~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!!

~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.

~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!

~Waitin' Again~

One of my favorite posts, written in 2008. Now, three years later, again I'm 'waitin', but this time, for three precious grandbabies instead of two! They'll arrive tomorrow. I can't wait!!!~ So here it is, as it was written back then.......



They’re comin'! Ella and Jackson are comin' back to RoseCreekCottage this weekend! We can hardly wait. I put on my favorite hat with the big crimson rose. And my red-patent-leather shoes. They don’t call me “Mercedes With the Red Shoes” for nothin’!

Ol’Bear put on his favorite “sweater with the pearl buttons”. That’s what he calls it. He’s quite fond of it. He even wears it in the summertime. Silly bear. It belonged to Ella and Jackson’s daddy when he was just a lil fella. And pearls. I don’t think he knows that boys are not ‘sposed to wear pearls. There’s just no talkin’ to him. Sigh. I do try. Often. I fear his ears don't work no more. He’s old, ya know. He belonged to Grandma when she was little. Can’t imagine her being little. But I hear she was. Just a little girl. Like Ella. Bear collects hats. Always with flowers. Old ones. The hat he's wearin' was Grandma’s. That ol’ bear is just too fond of all Grandma’s stuff. I have to watch him. Sometimes, in the morning when I wake up, he's dressed himself in a whole new outfit. Yup. Stuff of Grandma’s. Sigh. She just laughs at him.

Then there’s Ol’ Hare. He’s itchy. Made of mohair. I don’t think he bathes enuff. And he has what Grandma calls 'an attitude'. Thinks he’s related to the Easter B. Silly ol’ rabbit. He wears hats, too. Just like Ol’ Bear. And me. He’s jealous cause I can wear bigger hats. And shoes. Red ones. Patent leather.

Me? I’m a serious soul. I follow Grandma from room-to-room, overseeing all the scuttlebutt that’s going on at RoseCreekCottage. And ya know….I’m worried 'bout her. She’s gettin’ up earlier-and-earlier these days. Workin' in the studio. ‘Cept she calls it 'playin'. You should see the ‘stuff’ she’s ‘playin’ with: dolls with painted faces, St. Nicks with wool beards 'n knickers, long rabbits with glass eyes. They scare me. Too big. And there’s the jewelry! Some with diamonds. I keep beggin’ her to let me wear some. Just some. I’d be VERY careful and only wear 'em to tea parties. With my red patent-leather shoes. And for special times. Like this weekend. When Ella and Jackson come.

I have the teapot ready. I washed the teacups. Twice. Really. Ella likes sweet tea. With lots of sugar. Silly girl. Anyway….we’re waitin'. It's hard.

Oh….and if you see any elves around….would you please send 'em to RoseCreekCottage ASAP? Grandma’s been mumblin’ about them not showin’ up here again. I fear they’re lost. I promise cross-my-heart I’ll pay their travelin’ ‘spences. Grandma needs help.

In the meantime….we're just waitin’ for Ella and Jackson. Sigh. Hurry, Saturday. Hurry.

Verry Sincerelee,

Mercedes With the Red Shoes

~Sea, Sand and Memories~

We're back from the ocean. Many precious memories etched in our minds and hearts:

~ early mornings

~sweet hugs and kisses

~juice boxes.......

~little outstretched arms......

~sandy toes......

~ wet towels.....

~ocean breezes.....

~baby sunscreen......

~margaritas.....

~sand pails......

~floats......

~sandcastles.....

~bike rides.....

~buckets of cold Coronas and limes.....

~crabcakes......

~riding the waves....

~pretty shells......

~beautiful grandbabies....

~Priceless Family.......

~BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE~

Thank you, Lord~xoxoxoxoxox

~Wednesday Blessings~

There are so so many blessings this morning here at RoseCreekCottage:

~Our littlest grandbaby, Emilia, turned one. She's the happiest baby. You can't help but smile when you look at her. Truly God's miracle!!

