Shrinky Sheets
February 27, 2009 by Lauren · 19 Comments
Any self-respecting child of the 80’s should get a little giddy when they read these next two words:
Shrinky Dinks!
Oh, was there a cooler invention on the planet when you were a kid? You color them, you cut them out, you BAKE them! Artwork was never more fun! Except now it IS and here’s why:
I’ve discovered do-it-yourself BLANK shrinky-dink sheets that will go through your printer! Is anybody else getting slightly light-headed with the creative possibilities that lie in store?
- Print your or your children’s artwork off and turn it into home décor!
- Have hours of fun with your kids making and baking their favorite characters.
- Print your photos off on them and make “mini-me”s out of your relatives and friends.
- Design, print and then create your own embellishments for scrapbooks, note cards, present tops, etc.
- Add a little hole punch before you throw ‘em in the oven and string them up into unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets, backpack tags, gift tags, etc.
- Once made, glue them to rings, headbands, notebooks, magnets, keychains, etc.
Enough said! They’re now called Shrinky Sheets (I’m still partial to “dinks” myself but what are ya gonna do?) and you can hook yourself up for a mere twelve bucks over at The Curiosity Shoppe. And just so you know, it’s required that you rock out to Madonna and/or Bruce Springsteen while working on this GNARLY project.
Written by Lauren of Supermom Central
Wicked Stitches
February 26, 2009 by Emily · 6 Comments
Wicked Stitches is a charming embroidery boutique that creates personalized items for your whole family. You can also shop through their delightful collection of new baby gifts, onesie sets, name towels, totes and blankets.
I recently received my very own custom-made handbag from Wicked Stitches and was absolutely impressed with the knock-out awesome job they did! Just look at the details…such talent.
My Inspiration Lounge
February 26, 2009 by Emily · 4 Comments
Have you heard of this site/resource? It’s called “My Inspiration Lounge” and is a resource for women packed with daily inspiration and information. It’s fun to visit and there are a lot of great site recommendations and tips to discover.
Misty is the girl behind it all and she says that she created it to be an online portal to useful, inspiring websites and articles so women can get on their way to taking action. “Small steps lead to big change when we reignite old passions, discover new ones, be the change, expand our minds and feel engaged.”
Five Giveaways = One Winner = $170 in Prizes
February 25, 2009 by Emily · 1,423 Comments
Contest Update:
*We have a winner!! The randomly chosen winner for this contest is: #598 Becca (you are so lucky Becca!!) - Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated - please stop by again as we have a new contest each week.*
Hopefully you’re ready for more giveaway madness at Little Window Shoppe!! We are mentioning FIVE giveaways today and ONE VERY LUCKY WINNER will win all FIVE Prizes!! And that’s not all - Subscribers can have unlimited entries for this contest and there are more giveaways to come over the next few days! Now, onto the giveaways…
Giveaway #1
About: Eliza Magazine is created for women who want to be stylish and engaged in the world while retaining high standards in dress, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Prize: The winner will receive a 1 Year Subscription to Eliza Magazine!
Giveaway #2
About: Chic Covers specializes in all kinds of cute covers for mamas and babies! You can find everything from car seat covers to handbags.
Prize: The winner will receive this cute Chic Covers Olivia Handbag! Discount: Save 20% when you shop through this link.
Giveaway #3
About: Invitation Jane is a hip and stylish online boutique dedicated to giving you a selection of fresh ideas in customized invitations, stationery and personalized gifts.
Prize: The winner will receive your very own Invitation Jane Custom Stamp and Gift Tag Set!
Giveaway #4
About: Laugh and Learn DVD’s are a comprehensive guide to labor and delivery that is as informative as it is entertaining for all expectant parents.
Prize: The winner will receive a set of three DVDs! Discount: Use code: WindowS for a 20% discount on the ‘Laugh And Learn’ DVDs. (expires 04/2009)
Giveaway #5
About: Cutie and Patootie specializes in trendy, posh apparel for your infant and toddler!
Prize: The winner will receive a Cutie and Patootie Baby Onesie or Toddler T-shirt (your choice)!
Win It:
One VERY Lucky Winner with win ALL FIVE of these Prizes!! Woo!
To Enter:
Please visit these FIVE awesome sites and then leave a comment letting us know that you want to win. This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 8th at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced at this post Monday, March 9th. Good luck, everyone!! (Please feel free to read our contest rules for additional details)
(Optional) For extra entries:
- Are you a Subscriber? Subscribers can enter this contest as many times as you want!! Just let us know you’re subscribed to Little Window Shoppe in each additional comment.
- And (Or) Add this contest to Twitter. Simply let us know about it with your Twitter name in an additional comment.
- And (Or) Add this contest to Stumble Upon. Simply let us know about it with your Stumble Upon name in an additional comment.
- And (Or) Blog about this giveaway. Simply let us know about your blog link in an additional comment.
New York Style Cheesecake
February 24, 2009 by Vanessa · 17 Comments
Cheesecake is my favorite dessert, we served it at my wedding luncheon, but sadly over six years later, I have only had cheesecake two times since.
Personally, I love New York style cheesecake with sour cream, lots of eggs and no citrus zest. The only extra taste I want to add to my cheesecake is chocolate!
Since baking isn’t my forte, I recently purchased Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook and now make delicious baked desserts all the time! This NY Cheesecake recipe is from her cookbook and it is finally the best cheesecake I have ever made or bought! (You can find her book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and many other bookstores).
