Monday, December 7, 2009

Standing Rib Roast for that Special Christmas Dinner!!

Good Morning to all of you Foodie's!!


Being a foodie I love all things food, so I am always doing research (actually it's me time) on different tips, gadgets etc to use in the kitchen. While I have a knack for throwing together some scrumptious dishes, somethings still allude me or I have the "Angelica" way of doing things, which is not necessarily the right way (wait did I say that, my way is always the right way......hehehe).

So we are going to find the right way to do things together!! If you have a dish that you just can't get right and can't figure out why or you are thinking to yourself there has to be some kind of gadget to make a process easier, email me!! I will do the research and then your question and of course the answer will be featured on the blog!! Until I start getting those questions I will delve into the culinary arts on my own!!



So this brings us to today's Tip, the all intimidating Standing Rib Roast!!! For those of you that do not know what a standing rib roast is, it's that sheek hunk of meat that you see on all those Holiday food commercials, you know the hunk of meet that looks like a crown!!! Yes your family will ooooooooooh and ahhhh if you prepare one of these!!! Well did you know that you can actually stuff one of these puppy's to really impress your family?? Yes I said stuff it, like a turkey!!!

This technique comes to us from one of my fav magazines, Bon Appetit!! Ok here are the steps to stuff your own standing rib roast!

1. Position roast on work surface with bones up right. With a long, sharp knife, start at the top and work down, cutting a five - to- six inch crevice between the bones and meat. Be sure to keep the bones attached. Basically what you are doing is cutting behind the bones to create a pocket for the stuffing, when you are creating the pocket make sure that you don't cut it all the way down, I would say leave a good 2 inches at the bottom!

2. Gently pry the bones away from the meat, creating a space. Fill the crevice with the stuffing, making sure to pack firmly. Basically you are going to take the side with the bones in one hand and with your other hand you are going to pull the meat away from the bones, be careful not to pull to hard, you don't want to have a rip in your pocket!! If you are having trouble pulling the meat away, take your free hand and make a fist and fit it into the pocket to help stretch the meat.

3. Once you have inserted all the stuffing press the bones in to compact the stuffing. Tie the bones back in place with three to four loops of kitchen string. Bring the string completely around the roast to secure it and to keep the stuffing in place. You can buy butchers twine at Fry's or any of your large grocery stores. Basically you are just trussing this puppy together, cut 3 to 4 strands of the butchers twine that are long enough to go around the roast (vertically) and long enough to let you give it a good tight knot. This also depends on how big the roast is, if your roast is larger you may need more twine!!

Well there you go, now you can stuff your own Standing Rib Roast!! Now I know what your thinking I don't have a recipe to make one of these, well Angelica is here to please!! You need to visit one of my favorite web sites, Food Network!! There is a video that Tyler Florence has and also the recipe for the roast! His version is not stuffed, but you can apply the technique above and stuff it!!

Video Link

Recipe

Well I hope this helps to inspire you to do something different on Christmas!! It will most definitely become a Christmas tradition if you prepare this for your family, give that tired old ham and turkey a rest already!!! Check back on Wednesday when we tackle how to make clarified butter, yes something that a TON of recipes call for!!! See you then, be safe and kind!!


**Hugs,

Angelica



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Friday, December 4, 2009

Bake Sale Today!!

Still need a few gifts on your Christmas list this year? Make them edible! Have them shipped directly and save yourself some time. Today Team EEAT is having a virtual bake sale!! Come prepared for great food, games and discounts!

When:

8:00pm Eastern Standard Time(EST)
7:00pm Central Standard Time(CST)
6:00pm Mountain Standard Time(MST)
5:00pm Pacific Standard Time(PST)
4:00pm Alaska Standard Time (AKST)


Where:

Etsy virtual labs: http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php


GAME RULES:
Trivia is what we will be playing! The Game Person will announce the question and what shop the prize is being given from, the first person to correctly answer the question will be the winner! Once you have been declared the winner, please convo the shop that you have won the prize from.

BAKE SALE CONDUCT: If you have questions for a specific shop please wait til after their presantation. Also when asking a question please you the hand icon provided in the VL so that you can be called on. We don't want to miss any questions! Please be aware during presentations you will only be able to whisper others people in the VL, this is so that our Members all have an oppurtunity to get through their presantations.



SALES AND PRIZES!!