~My little Amish friend, Katie, is here. I always enjoy my time with her. Her sense of humor and positive outlook on everything is so contagious. She and Jim kid each other endlessly. It is something to watch. And Rosie has declared Katie as one of her very favorite people!! Too cute!

~RoseCreekCottage will soon have a website! I never appreciated all that goes into setting one up!!

~The birds are chirping early in the morning once again!

~My lilacs are blooming and the air just 'smells' like spring!

~Rosie was spayed and gets her staples out tomorrow!!

~Life is so sweet!

May you have a 'sweet' spring day wherever you are in the world~

~Easter 2011~

~Easter Blessings from all of us here at RoseCreekCottage~

Yay for the Easter Bunny!!

~Easter Week: Italian Easter Braids~

I can't believe it's Easter Week again. Seems like it was just this time last year!! We're busy filling Mother's Day orders in the studio, starting very early in the morning, and stamping away til late at nite. Amish Katie came yesterday to clean. Everything looks sparkly again!

Today I spent some time in the kitchen making the Italian Easter Braids that my grandmother(Nonna), and then my mother, baked at Eastertime. My poor mom, who many of you know has alzheimer's and has been in an assisted living facility for the past 4 years, cannot bake any more. So, it's up to me to keep these traditions alive for my family! Here is the recipe I use.....but please note, you can also use Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough...or their Sweet Bread Dough and get similar results~

Nonna's Italian Easter Braids

1 package Rapid Rise (instant) yeast (about 2-1/4 teaspoons)

1.25 cups milk

pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar

3.5 cups flour (approximate)
1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
6 dyed Easter eggs
sprinkles or pearlized sugar

tip: the Easter eggs do not need to be hard boiled. They cook when the bread bakes. I usually just dye the eggs raw without hardboiling them. Saves time. Just be careful they don't crack!

In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together, just till butter melts. In a large mixer bowl, combine yeast, salt, eggs and sugar. Add the warm (not hot - it will kill the yeast) milk and butter. Add about half the flour and beat until smooth with dough hook. Slowly add the remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Don't worry about how much flour it ends up being, just keep adding until the dough is not sticky anymore. Knead until smooth with either dough hook attachment or turn out on floured board and knead. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.

Punch dough down, divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece to form a 1 inch thick rope about 14 inches long and, taking two pieces, twist to form a "braid", pinching the ends, and loop into a circle.

Place on two baking sheets sprayed with Pam. Cover and let rise until double, about an hour again. Brush each bread with beaten egg wash. Put on the sprinkles. In the middle of each bread ring, gently place an Easter egg, making an indentation with the egg.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden - about 20 minutes. Cool on rack.

You can eat the eggs, but remember to refrigerate the breads to keep the eggs safe to eat~

Enjoy~

~Meet Rosie: Our New Blog Dog~

I didn't last long without a dog. Nope. It was way too quiet here at RoseCreekCottage. As much as I love my work...it just wasn't as much fun with no little furry 4-pawed companions following me around. So......last Friday, Jim surprised me with Rosie: the best birthday present I can ever remember getting! She melted my heart as soon as I picked her up, and she nuzzled into my neck. I absolutely love her....and I can tell you that the feeling is mutual!!

She's 3 years old.....and belonged to our dog groomer. She bred Rosie twice, but says that Rosie is very 'needy': she craves attention and affection 24/7. She has a very busy grooming business, and couldn't give her the attention she needs. She knew that since I work at home, Rosie and I would be a match-made-in-heaven. She's a smart lady!

Rosie is a tiny toy poodle: she weighs 4 lbs. She had me wrapped around her little paw from the get-go...and now she's working on Jim! She sleeps right next to me with her little face on the edge of my pillow. She stays there all nite. Doesn't move. If I open my eyes in the middle of the nite....there she is with her brown puppy-dog eyes staring back at me. I'm in heaven!!

Rosie was trained to sit in her little round doggy bed on counters, etc....so she has a spot on the table right next to my workbench in the studio. The pounding and drilling doesn't bother her one bit: she snores away!!

