~Welcome 2012~

Happy Happy New Year to all our friends and customers from all of us here at RoseCreekCottage Studios~

Thank you for your patronage through this past year. We truly appreciate your business. It is because of each of you that RoseCreekCottage has grown to be the huge success that it is today~

We will be back in the studio on Tuesday, January 3rd.

~Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours~

May the magic of Christmas fill your hearts and your homes with the love of Baby Jesus~

Have a Blessed Christmas~

Jim, Carol, Rosie...and the staff at RoseCreekcottage Studios~

~Monday Blessings: It Snowed! Yayyyyy God!~

We finally have snow here in Ohio....just in time for Christmas. If you're a regular reader of my blog...you know I LOVE snow!! It looks like a Christmas card here, and brings back all kinds of wonderful childhood memories of sled riding, caroling, and Christmas lights at Nela Park on Sunday nites after leaving our Nonna's house! We're nestled in five acres of woods here in Geauga County....and if you look out any window, you see white! I'm in heaven~

To all of you in warm parts of the world: I don't envy you one bit. It's Christmastime, and to me...that means snow!!!

Have a Blessed Pre-Christmas Week wherever you are in God's big beautiful world~

~It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas~

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here…finally. NE Ohio is usually under lots of snow by this time…and although it’s been very nice not to have to maneuver our cars through icy streets…I really miss it. I LOVE snow. Always have. Always will. So, God……where is it??? We need snow for Christmas. Have the angels up there crank up the snow machines. My grandbabies are gonna be disappointed to come to Grandma’s house and not have it. So, please? It’s my number one Christmas Wish.

But for now….we’ll just enjoy the dusting we have. It IS truly beautiful!!

Katie and Fanny and I spent an afternoon of Marathan-Cookie-Baking to finish up cookies to give for gifts. The house smelled wonderful...the tree is up....it's looking a lot like Christmas.

Rosie and I are working lots of long hours finishing up the Christmas Orders for 2011...and already have a folder full of ordes for January! So...we're off to the studio to finish up some more before the mailman rings the door to pick up more bins of goodies. Have a beautiful Monday, wherever you are in the world~

~Monday Blessings: Christmas Elves~

Today's blessings start with the Christmas Elves in my life these days: Katie and her sister, Fannie.

I saw a commercial the other day that said, "Santa has elves....YOU have Target". With all due respect.....you can keep Target. I'll take my elves!! These two amish girls are helping me more than Target ever could!!

Katie is here 3 days-a-week doing all the polishing, packaging and shipping of orders. She keeps the studio (and me!) organized and running smoothly...which is no small task. Fannie comes with her on Saturdays and cleans and bakes. I feel like I died and went to heaven!! The house looks amazing, and the cookies....well....can you say, "Perfection"? I never realized how cookies could truly look perfectly uniform as well as tasting delicious!!

So....Rosie and I have been in the studio since 4:30. One pot of coffee down.....several to go. We're off to pick up Katie. Have a gloriously productive, blessed day wherever you are in world....and don't forget to thank God for the Christmas Elves in YOUR life!

ps. That my sweet Jim is also up there on my 'Blessings' list goes without saying. He does everything from keeping the coffee coming, to rubbing my sore back and shoulders, bringing me sweet treats and dinner, etc. etc. He is the greatest blessing I have~ xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

~Candy Cane Bark~

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking cookies. It was something my mom always did as soon as Thanksgiving was over. She had her traditional ones which my sister and I still bake, but I have added my own 'traditions' over my many years of marriage.

One of our favorites is Candy Cane Bark. It not only tastes 'Christmasy', but looks beautiful on cookie trays, too. And...it's easy!

Candy Cane Bark

1 lb. dark chocolate (I used 1/2 semisweet and 1/2 bittersweet)
1 lb. white chocolate
6 oz. (1 regular package) candy canes, crushed

1. Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Spread in an even layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place in freezer to harden, approx. 30 minutes.

2. Melt white chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Spread (with an offset spatula) on top of the dark chocolate layer. Working quickly before white chocolate sets, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and gently press into the chocolate. Refrigerate until complete hard and set, at least 2 hours.