Shop Name:LittleSnowflakes
Shop Addy: http.www.littlesnowflakes.com
Sale: 1 FREE dozen Holiday Peppermint Cookies with every $10 order(not including shipping)placed in the Littlesnowflakes Etsy shop*.
Spend $10(excluding shipping)= 1 Dozen Holiday Peppermints
Spend $20(excluding shipping)= 2 Dozen Holiday Peppermints
Spend $30(excluding shipping)= 3 Dozen Holiday Peppermints*Limit 3 Dozen FREE Cookies per Order. Additional Shipping Will NOT be charged for the Free Cookies.
Prizes: 1 Order of "Twelve Days of Christmas Conversation Cookies"


Shop Name: Nicole's Homemade Treats
Shop Addy: http://www.nikid.etsy.com/
Sale: 10% your entire order (excluding shipping) Refund via paypal
Prizes: Two 1/4 Lb. nut clusters

Covered In Chocolate
Shop Addy: http://www.coveredinchocolate.etsy.com/
Sale: 20% OFF for any item over $10 in shop (does not include shipping in discount or spending amount)

A Thyme To Bee Comforted
http://www.athyme2bcomforted.etsy.com/
Sale: 15% off entire order, excluding shipping
Prizes: 2 10% off GC's

Come get to know the team and have a blast! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Edible Gifts!

Looking for the best in edible gifts this holiday season? Then look no further than the Etsy Edible Arts Team! We have quite a variety of decadent treats for your holiday party, your loved ones and even mans best friend! Check out some of the delicious treats that are offered by Team EEAT.




Want to see more wonderful treats? Them please come join us for our annual winter bake sale this Friday December 4th!

When: 8:00pm EST
Where: The Etsy Virtual Labs: http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Guaranteed to be fun! There will be trivia, prizes and some AWESOME sales in your favorite Edible shops! There is truly something for everyone on your shopping list. So why battle the malls this holiday season? When you can shop from the comfort of your own home!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!


All of us here at Team EEAT want to wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving!! We hope its a beautiful day spent with great food, good times and cherished memories.


Remember to join us on December 4th for our Annual Holiday Bake Sale!!

Where: Etsy Virtual Labs

When: December 4th @ 8:00pm EST

We look forward to seeing you all there for great food, fun, discounts and prizes too!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Where's the Gravy?!

It's that time of year again. Time to spend hours at the grocery store in search of the perfect ingredients for "the meal". You know which one I am talking about. "The meal" that you slave over for hours only to have the family descend upon it and gobble it up in mere minutes!

For some people cooking a turkey strikes terror deep in to their souls. Maybe this is why Butterball is flooded every year with millions of phone calls all the way up to the actual "turkey day" with questions surrounding this dreaded bird.

"How do I defrost a turkey?"

"How long do I cook the turkey?"

"Is the turkey safe to eat after the cat decided to help itself to a turkey meal?" (OK maybe Butterball can't help with that last one..... but then again who knows!)

It seems like only yesterday I was one of these folks suffering from Turkey Phobia. With the help of dear friend Tammy and good sense of humor I made it through and so can you!

I had been living in Dallas for about three months. Money was tight and my work schedule was even tighter. There was just no way I was going to make it home for Christmas. I had a dear friend Tammy from my home town that lived about an hour away with her two kids. She and her kids were not able to go home for Christmas either so we decided to spend it together in my little Dallas apartment.

Days before I was busy preparing for the event. I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love the decorating, the music, the food. I especially LOVE to Entertain!!! Most of you who know me are saying (with lots of sarcasm) "Big surprise there! " I had the menu planned out to the most minute detail. I purchased all of the ingredients for my feast, and baked my pies. So that Christmas morning I arose early to start preparing "the guest of honor"... Mr Tom.

I had of course thawed Mr Tom according to the wonderful instructions received from the Butterball hot line and was busily preparing him for his trip to the oven. I peeled of the plastic suit and peered into the recesses of his body cavity for the tiny packet that would contain the "giblets" for the Turkey Gravy. You see I had never cooked a turkey before but I had baked several chickens and knew that this is where they placed the packet. I thought it was strange that the turkey did not contain the tiny packet. I remember thinking to myself: "Hmmm, maybe this bird didn't come with them. Oh well who needs gravy anyway?" You see even then I wouldn't dare get gravy from a jar. So no giblets meant no gravy!

This minor setback did not bother me at all. I proceeded to give Mr. Tom his herbal rub down and threw him into the oven. No worries! Now I had time to watch a few Christmas movies and make my Christmas phone calls to family while Mr Tom sat in his herbal sauna. The house was beginning to smell wonderful... except for this slight plastic scent that I could not seem to locate.

It was time to begin preparing the rest of our feast; cornbread stuffing (or dressing as we call in here in the south), green beans, buttered carrots, and of course cranberry sauce. Everything was perfect! I set the table with my china, crystal glasses, and candles in their silver candle sticks. Even my time was impeccable. Everything was ready to go to the table as my dinner guests arrived. I still could not locate that slight plastic smell! "Oh well the smell of everything else will hide it" I thought to myself.

