May 31 Giveaway - $30 Gift Certificate at akaCINDERS

Well, it's been a busy month for me and lots of Giveaway winners. Some lucky People even won more than once. Today is the Last of the Giveaway a Day in May. But don't worry, there will be more giveaways, just not one a day for a while.

Today's Giveaway is a $30 Gift Certificate for my akaCINDERS jewelry shop on Artfire.

Lets wrap up this contest with a Follow on my Facebook Page akaCINDERS

Just make sure you're following all the rules HERE and make sure to leave a comment that you are following me on Facebook.

The winner of the Smurf Onesie is Bonnie. Congratulations!!!

May 30 Giveaway - Smurf Geek Bag

Happy Memorial Day! Well I guess not so happy, because we should be solemnly thanking those that have served. 


Today is the second last day in the Month of May Giveaway. And today I have a Really cute Smurf Geek bag made by Poppy of Poppy's Wicked Garden up for Grabs. So what is a Geek Bag? This is what Poppy has to say.


"I've been making these "geek Bags" or dice bags for My Family, Friends, and I for over a decade, these are perfect for stashing your Gaming Cards, Dice, pencils etc. for all of your geeky needs! I've also found them useful for cosmetics, magic, tarot, and of course just about anything else you can stuff in them! "


So today if you want to win this cute bag, just go to Poppy's Blog Poppyswickedgarden.blogspot.com and follow it. Then let me know you did in comments. 


The Winner of the Skull and Roses Clutch is AutumnKitty


Come back tomorrow for the last Giveaway, a $30 gift certificate at akaCINDERS.

French Baguette Recipe

How can I give you the Recipe for my Tapanade without sharing my recipe for French Baguettes. I made mine with scant salt to reduce my sodium and a little more sugar for flavor. This recipe is also wonderful for a full sized loaf and as Pizza Dough. I must also add that my Grandson, the Dink, developed this recipe with me and if I didn't give him credit, I would never hear the end of it.

French Baguette

4 Cups White Flour
1 1/2 Cup Water
1/2 teaspoon Salt
4 Tablespoons Sugar
2 teaspoons rapid rise yeast

I put all of my ingredient in a bread machine on dough setting and let it do it's thing, but if you feel the need to knead (ha ha) feel free to mix and knead and rise and knead and rise again. Up to you.

When the dough is ready, divide into three sections. You will make three loaves.

I use this awesome perforated baguette pan. I love it, but you can form your loaf on a baking sheet too.

Make three loaves about 16" long. Let rise again and bake in a 350 degree oven until golden brown. These are crusty loaves and are perfect cut into thin slices and covered with your favorite topping, from jams to well, tapenade and goat cheese.

Bon Appétit

5 Things I like About Artfire

I was propositioned by Artfire to try to get you to join. They tempted me with an offer of $500 in merchandise at a shop on my choice. Pretty tempting (Can I buy from my own shop Artfire? lol)

But I REALLY like Artfire. They want me to tell you my top 5 Reasons for liking it. Tough to choose. For instance go to Bing.com and search eco felt flowers look at what pops up on the first page. MY flower jewelry. And if you search Rainbow Brite Apron? Well if it isn't my Apron at my Artfire shop.

For those of you who have moved form Etsy, like I did. It's a whole different world on Artfire. If you relist, critical links are broken. You have to learn a new way of thinking. But once you do, WOW.

I've recently found lots of shops that sell just as much on Artfire as shops on Etsy. And now that I get the game, I'm selling there too.

OK 5 things I like.

Forums: I used to hate forums on Etsy, unconstructive, mean spirited and always afraid some admin will silence you if you speak out, or worse yet, shut down you shop. Forums on Artfire are wonderful, helpful and self moderated. A member can put you in time out,but why. We're all nice here.

Pro Tools: There are so many wonderful features, it's hard to choose. I love global merchandiser. You can change price, promo tags, shipping and more on all, all in a section or any individual items. Or you can create coupons or put your merchandise on sale in the blink of an eye. Just to name a few.

