Lavender

If you are looking for a baby gift, I have something you'll want to check out! I just listed this set in my shop, a lavender bonnet and booties set. It fits infants 0 to 3 months and makes the perfect addition to any baby gift. I also take custom orders for these sets, so if you would prefer a different color it is no problem, just contact through my shop craftsbyellen.


If you enjoy knitting or crocheting and are looking for yarn for a special project, here's a great shop to visit tjtunraveled. You'll find a wonderful selection of beautiful yarn in a wide variety of colors. I found this yarn in variegated shades of green, pink and purple that I love.

For everyone that enjoys scrapbooking you'll want to check out this sale from Avery. They are offering 20% Off Avery® Craft Products plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more
So check it out, saving money is always great!

Tea Time

As the days get warmer I still like to have my hot cup of tea every morning and sometimes in the afternoon too. I know coffee lovers feel the same way too. Something everyone needs to keep those nasty rings off their tables are mug mats. I some very pretty mug mats for sale in my shop that are quite the bargain at a set of 4 for $5. Here is a sample and to see more check out my shop Craftsbyellen.




Of course everyone needs a nice teapot for when you have company over, and I've found this pretty teapot at flowering ceramics. This shop has many lovely items so take time to check it out.


Now here's a recipe that you can enjoy with your tea or coffee.

Chocolate Coffee Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup cold butter or margarine
4 tsp baking cocoa
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 cups buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/4 cups for topping. To the remaining mixture, add cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder. nutmeg, salt and cloves; mix well. Stir in raisins and nuts. Make a well in the center; pour in buttermilk and stir just until moistened.
Transfer to a greased 13x9x2" baking pan. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 12 -16 servings

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Keeping It Fun

You will find that my topics quite often relate to children's items, I guess this is because I am a mom and deal with child related issues all the time. One issue that I have is that my one daughter has trouble with her reading, for some reason she just has trouble with it. She gets extra help at school and I spend time with her every day working on reading. I know at times she gets very frustrated and I have to come up with ways to keep her from giving up. I let her pick out books on her level that interest her so that she will want to read.

Reading is so important, if you have a little one that you want to start on a love of reading, I found a neat site that makes Personalized Children's Books
Not only is this a unique gift, but you can help them along with reading. As a mom with one struggling reader I highly recommend continuously supporting a love for books. Click here to see a book about your child's name






Now if you have a little cutie at home you'll want to enter them in the 2009 Cute Kid of The Year
Cutest Baby Picture Competition
Win College Tuition, Prizes & More
www.TheCuteKid.com


So why not give it a try, their cute face now could help pay for their college later!




Now let's not forget another important thing with children is letting them use their imaginations. Little girls love to play dress up and what little girl wouldn't love this adorable tutu! You will really want to check this out and all the other so cute items that 2QT4WORDS has for sale. It is a wonderful shop, so take time and browse.


I wish you all a wonderful day and God bless!

A Little Bit of Green

This time of year green is easy to find. Green is one of my favorite colors, it is so vibrant and full of life. So today I will share with you some beautiful things in green.

The first is this cute sweater and hat set in light green, it is size 3 to 6 months, and would look adorable on any baby. It is hand crocheted from acrylic baby sport yarn. It would really make a wonderful gift.

Of course this is the time of year we are all doing gardening. I've found a place that you can find a great selection of plants. They have fruit and vegetables plants in stock and on sale. So if you enjoy gardening I would suggest you check out bloomingbulb.com





I've also come across this lovely green necklace from lilystreasures, this necklace is very unique and it is sure to bring compliments whenever worn. So stop by this shop to checkout this great necklace and all her other wonderful items.

What's New

You have to love the way a 2 year old looks at the world, everything is fun, they are curious and eager to learn, and eager to help. My little one decided to help feed her brother's fish yesterday, fortunately for the fish she couldn't reach the tank, for me, I got to vacuum up a can of fish food off the rug. I couldn't get mad, she just wanted to feed the fish. So this morning one of my errands was to buy new fish food.

Something new to my shop are these great dish clothes, made from 100% cotton they are durable and adsorbent. Better than paper towels and environmentally friendly, just wash and reuse over again. Many great colors to choose from!

Something else new that I found while checking out my favorite Etsy shops is this cute bracelet from WithLovefromMom, and you can find this and many other beautiful pieces when you visit this shop.