We sat down to enjoy the huge feast that I had prepared. Tammy (who is my dear friend because she always says exactly what is on her mind) says without a beat "Where's the gravy?" "Funny thing, this bird didn't have any giblets so I didn't make any gravy." I said.

"No giblets?! Did you look in the neck?"

Mystery of the slight plastic smell was solved! How was I to know that they put giblets in the NECK of the turkey and NOT the cavity? Boy was I embarrassed! The turkey still tasted wonderful, and we all enjoyed our Christmas together. Of course being the dear friend that she is, Tammy has NEVER let me forget that first turkey. Every year I get a phone call or an email with some joke or picture about preparing a turkey. *smiles*

I hope my treasured memory of this "first turkey" has brought brought a smile to your face and inspired you to "tackle the turkey!"

So what is YOUR special memory of your first turkey? I would LOVE to hear about it!

Have a SWEET week!

Denise

*This story has been posted with permission from LittleSnowflakes*

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Breakfast

Thanksgiving is fast approaching! If you are hosting this years party you are probably busy putting the finishing touches on your menu, décor and place settings. All of this on top of your normal daily routine. It can be hectic and even more so if you skip breakfast! So why not whip up tasty pancakes!! These are not just any ordinary pancakes. In honor of the season these are pumpkin spice pancakes. Last year we (hubby and I) enjoyed Thanksgiving at my sister-in-laws home. We had some extra pumpkin puree and decided to whip up some of these delicious pancakes. So this recipe has been tested! Everyone gave these two thumbs wayyy up. So don’t be stressed, hungry and grumpy on Thanksgiving by waiting till the dinner is ready to chow down. Have breakfast first!!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions:

1.) In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

2.) Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.


What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? What are you most thankful for? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

Let us know in the comments below or create a post of your own and place your link in the comments section. We could all use more tips to get through the holidays!

Posted by Vanessa (Team EEAT Admin & Official Graphic Designer)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Do you hear the bells jingling and is Jack Frost Nipping at your heels??


I hear it, feel it but don't want to belive it! It's that time already! Time for sleigh bells, a cup of hot coco by the fire and your family gathered round!

Since Santa will be coming down the chiminey soon it's time for you to get him som Tastey snacks! I mean after all you don't want him to leave your kids huge lumps of coals do you??

No time you say to make Mr. Jolly something for that special nite?? No need to worry, Team Eeat is here to rescue you!!

We are having our Winter Virtual Bake Sale!!! Just in time to get Santa some very pretty cookies, a cup of coco and maybe some fudge!

Come join Team Eeat for all of the Festivities!!!! There will be Trivia, prizes and some AWESOME sales in your favorite Edible shops! There is something for everyone in your family from fresh salsa to treats for the furry members of your family!

When: Friday, 12/04/09 8pm Est
Where: Etsy Virtual Labs
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Home Made Ricotta, its easier than you think!

Well who doesn't like cheese? I love the stuff, put it on a bumper and I would eat it bumper and all!! One of my favorite cheeses is Ricotta! Why you ask, well because it is a very versatile cheese it can be used in savory or sweet applications. I also like the texture some where between cottage cheese and cream cheese. Be it in a Lasagna or stuffed into a Ravioli I love me some Ricotta in my home made marinara........mmmmmm....

So in honor of my favorite cheese I found instructions on how to make it your self at home!! Yes I said YOU can make your own Ricotta!! Alright lets' get to the good stuff and give you the skinny on how to wow your friends with your own homemade Ricotta!!
What you will need:

8 cups of whole milk

1 tsp salt

3 tbs fresh lemon juice



Makes: 1.5 cups



Execution:

1. Line a medium colander with for layers of cheesecloth. Set the cheesecloth-lined colander in the sink. You can purchase cheesecloth at your local grocery store, I bought some at Fry's.

2. Bring the whole milk and salt to a simmer in a large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat.

3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer the milk mixture gently until curds form, usually one to two minutes.

4. Using a slotted spoon or mesh skimmer, transfer the curds to the prepared colander. Let them drain for only a minute.

5. Transfer the ricotta to a medium bowl. It can be served right away, or covered and chilled for up to two days.



Really 5 steps to have my own home made ricotta? That is just awesome! Ok so now you have all this ricotta lyin around your house.....what to do ....what to do......oh I know have a dinner party and WOW your guest with your mad Ricotta making skills!!! Try this recipe out and have your friends do a double take and beg to be invited to your house for dinner again!!!

Oh this little gem is from one of my most favorite mags, Bon Appetit!!





Appetizer: Figs and Onion Bruschetta (umm helllo cheese and bread.....)



