs at 8pm EST!

Come see our team members present their beautiful work. There will be great contests, sales, and amazing giveaways! Start shopping early by searching for "team eeat"!

Why should I come?

Trivia Questions! Answer a Valentines day trivia question, and win a $5 gift credit in a Team members shop!

Giveaway! We will be giving away a grand prize worth over $100! Plus, 2 prizes worth $20 each! Prizes will be delivered just in time for Valentines Day!
Blog post coming soon on ways to enter!

Get your Valentines Day shopping done early!

Sales offered:

JustBakin'
FREE Chocolate Cookies with every order.

LuckyDogTreatCompany
FREE bag of treats of Lucky's choice with any sized order!

DoubleDippedSweets
Buy one get one 50% off!
Equal or lesser value applies; full shipping charges incurred.

SweetTreatMaryann
FREE Chocolate Covered Grahams (3) with a purchase of any size

ASugarAffair
1/2 dozen chocolate covered oreos with with each product bought

athyme2bcomforted
BOGO half off of equal or lesser value

DelectableDelights
For the Love of Chocolate
25% off all chocolate covered items
10% off everything else

LittleSnowflakes
3 FREE Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles with Each Order*
*Order is refers to a completed Credit Card Transaction

CiaoHound
20% off your purchase, before shipping!
free priority shipping for orders over $15

CakesbySugarPlums
2 FREE Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes with any purchase

Stay tuned for more great sales!

Wintertime skin - oh, what a joy!

2009-01-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

Every winter my skin goes downhill...fast. Dries out, cracks, bleeds, itches...real fun. BUT, since joining Etsy I have discovered the wonderful world of handmade bath and body! I've found some amazing products that have drastically helped my skin this winter! Check them out!

Thick and creamy lotion from Pegasus Handmade Soaps

Wonderful smooth and silky Whipped Body Wash from Satin Petal Soap.

And amazing smooth lip balm from The Plaid Mushroom

I promise that if you try any of these great shops, there will be no going back!

Saturday Night Special!

2009-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday Night on Etsy.com, things are a-hoppin! Sales, Secrets, lots of fun!

My special tonight is BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF!

Put "SNS" in notes to seller and wait for a revised invoice! Happy Shopping!

Baths are OVERATED!

2009-01-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Watch any romance. The bath is warm and steamy, the bubbles are unbelievably abundant, covering the female star in rich luxuriousness. Not in real life!

Okay, so I admit that I'm not a huge bath fan/taker anyway. But still, what is the draw? I took a bath tonight because my muscles were screaming at me, and I had a new Etsy product to try! (Plug coming) I discovered the following:

1. My bathtub is too small. This causes me to have to tilt my head up on the wall, and then be forced to look at...my belly. NOT the most pleasant thing to look at. And NOT the most relaxing, soothing experience.

2. My bathtub is dirty. Well, at least I know how I'm getting my workout tomorrow!

3. While I did have amazing bubble bath solution, the bubbles were not bigger than my head, and did not cover every inch of me; especially the aforementioned belly. *sigh*

4. As soon as you lift yourself out of the warm, soothing water, you freeze. I even turned the heat up before going in, and closed the door to keep it all in. I froze. There goes the warm fuzzy feeling I had. You spend a relaxing time in the bath (if you can look at other things then yourself) and then have to scramble to get warm again!

5. Back to the movies. HOW does anyone read a book in the bath? I took a book in with me, but didn't even attempt to open it! I didn't' want to ruin my book!

I admit there were *few* good features of the bath.

1. I got a blog article out of it.

2. I smell good.

3. My skin is soft and smooth.

Why is my skin soft, smooth, and smelly? What wonderful bubble solution did I use to achieve those great results? Plug time!

I recently purchased a sample sized "Soft Bubble Bath Dough" from Shop Red Leaf on Etsy. It is amazing. It's a firm solution, like a hard dough (hence the name). You take some out, and rub it in your hands under the faucet. Immediately, wonderful bubbles (real-life sized ones) start emerging, and the scent is amazing! I can still smell it on my skin.