3. Break into pieces by inserting tip of knife to crack into pieces. Enjoy!

Rosie and I are off to the studio extra early this morning (the orders are stacked to the ceiling) with Peppermint Mocha Coffee and, of course, some Candy Cane Bark. I know I know...it's breakfast time, but hey: Tis the Season!

~Rosie Says....It's Cyber Monday~

It's me, Rosie! Don't tell my Mama, but I read it's Cyber Monday, and I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on Mama's website today!! Use Coupon Code CyberFreeShip. Don't miss out! Shipping costs lots of dog bones. So save your pennies to spend on those!!

Uh-oh.....here comes Mama. Gotta go....bye.....

~Black Friday Sale At RoseCreekCottage~

Mommy and I are shopping at RoseCreekCottage website Friday for their Black Friday Sale. All ya have to do is use the code BLACKFRIDAY10 at checkout for 10% off on your order. Don't forget....BLACK FRIDAY ONLY...at www.rosecreekcottage.com. Don't miss it! They have some neat stuff!

(the photographer apologizes for the blurry top photo. camera settings got mixed up. it was just too cute not to use)

~Now I'M The Grandma~

I love the song, "Over the River and Through the Woods". It brings back so many dear childhood memories of going to my Grandmother's' house for Thanksgiving and holidays. She was always there....standing in the kitchen. Red-cheeked. Old-fashioned house dress under her apron. The house always smelled SO good. And we all gathered around her huge dining room table. All of us.

Then, my Mom became the grandma. And we would pack up the boys and head to "Grandmother's House" on holidays. She was always there....standing in the kitchen. Red-cheeked. Slacks and a sweater under her apron. The house always smelled SO good. And we all gathered around her huge dining room table. All of us.

And now....I'M the Grandma!! They get to come to MY house. I'll be here.....standing in the kitchen. Red-cheeked. Slacks and sweater. No apron! The house will smell SO good. And we will gather around our huge kitchen table. All of us. And we will remember. All the childhood holidays spent at OUR Grandmother's House. We'll be making those same memories for our grandchildren. And my grandbabies will look back, long after I'm gone....and remember~

A Happy Blessed Thanksgiving to all my blogger friends, all my dear customers, and all my 'real' world family and friends. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you for many more Thanksgivings to come~

***Watch this space for Black Friday Specials on my Website tomorrow***

~ Pumpkin Pie Martinis....Oh My~

Turkey time! My favorite holiday meal-of-the-year tomorrow, AND my grandbabies and whole family will be here!! How lucky can a very tired lady get??

Katie came yesterday and we worked into the evening. Lots of orders to go to the PO today.

Pumpkin pies are in the oven.....the tables are ready to set......all the prep for potatoes, stuffing, appetizers will be completed this evening. Jim gets off today at 3 pm which is a huge help AND he loves to cook! Again.....I'm a lucky gal.

For now....I have promised myself to spend the next 6 hours in the studio working on orders since I'll be taking the rest of the day and tomorrow off. Katie and Fannie will come back and spend the day Saturday in the studio with me.

We'll be saving these to make tomorrow. They're DELICIOUS!

Pumpkin Pie Martinis

This recipe only serves one, so you need to double, triple it etc. for your guests~

• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 ounce of vanilla vodka
• 1.5 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (from a can is fine)
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• cinnamon and sugar

1. In a shaker combine the ice, vodka, Bailey’s, half & half, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
2. Use a napkin to wet the rim of a martini glass. Combine equal parts cinnamon and sugar on a plate. Roll the rim in the mixture.
3. Pour the martini in to the prepared martini glass and sprinkle with more pumpkin pie spice (if desired).

Rosie and I have lots to do. We were both up at 3 am sneaking around the kitchen and dreaming about tomorrow....so I best gather her up and head to the studio. Have a beautiful, thankful Day-Before-the-Turkey wherever you are in this world~

~Dawn~

Good Morning! It's dawn here in Ohio. The sun hasn't come up yet. The orders are stacked and ready to be filled....a brand new day is on the horizon!