Makes: 8

Ingredients:

Figs:

.5 cup dried black Mission figs, stemmed, halved (I have seen fresh figs at Costco, dried I would think my local AJ's would have them or Whole Foods)

1 cup boiling water

3/4 C dry red wine

2 tbs sugar

1 small bay leaf

1/8 tsp coarse kosher salt (you can buy this at Frys or Penzeys)

1 tsp red wine vinegar



Onion:



1.5 tsp butter

1.5 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium red onion, halved through core, cut lengthwise into .5" strips (take a whole onion, cut in half where the root knob thing is, once you have cut it in half take one half and with the root end pointing to the left start slicing slowly and care fully)

2 tbs red wine vinegar

.5 tsp sugar

pinch of coarse kosher salt


Ricotta:

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese (YES THE ONE THAT YOU MADE, this is where the double take comes in from your friends!!)

1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for drizzling

1 tsp heavy whipping cream

pinch coarse kosher salt

8 1-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread (about 4.5x2 inches) (Cibatta is that big square bread)

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbs chopped fresh oregano


Execution:


Figs:


  • Place figs in small bowl. Pour 1c boiling water over; let soak 45 minutes
  • Drain figs; place in a small saucepan.
  • Add wine and next 3 ingredients from above; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  • Reduce heat to medium once sugar has dissolved (you will know sugar is dissolved when you don't feel that graininess when stirring)
  • Simmer until figs are tender and liquid is syrupy, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Add vinegar and cook 1 minute longer. Remove pan from heat and cool.

Onions:

  • Melt butter with oil in medium skillet over medium high heat. Add onion; saute until beginning to soften and brown stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low; add vinegar and sugar, then sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Stir until vinegar has almost evaporated about 1 minute.

Ricotta:

  • Whisk ricotta, 1 tbs oil, and cream in a medium bowl until fluffy.
  • Season with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Preheat broiler
  • Drizzle Cibatta with some olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt & pepper.
  • Broil bread on both sides until toasted (ok don't walk away from the bread in the broiler it will brown VERY quickly...this means DON'T answer the phone, answer your kids questions, let the dog out etc...because your bread will burn!!!)
  • Transfer to serving plate
Assembly:

Spread 2 tbs ricotta mixture on each bread slice.

Spoon glazed figs with some syrup over, top with onion mixture.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano

Drizzle with oil and serve immediately (as for the oil, I would go to your local AJ's or Whole Foods and pick up some Meyer Lemon flavored olive oil, I think a little hint of citrus would help bring out the flavor in the Ricotta!!)

Hehhehe your friends are going to love you!! To keep that ricotta theme going you could always make some homemade lasagna. No time you say, well then that is when you visit my little shop, A Thyme To Bee Comforted. What do you know I have lasagna in there, yes yes I know you didn't make it....don't worry I won't tell!! Your friends won't know either just plate it and throw out the packaging evidence!!


Well I hope that you try your hand at making your own Ricotta and try the recipe above!! If you do, come and post and let us know how it all went!! Well here ends another tip and tricks segment, I hope that you enjoyed! Be safe! Be Happy!!
**Hugs
Angelica







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Friday, November 6, 2009

Team Eeat Silent Auction!! T Minu- 2 days

The count down to the Team Eeat Silent Auction has began!!  There have been so many awesome donations!  We would like to thank each and everyone of you that have donated!  You have made this auction possible!  All of us espiring culinary artist are very grateful for your support in our on going quest to acheive our individual goals in the culianry field.

The Auction Info:

Starts: Midnight EST, Sunday Nov. 8th
Ends: Midnight EST, Saturday Nov. 14th
Auction Link:  http://www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=TeamEeat&pwd=teameeat
Auction ID:  TeamEeat
Auction Password:  teameeat

Whats up for auction:


  Bears Banners & Graphics

                                                   











         AS2DESIGNS



         AS2DESIGNS
                                     

                  Sea Sprite Soaps


   

              Sea Sprite Soaps



              Private Donor


             Private Donor



               Pets Jubilee







                                                 
       

   
We are adding more donations as the come in!  So check back to see if anything else has been added!!  Tell your friends, family!  Tweet it, FB or blog it!!  We want a large turn out!  We hope to see you there!!

Many Thanks!
Team Eeat






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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Our Next Awesome Donation is from TCaponePhoto's



Our next donation is from Tracey Capone Photography!!  Tracey is donating the winners  choice of two 8 x 10 photos that have an estimated value of $70!! I visited Tracey's shop and she has several LOVELY photos from landscapes to animals!  The photos are all bright and very pretty!  So get your bidding paddle ready!!  I am sure you will find some thing beautiful in Tracey's shop to add a splash of uniqueness to your home!  Lets get to know a little about the photographer!



Tell us a little about yourself!