I also received a sample size of her room freshener spray, in the Basil Lime scent. It is wonderful! My house smells so fresh and clean! It fills an entire room with a wonderful aroma, and lasts for a very long time!

The third item I received was the "Women's Extra Moisturizing Face Lotion". I LOVE this moisturizer! It's not greasy, and keeps my skin soft! I got this in the "Beach" scent, but I think I will go unscented for my next round. Wonderful for your face!

Dinner at my house

2008-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

Crazy. Impromptu. who knows?

Tonight, hubby was home, so I planned homemade lasagna with all the trimmings. Well, that was the plan anyway...

Hubby ended up sick today, and wasn't sure if he could eat anything. And, since the kids won't eat the lasagna (it has red sauce, and anything with red sauce is Spicy. no matter what Mom says) I decided to make meatloaf instead. If I make that in a cupcake pan, the kids will eat it. So...I go to turn the oven on...and the "bake" button will not work! All the buttons are dying: I haven't been able to cook anything under 300 because those number buttons don't work. Now it's the Bake. Good thing the owner of the house was already shopping for a new oven today...but it will be awhile. So, now what?

Fettucine Alfredo! The kids love my homemade sauce. So, I get a chicken breast out and defrost it. I get it cooking and go to make the sauce...no milk! So...now what?

Breakfast! I LOVE breakfast for dinner. It's something that I grew up with, and love it! Okay, I can do eggs, bacon, and pancakes, right? Right! Maybe... until the bowl of pancake mix I have (it doesn't require milk) starts moving... yep, I said moving! I look closer...weevils! Yeah, that went in the garbage.

So, last resort. I send my sick hubby out to get milk from the store, and bisquick. I make eggs and bacon; the pancakes get done when he got home. Finally! Dinner is made...or is it breakfast?

*sigh* Is it bedtime yet?

My Etsy Christmas List

2008-12-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

For those of you who care... Here's my Etsy Christmas Wish list!

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Click on any picture to be taken to their shop!

Merry Christmas!

Only 2 more days!

2008-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Friday is the last day you can order your Christmas goodies and have them arrive on time for the Holiday!

Mention you saw my blog, and receive 10% off of your order!

http://doubledippedsweets.etsy.com/

Christmas Cards!

2008-12-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming! Don't forget that essential item: your Christmas cards!

One of my favorite Card sellers is Heather's Handmade Cards. She can be found HERE at The Artisan Shoppe, or at her Etsy Shop.

She carries beautiful Gift tags and cards.

Her Etsy shop has her more humourous cards!

Heather's orders are filling up fast, so get your order in for your Unique cards today!

An Amazing Etsy Christmas Contest - over $750.00 in prizes!

2008-12-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

The Etsy Christmas contest is sponsered by Busy-mommy.com

I am one of the donaters for a prize, and am also entering! This is an amazing contest with TONS to win! Check it out!

An Etsy Christmas Contest - Over $750.00 in prizes!

This contest is all about promoting mom blogs and small businesses (especially run by moms or for moms). Etsy is a site that has thousands of small shops that each sell handcrafted items. I have found an abundance of shops that you guys would like!

An Etsy Christmas Contest

- Over $750.00 worth of prizes - 2 winners
The Sponsors:

Children
This and That - $20 gift card
Red Pajamas - Little Man's Tie ($8)
Baby Luv Gifts - Cute Custom Beanie ($15)
Baby Bears - $25 gift card
My Custom Baby Boutique - $25 gift card
Baby Goin Places - PocketChanger Diaper Changing Pad ($25)
Layla Legs - $15 gift card & free shipping
Second Story Window - $10 gift card
Inspiring Color Tie Dye - Youth pullover hoodie rainbow diagonal or swirl ($30)
Baby Peas - boy or girl cloth play blocks- set of 4 ($18)
Abby Chase Designs - Lotus Hair Flower ($13.50)
Tadpoles and Tutus - $20 gift card
Make it and Love It - onesie/bootie set of choice (14.99)