Rapid Cart: I can put a little store anywhere I want. Look at my shop tabs in this blog. You can put them on blogs, websites your other Artfire shop (they allow that) or anywhere you can add HTML

Artfire Kiosk for Facebook: Look! I can sell on Facebook too. Here is my akaCINDERS Kiosk

Links: Artfire doesn't care if you link your other shops, your blogs, your Facebook, or even your website. In fact, they encourage it. You can even link your Etsy shop and show items you've sold there in you Gallery.

And I almost forgot, the BEST thing, no additional fees. No listing fees, no sales percentage. Just one flat monthly rate. Seriously! I get to keep more of my profit.

And did I mention that your buyer does NOT have to be a member to buy! Told you there was more than 5 things to like.

If you join Artfire and use this link HERE I get a free month and you get your third month free. Then you can refer a friend and they can refer a friend and soon we will grow to be the most awesome selling site on Earth!

May 27 Giveaway - Poppy Sprouts Smurf Onsie

Moms and Grams You have to try to win this Awesome Smurf Onesie from the Poppy Sprout line at Poppy's Wicked Garden.

This one is a size 3 to 6 month. Print may vary, but will be Smurfy.

So you do know you have to do something to win this right? You have to follow my blog and all the other things listed HERE  I know, I'm so annoying.

And we have to show Poppy some love too, so run over to either one of her shops Poppy or Poppy's Wicked Garden find something you like and gossip about it. You know, twitter, facebook or any socializing. Then let me know what you did in comments. I think you'll love what she has so much you'll want to share.

So that last Ad Space Winner is Vintage Eye, Now I know you all think this might be fishy, but it was totally random. Really. If you really want some Ad time, you can Earn a month by writing a blog. Details HERE.

Don't forget to come back Next week for the last 2 giveaways in May.

May 26 Giveaway - Skull and Roses Clutch

Wow! What a show on Idol last night! The Stars were really out!

Today's Giveaway is this really Awesome Alexander Henry print, Skull and Roses Clutch. Darkly Romantic.

I'm getting tired of this month of Giveaways and I bet your tired of all the work I'm making you do. So just for today all you need to do is follow the Blog and my other blah blah blah rules HERE.

The only other thing you have to do is let me know you want this clutch in the comments. Easy!!!!

So I bet you're dying to know who won the BoondockG soap. Well its Melissa Lynn D!!! Congrats!!!

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and enter to win the Smurf Onsie from PoppysSprouts

May 25 Giveaway - Three Months Ad Space

I Swear if I ever decide to do a Month of Giveaways again somebody just shoot me. Really! I've been composing these late at night when I should be relaxing. What is relaxing again?

Anyhow, if you are looking for some free ad space this giveaway is for you. The last 2 winners are reaping increased hits already.

What can you do to win? Well you have to be a follower of this blog and follow the basic rules HERE and this time you have to be on my mailing list. If you aren't, it's easy to sign up over there ------> Also recommend me to your friends. Facebook, twitter, blog whatever. Just post all the work you've done to win the Ad Space in comments.

So if you don't win, cheer up. You can Earn some Ad Time by being a Guest Blogger. Details Here.

And now the Winner. Drum-roll please. The winner of the Cherries Jubilee Apron is Autumn Kitty.

Come back for more fun tomorrow.

May 24 Giveaway - BoondockG Olive Oil Soap

Handmade soap is such an pleasure to use. I have so many favorites like The Lily of the Valley Goat Milk soap by Summerland Bath and Body

Olive Oil Soap is so rich and wonderful too. Today's Giveaway is a great 3 oz bar of Bamboo Sugarcane Olive Oil Soap by BoondockG. To win the soap, click on the link, go to the shop and pick out your favorite item in the shop. Let me know in comments.

And don't forget, you have to follow this blog and the other rules HERE

Now for the Winner of the Black Eyed Susan Trio Necklace! Pesky Cat Designs. Congrats!!!!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow For a chance at 3 Months Ad Space.

May 23 Giveaway - Cherries Jubilee Apron

Today is a Great Giveaway! Cherries Jubilee Retro Apron. It's so cute and just in time for Northern Cherry Blossoms.