I am a self-taught photographer, originally from Philadelphia, PA, now located in Nashville, TN by way of Chicago, IL where I lived for 10 years. (Favorite city of all time!) I'm single, with no kids (unless you count my two cats... ) and a million and one different interests. I sell fine art photography as well as do portraiture. Aside from my first love of photography, my second love is travel, which ties quite nicely to the photography as I usually end up with 400 to 500 beautiful photos to work with after each trip. In addition, I'm also a very accomplished home chef (and former caterer), an avid reader and love anything pertaining to music.


What inspires you when you are making your products?
I know, as an artist, I'm probably supposed to come up with an artist statement ripe with eloquent words, a poem if you will but, basically, I shoot what I love. If something catches my eye, I take a photo of it and, if it ultimately appeals to others, fantastic. I draw inspiration from my travels, music, books, you name it, all have shaped my view of the world and what I ultimately frame out for a photo.

What is your favorite product that you have made so far and why?

My favorite photo is called, "The Guardian." It's of a wooden chair sitting outside an abandoned warehouse in Venice, Italy. I love the photo for a number of reasons. First, I took my mother to Italy, somewhere she had always wanted to go. So it was a wonderful experience to see her eyes light up at every amazing site we came across. This photo brings me back to that week we spent travelling from Rome, through Florence and on up in to Venice. The second reason I love this one is because the minute I saw the chair sitting in front of the warehouse, a story popped to mind of the owner of the warehouse, a Venetian glass blower, taking a break to sit in the chair and watch the passersby, walking along the canals. It was such a vivid image and I was so pleased with how the final shot turned out.



Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?

Don't get down on yourself. Setting up an Etsy shop, or any online business, doesn't guarantee that you are going to immediately be flooded with sales. It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and patience. It will happen but wasting time with negativity will only serve to demotivate you. Someone once told me, "if you love what you do, it will never feel like a job." You got in to your craft, whatever it might be, for a reason, and, hopefully the primary reason was because you loved it; never let go of that. Oh and gerat customer service is key ;)


 All of use at Team Eeat would like to thank Tracey for her donation!!  So go on visit her shop and pick out what you would like to get if you win her prize in the auction!!

Many Thanks,
Team Eeat



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Monday, November 2, 2009

Our Next Awesome Donation is from Sea Sprite Soaps!




Our next donation is from Sea Sprite Soaps!!  She has donated her Soap Trios and a Luxury Lip Balm!!  Boy we are getting a little bit of everything for this auction from doggie treats to artwork!  Everyone will have a good selection to choose from when its auction time!  Well lets get to know Stephanie from Sea Sprite Soaps ( I LOVE her banner btw!).


Tell us a little about your self:

 It's been a lifelong pleasure for me to make beautiful and useful things for myself and for others with my own two hands. I'm married, the mother of two college students and live in Naples, Florida. Although my primary profession was clinical psychology for many years, I have never lost interest in handcrafts and living a creative life. I have interests in many arts and crafts and love them all. I've written 3 books about an image editor called PhotoImpact and maintain a tutorials site on the program. My husband and I have a small publishing business called East of the Sun Publishing. I make and sell 3D characters for a program called Poser, which are sold at Daz3D. I try to blog regularly at HeartCrafts. My Sea Sprite Soaps Shop and my Etsy store are a source of great satisfaction to me. I hope you will drop by and take a look around. :)



What inspires you to make your product?
I am inspired by living close to the sea, with pristine beaches, beautiful weather and many beautiful tropical plants and trees. Many of my soaps reflect a Caribbean sensibility that's consistent with my location. My mission is to make beautiful, fragrant, luxuriously lathering handmade soaps from only the best vegetable oils and butters.


What other things do you like to create?
 I don't make many homemade doggie treats, but occasionally have made some homemade dog cookies for our two Welsh Terriers, Taffy and Libby. They love anything with peanut butter!

What advice do you have for others that want to start an online business?

My best advice for new sellers online is to know your target customers and cater to them. Don't try to be a one-size-fits-all shop, do what you do best and love to do. Your passion for what you do will draw buyers. Don't cheapen your work by offering constant sales, discounts and free shipping. It's hard to resist that lure when you're just starting out and it's hard to be noticed. Do promote yourself in the forums, answering questions and being helpful if you can -- people will remember you. Remember that lots of buyers are also sellers, and they will see your posts.

If you blog, include information about yourself and your inspirations, so that readers aren't constantly bombarded with only posts aimed at selling things to them. Readers like to know who you are as a person too.

My last piece of advice is to not spread yourself too thin. If you twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blog, and have multiple shops in every venue available, flailing around trying to be noticed, you will have less time to make desirable products. Consider how much time and energy you have to devote to your business, and spend them wisely.


