dandyapple

blue glow

2009-01-09T15:18:00.009-06:00

A sample of the fun earrings at the dandyapple shop on etsy. I love how these appear to glow from within.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:07:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T14:00:00.005-06:00

A few Christmas images from around the bungalow.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:17:00.004-06:00

We have a winner!

2008-12-09T10:32:00.004-06:00

Thanks to all that entered my first giveaway. A big congrats to Diane!
Diane's etsy shop: http://www.colormebella.etsy.com
And her blog: http://dianemeriam.blogspot.com/

A giveaway to say thanks

2008-11-30T08:16:00.008-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I topped 300 hearts in my etsy shop this week, and I just wanted to say thanks. So, I am having my first giveaway by offering you all a chance at this sweet little key charm necklace.

All you have to do is comment to this post. I welcome you to visit my shop and if something strikes your fancy, feel free to mention it. Just make sure you leave a way for me to contact you if you win. Giveaway open to U.S residents only until midnight December 8, 2008. Good Luck!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T06:39:00.000-06:00

New Treasury

2008-11-23T16:35:00.002-06:00

I stumbled upon the empty treasury title box today.
Click here and check it out before its gone.

It's my birthday. Yes it is.

2008-11-20T11:38:00.003-06:00

Aren't these plates fabulous?
From ricracandbuttons on etsy

Black Bean Stew on a Chilly Night

2008-11-17T09:57:00.005-06:00

photo by desertculinary

We had a wonderful quick soup for dinner last night. A friend from work discovered the recipe a few weeks ago and has been encouraging me to try it. I am glad we did, It was delicious, quick, inexpensive, and filling.

Black Bean Stew

Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, chopped
4 or 5 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
4.5 oz can chopped green chilies
3 cans black beans rinsed and drained
2 cans diced tomatoes (I love the Muir Glen no salt added)
1 cup veggie broth or water
3/4 tsp salt
10 oz frozen corn

Remove corn from the freezer so it can begin to thaw.
Cook the onions in some olive oil over medium heat for 5 or 6 minutes.
Add garlic and cumin, cook about 2 minutes.
Add beans, cans of tomatoes, chilies, salt, and water or broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, 20 to 25 minutes
Remove 2 to 3 cups of the stew and puree with your blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
Add the puree back to the stew, and add corn.
Simmer about 5 more minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sour cream, or cheese.

We had tortilla chips on the side, but my friend said it is fabulous with cornbread, too.

Bloggy Loser, Yes I am.

2008-11-14T11:03:00.001-06:00

I am alive, I promise. Just tons of things going on in the "real" world. I promise some updates by the end of the weekend.

2008-11-04T10:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T08:23:00.002-05:00

I have the sniffles, and a treasury show off

2008-10-16T14:36:00.004-05:00

Sorry about the lack of posts. I have been a bit under the weather this week. I haven't listed anything new at the shop either, but I did just finish up a very fun necklace. And I have several things that are ready to list, but all I want to do right now is get back in my jammies, curl up with my tissues and orange juice, and watch old movies.

Something that does make me feel a bit better is that starvingartistdsgns was kind enough to include one of my collages in this lovely yet eerie treasury. Be sure to check it out before it ends on Saturday afternoon.

Busy Friday. Post and Run.

2008-10-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

Just listed at dandyapple.

Easy and quick homemade pizza

2008-10-05T16:47:00.006-05:00

Homemade pizza in thirty minutes.
1.Roll out dough (see this post about my always ready dough supply)
2.Make "sauce" A splash of olive oil, herbs, a dash of kosher salt, and crushed garlic
3.Place dough on cornmeal sprinkled stone and brush with oil mixture. Pre-bake crust for about 10 minutes. I like a nice thick crust. A thinner crust might not need any pre-baking.
4.Watch it get all puffy
5.Cut tomato. Well, when I cut into my tomato it was no good, so luckily I keep a stash of back up tomatoes on hand.
6.Apply tomatoes
7.Apply cheese and fresh basil from windowsill. I keep shredded cheese on hand just for quick weeknight meals like this.
8.Bake about 10 more minutes
9.Yum Yum

There you have it. 100% homemade pizza that is easy peezy, quicker and cheaper than delivery and much much tastier that frozen. And only one dish to clean, and its a tiny ramekin so it really doesn't count. Of course, I go all out and make fancy pizzas, too, but for a weeknight meal, this cant be beat. Also, since I have two stones in the oven, I always make two at a time. Just as quick and we have yum yum leftovers.

