Cyber Monday Sale!

Still time to get in that Cyber Monday sale! Heart & Sow Designs wants to make your holiday shopping easier and hassle free by giving you a great sale all right from your home, no need to leave your house just log onto your computer and save money!

20% off all items. Promotion code: Holiday 09

My Artfire shop: heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
My Ecrater shop: heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com
My Etsy shop: heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com

Thinking of you and helping you with your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping is what Heart & Sow Designs is all about. From my heart to yours I hope you have a very happy and joyous Holiday Season! Many blessings to you all!

Easy Cheese Ball

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions
1.In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix dressing mix and Cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Yum!

This is very tasty. The only change I made in this recipe was the nuts. I used crushed walnuts. Very good, everyone liked it.

Top 5 Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Rose Pearl Necklace by Penrose Designs
Shop: tmpenrose.etsy.com


Winner #2 Designer Wedding Favor Box By Designer Favors
Shop: designerfavors.etsy.com


Winner #3 Santa Claus by Lewisa Glass
Shop: lewesiaglass.etsy.com


Winner #4 Camden Clutch by Pere Bags
Shop: perebags.etsy.com


Winner #5 Happy Home Address Book by Memories for Life Scrapbooks
Shop: memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com

Interviewed for Local Networking Site

I was just featured on a Local Networking Site for Stillwater Oklahoma. What an exciting day today! Here is my interview:




Gail Metcalf: Owner/Designer, Heart & Sow Designs
Products include handmade and vintage aprons, purses, baby towels, lap blankets, scarves and accessories.

View products at:
http://heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com
http://heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
http://heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com

Visit my blog at:
www.heartandsowdesigns.blogspot.com

Background:
I have a degree from OSU in Early Childhood Education, & Family and Consumer Sciences. I love creative projects! I have decorated cakes and made a variety of products for craft shows and family. About 3 years ago I was looking for cute aprons and had trouble finding some. I decided to make one and discovered I liked sewing aprons and family and friends loved them. My business started with aprons and I’ve added additional products over the years.

Marketing Tip:
Facebook and my blog have played a key role in helping me get the word out about my business. If you have products to sell be sure to check out etsy, artfire and ecrater.

How long have you lived in Stillwater?
Since 1981

What do you love about living in Stillwater?
Community Atmosphere, Safe place to raise a family

Where is your favorite place to go in Stillwater?
Hobby Lobby, Rib Crib and Texas Roadhouse

Hobbies:
Sewing, Crafts & Golf

Favorite Book:
Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
Battlefield of the Mind

Favorite Move:
The Notebook & Steel Magnolias

Married:
Yes, I’ve been married for 34yrs to a wonderful husband.

Do you have children?
Yes, 2 daughters, 1 son and 8 grandkids

How can residents connect with you?
heartandsowdesigns@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/HeartandSowDesigns

Black Friday ~Cyber Monday Sale

Getting ready for the holidays is a busy time of the year. To help with the endless cost of products going up I'm offering a 25% off all items in my shops on Black Friday, November 27. Promotion Code: Black Friday

Saturday through Cyber Monday, November 28-30, 20% off all items. Promotion code: Holiday

My Artfire shop: heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
My Ecrater shop: heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com
My Etsy shop: heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com

Thinking of you and helping you with your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping is what Heart & Sow Designs is all about. From my heart to yours I hope you have a very happy and joyious Holiday Season! Many blessings to you all!

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Ingredients
1 lb. hot sausage
3 c. frozen hash browns, thawed
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
2 c. milk
3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. salt
12 eggs, beaten

Directions
Cook sausage until done; crumble and drain. Place hash brown in a lightly greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish; salt to taste; layer sausage, cheese, onion and green pepper. Combine eggs and milk, stirring well. Pour over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

This is the perfect breakfast meal to serve on the holidays. It can be made the night before and bake in the morning. I serve this Thanksgiving and Christmas morning. I make two for my big family. One with the vegies and one with out.
I use turkey sausage instead of pork breakfast sausage. Recipe from Cooks.com

Tuesday's Top Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Vegas Nights by Simply Unique Kreations
Shop: SimplyUniqueKreation.etsy.com


Winner #2 Bible Cover - My Heart Belongs To Jesus by Carry The Word
Shop: CarryTheWord.etsy.com


Winner #3 Sterling Silver Handmade Brooch by Kaelin Design
Shop: KaelinDesign.etsy.com


Winner #4 Fabric Collage Pouch-Scottie Dog by Anrea Creates
Shop: andreacreates.etsy.com


Winner #5 Americana Chevron Crochet Afghan by Ants Accessories
shop: Ants Accessories

Wish List Feature

I just found out my snowman apron is on a wish list featured on another person's blog. Audrey's Country Crafts has featured several shops for home decorating. I'm excited that she picked my snowman apron to be featured too! Thank you Audrey!



