Monday Interview- Meet Maryanne with Name Art For Kids!

Maryanne, is still pretty new to Etsy, like most of us, it's great to get to know you! Great shop!


Who are you?

I am a busy girl! I'm a mom, I'm a wife, I'm a small business owner, I'm a former pharmaceutical rep and now I'm running an after-school extended care program and most recently I'm a blogger and a busy mom of ETSY! Like everyone else in this group - I wear many hats!

Where do you live? I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Go Phillies!!

How many kids? Husband/partner? I have one son who almost 9 months old and I have been married to my husband for almost 4 years.

And so you have a shop:

What's it's name? Name Art 4 Kids (http://appleandjax.etsy.com)
What do you sell? I sell customized children's name art. Customers can choose their own letters to design their own artwork or I can do it for them. We can match the child's interests or bedroom decor.

How do you find the time? Thank GOD my son is a good sleeper! I do all of my work during naps or after his (early) bedtime of 6:30. When Daddy is home I can get some good amount of work done as well!

Some of your favorite things?
Movie- Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - hysterical, a classic
Color- I like to wear yellow, but I also love greys and blues
Food- I'm not picky - salty, sweet, shell fish, I love it all!

Pets - 2 cats, Apple and Jax - whoever said cats are low maintenance was lying!
Kids book- (big kids) Where the red fern grows - omg the tears after reading that one!

(litte kids) - the giving tree or the monster at the end of this book
Time of day- is it awful to say bedtime????
Cartoon Character- who knows? I'm not there yet!

Busy Moms Team Sales Event!

Looking for some great deals this Weekend? You've come to the right spot!

Here are some deals going on this coming Friday through Monday at our Busy Mom's Team Shops. Please check the shop announcements for details about the different sales going on this weekend.

You can also find our items by using the following tags in the etsy search bar "busymomsale", "Black Friday", "Cyber Monday", "EtsyHolidaySale" or "EtsyFreeShipping"

Free shipping:

bagelcreations.etsy.com (Bags, pouches, cup cozies, and other fun accessories!)
ittybittybag.etsy.com (Handbags & Accessories)
jacarandadesigns.etsy.com (unique jewelry)
littlepinkplum.etsy.com (pocket mirrors, pendants, and more)
mamakates.etsy.com (handmade gifts for Mothers and Babies)
meeshspieces.etsy.com (Fabric Creations)
pachamamma.etsy.com (handmade items for babies and moms)
PPalette.etsy.com (whimiscal colorful wearable art)
stolentime.etsy.com (Soft and Simple Plush Friends, Lovies and More)
theArtOfJoy.etsy.com (illustrated cards, stickers and tags)
three14designs.etsy.com (noshie for your baby)


Free shipping and more:

cassiaskitchen.etsy.com (Bath & Candle) and cassiasgarden.etsy.com (Aromatherapy Candle & Spa) - Free shipping on orders over $50.00 this weekend and 10% off all items but regular shipping under $50.00
dlcdesigns.etsy.com (handcrafted jewelry) - plus buy one, get one 1/2 off
geeklingdesigns.etsy.com (affordable clothing, from Bodysuits and T-shirts, Gift Sets and more) plus free gift with purchase
gwendolynsdesign.etsy.com (jewelry, pins and more)- Free shipping on all orders of $30 or more. Also BOGO on pins, see shop for details.
mimisbabies.etsy.com (special gifts for babies) Mix and Match - Any 2 beanies or T shirts for $24 plus free shipping. Free gift with purchase too!
nadabanana.etsy.com (Handmade jewelery and accessories)- plus free matching earrings for certain necklaces.
twisteddesigns.etsy.com (handmade silver jewelry) Free Shipping and a couple of really marked down door-busters