This Apron is so cute it has little bows and it even has a Lace Apron. Remember, You have to follow my blog and the other rules HERE.

This month I have a special Deal on Aprons in my Poppy's Garden Gate shop. Buy Any Apron $24 or more and get a free Pot Holder. To win this Apron, just go to my shop and leave the name of your favorite Apron in the comments.

Good Luck!!!

The Winner of the Wolverine Accessory Clip is Toasty Angel - Congrats!

Turkey Oatmeal Sausage Recipe

I've been working on this one for a while. I need to eat more Oat Meal, but just can't face a pasty bowl every day, and muffins don't taste good without loads of sugar.

I finally got the recipe perfect. It was really a seasoning issue. If you don't like it, you can play with the seasoning a bit yourself. I also recommend that you have a little bit of fat. You can use very lean turkey, but if you do, you'll like it better if you add 1 Tablespoon of healthy fat like Extra Virgin Olive Oil. That is the healthiest of the variety of Olive Oils.

Turkey Sausage Recipe

1 lb Ground Turkey

1 1/2 cup Uncooked Oats (steel cut/rolled oats)

1 egg or egg substitute equivalent

1 T poultry seasoning

1 T turmeric

2 t garlic powder

1 t dry mustard

1 t smoked hot paprika

Mix together well. You really have to use your hands, but you can use food grade gloves. I would rather use my hands though that take the chance of contaminating with plastics. 

After mixing shape into a 3" diameter loaf. I cook in a loaf pan, but I make it a bit smaller. Your sausage loaf will hold up on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Pull out and let rest for 15 minutes. If you cut into it too soon, you will loose too much moisture. Cut into 1/2" slices. Store and reheat to serve.

Note: This is pretty spicy with the smoked hot paprika, you can use paprika if you like mild or half paprika, half cayenne if you can't find the smoked hot paprika. The Oatmeal and spices are great for your heart and circulation. I do not use sodium or seasonings with added sodium. This tastes great without it and more than 1500 mg of sodium a day is so bad for your health.

Copyright all content - May 22, 2011 Cindy Dreifort

May 20 Giveaway - Black Eyed Susan Trio Necklace

I must say that this is my favorite necklace, and my best seller too. I just love the Black and Yellow Contrast of Black Eyed Susans. So Pretty. You can read more details about my necklace HERE.

You can win this giveaway and help me a bit today, just click on one of the little social mention links anywhere on this blog and let me know in comments what you did.

Don't forget you have to be a follower of this blog to win and all the other little rules are HERE.

If you have a shop that you would like to Promote, I am offering free AD Space to Guest Bloggers. Read More at the Guest Blogger Tab and come back for more details.

WINNERS! The Winner of the Oversized Beach Tote is MooreMagnets. CONGRATS!!!

May 19 Giveaway - Biting Gnome Wolverine Accessory Clip

Do you Love Wolverine? He is such a hot bad boy. Today you can enter for a chance to win this Accessory Clip made by
The Biting Gnome at bellyzmama.etsy.com She is a sweet person and has some really cute clips stationary and lots of other neat stuff.

Clip this little beauty anywhere and take a look at The Biting Gnome. To win this just take a look at the shop and let me know what you like there.

Remember, you must be a follower, and adhere to the rules HERE

On to the Winners! The winner of 6 months Ad Space is

Melissa Lynn D. Congrats!!!

May 18 Giveaway - Oversized Beach Tote

What a cute Tote? My Twitter Friend and Fellow Cleveland Area Crafter MaidenJane shared her great pattern with me and I couldn't stop making them. I'm working on a Striped one made from indoor outdoor now. Yours will be the same as this Lilac with White Polka Dot in a really sturdy Poly fabric.


I Really love this Zebra Striped Oversized Tote she makes. But MaidenJane makes a lot more that just extremely huge totes. If you would like to win this tote, which is wonderful to hold loads of beach towels, Huge amounts of TP and Bread from the Grocery, or a load of Laundry (great for dorms?), all you need to do is go to MaidenJanes shop and tell me what you like best there.

Remember, originality counts Big!

Please remember that you must be a follower of this blog and make sure you are following all rules HERE. And leave your favorite item in the comments.