Audrey's blog for more shops featured: Audrey's Country Crafts

Red Snowman apron

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup
5 tablespoons Splenda granular, sugar substitute
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1 cup Cool Whip Free (fat free, sugar free)

Directions
1. preheat oven to 400f degrees.
2. in large bowl combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin, maple syrup, splenda, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and protein powder. mix well.
3. pour mixture into pie shell and smooth out with spoon or spatula
4. bake for 30 to 40 minutes until filling is set.
5. let cool for 15 minutes. Refrigerate for a least 2 hours before serving.
6. serve with a tbsp of the cool whip and enjoy!


This recipe is a high protein recipe that the whole family loves from Eating for Life cookbook. My family loves this and only my daughter knows its healthy. My husband who hates cheesecake loves this recipe.

Honoring our Veterans!

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.
--By Joanna Fuchs

My Personal Heros:


My husband, Vietnam Veteran



My Son, Iraq Veteran


My Son-in-law, Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran

My father was a Korean Veteran and father-in-law was WWII veteran, and 4 nephews actively serving in the armed forces.

Our Current Heros!


Remember All our service men and women are heros!

Veteran's Day Sale

I'm offering 20% off these items in honor of Veteran's Day!



Patriotic Apron




Camo Apron

Tuesday's Top 5 Treasures!

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured on here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Patch, the Dog by Mountainside Crochet
Shop: MountainsideCrochet.etsy.com



Winner #2 Aqua Quartz, Pearl, & Silver Necklace by Beadded Details
Shop: BeadedDetails.etsy.com



Winner #3 Soldier Bear by Wigglysee Crochet Toys
Shop: wigglysee.etsy.com


Winner #4 Our Story Photo Album by Paper On Parade
Shop: PaperOnParade.etsy.com



Winner #5 Mifflin Man Hat by Eca Echo
Shop: EcaEcho.etsy.com

French Maid Apron

Be the cutiest hostess at your next party. Or plan your intmiate dinner with your love one. But what ever you do you will sure be the hit in this cute little apron!

This French Maid apron is my own personal creation, and my own pattern. It's an original design!

The apron is black cotton fabric, with a little white cotton apron all trimmed with 100% nylon sparkle Organza with irridescent edge. Neckties are black and waist ties are white.

Bib: 13" wide
skirt: 38" wide
neck ties: 25.5"
waist ties: 27.5"

Machine wash cool, tumble dry low

One size fits most

Hanukkah Holiday Apron

This bib style apron the perfect holiday apron! Cute hanukkah and holiday themed. Whether you use it for cooking, hostessing or cleaning your home, you will sure find plenty of uses for this apron.

Made from 100% cotton has a blue background, with various shades of blue. It has a large wrap around pockets which include 3 pocket slots. It includes in this print
Chanukah gelt, menorah, dreidel, star of David, and beautiful designs. Trimmed with royal blue bias tape.

One size fits most.

Length: 27"
width: 26"
side ties: 34"
neck ties: 23"
bib width: 10"

Machine wash and dry, cool setting

Salsa Ball 2009

Last night was the Salsa Ball in Stillwater, with live Latin Music and dancing. It was loads of fun. I do know the basic salsa steps from Zumba but my poor hubby just could not get it down. So we danced alright but nothing Latin other than my little hip swinging. Hopefully we can get in some more practice before we go again. But I have to admit my husband was such a good sport to even take me, since he does not like to dance at all. I rarely get a chance to go out so I was not going to pass this night up.






For your enjoyment here are some of the fun moves my husband made at the ball. Now you can see what I was up against but you've just got to love his sense of humor!

Holiday Extravaganza

Showing my wears at the Heart Link Network Holiday Extravaganza 2009. I had loads of fun meeting other business women at this Extravaganza. Many women in my hometown have there own businesses. Of the group of women there were only 2 other ladies who actually hand make the items they sell. One woman made beautiful silver jewelry and other made bibs, pillows and jewelry.