Special Offers:

appleandjax.etsy.com (name art for kids) - Buy one, get one half off
craftfsfromtheheart.etsy.com (clothing and more) - 20% off
echoendeavor.etsy.com (jewelry for charity) - free pair of matching earrings handmade to match each bracelet purchase
EsThings.etsy.com (handmade jewelry and more) - 10% off minimum - the more you buy the more you save! A percentage off...the amount off is based on the money you spend.
jbeyer719.etsy.com (jewelry) - 40% off
kimskandykreations.etsy.com (Personalized name plaques, candy bars, and fun gifts) - 25% discounts on most products
mommab7.etsy.com (hats, stockings and more) - 25% off stocking sale. Some hats on sale also, plus $2 off necklaces
mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com (handmade home furnishings) - 20% off
NatalieJCollection.etsy.com (wonderful items for your home) - 20% off
ozarkscentscandleco.etsy.com (handmade soy, soy blend candles, and soaps) - $5 off a purchase of $50.00 or more and $10 off a purchase of $100.00 or more. A few candles that will be on sale for $6.50.
pittsburghcakegirl.etsy.com (photography to prints to original art) - 10% off
tricia16.etsy.com (Individually Hand Crafted Note & Greeting Cards) - Free Gift with purchase - gift tags
TwoSugarBabies.etsy.com (fondant art for birthdays, showers, weddings and more) - Buy 2+ dozen, get 1/2 dozen free fondant pieces
wyjajewels.etsy.com (jewelry and bath items) - 32% off everything during this sale. In addition, plus a Suicide Saturday Sale (it's my b-day that day too hence the 32 %). Saturday you get 32% off in addition to free shipping
zbelle.etsy.com (designed and hand-crafted hats) - 15% off on Black Friday and offering 25% off on Cyber Monday

After Holiday Turkey Soup

Ingredients
5 quarts water
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup celery leaves, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
7 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (see notes)
1 cup fresh peas or frozen peas
1 cup carrot, sliced
1 cup cut green beans, fresh or frozen
4 cups fine egg noodles (8 Oz)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
turkey carcass, from a 15-20 pound turkey

Directions
1-In an eight quart kettle or Dutch oven place turkey bones, water -- down through to and including the bay leaf.
2-Heat to boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
3-Remove the bones to a platter and let c ool.
4-Add the parsley through to green beans.
5-Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6-Meanwhile, scrape meat from carcass and return meat to soup pot. Add liquid if required.
7-Heat to boiling; add noodles and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
8-Melt butter in a small frying pan; stir in flour.
9-Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the flour browns.
10-Stir into boiling soup.
11-When the soup returns to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
12-Serve hot in large bowls

Tuesday Time Saving Tip - Toy Purge

It's AngelaSpots with another tuesday time saving tip. With the holidays and all of the gift giving quickly approaching it's time to purge those toys. Not only your childrens toys but yours too, bath and body, tools, clothing. Make room for the new BEFORE it arrives.

Thanksgiving Dinner Rachael Ray Style

Yesterday on the Rachel Ray Show, she did a complete Thanksgiving Day dinner. She made it simple and affordable and shared her families stuffing recipe she has been eating her entire life. I think I might just try it this year. Here is her entire Thanksgiving Guide. The apron is from our own, StolenTime's Shop.

Rachael Ray's Apple and Onion Stuffin'

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus extra for oiling the pan
1/2 stick of butter, softened
1 fresh bay leaf
4 ribs celery and greens from the heart, chopped
1 medium to large yellow onion, chopped
3 McIntosh apples, quartered and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
8 cups cubed stuffing mix, such as Pepperidge Farm brand, or homemade croutons of any bread you choose – pumpernickel and rye work well
4-5 cups chicken stock
If preparing as "Stuffin' Muffins:"
Additional 1/2 stick butter, softened
1 egg, beaten

PREPARATION
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.

Pre-heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO to the skillet and the butter. When the butter melts, add the bay leaf, celery, onions and apples. Season with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning and cook 5-6 minutes or until vegetables and apples begin to soften.
Add the parsley and stuffing cubes to the pan and combine. Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth until all of the bread is soft, but not wet. Remove bay leaf and let cool either in the pan or in a bowl.