Good Luck and Now for Past Giveaway Winners.

The Winner of the Worthy Soy Candles is mkjmc

The Winner of the recycled Glass Necklaces is Bonnie

Congrats to all the Winners and now I think I'm caught up after that Blogger mess.

May 17 Giveaway - 6 Months Ad Space

Does this look familiar? Well this one is even Better. 6 months of Ad Space. Look barleecreations won and she already has her ad posted. Click on it and go right to her shop.

Remember to follow the basic rules posted HERE. And your task will be to do something nice for a stranger and post what you did in the comments. Crazy right? I'm just that kind of girl. Go to someones shop and Tweet of FB comment about how much you like what they have. Look at a blog you've never read and leave a nice comment, or even buy something from a new seller.
And remember. You MUST follow this blog to win.

Good Luck and Congrats to Thursday's Winner

Due to the Big Blogger snafu (that was Blogger Down for over a day) and the fact that they lost all of Thursday's posts, I had to delay the contest and announcements. The winner of the May 12th Gardening Set is Laura.

I will be announcing Friday's giveaway and Monday's giveaway winners Wednesday and I think we will just about be caught up as long as Blogger doesn't have another breakdown.

May 16 Giveaway - Recycled Fair Trade Glass Necklace

Today's Giveaway is a pair of Necklaces. These have beads that are made in Africa by Fair Trade craftsmen.The beads are made from Glass bottles which are broken, melted down and cast into lovely rough beads that have slight imperfections, similar to sand washed beach glass. 


Read more about the akaCINDERS Necklaces HERE.


To win This pair of necklaces, sign up for my mailing list -----> over there. 


If you are already on my list, leave me a note in the comments. If you are new, let me know you signed up. Easy. Oh and don't forget the Basic Rules HERE.


Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a chance to win 6 months Add Space. 

May 13 Giveaway Posted May 16 - Worthy Soy Candles

This Giveaway was supposed to Be posted on Friday, but Because of the Blogger Shut down for a day and a half, I had to postpone. There are 2 Giveaways Today, so Please Feel Free to enter Both.

This one is for Candles from Worthy Soy Candles.

These are some of the Best candles I have ever used. They rival any commercial candles for long lasting wonderful scents.

You will receive a Peppermint Votive and a Relaxation Tea candle.

Please Follow all rules HERE and one more thing. Go to Worthy Soy Candles and tell me the candle scent you would most like. Post your fave in comments.

Don't forget to enter for my recycled glass necklace today too.

The winner of the May 11th Ad Space is barleecreations  Congrats!!!!

May 12 Giveaway - Gardening Gloves, Apron and Seeds

What a Prize! This is one of my favorites, because I love to Garden. Gardening gloves, a Cute Cupcake Apron and a HUGE package of cut flower seeds.

The Apron is a discontinued version of this Cupcake Apron from Poppy's Garden Gate.

Remember to get this Giveaway you have to follow the basic rules HERE and Tell me what your favorite flower is. Easy one today. 

The winner of The Poppy Trio Necklace is ToastyAngel by default. The only entry.

Sorry about all entries that were lost by the Blogger Snafu. I will keep this contest open all weekend. Contest now ends Midnight EST, May 15th

May 11 Giveaway - Two Month Ad Space

Today's Giveaway is 2 months Ad Space. My blog following is growing and you can grow right along with it. Besides, who couldn't use a little free advertising.

Check out some of my previous posts, because sometime I can be a little controversial, but sometimes that can be the biggest draw.

Your 220 X 120 pixel ad will go right over -----> there. I will post it as soon as you get it to me too. No waiting till the end of May.

Now you have to follow the rules HERE, and of course you have to follow my blog. And one more little thing. Just socialize my BLOG my POPPYSGARDENGATE shop or my AKACINDERS shop and post a link to your tweet, FB comment or whatever in comments. That's it.

Good Luck and come back to see if you won on Friday :)

The winner of the Spiderman Apron is Toasty Angel - Congratulations!

May 10 Giveaway - akaCINDERS Poppy Trio Necklace

Finally recuperated from a busy weekend and fun Mothers Day celebrations. I love working in the Garden. This year we planted a few more perennials, Hosta, Peony, Roses and a Poppy.