She's a good 'traveler'. We've visited every pet store in town...the bank....nursing home.....she rides in a little doggy carrier tote I found on Amazon. It looks just like a purse, and if I say, "Rosie, hide"...she burrows down inside it....peaking out its mesh sides. She's an absolute doll!

Both residents and staff at the mom's nursing home are in love with her. They marvel at her teeny size. She curls up on my lap when I feed mom lunch. Mom smiles at her and told Uncle Joe, "She's so so small".

So......life goes on here at RoseCreekCottage. And it's finally starting to feel like normal again!!

~All My Children~

Lots of hustle-and-bustle around RoseCreekCottage Studios these days. New designs are on the workbench. Snow is still on the ground....but Spring is in our hearts~

One of my recent favorites is "All My Children": a hammered 3 disc necklace with room for up to 7 names and birthstones. I remember my mother's sewing machine humming along when I got home from school each day, and in the background on the television was the still popular soap opera, All My Children! I swear there are some of the same actors/actresses on there today!

Our own family is growing by leaps-and-bounds, so I understand why I've had many requests for a design that would hold children as well as grandchildren, so here's one that will hold lots of names and birthstones. Need even MORE room? Watch for new creations coming soon!!

Another favorite is a new rendition of one of our most popular pieces: the Four-Sided Swivel Pendant. On this one, the customer requested initials instead of names, which were too long for this particular design. It can also be customized with dates, words, ie. last name, Blessings, Love, etc. It's a beautiful keepsake~

















And if you want something totally 'funky' and eclectic....try designing your very own version of our Mixed Metals necklace. I've had fun working with my customers creating these. This one was designed by a customer who is a mom and runner. She included the dates of the events she ran, along with a few phrases that meant something special to her: Sole sisters, and Hell on Heels! As with all our designs....the sky's the limit~



We're on our way to escape these snowy days....somewhere warm....a place we love....our home by the sea~

May you each find warmth and sunshine wherever you are in this world~

~February Blessings~

It was such a blessing to be able to take January for some much-needed R&R. Sleeping in.....reading books and magazines I've longingly gazed at over the past few months....weekends in the kitchen cooking and baking with Jim.....cozy nites by the fire......watching movies......time with our children and grandchildren. All blessings I cherish more and more as the years fly by.

Among those blessings are my appreciation of the strides modern medicine's taken over the past few decades. My doctor sent me for a CAT scan to try and determine why I had such a hard time fighting off the pneumonia and bronchitis that invaded my body from October to the end of December. (couldn't have had anything to do with working 16 hr. days filling orders, now, could it??) Everything was normal there. However....they saw a mass near my pancreas. An MRI and several ultra-sounds later, it was determined I have a splenal aneurysm that my body miraculously calcified. It re-routed the blood to different arteries, in essence, saving my life! You can imagine how many prayers and rosaries I said over the past 6 weeks. I want to thank everyone who was said some 'heavy duty' prayers for a good outcome. As I've said many times before....prayers DO work!

And now it's back to life as I know it. RoseCreekCottage Studio is humming away. I'm busy filling Valentine's Day orders, re-organizing studio space, and creating new designs for 2011. My Heirloom Collection of hand stamped sterling jewelry has grown much faster than I had imagined, and I'm busy trying to figure out how to continue its growth this year, along with freeing some of my personal time so I can spend it by the sea...and with my grandbabies!!