Now I am off to try a new spicey corn soup recipe and homemade buttermilk buscuits. Will let you know how it turns out.

Life changing recipe

2008-10-05T08:47:00.006-05:00

As promised, here is the info on the recipe that has literally changed my life. At the beginning of this year, I was listening to an episode of The splendid table when I heard a fellow named Jeff Hertzberg discussing his new book Artisan bread in five minutes a day Being a die hard breadaholic, the interview immediately sparked my interest. He was declaring that you could mix up a batch of bread dough, not even knead it, and keep it for up to two weeks to use whenever and however you see fit.

I promptly tried out the "master recipe" expecting an absolute failure. I formed and baked a small loaf to have with dinner. I say, it was the best bread I have ever made in my life. I admit, I am no master baker, but I do know my way around a mixing bowl. And once again it was absolutely the best bread I had ever made. It was crusty, chewy, it smelled fantastic, it tasted fantastic, and it was pretty. It looked just like the picture on the cover of the book. Now for the nitty griity on making the "master recipe" and a little history on how Jeff and coauthor Zoë François developed this process.

I have been using this method for nearly a year now, and it really has changed my life. I always have bread dough ready to make what ever concoction I can dream up. From pizza to french boules to ciabatta buns I have made it all. No more planning to make bread. I can do it at the spur of the moment. No more lugging out the bread machine and waiting an hour, for it to make a less than spectacular dough.

A few things I must say. You REALLY need the baking stone. Jeff and Zoë recommend regular all purpose flour. I like a mixture of King Author bread flour and King Author AP flour and reduce the amount in the recipe by about a half a cup. The bread flour has a higher protein content and results in a denser chewier crumb, which I happen to prefer.

One of the most amazing things to me, is that Zoë and Jeff have generously distributed the foundation for the book. The "master recipe". You don't have to buy their book, to begin using their method of bread baking. However, the book is absolutely worth it. There are so many recipes and other doughs that it really is a nice cookbook to add to your collection.

More on using it as the base for my pizza coming up soon.

Etsy Friday Finds

2008-10-03T07:45:00.003-05:00

Here are a few handmade craftsman/arts and crafts inspired goodies that need a new home at the dandy bungalow.
I love the earthy colors in this soap dish by LaPellaPottery.

I need this tile by GretchenKramp That is all there is to it. Actually, I think I need two, to accent the golden/mustard colored field tiles on my fireplace.

This tags by farouche are just plain awesome.

And maybe a little something just for me, by talkingteapot

Happy October

2008-10-01T08:44:00.001-05:00

october, originally uploaded by dandyapple.

Happy October everyone.
My favorite month of the year.

Homemade Pizza

2008-09-30T09:54:00.003-05:00

It's not delivery...It's not d'frozen....It's 100% from scratch, and on the table in thirty minutes. I make homemade pizza at least once a week. I can get it on the table in less time than the delivery driver can get here, it is a quarter of the price, and ten times as tasty. I will post more about it soon and include the recipe that has literally changed my life.

busy as a bee

2008-09-29T10:44:00.005-05:00

"Random Thoughts and Luck" by Lisaur

I have had a busy couple of days. Besides creating dandy goodness to list on etsy this week, I have been working on my never ending to do list.
*Getting ready for the Lollishops opening
*Finishing and sending my Hotness Bazaar promos
*Setting up my new etsy destash shop (more on that later)
*Preparing two giveaways to list here on the blog (stay tuned for that)
*Setting up my shop at shop handmade
*And trying to keep up with a little thing called everyday life. You know...full time job, hubster, doggies, cats, food, housework, my mom visiting, etc.

I think I need a vacation. Oh wait, this week I am on vacation from my "day" job, and I am working harder than ever. But I am having a ball!