I love making quick bread, and this one is a new twist on an old standard, it is for Pineapple Banana Bread. I hope you like it!

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 can(8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups mashed ripe bananas (4 to 5 medium)

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil and vanilla; add pineapple and bananas. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour into two greased 8x4x2" loaf pans.

Bake at 350degrees for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Yield: 2 loaves

Just Great Stuff

Well I know today's title is very vague, but I just didn't really have a theme for today. One thing that everything that I want to share with you today has in common is that I really think they are great items and a really yummy recipe and you are sure to agree!

Children's gift can be tough. There are so many things to consider, what do they like, is it age appropriate, is it safe, do they already have it? I could go on, but I know you've been there too. So here is a gift that is completely safe ( the face is hand embroidered), and boys and girls alike love to cuddle these soft dinosaur pillow pals. if you like this one come check out all my cute pillow pals in my Etsy shop Craftsbyellen.


Next I would like to show you items from one of my favorite shops, NewHopeBeads, there are so many beautiful pieces in this shop, it was difficult for me to pick out just 2 to show as examples of the fine work you'll find here. All the prices are great and I really encourage you to browse through this shop, you're sure to find something that matches your style.

And finally a recipe I love for a quick and easy dinner - Bacon Chicken

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (18ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
1 lb sliced bacon

Preheat oven to 350F

Wash chicken and pat dry, place in 9x13 baking dish. Smother chicken with 1/2 of barbecue sauce, then layer bacon slices cross-ways on top. Pour remaining 1/2 of barbecue sauce over all.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.


Have a wonderful day and God bless!

It's the little things . . .

I know it is very cliche, but it is really true, the little things in life can make the biggest difference. A hug from my two year older is one of the best ways to brighten my day. I had one of those chaotic weekends, where you actually think you can manage being in two places at the same time - yeah that always works out well. Of course it also rained all weekend and is still raining now. So I am trying to divert my thoughts to calmer things and share with you some little things that make life easier and nicer.

To start off, I now have scrubbies for sale in my shop. If you don't know what a scrubbie is, it is crocheted cotton yarn about 3 1/2" in diameter, that you can use for so many things. For example cleaning dishes or sinks, removing make up, washing little hands and faces and trust me once you buy them you'll be finding your own uses for them too. Cotton yarn is very durable and when needed throw them in the washer and just lay flat to dry. So simple! I sell them in a set of 5 for only $2.50, you can request a color or just let me select 5 random colors for you.

Another one of my favorite things is goats milk soap, it's one of my indulgences that is thankfully an affordable one. Here's a great shop that you can get goats milk soap from and many another wonderful items. So check out LostRiverRags, your sure to find something to pamper yourself.












Now here is a simple but decadent dessert, it is Mint Chocolate Chip Pie and it is a great dessert for when you are having company.

6 to 8 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream, softened
1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)
2 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate

spoon ice cream into crust. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Drizzle over ice cream. Freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving. Pie may be frozen for up to 2 months.
Yield: 6-8 servings.

Enjoy!

Gifts for Little Girls

The other day my daughter handed me not one but two birthday party invitations. " Can I go?" she pleaded. So I gave her the standard answer, yes as long we don't already have other plans. So she's happy and I get to dwell on what to get for gifts. So today I thought I would share some gift ideas for girls.


My first pick is for a baby girl, and you know how fun it is to buy adorable dresses for baby girls! This dress is size 3 to 6 months. It is hand crocheted and would look just amazing on your little princess. To purchase this dress or see other hand crochet items go to CraftsbyEllen.

Now if you are looking for something a little older girl, you'll want to check out My Little Lady. I have purchased from this shop before and I highly recommend the headbands. They are simply adorable and my daughter wears hers constantly. Shipping was very fast and the headbands still look as great as they did when I first got them. I have picked out two headbands to show you, but I really suggest visiting this shop to see all the top quality items.












My daughters favorite cookies to make are sugar cookies, the best part for her is decorating them - with lots of pink sprinkles! So here's a great recipe for Rolled Sugar Cookies:

1 cup sugar
1 cup margarine or butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
sugar, if desired

In large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, margarine, milk, vanilla and egg; blend well. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.

Heat oven to 400F. On lightly floured surface, roll out 1/3 of dough at a time to 1/8" thickness. Keep remaining dough refrigerated. Cut with floured cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets; sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 400F for 5 to 9 minutes or until edges are light brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets.
Yields: 5 to 6 dozen