With coffee in hand.....I'm off to the studio...which is one of my favorite places on earth~
Have a beautiful day, wherever you are in the world~

~Filling Orders and Dreaming of A White Christmas~

Well....I finally had to cut off orders for hand stamped jewelry for Christmas delivery as of tonite! I'll be busy the next few days, and much to my husband's chagrin....he requested that I stop. Now. So that we can concentrate on Christmas. He's usually right. Well...he's always right. This time, for sure. So....I hope to be finished with these 14-hour-days by Friday....shipping the last of the orders on Saturday. And then....let the Christmas Rumpus begin~

~RoseCreekCottage Etsy Shop on Hold Temporarily~

My Etsy shop is temporarily closed while we catch up on orders so there are no disappointed customers this Christmas~

We're expecting quite a winter storm this evening and into tomorrow. We're out in the country, and if we lose power, there will be no electricity, ie. no water, internet, printer. I just printed out over 70 labels for the next batch of orders to go out. I'm praying that doesn't happen~

~Waitin' For the Postman~

The bears are waiting patiently by the front door for the postman to pick up the morning's packages. The last of the Ohio Mart and Nutcracker Sweets orders are on their way. I'm keeping on top of all the Etsy orders........not a small task~

RoseCreekCottage has been humming away into the wee hours of the morning these past few weeks. Between cups of Mocha Peppermint Dunkin' Donuts Coffee, (you can buy it at Target) my feet don't have time to hit the ground. My next show, Gifts From the Heart, is Sunday November 21st at Landerhaven Country Club, 10-5. See you there~

~Wednesday Blessings~

It was SO nice to be back at Mrs. Claus' Closet last week in Westlake, OH. Even after 8 years of absence, my customers are STILL buying my creations!! Several women stood in my booth, teary-eyed....telling about the 'long-ago' Ragamuffin doll that someone had bought for them. And now...they're buying them for THEIR nieces, grand-daughters, etc. Heartwarming!! The photo shows Monica, whose nieces gave her an 'Aunt' Ragamuffin
doll about 15 years ago. She said it has dark curly hair just like hers! She's holding the 3 Cheeky Monkeys that her friend purchased. The Monkeys will be traveling to her 3 grandbabies in CA for Christmas!!

My next show is Gifts From the Heart at Landerhaven Country Club,Sunday, November 21st. It benefits the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.

Other blessings this week:

~Tis the Season....and I'm working to keep on top of orders! Even though I put in 12 hours yesterday....I was able to leave for 2 hours and go visit Mom!

~I don't even have to leave to go to the PO. The mailman picks up all the packages every day.....(big smile here!)

~Though my 'boss' is a driven, A-Type personality slave-driver and admitted workaholic, I'd rather work for her than anyone else I know!!

~I can work in my jammies sipping coffee all day if I want!

~Amish Katie is coming once-a-week again!

~Got to spend one-on-one time with my oldest son who came into town last weekend to go to the Browns Game with his dad and Uncle Chuck! (and yes....even at 35 yrs, I love to watch him sleep.....just like I did when he was a baby~)

~Mom is having an 'awake' week and is actually responding with one word answers!!!!

~Got to spend fun time with my SIL and BIL, Bob and Kathee, who were in town from Destin, FL. They experienced one heck of a snowstorm Saturday!!!

~It's beginning to 'smell' like winter outside and I LOVE it!~

~I absolutely LOVE what I do!!!!

Enjoy whatever this day holds for you. It's a present you can NEVER get back~Ciao.....Carol~

~We're Off to Yankee Peddler~

We're headed to Yankee Peddler Festival at Clay's park in Canal Fulton OH. It is 3 weekends, Sept. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 from 10:30 to 6 pm. Our booth is up....in a new "SHADY" spot!! The sun last year was brutal. We're still in The Glen...Booth #214. Stop by and say hello.

This year we have Cheeky Tutu Monkeys that are totally adorable, Witchy Women, Ragamuffin dolls with hearts and poems, Vintage Hares, altered art Charm Bracelets, Truffle Necklaces for kids, Initial Hand Stamped "Create-Your-Own" necklaces for the kids, tweens and teens, Sweet Sterling Silver Hand Stamped Initial Necklaces with Pearls, and introducing our Custom Personalized Hand Stamped Heirloom Collection of fine Sterling Silver keepsakes.....just to mention a few of the creations I've been working on these past few months.