Lots got done this weekend because Katie and her sister Fannie spent the day with us on Saturday. They arrived here early.....surprising us with a warm-from-the-oven apple pie and just-made apple sauce! They were up way before dawn to accomplish all that in their Amish kitchen! You haven't lived til you've tasted home-made Amish baked goods! I think I'll invite the girls to join me for baking Christmas cookies this year! What fun!!

Tom surprised his dad by arriving after lunch to help him with the remainder of the leaves in the yard. Five acres of trees make for a whole lotta raking!! Bless you, Tom~xoxoxoxoxox You have no idea how much your dad and I appreciated it. We know you have your OWN huge yard to care for!!

It took Fannie 7 hours to clean the house. Yup. It was dusty and really needed attention. And Katie and I worked on orders. I have 2 overflowing bins to take to the PO this morning. My new stack is piled and ready with labels already on envelopes, thank you notes written.....just waiting for me.

The family will be here Thursday for Thanksgiving. I'm hoping elves arrive on Wednesday to help start the pies, sweet potatoes, etc, or I fear they'll never get done!

Coffee in hand.....Rosie and I are ready to start the day. It will be a long one. But....we're used to it....saying prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord who has bestowed all this on us...for us. Thank you, Lord.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving Week Monday wherever you are in this world. Remember to say prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings in your life~

~Just A Shower Later.....~

I've been up all nite. With a migraine. I finally gave up trying to sleep and stumbled downstairs around 5am.....Rosie in tow....and headed out the front door with her. It had snowed. She looked at me as if to say, "Hey! I'm a 4 lb. little poodle. You really expect me to walk around in this stuff. Without boots or a coat? Really?". I was in no mood for those cute looks. She tinkled, I picked her up...and headed to the kitchen. Oh no. No coffee made. Jim is in NJ on business....so made a cup of instant coffee, took 2 Excedrin Migraine...again...and headed to the computer. This wasn't a day to have a hundred new emails and orders. sigh. The 'good news, bad news' of the Christmas Rush!

I printed off the orders that came in overnite...and headed to the shower, figuring I'd get dressed and ready for the day...fully intending to go feed mom lunch at the nursing home. Well...that's what I THOUGHT I'd do. One shower's-worth-of-time later: 55 more email orders! Looks like Mom, the PO and my stop at Starbucks is going to have to wait. For now....it's time for 2 more Excedrin! And some of Santa's Elves!

~In The Oven~

Apple season is always one of our favorites here in Geauga County. We happen to live nearby a wonderful apple orchard. Just to walk into their store is sheer heaven! The smell of apple dumplings and pies is worth the trip. We buy bushels of 'seconds', which are a great buy. Since we use them for baking, bruises don't matter! We peel, slice, toss with sugar and cinnamon, and freeze them in 'pie' amounts in freezer bags. Jim just brought in the last bag of last season's stash, so it's time to make more.

In the oven this morning is one of my favorite recipes: Apple Dumplings. These may sound strange....but they're delicious!

Apple Dumplings

2 sticks butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cups sugar
2 tubes crescent rolls
4 granny smith apples
6 ounces of Mountain Dew (or Sprite!)
Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream

Directions: Peel and slice your apples. Wrap two slices in a crescent dough triangle and place in sprayed (greased) pan. In a bowl, melt your butter and stir in sugar and vanilla. Pour over top of the wrapped apples....or spread on top with a spoon. Pour the Mt. Dew all around and sprinkle with Cinnamon. Place in 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot with ice cream! Enjoy!

Rosie and I are off to the studio. She spent yesterday at the groomer's and is pooped...so she'll spend the day snoozing, curled in her furry bed in her special spot in the studio while I drink many pots of coffee and stamp away to make a dent it the stacks of orders. Katie and her sister are coming Saturday to help. I can't wait! Happy Thursday~

~Monday Blessings~

Goooood Morning. Monday again....and BOY do I have lots of Blessings to be thankful for:

~For my husband. I've known him forever....but learn new things about him every day. He's selfless, giving, loving, and just the BEST human being I know!

~For my life. It's very full. Very busy. And very very blessed.

~For my business. What other job could I possibly have where I not only do what I LOVE, but can do it at 5 am, midnite, or 3 am.....all in my cuddly 'jamas?