Brush a cookie sheet or a metal oven safe oval tray with EVOO. Form a loaf shape out of your stuffing and bake until set and crisp on top, about 15-20 minutes.

For individual muffins: brush a 12-muffin tin with the remaining butter. Add the beaten egg to the cooled stuffing mixture.
Using an ice cream scoop, fill and mound up the stuffing in muffin tin.
Bake until set and crisp on top, about 10-15 minutes. Remove Stuffin' Muffins to a platter and serve hot or room temperature.

Tuesday Time Saving Tip - Good idea!

It's AngelaSpots here again. While browsing through Etsy keyword "BusyMomsTeam" I found these two things which are perfect for busy Moms. If you find another can't live without item please suggest it!

The first is a Holiday Shopping Notebook by tricia16 . If you're like me and have a bunch of people to buy for you probably have trouble remembering what you bought for who and where you have it hidden. What a great idea this notebook is to keep us a little more organized.


The second is this mei tai by BabyToGo. Babywearing is a must for a busy Mom, especially one with older children who are on the go. Mei tais are SO much more comfortable than the commercially avaliable ones (like Snugglies) and can be used longer, BabyToGo says her carrier is good to 15 kilos (or 33 lbs). My toddler loves riding piggyback style. I couldn't live without mine.

Busy Moms Team Promo- Nov 13-15

The Busy Moms Team have been busy getting ready for the holiday season and would like to share some great deals with you! Most deals are being offered November 13th to 15th but be sure to read each individual participants shop announcements for full details. You can also find more great items from this talented group by using the search term busymomsteam in Etsy's search engine.

Here's a list of wonderful deals being offered:

Bijoux Designs For You - Buy two pairs of earrings get one FREE!
The Art of Joy- Free shipping
Ozark Scents- 20% off
Miss Ma'am Boutique- Free shipping
Amievoltaire- all clothing - buy two get one free
Crafts From the Heart-10% off, 20% off orders over $50
Liabelle Eve- For the entire month of November (and including the weekend of Nov. 13-15), Liabelle Eve is offering 20% off all custom orders and FREE SHIPPING on all items (in store or custom orders).
Gwendolyn's Design- Right now and through November still offering Free Shipping on orders over $35 in USA & Discounts on everywhere else~For great Gift ideas there are Sale items peppered throughout my site. Stop by to check them out...I will do a BOGO free on all my Pins!
Room Doodles- 10% off your entire order.
Urban Harmonie- FREE SHIPPING on any purchase in North America and International
Jacaranda Designs- free shipping on orders over $25
Jessica's Creations- 20 % off and free US Shipping
EsThings- 10% off. Just convo it when making the purchase
Uniquely Inspired Creations- free pair of earrings with any purchase!
Zbelle- 10% off
Huggermugger-free shipping
Momma B's Hat House & More- BOGO stocking sale, buy one at full price and get one of equal or lesser value for half price
Bagel Creations- 20% off everything in shop
Piou Piou Kids- free shipping for orders over $50
CassiasKitchen- 15% off any item in my shop and free shipping for orders over $60.00
Three14designs- I am offering free shipping for all orders.

Happy shopping and have a wonderful holiday season from all of us at The Busy Moms Team.

Monday Interview- Meet Shelby with Sweet and Cozy

Check out Shelby's adorable item's at Sweet and Cozy and get to know her a little better...

I am a SAHM with 2 boys ages 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 . I live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada; and I have been married for 8 years to a computer whiz.

My shop is www.sweetandcozy.etsy.com

I make sleep sacks, blankets, baby gift sets, aprons, and stockings and wine bags for Christmas (the last two I have not listed yet).

Some of your favorite things?
Movie- current favorite is Stardust
Color- blue
Food- chocolate