Jewelry
Four Dog Day - Cute Pink Key Ring ($8)
Jupita - $20 gift card
Zeba - Coin Pearl Earrings ($20)
Jodi Horgan - $25 gift card
One of a Kind Custom Jewelry - $20 gift card
Across The Pond - choice of any vintage button ring ($14)
Kerstin Hanson - $20 gift card

Bath and Body
Krug's Eco-Logic - $15 gift card
Indulgent Creations - Soy candle travel tin, soap and lotion ($16.50)
koko candles - holiday brownie cupcake candles ($25)
Dazzle Dott - $20 gift certificate

Especially for Mom
Mary Zoom - Pink Polka Dot Glam Cleaning Gloves ($10)
Maggie Sue Designs -A cup cozy and coordinating set of Tame Your Mane ponytail holders ($12)
Gaia Conceptions - "My Everything" piece (clothing, $40)
BoojiBoo - apron of winners choice (only ones in stock, $28.75)

Yummy Treats
A Sugar Affair - $10 gift card
Cakebox Cookies - $20 gift card
A Thyme 2 B Comforted - $25 gift card
Double Dipped Sweets - $20 gift card
KE Cookies - One dozen chocolate chip cookies ($8)
AngelPie Cookies and Cakes - One dozen decorated sugar cookies ($18)
Meg's Creations - 2 pack of cookie and brownie mix ($24 including shipping)
Cookie Art by Sarah - One dozen sugar cookie snowflakes and $25 gift certificate ($53)

Paper Crafts
Paper Treasures 4 U - 2 page 12''x12'' Christmas layout ($9)
Inkspot Workshop - 1 Set of 6 Snowman Gift Enclosures 1 Set of 6 Tree Bird Gift Enclosures ($12)
Take Note - 1 set of personalized notecards ($15)
Articulations - 6 lunchbox love mini cards ($5)

How To Enter: Go to http://www.busy-mommy.com/!

Contest Ends Saturday, December 6th at 9:00 pm.
Two winners will be chosen and the prizes will be equally divided.

There are amazing stores donating prizes! Here are some of my favorites in each category.

Children:
LOVING the "little man's tie" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16498859 from Red Pajamas!

And check out the great animal hats in BabyLuvGifts

Jewelry:
Zeba has beautiful jewelry! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5985476

Bath and Body:
Check out the beautiful soaps at Indulgentcreations! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5613937

Especially for Mom:
Cute, cute, cute aprons at BooJiBoo's. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=59241

Yummy treats:
Well, of course I nominate myself for this category!! But...
A Sugar Affair has melt-your-mouth brownie goodness.
Cakebox Cookies and http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5755374 are both sooo yummy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6090943....the best Pork sauce and salsa ever!

Paper Crafts:
Beautiful cards at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5692344.
And how cute are these Lunchbox Love cards from Articulations.

Go enter the contest! You could win amazing prizes!

Fabulous Artistic Moms Holiday Giveaway!

2008-12-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for ways to save this Christmas? Check out the FAM team! Featuring great deals starting today, and going until December 12th! Check their blog daily, as a new deal starts every day!

In adition to great giveaways, all Purchases made at participating FAM shops during the FAM - Made Holiday Gift Guide Event, December 1-12, 2008, will be entered in a drawing for FAM Bucks. Mention "FAM Entry" in notes to seller when checking out.

Double Dipped Sweets will be participating in all 12 days!