~For my kids and grandkids. They're all the best....and I get to see them all in 10 days!!

~For Mom's caretakers at GV: They're all angels. Every single one of them.

~For Rosie, who's with me in the studio no matter what time it is. It's her favorite place to be!

~For coffee. And Excedrin Migraine!!

Off to the studio. Don't forget we're still offering FREE SHIPPING on our WEBSITE....NOT on Etsy..... using code FSN at checkout til the end of the month~

Happy Monday, wherever you are in this great big beautiful world~

~Uh Oh: Friday Already?~

You know you're really busy when you wake up and think, "Uh Oh! It's Friday already?". Seems like my customers started their Christmas shopping early this year! I'm looking at never-ending orders....lots of coffee.....and not a whole lot of sleep for the next couple of weeks. Now I'm not complaining. Orders are blessings, and I LOVE to be busy, but sometimes it comes with hurricane-force winds!! How do I keep up with it all?

1. Start the day with prayer and thanksgiving to God for all His blessings.

2. Surround myself with talented helpers.

3. I have fabulous family and friends who understand why I'm not as available during this busy season.

4. Plan healthy meals to avoid having to call Jim to pick up take-out food. This week: Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes, Lentil Soup, and on the stove right now: Mom's Italian Wedding Soup. yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

4. I keep taking my vitamins....and praying that they work!

5. Got my flu shot AND a pneumonia shot after getting so sick last winter.

6. I've made sure I'm very stocked up on silver sheets, birthstones, charms, etc. so I don't run out mid-season.

7. I cuddle with Rosie. She is SUCH good company in the studio, makes me very happy, and calms me down whenever I feel overwhelmed.

Rosie just reminded me that Christmas is only 43 days away, and we need to get off the computer and back to the studio. Ciao....and Happy Friday~

~Monday Blessings, Pumpkin Scones and Free Shipping~

Happy Monday! Do you know there's only 17 days til Thanksgiving??? Woo Hoo!! I can't wait. We'll be hosting 20 family members for dinner here. It's one of my favorite (and easiest) meals to prepare, and marks the beginning of the 2011 Holiday Season!! I love it~

Lots of Blessings this fine November Autumn....actually too many to list...so I'll move on to: FREE SHIPPING on my website this week by using Coupon Code FSN at checkout!!

I tried a new recipe yesterday that I am going to share here for all you pumpkin-lovers out there. It's absolutely delicious!!


PUMPKIN SCONES

For the Scones:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/4 cup and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3. 1 Tablespoon baking powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
8. 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
9. 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
10. 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
11. 3 tablespoons half-and-half
12. 1 large egg

For the Powdered Sugar Glaze:

1. 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2. 2 Tablespoons milk

For the Spiced Glaze:

1. 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2. 2 tablespoons milk
3. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4. 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
5. 1 pinch ground ginger
6. 1 pinch ground cloves

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with fit the paddle attachment, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Add the butter and toss with a fork to coat with the flour mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal, with the butter pieces no larger than small peas.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, half-and-half and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and form the dough into a ball. Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form into a 1-inch thick rectangle about 4 inches by 12 inches. Use a large knife to slice the dough making three equal portions. Cut each of the portions in an X pattern (four pieces) so you end up with 12 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
4. While the scones are cooling, make the powdered sugar glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. When scones are cool, use a pastry brush to spread plain glaze over the top of each scone. Allow to firm.
5. While the powdered sugar glaze is firming, combine all of the ingredients for the spiced glaze. Drizzle over each scone and allow the icing to dry before serving (about an hour).

Yield: 12 scones

Note: you can freeze unbaked scones and enjoy hot from the oven scones any day of the week. Just freeze on a baking sheet until firm, tightly wrap in plastic wrap and place in a ziploc freezer bag. When ready to bake just pop into the oven straight from the freezer, no need to thaw. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy....and Happy Monday wherever you are in the world~

~Happy Haunting~

Happy Haunting to all of you from all of us here at RoseCreekCottage Studios~

Trick or Treating was last nite here in our little rural town....but I'm sure more ghosts and goblins will be at our door tonite!