I'm sure there are others in my town who handmake items but they just weren't at this showing.

Snowman Chef Apron

This bib style apron the perfect holiday apron! Cute snowmen and holiday themed. Whether you use it for cooking, hostessing you will sure find plenty of uses for this apron.

Made from 100% cotton has a red background, with green, white dots. Colors included are yellow, blue, and black. It has one pocket on the bib.

One size fits most.

Length: 28.5"
width: 25"
side ties: 30"
neck strap: 13"
bib width: 9"

Machine wash and dry, cool setting

Snow Leopard Tote Bag with Pompoms

Handmande snow leopard tote bag purse with white pompoms. Great accessory for any outfit.

Fleece leopard print with white and black. Lined with black and white checkered cotton fabric. 100% Canvas interfacing body. All seams are double stitched for extra durablity. Trimmed with 100% polyester white pompom ball fringe. 2 handles with study interfacing. 3 pockets on one side in tote and on other side are 2 pockets. Brown leatherette base with swirl design. Black polyester fabric trim around top of purse.

Measurements

height: 9"
width: 12"
base: 7" X 6"

Handle loop: 22"

Leopard Tote with Fringe

Handmande leopard tote bag purse with fuzzy fringe. Great accessory for any outfit.

Fleece leopard print with tan, brown and black. Lined with brown cotton fabric. 100% Canvas interfacing body. All seams are double stitched for extra durablity. Trimmed with 100% polyester khaki color fringe. 2 handles with study interfacing. 3 pockets on one side in tote and on other side are 2 pockets. Brown leatherette base with swirl design. Black polyester fabric trim around top of purse.

Measurements

height: 9"
width: 12"
base: 7" X 6"

Handle loop: 22"

Made in smoke free home

Giblet Stuffing with Raisins

Ingredients:

1 bag seasoned bread crumbs
1 yellow onion chopped
2 cups celery chopped
1 cup turkey broth, from boiled giblets or chicken broth
1 cup raisins
1 T sage
1 T poultry seasoning
¼ cup butter
chopped giblets including neck pieces (from one turkey or chicken)

Directions:

Sauté in butter, onions, celery, raisins (about 10 minutes).Boil giblets in water. When giblets are done then the water will be a broth too. Chop gibblets. Add broth to bread cubes until lightly moist, add vegetables and giblets. Take off of burner and add other ingredients and stir. Put in 13x9x2 dish. Cover in foil and bake at 325°for 45 minutes. Take off foil brown another 15 minutes. This is also best placed around outside turkey when it is baking the juices add a wonderful flavor. (It's great to stuff turkey with this just make sure you remove it from turkey immediately when done, so bacteria can't grow)


This is my family traditional recipe, but due to my children I no longer make it because they don't like the raisins. Now we make a cornbread stuffing. I love all stuffings but this one here is by far the best.

Tuesday's Top 5 Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured on here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1: Hip to be square necklace by DiBeau Designs
Shop: DiBeauDesigns.etsy.com



Winner #2: crocheted lace scarf by Baruches Lullaby
Shop: baruchslullaby.etsy.com


Winner #3: Amoeba Quartz Bracelet by Starving Artist Bazaar
Shop: starvingartistbazaar.etsy.com


Winner #4: Reindeer Recycled Mittens by Grandma Linda's House
Shop: GrandmaLindasHouse.etsy.com


Winner #5: Brown Carved Leaf Bone Necklace by Superior Stones
Shop: SuperiorStones.etsy.com

Hand tooled Bangladesh Bag

Hand tooled leather purse is quite a unique purse.

Tooled sceneary includes boats, trees, and workers. Tan color leather with black and red oiled colors.

Black leather woven around outside trim. Red leather interior. Three separate comparments with a middle compartment which includes zipper. And an added pocket with snap closure. Also includes a zippered pocket on the flap. Flap includes a snap closure. Removeable snapped in handles.

7 inch length by 10 inch width. Handle is 39 inches in length

Shop: heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com

Leather Purse with Turquoise Beads

Shop:http://heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com

Cute leather purse. Faux turquoise beads, faux leather handles and trim under the beads. Suede leather outer bag.

10 inches wide by 6 inches length.

One pocket inside which includes zipper. Fashion express brand, made in China.