Daily Promo Specials: The shops participating will be listed in Etsy Forums daily!
1) Link the FAM Gift Guide to your blog and receive an entry for the FAM Bucks drawing. (Post a link to your blog in the comments section of the blog post for today)
2) Free Gift Tag with purchase - See below for a list of participating shops.
3) Free Gift Wrapped item - See below for a list of participating shops.
4) 1st customer of the day will get ...(what the shop picks) - See below for a list of participating shops.
5) 10% off purchase - See below for a list of participating shops.
6) Discounted shipping - See below for a list of participating shops.
7) Today, December 7, 2008, purchase from a FAM shop listed below, and be entered in a drawing to have your Etsy Shop featured on the FAM Blog. **BONUS Special** The first 12 customers (that are sellers) to purchase from a shop listed below and post a transaction link in this thread will be featured in a FAM Customer Appreciation Treasury.
8) Coupon for future purchase in shop (at discretion of each shop) - See below for a list of participating shops.
9) Look for the item with a hidden "Secret" in each shop listed below for a super special discount on that item! Hurry, secrets go fast!
10) Link FAM-made Gift Guide to your blog and get 10% off every purchase that day from participating shops below.
11) Mystery freebie in package - See below for a list of participating shops.
12) BOGO 1/2 off - See below for a list of participating shops.

Happy Holidays!

Cyber Monday!

2008-11-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday sales are starting at 12:01am Monday Morning!

The first 5 customers will receive 40% off of their order! Enjoy 20% off the rest of the day!

All discounts are before shipping. Please put "Cyber Monday" in Notes to Seller, and wait for a revised invoice!

Come shop early, and get treats for family, friends, and coworkers!

Double Dipped Sweets would be happy to cater your Holiday Party! Discounts available for large orders.

Visit Fabulous Fun Finds for more great deals!

Black Friday is coming soon!

2008-11-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving in the USA is generally known as "Black Friday", because it is the biggest shopping day of the year! Stores hold massive sales, and giveaways to the first customers through the door.

Sound like fun? Well, how about shopping at home this year, and avoiding all of those long lines? Double Dipped Sweets is here for you!

From November 28th to Monday, December 1st, Double Dipped Sweets is having an amazing sale!

The first 10 customers will receive 40% off of their order, before shipping! Every following customer will receive 20% off! (A revised invoice will be sent you your email address, or a refund will be given.)
The sale will start all over on Monday, the 1st; with the first 5 pepple getting 40% off, and then 20% off after that!
Come shop early, and get treats for family, friends, and coworkers!

Double Dipped Sweets would be happy to cater your Holiday Party! Discounts available for large orders.

Team EEAT presents a HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!

2008-11-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! SEE THE TEAM BLOG FOR WINNERS!

Who wouldn't want free goodies for the holidays! Now, just in time for Christmas, Team EEAT is giving away 2 $10 gift certificates!

The giveaway starts November 17th, and runs to December 5th! The winner will be notified, and will have 5 days to pick their prize! Your goodies will arrive just in time for Christmas!

How to Play!

Each of the following team members has hidden a picture of a CANDY CANE (above) in their shop, item descriptions! Go searching, find the links to 3 hidden Candy Canes in 3 different shops, and email them to teameeat@gmail.com. The winner will be picked on DECEMBER 5TH!

Other ways to enter:
* Blog about our contest, including a link back to our site.
* Sign up for the Mailing list on our Team Blog

That's it! Good luck on your hunt!

Participating team shops:

Double Dipped Sweets

ASugarAffair

A Thyme To Bee Comforted

In the Groove

2008-11-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

You know those days when everything seems to go wrong, and you are just exhausted at the end of the day? This happened to me last Monday. I was behind on my orders because my car broke down over the weekend, and we spent ALL DAY Monday in various cars doing errands, picking up the fixed car, etc. I didn’t get home with the kids until 5:30! I was exhausted!!
I fed my kids, and then crashed on the couch for about an hour. When I got up, an amazing, and perhaps miraculous, thing happened! I was IN THE GROOVE!
I went in the kitchen to start my orders, and it was amazing! By midnight, I had finished 7 orders and was completely caught up! Things just “worked”! My kids went to bed without argument,I turned on my favorite tunes, and started baking! My timing on everything was perfect, apples looked great…for how tired I was, it was a miracle!
I was up late labeling and starting to package, but I WAS DONE! 2 days of work in 5 hours! Yeah!