The new little Lilac bush is almost in bloom too. It's going to be a wonderful Summer here.

Oh Prizes? Did you want Prizes? Here she is. A lovely Poppy Trio Necklace made by me, for you. All you have to to is follow these rules HERE and be a follower of my Facebook Page akaCINDERS. Just leave me a comment that you are following both, but  if you are using different aliases, you might want to let me know both your FB and Blogger or visitor names.

That's all there is to it.

Good luck! This Prize will be shipped at the end of May when the Month of May giveaway is over.

Come Back tomorrow, cause you could win 2 months of add space on my Blog!

I got a little ahead of Myself Yesterday and Announced the Gift Certificate Winner instead of the Skate Deck Key Tag Winner. What a Gorm (new favorite word). 

The winner of Friday's $30 gift certificate is kalliope kreations, CONGRATS!

May 9 Giveaway - Spiderman Chef's Apron

For all you Web Slinging Wall Walking Spiderman and barbeque lovers out there (Or for your DS, DH and Sig O's ) Today's prize is an AWESOME Spiderman Chef's Apron!.

You know the Drill. You must be a follower and blah blah blah all the rules are HERE and I'm checking so don't try to fool me :)

I'll be kind this Monday after Mother's Day Morning and give you a pass on the hard tasks. Today I want you to tell me who your favorite super hero is. Leave his or her name in the comments. Maybe tell me why.

That was pretty painless. If I saw Thor this weekend I might be tempted to post that, what a hottie. 

I will be shipping this one to the winner at the end of the Month, in case you win more than one prize. You'll get it in plenty of time for father's day.

Good Luck and Come Back tomorrow for a chance to win My akaCINDERS Poppy Trio Necklace.

The Winner of Thursday's Skate Deck Key Tag is Biting Gnome Baubles. Congrats! 

Baguettes with Tapenade

There is nothing better for a Summer picnic than a sliced fresh melon, a bottle of wine or fruity Belgian Beer, A crusty Baguette and some goat cheese and Salty Tapenade to spread on it. What a treat! Pack these things up and imagine yourself in Provence.

I make my own Baguettes, I even bought this really nifty pan that cooks a trio of very professional looking ones. I'll post my recipe another day, Even give you pics of how I do it.

Today, we're going to make MY Tapenade recipe. Real Tapenade is made with cured olives, similar to Kalamata. It is pureed with olive oil, garlic, capers and anchovy. My recipe uses canned black olives with a few ingredients that will make the canned olives taste like home cured olives from France. 

Ingredients:

1 can ripe olives, drained

2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)

or EVOO and light oil mix

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons capers (don't leave out)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder (not salt)

a pinch thyme

Procedure:

Place all ingredients in blender or deep cup to use with stick blender. Pulse until finely chopped.

Serve on Wheat Crackers or Baguettes

China vs Etsy

Cafe near China Factory 

First I want to say that I love and support Handmade, but there is a balance, I also support factory made in the US and Overseas, because we aren't all artists and we all need work.

Lately, I've been thinking about this China factory issue. I know that Etsy sellers and other indie artists on sites like Artfire and Zibbet are upset that as soon as they post a new design on their site, a China factory is copying it and ready to ship to the US. As a former product designer that worked in China factories, I'd like to give you a more global look at what is happening to you and to others like us.

I don't deny that it's a crime that can't be stopped, that other countries are copying  our designs to retail in the US at a fraction of what it takes us to produce. But is it the fault of the Chinese or any of the other countries, like Vietnam and India, who also produce for our purchasing pleasure? Not really. We ourselves are to blame. Our need to have, have, have and at the lowest cost possible is what drives this. 

Product would not be made overseas if we as a nation were not buying it. Our US companies are driving the overseas factory to watch our seller sites and copy merchandise. The Chinese have no idea what will sell here, they are directed by Americans as to what to copy. Believe me, it is true. 

The Chinese citizens are for the most part kind, hard working, and very talented people. I have been to a lot of countries for work and never have I enjoyed the people more. Like us, there are a few bad eggs, but for the most part it is a wonderful country, very different than ours, but wonderful.