The following Halloween Candy Sales list surprised me! See if your favorites are here:

Top 10 Halloween Candies:
2010 sales

#1. Snickers
#2. Nerds
#3. Tootsie Rolls
#4. Life Savers
#5. M&Ms
#6. Reese's
#7. Twizzlers
#8. Butterfinger
#9. Skittles
#10. Candy corn

Happy Haunting to you and your families, wherever you are in the world~

~End-Of-October Blessings and Free Shipping~

I cannot believe we're heading into the end of October already! The studio is humming away filling Christmas orders. The days are shorter and cooler. Fall will be coming to an end all-too-quickly. Many blessings still on the horizon here at RoseCreekCottage Studios:

~deck and porch furniture are stowed away for the winter

~the gardens are cut down and turned under for a long sleep

~the kitchen continues to fill with all our favorite aromas of fall baking and comfort food meals

~heavier quilts are on the beds

~the birds are filling up at the feeders

~squirrels are busy scurrying through the woods hiding nuts for the winter

I think these call for a Free Shipping Coupon to be used on our website until Friday: Use coupon code FRO at checkout~

Have a Blessed End-of-October wherever you are in the world~

~Monday Blessings~

It's fall here in Ohio, which brings lots of Autumn Blessings:

~the crunch of the leaves underfoot

~the smell of burning leaves

~caramel apples

~the aroma of 'anything' apple baking in the oven

~getting out the sweaters and afghans

~piling winter quilts on the beds

~hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks

~Starbucks "Pumpkin Spice Latte"(yum.....)

~Candy corn

~Pumpkins on the front steps

~Cornstalks on the mailbox and lamp posts

~Pumpkin Spice candles burning in the studio

~Shorter days

~A bit of a chill in the air that simply smells like "fall"

We watched Ella's soccer game last weekend. It was so nostalgic to see my 7-year-old
granddaughter playing, while her daddy coached her team. sigh. I got tears in my eyes as I looked at him standing there, coffee cup in hand, coaching his daughter: MY long-ago 7-year-old coaching HIS 7-year-old. Life....full circle once again~

Happy Fall~

Carol

~Free Shipping~

It's the middle of October!! We're offering FREE SHIPPING on our website today thru Sunday. Use Coupon Code FRO when checking out! Don't miss out~ Christmas is just 71 days away~

~Friday Blessings and A Recipe to Share~

Many many things to be thankful for this beautiful October day:

~Celebrating Jackson's 4th birthday this weekend!

~My sweet customers have started their Christmas shopping early...which helps them AND me!

~Amish Katie comes whenever she can now!

~4 more days to join in on RoseCreekCottage's current Give-Away on Jeannette's blog. Over 1200
people signed up already. Don't miss out!!

~Lots of studio time this month for filling orders and new designs!!

~Heading to the kitchen to make Mock Cheesecake to take to the grandbabies~recipe below~hmmmmm

~Have a beautiful Fall Day wherever you are in this world~

Mock CheeseCake

2 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls

-2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1/4 cup butter (melted)
-Cinnamon & sugar


Unroll and spread 1 & 1/2 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased 13 x 9 pan.

Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.

Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture.

Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Cut into squares when cool. Serve and Wait for the rave reviews!!

~Missing Yankee Peddler...and A Give-Away Winner~

Our Monday Give-Away Winner this week is Heather! Check back next week for another Give-Away~

As much as I hate to admit it, I miss that we're not doing Yankee Peddler this year. We participated in the YP Festival for so many years, that it became a part of our life. For those of you who don't know, I was so bombarded with shows/orders last fall that I became very ill. Yup, this A-type personality-Workaholic overdid it and then couldn't recuperate. The good thing that came out of all this is that with all the tests I had done, they found a splenal-aneurysm that could have been fatal. God was with me though, and everything turned out okay. Nonetheless....we decided not to do any art shows this year.