New York Style Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
- One 9-ounce package chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed (about 2 cups)
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 pounds (six 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs
Directions (refer to pictures 1 & 2):
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Wrap exterior of pan (including base) in a double layer of foil. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Place crushed wafer cookies and 3 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl; stir until well combined. Pour melted butter over cookie mixture and mix until evenly moistened. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until crust is set, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
- (Picture 1) In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 1/4 cups sugar and flour. With mixer on low speed, gradually add sugar mixture to cream cheese; mix until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined; do not over mix.
- Pour cream cheese filling into prepared pan. Set pan inside a large, shallow roasting pan. Carefully ladle boiling water into roasting pan to reach halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake 45 minutes; reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Continue baking until cake is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, about 30 minutes more. Turn off oven; leave cake in oven with door slightly ajar, 1 hour. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cake cool completely. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 6 hours or overnight. Before unmolding, run a knife around the edge of the cake (Picture 2).
I topped it with my extra special, top-secret and yummiest tasting sauce in the whole wide world.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- One 14oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2-3 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
- 2 oz of Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 2-3 Tablespoons of Milk
Directions (refer to pictures 3 & 4):
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan, put over low heat until everything is melted and combined well (Picture 3).
- Drizzle over cheesecake (Picture 4).
Written by Vanessa of I Never Grew Up
Emmie Cakes Giveaway
February 23, 2009 by Emily · 346 Comments
Contest Update:
*We have a winner!! The randomly chosen winner for this contest is: #309 Jan M. - Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated - please stop by again as we have a new contest each week.*
Deliciously Yummy Banners are exactly what you’ll find at Emmie Cakes. They are handmade and simply perfect as decorations for birthdays, special occasions, new baby arrivals, parties and holidays too. Emmie Cakes also takes custom orders!
These banners are made from heavy duty cardstock and pretty patterned paper, all tied together with a variety of coordinating ribbon, yarn and tulle.
Win It:
One lucky Window Shoppe Reader will win an Emmie Cakes banner!
To Enter:
Simply check out Emmie Cakes and leave a quick comment letting me know which banner you would like if you win! This giveaway ends on Monday, March 2nd at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced at this post Tuesday, March 3rd. Good luck, everyone!! (Please feel free to read our contest rules for additional details)
(Optional) For extra entries:
- Are you a Subscriber? Just let us know you’re subscribed to Little Window Shoppe in an additional comment.
- And (Or) Add this contest to Twitter. Simply let us know about it with your Twitter name in an additional comment.
My Little Baby Bug
February 22, 2009 by Emily · 18 Comments
This is my little baby bug. He is quite adventurous and loves the park, even when it’s 30 degrees outside!
And this photo made us laugh because he wouldn’t give up the juice bottle and he was trying to climb up with one hand while holding the bottle in the other. 
Tags-N-Stones Giveaway
February 21, 2009 by Emily · 425 Comments
Contest Update:
*We have a winner!! The randomly chosen winner for this contest is: #284 Hayley - Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated - please stop by again as we have a new contest each week.*
How is your Saturday? Hopefully it’s going well! We’re looking forward to going outside today since the weather is so nice out where I live.
Okay - now onto the giveaway. Since I really like personalized jewelry, Tags-n-Stones is definitely a favorite. This cute shoppe is one I’ve mentioned once before and I’m happy to announce that they’re back with a giveaway! Woo!
This collection consists of personalized, hand-stamped sterling silver and gold-filled tags, with precious stones. You can place these little tags on key chains, necklaces, bracelets or anklets.
Win It:
We are giving away a personalized Tags-n-Stones necklace (a circle tag necklace with stone color of your choice)!
To Enter:
Simply check out the collection and leave a quick comment letting me know the color stone you would like and the name(s) you will add to your tag if you win! This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 1st (can you believe it’s almost March!?) at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced at this post Monday, March 2nd. Good luck, everyone!! (Please feel free to read our contest rules for additional details)
(Optional) For extra entries:
- Are you a Subscriber? Just let us know you’re subscribed to Little Window Shoppe in an additional comment.
- And (Or) Add this contest to Twitter. Simply let us know about it with your Twitter name in an additional comment.
Win a Sunisha Designs Clutch Purse
February 19, 2009 by Emily · 382 Comments
Contest Update:
*We have a winner!! The randomly chosen winner for this contest is: #26 Abby - Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated - please stop by again as we have a new contest each week.*
From work to travel and even trips to the grocery store, Sunisha Designs custom handbag collection is ready to go when you are. This shoppe carries handmade totes, messenger bags and all kinds of cute purses.
Win It:
We are giving away a Sunisha Designs Clutch Purse today. This top-selling handmade item is priced at $45 and comes with a tiny pocket inside for your lipstick. The flower is detachable too.
To Enter:
Simply check out the collection and leave a quick comment letting me know that you want to win! This giveaway ends on Friday, February 27th at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced at this post Saturday, February 28th. Good luck, everyone!! (Please feel free to read our contest rules for additional details)
(Optional) For extra entries:
- Are you a Subscriber? Just let us know you’re subscribed to Little Window Shoppe in an additional comment.
Papers Edge
February 19, 2009 by Vanessa · 5 Comments
Papers Edge fills the void we as parents sometimes have when looking for modern and affordable children’s art. Their limited edition giclee prints are the perfect gift for a new baby and you can use the prints to decorate every room in your home, from the nursery to the family room.
Emily offers custom paper silhouettes that capture your child’s personality and custom family silhouettes too. She is currently working on a custom masterpiece for my family and I cannot wait. She displays love and joy into her art beautifully and every print makes me smile.
Written by Vanessa of I Never Grew Up
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