All of us at Team Eeat would like to thank Stephanie from Sea Sprite Soaps for her contribution to the Silent Auction!  Her soaps, balms and frosting look delish!  So give your skin  a treat and visit her shop!!

Many Thanks!
Team Eeat



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Friday, October 30, 2009

Our Next Awesome Donation is from AS2Designs







Our next donation is a 8 x 10 Floral Print and a set of 2 gift tag cards from AS2 Designs!  If you love nature you are going to adore AS2 Designs Donations!  Her shop is filled with tons of beautiful photos of flowers!!  Browsing her shop is like running through a field of flowers on a warm spring day!!  So lets sit back and get to know a little more about what inspires AS2 Designs!!


Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi, I’m an Alaskan Artist. You can find my work at http://www.as2designs.1000markets.com/.  I work in photography, mix media and paper crafts. During summer months I’m running around my little town on my bike or walking. You can spot me always carrying my camera so that when I spot a pretty collection of flowers I can snap away.

Since I have a complete brown thumb for growing anything; my photography focus is floral. It brings a calming effect into my creative side.

During the winter months my activities turn to activities such as cross country skiing, walking and selling my creations at various craft shows and holiday bazaars.

What inspires you when you are making your products?

When doing my photography it’s stepping into the buyers eyes and seeing art through their eyes. Otherwise I could become very wild in my creations as my guy says. I tone my work way down so that its more natural and something one would find in home who loves flowers. I took photography college courses over the years and just totally enjoy the freedom it offers me. I’ve loved photography since I was a kid with my first ‘brownie box camera’. If I could get a photo assignment with National Geographic a lifelong dream would be fulfilled!

My greatest thrill is working in my photoshop elements7 computer program and taking my photos into the wild zone that the creative side of me craves!

When I create my mix media/papers crafts I just go with things that I would like to own. The major theme of my mix media creations are Victorian, Cottage Style, and Steampunk. It’s the girly girl side of me. Otherwise I would be out in the community doing construction work. Yep I have my own construction and power tools. It’s a job that fills a notch of my orderly mind. I am available for hire ~ have references for several home remodeling jobs I handled from start to finish for customers.


What is your favorite product that you have made so far and why?

Has to be the photo that I have donated for the Team EEAT. I just love the simple look to the bud with a waterdrop coming off the petal. As a watercolor photo it just appeals to me. Several folks have also told me that they love this photo – it’s a favorite! Hence the reason for it being an item that I hope raises funds for the Etsy Edible Arts Team.


 Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?


Do what you love. Otherwise it becomes a chore. Selling online is very hard and demanding. Join teams, different selling venues, and remember to Promote ~ Promote ~ Promote yourself, your products, and your shops! One final word of advise "always believe in yourself" ~ Don't let others tell you "you can't do that".


All of us from Team Eeat would like to thank AS2 Designs for her donation!!!  We thank you from the bottom of our stock pots!!  If you like what you have seen in the post inregards to AS2 Designs work, then you will absolutely adore her shop!!  So go on go take a peek!!

Many Thanks!
Team Eeat!


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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Another Awesome Donation from Bears Banners and Graphics!!


    V as I like to call Vanessa is donating a $20.00 Gift Card to be used in her shop!  Just so all of you are aware V does all of the graphic design for Team Eeat!  She is the one that put the blog design together, alsong with the buttons etc that you see!  So as I am sure you can tell she does some AWESOME work!  On a personal note V also just re-designed all of my labels for my shop, she had over 30 labels to do and she did them in a flash!!  So lets get to know a little bit more about V!!

                  Tell us a little about yourself!
                  My name is Vanessa and I own and operate Bears Banners & Graphics on Etsy http://bearcengic.etsy.com/. I am married to my wonderful husband Emil and we have a sweet lil dog named Flora. Emil takes care of the website design portion of our business and I do the graphic design.
                  What inspires you when you are creating designs?
                  I gain inspiration from a variety of places. My office faces my backyard with the window just beyond my computers monitor. I get to observe nature (birds, stray cats, squirrels, lizards and more). So I would say the creation around me. Flowers, animals, trees etc.
                  What is your favorite product that you have made so far and why?
                  I love our printing packages. They are all eco-friendly using recycled paper and soy inks. Printed professionally on a digital printing press. These cards will really get your business noticed.
                  Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?
                  Tips for newbies:     
                • Provide excellent and creative descriptions for your products.
                • Treat each customer with great care and always do more than what is required. 
                • Take your product images in natural indirect light. On a windowsill or back porch and try to use the same background for each image to provide uniformity. This will make your image stand out instead of the background.