When I mentioned this about Missing Yankee on Facebook:

Missing Yankee Peddler...missing making my dolls....sigh. I chose this. I must be crazy~

To which my sister, who helped us do this show and many others over the years commented:

"Let me remind you.... rain, cold, mud, soggy feet, 'lookers', sunburn, frozen toes, heatstroke, running out of change, mud, "does this come in ?, and "I want the doll that was right HERE about four hours ago---did you move it?", oh, and the cold, the mud, the heatstroke, and clever thieves----let's not forget them! But then again.... the smell of woodsmoke and fall leaves, the swishing of skirts, the crunch of dry leaves underfoot, the hot apple dumplings.....the aproned dresses and long woolen capes mom made for us....Yeah.... guess I miss it, too."

So...we have the wonderful memories of many many Septembers standing in the woods, meeting over 100,000 people each year. sigh. Yes....we are missing it. We will miss our dear customers who have become friends over the years. We watched their children grow up....and they watched ours, too.

We wish all our artist friends there a wonderful September 2011 show. To next year........

~Monday Monday Give-Away~

The Mamas and the Papas song keeps rollin' through my head this morning:

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time

I don't want anyone cryin' this September Monday.....so how about another RoseCreekCottage Give-Away!

To Enter: Follow this blog and 'friend' us on Facebook. Leave a comment on what piece you would like to win in a comment below. Simple!!

Good luck! This Give-Away closes Wednesday at midnite~

But Monday or not....here we come!!

Make it a beautiful Monday wherever YOU are in the world~

~A Beautiful Blog~

Blogland has so many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. I've made so many friends through the years through my blog. I just don't ever seem to have enough time to visit all of them!

I had the chance of 'meeting' a sweet blogger: Jamie Esposito. Her blog, The Simple Things, is delightful! Jamie is a SAHM, and the mother of a 2 1/2 year old daughter, Lila Grace. Lila has started gymnastics, which is how Jamie found my shop, and my blog! She loves taking pictures, and also loves my beloved Diet Coke. (you all know I'm addicted!) She's relatively new to blogging but loves it....as you'll see from her writings~

Stop by her blog and say 'hello'. You'll be glad you did~

~Perpetual Motion~

When we watched Ella, Jackson and Emilia last weekend, we did SO many things with the kids. It's so nice to get one-on-one time with them.

Emilia is always smiling. I know this photo is a bit blurred...but this was the clearest of the dozens I took. She's always all smiles, and in perpetual motion! Adorable....'course this grandma is a bit prejudiced!

~Thursday Blessings Give-Away~

We're having a $50 Gift Certificate Give-Away! Stop over at The Wiegand's Family blog to sign up. Comment here and on our FB page for more entries! Don't miss out on this one. You can use it for anything on my website! Free stuff is always good, right? LOL~

Have a beautiful, blessed Thursday, wherever you are in the world~

~Gummy Vitamins...Not Just For Kids~

I dislike taking lots of pills, and discovered that VitaFusion makes all kinds of gummy vitamins for adults! They taste JUST like gummy candies...and I actually look forward to taking them. They have multi-vitamins, vit. C, Calcium, B Complex, Vit. D, etc. I found them at Target...and cheaper still at Costco. I've been taking extras this week because we're watching our three grandbabies this weekend. There'll be lots of movies, coloring, computer games, swimming and just plain FUN!

Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend, wherever you are in the world~

~Wednesday Blessings~

I can't think of a better Wednesday blessing. Can you?? Happy Wednesday, wherever you are in this world~

~To Ella on her Seventh Birthday~

My Dear Sweet Granddaughter....

If God had tapped me on the shoulder some 7+ years ago, and told me to describe what I thought would be a perfect granddaughter.....I would have described YOU. Just the way you are. Perfect from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. From your daddy's green eyes and long lashes, to your mama's beautiful zest for life.

You know, this Grandma waited a long time for a little girl. I loved your Daddy and your Uncle Tom....but, well....they sure aren't girls!!!! Then God sent YOU, sweet doll. When your mommy told us they were expecting a baby, she said she hoped it would be a girl. For me. She's so sweet. And OH did God send us a little girl. A perfect little girl who loves everything pink, sparkly and girly. Certainly everything that THIS Grandma could have dreamt of!

And so, sweet Ella, my wish for you this year is that you always stay as sweet and innocent as you are now. Always.

With All My Love To the Moon and Back.....