I think there is truly something for everyone!! See you at Yankee Peddler Festival at Clay's Park in Canal Fulton, OH. (come hungry....the food is AMAZING!)

~I Know I Know....I Haven't Posted In A While~

Thank you all for your dear emails. Things are fine here at RoseCreekCottage. Just extremely busy.

I'm sorry to say we had to bow out of Shaker Woods Festival this year. Way too many things on our plates here. It's a super 3-weekend show in Colombiana, Ohio. It runs 2 more weekends: Aug. 21-22, and Aug. 28-29. I believe the wonderful promoters, Sue and Sam Ferguson....and Lana...were able to find someone to rent our booth...so it won't be empty....but you won't find us there!

We will see you at Yankee Peddler Festival located in Canal Fulton, Ohio, 3 weekends in September, beginning Sept. 11th.

Please keep my Mom in your prayers. Hospice is still with her~

Blessings to you, wherever you are in this world~Carol

~Weddings and Tutus and Monkeys, Oh My~

The wedding is now only 11 days away. I'm working on finishing up Amy's veil today. Along with shipping out 8 jewelry orders. And seeing Mom. And my Aunt Grace, who we moved into the same place Mom is at this past weekend. And making more Cheeky Tutu Monkeys and Tutus for little girls, as my first 3-weekend show begins in August~

The nightmare of all nightmares happened last week: I shipped the wrong necklace which was meant to be given at a shower on Saturday. This is the second time in 8 years that I've done this. I feel awful about it, and am waiting to hear back from the customer....and the OTHER customer, too. sigh.

So....I'm off to the nursing home.....and then the studio this morning....waiting for the gray clouds to clear and let the sun shine. May it be sunny wherever YOU are in the world today~

~Monday Blessings~

Ahhhh....Monday again, and lots to be thankful for again~

Mama and Emilia are doing well. Jackie can 'officially' drive this week, which makes everything easier!

Tom and Amy's wedding plans are going along well. We tasted the wedding cake yesterday and it was delicious. Now the happy couple just needs to make the final design selections.

We went to John Carroll with them yesterday to see the layout of the reception area. It's just beautiful....outdoor balconies, staircases....an absolutely beautiful venue for a wedding reception!

Shower plans are being finalized. It will be held at a beautiful inn.


I've finally launched my new Heirloom Collection of hand stamped sterling silver jewelry. I love it!! Sentimental memory-makers, each piece is personalized and is sure to be treasured forever. All pieces are sterling silver. Birthstones are Swarovski crystal....and each letter or design is hand stamped one-letter-at-a-time. Beautifully unique. Take a peak at my Etsy Shop. I'll be adding new designs daily~

Have a wonderfully Blessed Monday. Remember to count your blessings~

~Calgon........................~

Things have been crazy-busy at RoseCreekCottage. We celebrated Jackson's 2nd birthday here, and found out from our sweet Ella that her "Mommy has a baby in her tummy". We will be blessed with this new precious granchild in the spring.

The leaves on the trees outside my studio are just beautiful. It's not difficult to see the Fingerprints of God in all the lush fall colors.

In between the studio and show happenings, I'm looking very forward to an upcoming quality R&R at a Girl's GetAway Weekend with eight dear friends from all over the country. We chose an exciting city to meet for some great food, laughter, hugs, and lots and lots of shopping~



My Etsy shop is picking up momentum as customers begin their Christmas Shopping in plenty of time to avoid the USPS mail delays that will come once December hits. Stop by and take a peak. I'll be adding more things as the weeks go on.

Cheeky Monkeys are hangin' around the studio, waiting to be packed for the next show. I've been working on some new charm bracelet designs and will have some fun new displays for the upcoming shows......the Christmas Hares as well as Christmas Dolls and Santas are ready to strut their stuff. My friends and family know that they won't find me these days on the computer....but in my studio finishing up all the odds and ends for the remainder of my Holiday shows. I have 8 down and 8 to go! For a complete listing....email me at rosecreekcottage@hotmail.com. I'll be happy to send it to you~