                If you need a new graphic designer or some printing done go to Bears Banners and Graphics, you won't be dissapointed!  V is easy to work with and she is great at communication!  V Thanks soo much for donating to the Team cause!!  We LOVE U!!

                Team Eeat




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                Wednesday, October 28, 2009

                An Awesome Donation for your furry family members from Pets Jubilee Team!



                Well its that time again, for another feature from a awesome Estian!  Pets Jubilee has donated a Mini Sampler Box to our Silent Auction.  Lol even your furry friends will have something to choose from at the Auction!!  We are still accepting donations, so if you want to be featured on our blog just click the Donation button for further details!  Lets sit back with our cup of Joe and find out a little bit more about Pets Jubilee!!





                Tell us a little about yourself!


                I manage the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy. We began selling our pet sampler boxes a year ago this month, which is very exciting. The boxes are filled with items from participating team member's shops so the customer can see the quality of the products before committing to a full size order. We're a very close knit team and support each other both on and off Etsy.


                2) What inspires you in this venture?


                All of the items in the box are donated by the individual artisans who make them. In return, I promote the members and their shops and organize activities (with the help of the team) to bring attention to all of us, both individually and as a whole. The money we raise goes towards promotional and supply costs and the remainder is donated to the SPCA. We are a very charitable group. Several of the individual shops contribute a portion of their proceeds to different charities, both human and animal. We hold monthly challenges where the contestants donate what they make to a chosen charity.


                3) What do you love most about your roll in Pets Jubilee?


                I love the people I meet! There is something warm and wonderful about a person who loves their pet. We have a monthly chat the first Saturday of every month and its just amazing! Complete strangers come together and start talking about their pets, sharing flickr photos, telling stories, and we can talk and laugh like we've known each other forever. The people who enter our pet photo contests, who buy our boxes, who attend our events are all immediately like life-long friends. We have non-team members who have been posting in our forums for over 6 months, following along with team events and our individual day to day lives. Its just wonderful.

                4) Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?
                • Get out there! 
                • You can't post a few items to your shop and then sit back and think the sales are just going to come pouring in. You need to purchase from fellow Etsians and get some feedback. No one likes to buy from someone who doesn't support the community. 
                • Join teams, hang out in Etsy chat and the forums. Make a blog, a Facebook account and a Twitter account. I don't understand the whole SEO Google thing, but I do know that the more links you have to your shop, the more likely Google and other search engines will find you. Link to other shops and they'll link to you. Have a link to your shop in all of your emails and have business cards with you at all times. 
                • Participate in blog giveaways (but don't give away your product to the blogger for them to review). 
                • Use all 14 tags. 
                • Make the title of your product searchable. If someone wants a handmade purse, and your title is something cutesy that doesn't even contain the word "purse", then chances are you'll be pretty low on the search results. 
                • Take great pictures even if you have to get a "Photography for Dummies" book.  
                • Presentation is so very important. When a person opens a package from you it should be like they're receiving a present, even though they purchased it themselves. Think "Wow"!  
                • Include business cards and a bonus item. 
                • Check out the shops of successful Etsians and see what they do. 
                • Keep your shop fresh and updated daily. 
                • Most importantly, tell everyone you meet about your shop. Word of mouth is the best publicity and its FREE :)  

                All of us at Team Eeat would like to thank Pets Jubilee for their donation!!  So if your little furry family members need some treats visit Pet Jubilee and they will love you forever!!


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                Tuesday, October 27, 2009

                Another Awesome Donation from Heathers Handmade Creations!!!



                Here is another AWESOME shop that has donated to the Silent Auction!!  Give a big Eeat Thanks to Heather from Heathers Handmade Creations!!  Heather is another VERY talanted paper artist!  For those of you that have ordered from my food shop, you will have seen one of her cards!  I send them out with every order!  She does an awesome job!
                Heather is donating these ADORABLE Cup Cake Cards!!




                Heather is a person that is passionate, creative and very gifted when it comes to designing her cards! Yes there are many card shops on Etsy, but I have yet to find one that has her unique flair for design or for the quality that she provides!

                I know about her quality first hand as I have ordered cards from her several times! Each time I have been pleasantly surprised with my orders!! Not only is it the quality of her cards, but Heather is very nice and easy person to get along with. She cares about her customers and wants to be sure that they are happy with their purchases.  So lets sit back, relax and get to know a little about Heather!!

                Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself:


                Heather: I'm 36 years old,married, no kids. I started cross stitching at a early age, took up beading, then crocheting, but not till 2.5 years ago when i took up scrap booking did i really get hooked on a craft. I started out with 12x12 layouts, then took up card making 2 years ago when i ran out of pics to scrapbook. I love hockey, the Leafs and Oilers :) and i love my dog and two cats. I work full time as an embroidery machine operator, and have been doing so for 11 years now. (god!) lol~ Heather also resides in lovely Canada...brrrrrr..........