Etsy finds. Beards!

2008-09-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Since my anniversary was yesterday, I thought I would do an etsy finds segment in honor of my super dooper hubster. Can you guess what facial fashion he sports?

Credit where credit is due
Left to right, top to bottom
emmajb
ohmycavalier
arthurhash
timberps
ClaireMojher
simplijessi

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-22T10:13:00.004-05:00

A very happy eleventh anniversary to the best guy a gal could ever have.

card by farouche
print by ashleyg

dandyapple on lollishops

2008-09-18T10:39:00.004-05:00

I found out this week that I was accepted to lollishops. What is lollishops? It is an upcoming juried online handmade marketplace for the sweet, cutesy, romantic, artists that appeal to those that love froufrou. I have never thought of my work as froufrou, but I do think it is romantic and nostalgic. Wish me luck.

purple nurple

2008-09-10T22:44:00.002-05:00

I snagged a treasury on treasury west yesterday, completely by accident. For some reason I though PURPLE! Then the first phrase to come to mind was purple nurple. Silly I know.

hot off the presses

2008-09-10T07:46:00.004-05:00

Just listed and I love it. I love the fall colors, the vintage feel, and the pure romance of it.

A peek at an etsy fave

2008-09-09T08:37:00.008-05:00

So, I have decided that I need a chore board. You may be thinking "oh that's a great way to get kids involved in housekeeping." Yes it is, but we have no children. Hubster and I need one for ourselves. We are both so busy with "real" jobs, creating, building, and etsy that we sometimes forget some of the day to day household operations that must occur to live in a peaceful and well rounded environment. So I browsed etsy and found this fun set of chore cards by soapstarmom The basic set includes 32 chores such as load dishwasher, dust pictures,counter tops, and wash windows. She also has a supplemental pack with chores such as change sheets and sweep and mop, and for those of you with children, a child set reminding them to brush their teeth and do their homework. She also has a nifty personalized board on which to hang her lovely chore cards. I think with a fun set like this I would be a super organized wonder woman, with a house that ran so efficiently, that Martha would be asking for tips. Well, ok maybe I am stretching that a bit but it is a fun item that would remind me "hey get of the etsy forums and load the dishwasher!"

Recently listed on etsy

2008-09-08T07:53:00.003-05:00

I just love this one, and I had fun putting it together. The vintage blue Irish stamp just pops.

mini food and food on a stick

2008-09-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

So each month a department at work is responsible for hosting a potluck in honor of that months birthdays. Guess whose month August was. This gal! Hmmm what theme? Well a couple of weeks ago while browsing the craftzine blog I came across the cutest darn mini caramel apples you have ever seen. So, I of course became obsessed with mini food. So the theme was set mini food and/or food on a stick. Of course 95% of the folks at work thought I was plumb crazy. What kind of theme is that? Well the party was a success! Mini foods and foods on sticks galore!

Unfortunately my mini caramel apples did not work out. The caramel wouldn't stick. So I opted for traditional caramel apples. Still on a stick, right? I created centerpieces by creating makeshift topiaries using lollipops. We had mini bottles of water and those tiny cans of soda that they always have at hospitals. There were mini pizzas, spinach phyllo triangles, mini sandwiches, various bite sized goodies, kabobs, and the all around favorite mini burger cookies (made by me). Once again I was inspired by a post on craftzine via the justjennrecipes blog entry. Her version uses peppermint patties as the faux burger. But frankly that did not sound too tasty to me. Don't get me wrong, I love a peppermint patty, but not between to vanilla wafers. So I was luck in that retail establishments are already putting out Halloween candy. I picked up those crispy rice chocolate gold coins. Perfect size for my vanilla wafer buns!
I was even able to use the wrappers from the chocolate coins to serve as my burger wrappers. Yay! Like I said, the party was a smash hit. They were talking about it for days. I think I am going to have to challenge September's host to giant food and food in jars. I really just need a reason to make not marthas pie in a jar.

I was on the front page of etsy.