Question…can this please happen every night?

Chocolate Bark for the Soul!

2008-11-18T08:01:00.001-08:00

Introducing our new line of Chocolate Barks! With so many to choose from, you'll have a hard time deciding!

What is Chocolate Bark? Well, I like to compare it to a candy bar. It is basically a layer of chocolate,(or 2 or 3) with mix-ins and toppings added. There are a multitude of flavor combinations!

I made some traditional barks, such as Peppermint and Eggnog, and then whipped up some new concoctions! Above is my Nutty Chocolate Bark that comes in any variety of nuts and chocolate you can think of! Or, try my favorite, Creamy Peanut Butter Bark below!

I also offer fruity barks in flavors like Pina Colada, Caramel Apple, and Dark Chocolate and Cherry!

More of a sweets person? (well obviously if you are reading this!) Try our Toffee Bark, or Crunchy Mint Bark!

I have over 20 Bark flavors listed in my Etsy Shop! Just can't decide? Pick up a Bark Sampler pack! The pack weighs 2-3 pounds, and offers you 4 different flavor choices!

Grab your bark today for the holidays! I am offering a 10% discount on pre-orders, up to 2 weeks before Christmas! Check out my Black Friday sale from Nov. 28th, to December 1st, for more great deals!

Have a "sweet" day!

Holiday Sweets for you!

2008-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

I have been hard at work creating super treats for the Holidays! Why slave over a hot stove, when you could let me do it for you!

Discounts are available for large purchases, so order for all your friends and family!

Tell your friends that they are sweet by giving them high quality sweets!

Shop Here!

Gingerbread Caramel Popcorn

Peppermint Bark or Eggnog Bark

Nutty Bark

I WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE!!!

2008-11-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

Etsy's front page features a curated treasury, or showcase, of other sellers items. It is a BIG deal to be on the front page! This is only my second time being on the first page, and I missed this one! Thankfully there is a wonderful group of Etsians who screenshot every front page (it changes many times a day) and post it to flickr. Here is my "moment of fame"!

Here is a screenshot of the very first time I was on the front page!

I was tagged!

2008-11-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

THE RULES:*** Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.*** Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.*** Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.*** Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have 3 children, the oldest is turning 6 in December!

2. I worked as a vet tech for 10 yrs; the last 2 1/2 years as a Hospital Directo (Manager of one of the hospital branches.) I still have dreams about working in a Vet office- they are often very weird and impossible, like any good dream!

3. My favorite breed of dog is the Brindle Boxer. I'll get one someday...

4. I could eat Mexican food every meal.

5. I want to go home to AZ for Christmas. My parents haven't seen their grandbabies in almost 2 years. I don't think it is going to happen though. *sigh*

6. I go to Church every Sunday, and teach the 9-11 year olds in a class called Primary.

7. I dream of opening my own store when my kids are all in school, where I can sell my treats. My store has to have a drive-through window for moms with both a chocolate need and kids in the car!

I tag:
JustBakin'
RockerChic
Pegasus Handmade Soaps
Abbey Lane Baby Boutique
Hannah's Tutus
A Thyme To Bee Comforted
Whimsy and Spice

Have fun tagging!

Friday Food Fest is here!

2008-11-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Team EEAT would like to announce its Friday Food Fests! Held every 1st and 3rd Friday in Etsy Chat rooms, the team holds contests and gives away free or discounted prizes! The Fest is lots of fun! Come chat with us, get to know us, and win prizes!! Friday Food Fest starts at 8pm EST right here: http://www.etsy.com/chat_main.php . You will be glad you came!

See our Team Blog for sales and discounts!