                 

                Q: What inspires you when you are creating designs for your cards?
                Heather: I get a lot of inspiration just from my stamps, I can look at a stamp and then in my head know what papers, colors and embellishments to use. I am also able to picture the layouts of my ideas in my head. I'm addicted to ribbon and embossing.



                Q: What is your favorite card that you have made so far and why?
                Heather: My favorite card I have made so far is the Love Bird card. I had the stamp set for a while and when I finally got around to using it, it just came out way better then I expected. I love the heart with the flourishes the best, I plan to do some nice valentines cards with that stamp.




                Q: Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?

                Heather: The tips I would give to anyone starting out, is to just have fun! Don't' expect too much to quickly, I think most expect to sell a lot and sell right away, it doesn't always happen, and disappointment can come quickly. I joined not expecting anything but to list my cards. If someone likes and buys them that is great!!


                Q: What are a couple of your favorite Etsy shops and why??

                Some of my favorite shops are http://www.lucatedde.etsy.com/ he made me the best dog portrait ever and was my first big purchase on Etsy. I was his first sale and it was just a nice experience.



                I also love http://www.bluesaphire.etsy.com/; I have never bought from her but I think she has the best sock monkeys around! I just love looking at them to cheer me up, she was my first international sale and even with high shipping she has come back again and again, that makes me feel good :)


                I also love http://www.buttfreckle.com/ if I ever have a bad day i just go to her shop and I'm instantly cheered up lol !!



                Oh yeah and http://www.txbutterfly74.etsy.com/ as well she has been my best Etsy friends almost since joining and i talk to her nightly she is a paper crafter as well, and we have lots in common!!


                So you can see that Heather is an easy going and fun person which is really reflected in her work! What she is to modest to tell you, when you look at the pictures of her cards you would assume that she printed off the images that she uses, which is what I thought when I first saw her cards. In actuality she hands stamps each card and then the color that you see is hand painted with water color pencils!! She does custom orders for any occasion, and not just limited to cards. She also has these adorable gift card holders that would be PERFECT for the Holidays that are just around the corner!! So do yourself a favor and send the ones that you love a card from Heathers Handmade Creations to bright up their day!!

                We hope that you will visit Heathers shop!  We would also like to thank you so much for donating to our cause!


                With Many Thanks!
                Team Eeat

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                Monday, October 26, 2009

                Our First Featured Shop! TXbutterfly74!



                All of us from Team Eeat would like to THANK  Txbutterfly74's shop for making a huge donation of her beautiful paper art to our Silent Auction!  I have personally ordered from TX on several occasions and her paper art ROCKS!!! 

                For those of you who don't know yet Team Eeat is going to be doing a Silent Auction in November to raise funds for its members continued culinary education!  If you would like to be featured on our blog please click on the Silent Auction button on the side of the blog for more details!!





                As I mentioned above I have ordered from TX before and example is the pendant above, I ordered it for my sister! A cute black cat!! They pendant arrived in a flash and it was really an awesome piece of work!! So when I find those that are masters at their crafts I have to share it with the world!! After all I can't be too selfish.....hehehehe....


                So I did a little interview with TX, and here it is!!






                Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Cherilyn and I will be 35 years old in February. I moved to beautiful Austin, Texas in August of 2000 from South Florida with my long term boyfriend, Alexis . We have three beautiful dogs. Alexis and I love to collect vintage musical instruments. Haha what TX forgets to mention is that she paints and she does it well.  You can see some of her work on her Flicker account!


                Your store has a wide range of items from chic pendants to adorable tags, what inspires you to create all these adorable items? My Inspiration comes from a lot of sources like nature, music, colors, life or other creative people. I absolutely love to brainstorm with someone to help both of our inspirations shine. It's a beautiful thing!

                What are some of your favorite shops on the net? Oh my goodness! Everyone is so talented on Etsy! I am so addicted to these shops, checking on the multiple times a day to see what they are doing!

                Here are a few of TX's Fave Shops:

                Miss Avocado : Very cute Aceo's

                Nushkie Design : Needle and Wet Felted Creations to Treasure

                AmberSky's : Very Cute Jewelry
                Heathers Handmade Creations: Awesome Cards and Tags

                Hillsidebakery's: Some VERY awesome fudge!!! Hehhe she has other stuff too!

                Well besides being a great artist TX is a VERY sweet lady!! So do yourself a favor and give her shop a try!! You won't be disappointed!! Hehheh I would also check out her fave shops, there are some really awesome items!!

                Once again THANK YOU Cherilynn for donating to our cause!!  We all appreciate it greatly!!


                With Many Thanks,

                Team EEAT

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