There is another aspect that I would like you to consider. Like my own story, design jobs are getting harder and harder to find. There isn't a need for product designers anymore when designs are readily lifted off the internet for free. Why would a company need to pay a staff of designers? Some do as they boast in house design, many smaller firms don't care in this economy, so many of my design colleagues are out of work or finding new careers like selling craft as an indie. 

There are so may sides to the geodesic dome of life. We should all consider what is on the side we can't see.

May 6 Giveaway - $30 Gift Certificate - PoppysGardenGate

Today's Prize is a little bit bigger and a little more work. You didn't think they were all going to be easy did you? A $30 Gift certificate for my Poppy's Garden Gate Artfire Shop. This prize will be awarded to The Entrant who has followed the rules stated HERE, you must be a follower AND you must be signed up for my mailing list. Don't worry, I mostly babble here, just occasional news and discounts for my shops. Easy to do, right over there -->

There is one more little thing I'd like you to do. Just Facebook post or Tweet the contest or my blog and put the link to your socialization in the comments. Now to make it even easier, there are little linkies at the bottom of each post, and a Blog linkie under Sociable right there ---->
at the top of the page.

The winner of this prize will receive it Monday by email. Just in case you want to buy DH or Sig O something for Father's Day :)

Good luck and come back Monday for more. Remember - No limits!

The Winner of the May 4 Rooster Apron is mkjmc Congrats!

May 5 Giveaway Little Momma Erin - Take Two Skate Shop Key Tag

Erin makes some of the cutest things on Etsy. She makes Geeky Pins, magnets and other really cute stuffs at Little Momma Erin. And she has The most Awesome things made out of recycled Skateboard Decks at Take Two Skate Shop. You would love her stuffs.

So take a Trip to One of Erin's shops and tell me what you like there. Leave a comment. You can even describe her awesome banner, but be original for goodness sake. Don't copy someone else's comment, cause I'll know if you did ;)

Don't forget the basic rules HERE. And I'll see you again tomorrow for a Really BIG prize and a bit harder task to win it.

Congratulations to Bonnie who won the Rainbow Brite Clutch.

May 4 Giveaway - Rooster Vendor - Craft Apron

Today You have the opportunity to win this ADORABLE Rooster and Egg Vendor, craft or Hen House apron. Very chic way to feed your chicks.

These aprons are great for so many things, crafts, gardening, cute tool belts and some of my customers with little ones just wear them around the house so they can pick up stray cars and hair clips and such and slip them in the pockets. You can find lots more at my Poppy's Garden Gate Shop on Artfire

So the basic rules to win this are HERE and in addition you have to stop in my shop and tell me what your second favorite Vendor Apron is. Just leave a comment here on the blog and if you are a follower you are entered to win. Easy!

More prizes tomorrow, so don't forget to return. There are no limits on the prizes you can win.

The May 2 winner of Poppy Longstockings is Jane. Congratulations

May 3 Giveaway - Rainbow Brite Clutch

Today I'm giving away an Adorable Rainbow Brite Clutch like the one seen here and at my Artfire shop Poppy's Garden Gate. And just because I love you so much I'm not making you work so hard to get her.

You still have to follow my blog and all the other rules blah blah blah that you can find HERE

Then You have to just leave me a comment on your fondest memory of Rainbow Brite, maybe the show, movie, doll, or even the bedsheets. That's all and you will be entered to win her.

And Don't forget to come back tomorrow.

May 2 Giveaway - Peppermint Poppy Longstockings

Today is the First of Many May Giveaways. This is a Pair of Poppy Longstockings from Poppy on Artfire.


She has a wonderful shop and You should visit her. Here's Poppy's Shop


To win these wonderful Longstockings, go to her shop and find something awesome. Then leave me the name of your favorite item in Poppy's shop on this post in the comments. 


That wasn't so hard, was it?


Oh and remember, you have to be a follower of this blog to win. 


See all contest rules and calendar of prizes HERE


Don't forget to come back tomorrow for another chance to win more great stuff.