2008-08-31T09:52:00.004-05:00

I was lucky enough to be in a treasury curated by uncorked last week. I had no idea I was included, so imagine my surprise when I see one of my necklaces on the front page. It was quite thrilling!

getting back to it

2008-08-24T14:34:00.004-05:00

I have been working on getting my etsy shop back up and running after a brief sabbatical. Here is a darling necklace I listed this week. Wish me luck.

studio shot tuesday

2007-09-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Studio Shot Tuesday
TTV style.
Through my little brownie hawkeye flash.
These are the latest pendants I have been working on. The one on the right (although you can't really make it out here) is my absolute favorite to date. Maybe I will do a sneak peek shot of it later today.

Studio shot Tuesdays are inspired by Littleput's entries here and the flickr group she created.

just listed

2007-09-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

Monogram Initial Pendant
What does the "S" stand for?
Anything you want!
From a Snotty Sailor to a Super Seamtress
Or your name, of course.
Check it out.

Studio Shot Tuesday

2007-09-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

Studio Shot Tuesday
TTV style.
Inspired by the Littleput entries and the flickr group she created.

just listed and one of my hearts

2007-08-26T18:35:00.000-05:00

Just listed in my etsy shop are the fun autumn inspire hang tags. You get 5 tags each of six different patterns. All hand strung and ready to go. Great for scrapbookers, gift givers, and sellers alike! Check them out.

And to show it is not all about me, how about a peek in to my hearted etsy favorites.
This cute little "tab" is by Circa Ceramics It has sold out already, of course. I must have good taste. My favorites sell out like lightening fast.

And sold!

2007-08-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

Woohoo, I sold my first item on etsy this week. It happened to be the pendant I blogged about in sneak peek. I still don't have my shop fully stocked, but I am working on it. I bought a fabulous pattern for a swing coat earlier this week, and that has taken up some of my time. My goal is to have 10-15 more items up by Friday. Wish me luck!

Done!

2007-08-14T11:54:00.001-05:00

But it took much longer than I anticipated to get through my first listing. Now I must head off to my "real job". All the hooplah (well in my eyes) about my launch, and I get one item listed. Ha! Ok, I am going to be late if I don't run!

I need an anxiety pill.

2007-08-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

Oh, I am so nervous! I set today as the deadline to officially open my etsy shop. Well, the day has come. I am scared to death. I have a a big case of the butterflies in my tummy. Why? I don't know. Just jitters I guess.

I still haven't decided how many items to list today. I have read so much info in the last several weeks. My brain is hurting. I want to have a nice full shop, but I don't want to compromise the much talked about exposure. And I certainly don't want to bump the other wonderful artists by listing a bunch at once. So I will probably list two or three things a day over the next several days.

Unless, I chicken out. Ha! No I will not.
Because........................
OK, before I launch into a Stuart Smalley monologue, I am going to go.
Wish me luck!

Etsy store sneak peek

2007-08-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

Dandyapple Etsy store launch countdown. Three days. The deadline is fast approaching! Here is a sneak peek of a dandy little pendant that will be in the shop.

vintage fabric finds

2007-08-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am a fabricaholic and a vintage fabric junkie.
Do I need more fabric?
Absolutely not!
Can I pass it up?
Absolutely not!
Here are some of my latest finds.

fancy smancy lunch bag

2007-08-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

Since I am determined to lose the new found biscuit weight, I have been trying to do better at eating the right foods at the right times. I am a very bad eater. It is not that I eat tons of junk. I just don't eat often. I will survive on coffee most of the day at work because I am "too busy", and then eat too large of a meal when I get home. I must do better. I need to plan nutritious meals to take to work and commit to actually eat them! But what should I carry my nourishment in? A plain ol' brown paper lunch sack is no fun. This inspired me to search etsy for lunch bags.

I love love love this one from rickrackqueen's shop. It is made from oilcloth so it is cleanable. And I love the colors. I am going through a deco inspired color phase right now. I love the baby blues and jadite greens with a splash of read. Especially cherries. I can't get enough of cherry prints right now. But, alas this bag has sold. Shucks.

I also love this one from lotnineteen. It is so classy looking and I love the contrast of the linen and cotton print. And the drawstring to keep my nutritious goodies in place.