Grandma

xoxoxoxox

~Thursday Blessings~

You don't have to look very far to see that the summer harvest is one of God's greatest gifts.

Our Farmer's Markets are overflowing with colorful summer produce. Not only are they good for you, they're plentiful and economical. In between studio time, I'm dreaming of new ways to use them in my meal planning. I'll be posting some of our favorite recipes in the days and weeks ahead.

~Hello Monday and A Give-Away Winner~

Hello Monday~

It's early here in the midwest. Skies are still dark, Rosie's asleep on my lap as I type. There's peace in the stillness. After prayers, coffee and computer work, we're off to the studio to tackle orders~

The winner of our first giveaway is: Re-Fabulous. Congratulations!! Please email me so we can finalize details on your custom piece!!

Watch for future Give-Aways from RoseCreekCottage right here!

Have a beautiful, blessed day~

Carol and Rosie xcxcxcxcxcxcxc (those are coffee kisses)

Rosie Says......

Hi. It's me, Rosie. You still have time to join in the fun Give Away and win one of my momma's hand stamped necklaces. They are really really nice. Really. I know, 'cause I sit in my bed right next to her in the studio while she's stampin'. Really. I have my own special bed in there 'cause momma says I'm REALLY important.

Don't miss out. You'll be sorry. They're nice. I gotta go now and take momma for a walk. It's my job. Really. See you later. This is fun. I bet I can sneak in a blog post every now-and-then when momma's workin. She won't notice. I'm quiet. Really. Bye now.

~Tuesday Jewelry Give-Away~

This is RoseCreekCottage's very first Give-Away! To win our beautiful PRIDE AND JOY hand stamped necklace, just 1)'Like' us on Facebook, and 2) leave a comment here on our blog! We will draw names on Sunday and announce the winner on Monday right here! Good Luck!
GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED~

~Thursday Blessings ~

Life here at RoseCreekCottage Studios is hectic, busy, and filled with blessings:

~A new website

~Sunshine and cooler temperatures

~A Friday "lunch date" with my old friend, Sherry

~Planning a birthday party for my hubby

~Finally starting to understand SEO (thank you Jen and Jen!!)

~Creating new hand stamped jewelry designs for RoseCreekCottage website

~Starting to read "Discovery at RoseHill" by my friend, Kathryn

~Picking flowers from the garden....LOTS of Black-Eyed Susans

Life is good!

~Fried Eggplant Means Summertime at RoseCreekCottage~

I love summers at RoseCreekCottage. I can't wait until the tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini are ripe. I guess you can blame my Italian roots for that!! These vegetables were staples in my Mom's Italian summer kitchen when we were growing up, and I'm lucky that my German husband fell in love with them the first time he tasted the Italian dishes in my Mom's while we were dating!

Begin by slicing the zucchini into 1/4" thick slices. Then salt both sides, and let them sit for about 1 hour. This enables the zucchini to 'weep'. Then using a paper towel, pat both sides dry.

Beat 2-3 eggs in a shallow dish. Dip each slice in the eggs. Coat slices in Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs. You can buy these in any grocery store. Heat 1" of canola oil in hot frying pan, and fry each slice until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve plain, or with Sour Cream Garlic Dip recipe attached.


FRIED EGGPLANT

1 eggplant, about 1 1/4 pounds
1 ¼ c. Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
Oil, for frying

Slice eggplant into ¼” slices. Lightly salt each slice on both sides and let sit for 1 hour. Pat slices dry.

Break the eggs into shallow plate and beat well with a fork. Start with 2 eggs and add a third one if needed.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice of eggplant in egg, then lightly coat them with breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm....although we love them cold, too!

Makes 6 servings


SOUR CREAM GARLIC DIP

5 tbsp sour cream
4 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp salt

Combine all ingredients together.


Enjoy! I'm serving these tonite with Ziti pasta tossed with butter and parmesan cheese and a big garden salad and crusty Italian bread. Yum.

I'm off to the studio to finish up orders. Stop by my new RoseCreekCottage website and take a look around at all the beautiful custom hand stamped heirloom pieces we have to offer. You won't be disappointed!