So, I have some more browsing to do. And I probably need to convince myself a little more that if I have a fancy smancy lunch bag, will I be apt to use it? Well sure!

the four and a half pound biscuit

2007-08-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

So I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago. Did not go anywhere, just stayed around the house and got to do the things that I love all week. Cook, craft, go junkin, play Suzy Homemaker. I spent much time perfecting a wonderful southern buttermilk biscuit recipe. I made a batch nearly everyday. Sometimes two batches. Good stuff. There's nothing like a good biscuit. And I can now produce a darn good biscuit, if I do say so myself. Life is good when you start the day with a fresh, hot, dense yet fluffy, flaky, buttery biscuit with strawberry jam.

Yes life is good! Until it is time to go back to work, and you realize that your dressy work clothes don't quite fit like they did a week prior. Four and a half pounds worth of the good life is now hanging out around my mid section and thighs!

So what's a girl to do? Buy a new wardrobe? Yeah right! I suppose I will be wearing my more snugly fitting attire until I lose the biscuits. Eat right and exercise. Fun Fun!

12 days to Etsy store launch

2007-08-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

I have made up my mind to do something I have been thinking about for over a year. I have set up an Etsy shop. It is absolutely amazing the number of talented folks on Etsy. I have lost a great deal of time searching through all the wonderful items and adding them to my "one day" list.

Since, I work much better if I have a looming deadline, I have set my grand opening date for August 14. I have been busy crafting, taking pictures, researching, and fretting over putting my handcrafted goodies "out there" for the world to see. Wish me luck.

WOW those pics were poopy!

2007-08-05T09:42:00.000-05:00

Since I have declared that I am officially back from blog hiatus (previous post) . I have been looking at the pics from older posts. Wow they are poopy. But not anymore!I received a new digi cam over the holidays from the wonderful hubster. And I love love love it! New and improved pics coming soon....

back from blog hiatus

2007-08-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

I am going to try to do better. Yes I am!

Postcrossing--Looks Addictive

2006-12-26T11:27:00.000-06:00

Thanks to a link on Little Miss Meshell's Blog I have discovered a wonderful site called Postcrossing. The theory is simple you sign up, send a postcard, get a postcard, and the chain goes from there. I have already signed up to send three postacards. Two will be going to Finland and the third to the Netherlands. I have always loved postcards, and I can see this becoming quite addictive. I am going to run to the bookstore on my dinner break at work, to see if I can find some neat ones to send.

Obsessed with brown craft paper

2006-12-25T06:37:00.001-06:00

I love brown craft/shipping paper for wrapping up gifts. Brown paper lunch sacks come in handy too.

Another Christmas Gift Complete

2006-12-25T06:22:00.000-06:00

My take on glass marble crafts. Glass marble pendant sets. I was trying to figure out a pretty way of packaging them up, and I stumbled upon these unfinished wood boxes at the craft store. I decoupaged the top of the box with pretty scrapbook paper, and painted the the rest of the box. Then I made a removable card to hold the necklaces and pendants. The top two photos are of a completed set for a friend, and the bottom photo is the box for another set that I am trying to get finished.

Yummy Turtle Bites

2006-12-25T06:04:00.000-06:00

Another candy that is super easy, yet people think you spent a lot of time on. I made three batches of these for the Christmas Eve shindig at work. The hardest part is unwrapping the rolo candies.

Heat Oven to 350 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with foil
Spread out pretzels on baking sheet, and top each with a rolo candy and pecan
Put in oven for 3 to 4 minutes
Take out and smoosh the pecan down on the candy
Cool and eat

Another Christams Gift

2006-12-25T06:02:00.001-06:00

A fun and somewhat tacky pom pom scarf.

More Christmas Gifts Complete Yummy Peppermint Bark

2006-12-21T15:10:00.000-06:00

Peppermints Pre-Smashing

All Done!

All Packaged Up

The bark is super easy to make. One 12 oz. package of white chocolate chips and about 35 really smashed up peppermints. I use my food processor to pulverize the poor little things. Melt the chocolate, and stir in most of the smooshed up mints. Spread it on a wax paper lined baking sheet, and the smoosh on the little bit of candy that you didn't stir in. Cool and eat--umm I mean package up to give away. Depending on how generous you are, or how much you don't eat, this will make two to three giftable portions.

Vintage Rudolph Christmas Cards

2006-12-19T09:45:00.000-06:00

One Completed Christmas Gift

2006-12-18T07:32:00.000-06:00

I made this purse for my secret Santa pal at work. It was super easy. I think she will enjoy it. It is now one week until Christmas and I have about a hundred projects/gifts to finish. I don't know if I will be able to pull it off. I am scared that I am going to be one of those crazy people out on Christmas Eve buying whatever is left on the shelves.

Easy Peasy Christmas Card Swap

2006-12-05T11:31:00.000-06:00

I am now participating in the Easy Peasy Christmas Card Swap on Craftster. I get to send and receive Christmas cards to/from 5 Craftster members. How fun. I wanted each card to be different, because they will be showing them off on the site. Man, cards are kind of expensive when you buy them singly. So I made them. This is my first go at homemade cards for someone other than my hubby. So, I hope they like them. I can't wait to get mine.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T07:03:00.000-06:00

Pincushion Swap Items Received

2006-11-23T06:50:00.000-06:00

I received my package from the craftster pincushion swap. Boy, did I rack up! Not only did I receive two pincushions, but a schloo of other goodies as well. An awesome key chain, an ornament, lovely little shinky pins, and she topped it off with a box of tea. My first swap was a great experience. I have already signed up for another, and like I said before, I can see this becoming addictive. Here are pics of the goodies.

my next project

2006-11-22T07:12:00.000-06:00

Pincushion Swap Send Outs

2006-11-19T19:40:00.000-06:00

These are the pincushions I sent to my partner in the Craftster pincushion swap. My partner received them today, and says she loves them. Yeah!

my first craftster swap

2006-11-16T13:08:00.000-06:00

I am particpating in the pincushion swap round 4 on craftster. I made three pincushions for my partner, and sent them out a couple of days ago. I will post pictures as soon as she receives them. I hope she likes them. I can already see how this swap thing can become addictive. Crafting something for someone you don't know, and you know they will appreciate it, because it is handmade. And then to get something from them too! Awsomeness. See the pincushion round 4 swap gallery HERE

bitty booties for a friend

2006-11-16T12:08:00.000-06:00

Bitty Booties for a co-worker's baby shower. Using Heather Bailey's nearly infamous pattern
Cute Cute.

halloween night decor

2006-11-01T07:04:00.001-06:00

Well, this is our yard all dressed up for the kiddies. Once again, we had a very good turnout. We went through 10 bags of candy in less than two hours. People in our town don't really go all out with the halloween decor, so we seemed to really make an impression. We saw some really unique costumes from a mini Ty Pennington (complete with tool belt and safety goggles) to a scary scream faced hot dog. All in all, it was a very fun night. Of course, will have to be bigger and better next year.

spooky halloween treats

2006-10-31T07:28:00.000-06:00

Spooky Tombstone Cupcakes. The tombstones are made from chocolate graham crackers rubbed with powdered sugar. The dirt is sweetened cocoa, and the grass is green colored coconut.

Botched Surgery Cupcakes. The most fun part of these, was the faux bloody gauze. I dyed cheesecloth with red food coloring and covered the platter with it. OOOOOH SPOOKY SPOOKY!!

happy halloween!

2006-10-31T06:57:00.000-06:00

dandy obsession**paper stars

2006-10-30T07:08:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely obsessed with these paper stars made by craftster member SuperStinger.I have tried my darnedest, but haven't been able to make one yet. The more amazing part is, she does all the artwork herself too. She could so be a textile designer. I would kill to have wallpaper in the pattern, on the star above. View the star craftster thread HERE. And check out her website HERE. You too, may become obsessed!

pincushions for craftster craftalong

2006-10-29T10:52:00.000-06:00

dandy obsession--vintage fabric

2006-10-29T08:52:00.000-06:00