Saturday Steals

1. Hazelnut Chocolate Sandwich Cookies by whimsyandspice - $9

2. iPod Sock in Yellow and Orange by KnitStorm - $13

3. Wildflower Felted Brooch by fleurfatale - $15

4. Creme Brulee Sugar Soap by savor - $5.25

5. Zoe Earrings by RoseLake - $12

6. Japanese Star Moss Shirt by Xenotees - SALE $15

7. Little Lily in Grey by Jujie - $18

8. Pomegranate 5x7 print by fioretta - $8

February Name Game Vote!

It just gets harder and harder everytime to narrow down the entries. This time I had 169 remarkably creative names and I want to thank everyone who entered! But I couldn't do it, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't pick five. So... we have seven this time!

Please vote for your favorite name from the choices below. 

You may only vote one time but you can ask others to stop by and vote for you, too!

The voting will be open until Monday morning at 9 am. 

The results will be kept secret until I announce the winner that afternoon. This piece will then be for sale in my shop when I return after closing next week.

Here are some of my other favorite entries:

Abanico Azul (Blue Fan)
Azure Allure
Blue Moon Twilight

Byzantium Bloom
Casablanca Bloom
Eclipse De Bleu

Garden Eclipse
Inara (Daughter of the Storm God and Serenity character)

Mediterranean Sky
Neela (Indian/Sanskrit meaning blue)
Persian Moonflower
Skylily Serenade
The Jane Necklace

Thanks again to everyone who entered and for stopping back to vote. The next Name Game starts March 16!

Be Charmed, Bee Charmer

79 votes are in and these new bees have a name - Bee Charmer! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to vote and congratulations to Erika who came up with this winning name. I know she will feel like quite the bee charmer when she sports her new earrings!

Since I'll be closing shop next week, these new earrings will be up for sale when I return. And since I seem to have a bit of a bee obsession right now - I still have one or two more pairs coming!

Giveaway Winner {and free shipping!}

Pink Grapefruit Vegan Soap $5

Thanks to everyone who entered the Long Winter Farm Giveaway and for all the awesome suggestions! Amanda already has some new scents and products available in her shop and informs that she has many more of your suggestions on the drying rack right now! You can keep up to date with new products and send suggestions anytime on her blog. Now, onto the best part, the giveaway winner and a great special for everyone else!

Congratulations to Raven from California! She loves lemon and freesia and gets to pick three soaps and one lip balm from Long Winter Farm. Raven also has a lovely etsy shop of her own which you can checkout here.

Amanda is also offering FREE SHIPPING through the weekend when you mention this blog post at checkout so it's perfect time to try out a product or two and help Amanda reach her goal of making the world a cleaner, better smelling place! I recommend any of her trial size or sample sets for a nice variety and a little extra savings, and of course a lip balm or two.

Basil Lemongrass Goats Milk Soap $5

In my Spare Time....

... I like to take pictures. Of anything, anywhere. But since 'spare time' doesn't exist in my vocabulary anymore, starting March 1, I am pledging to take part in Project 365 - taking a photo a day for one year. If I make the commitment to myself, I will stick with it and keep my camera on hand. Not only will it be cool to look back on one year in pictures, but it will also help me keep my photography skills up to par and learn my new camera (when I get it).

Chances are I will end up taking more than one photo a day, but that's even better. While most of them will likely be simple snapshots of something random, I hope to find at least a little time to capture some nice ones as well. I will be posting them to my flickr page and will share my favorites with you. In the meantime, here are some I love that I've taken through the recent years. I think my preferred subject matter is apparent...

Magnolia, Duke Gardens, Durham NC

Some river somewhere in Georgia

Flamingo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Some bridge somewhere in Georgia

Hydrangea, Duke Gardens, Durham NC

Some little critter somewhere in Georgia

Tigers, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Lotus, Holden Arboretum, Willoughy OH

Foxfire, Georgia

Red Panda, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Style Swap: Decor

This week's Style Staple is the fine art print Bunny No. 1 by the amazing photographer, Sharon Montrose. The simplicity of her setting is what makes her pieces so striking. A piece like this is perfect for style swap because as you will see below, it could easily decorate a classy sitting room or make a darling accent in a child's room.

Style Staple: Bunny No. 1 by Sharon Montrose $25

1. One Twig Vintage Shelf from silocurb $32.50

2. Kapok Cushion by enhabiten $35

3. Glow Bowls, strand of 5 by oneblackbird $68

Style Staple: Bunny No. 1 by Sharon Montrose $25

1. Sleep Tight Chandelier in a Box by talkottown $28

2. Custom 3 Piece Crib Bedding Set by hushbabyco $215

3. Shy print by amberalexander $18

Spotlight: Long Winter Farm

Milky Tea Goat Milk Soap $5

Amanda Nolan is a 27 year old mama of two who also shares her life with sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, ducks, kitties, puppies and all things crafty! But of all her hobbies, soaping leads the pack, and you can definitely tell she has a passion for what she does. All of her soaps are made using the cold process method, which in detail is very technical (read more here!) but in the end means you get a better bar of soap that is good for you and the environment.

Read on to learn more about Amanda, her plans for worldwide pit stink elimination and enter to win some of her products!

Fig Tea and Cucumber Goat Milk Soap $5

Where do you hail from and currently live?
I was born and raised on Long Island, and yes I still have an accent sometimes (when I get super excited or start hating on New England "pizza") even after living nine long years on the coast of Maine. Brr, ayuh!

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
About a year and a half.

Do you sell on Etsy full time or do you have a day job?
Well, by the amount of hours I spend between soap and Etsy (do treasuries count?) I guess you could say that I'm technically full time, but I still keep my day job as a mama. I know, cheesy, but it's crazy hard work keeping two toddlers alive and intact!

Five Favorite Etsy Shops
Ohdear. Five? Ohdear.
Xenotees
mothdesigns
bluebirdbaby
geninne
teaforallreasons

Three Full Sized Bars of Soap $13

Favorite item you have bought off Etsy
Probably my Naima Tote from mothdesigns

What inspires you?
BO? Hehe. I think scent memories inspire me the most. When someone tells me that violet soap reminds them of their grandmother's sweater or closes their eyes to remember games of tag under their mother's clothesline, I giggle a little on the insides.

What do you like least about your craft?
Big tie between lining my soap molds with parchment paper which is an every day thing, or having to smell anise which is a once every other month thing. I guess things could be worse...

Lavender Honey Lip Balm $3

What is your favorite farm animal?
Goats! They're like dogs with hooves and less drool. I even make out with mine! It's purely professional, I promise. Wait, ew...

Where is the coolest place you have ever been?
Bartolome Island, in the Galapagos. I mean obviously the Galapagos in general was incredible, even being in Ecuador gave me butterflies...but seeing Pinnacle Rock at dawn was the closest I've ever come to being religious. Ironic, no?

What is the stupidest thing you have ever done?
Today? Forgot to label my bulk bags at the grocery store. This year? Forgot to scent a batch of soap until after it was poured. While hosting a workshop. Of all time? Definitely the ex husband! :P

Lily of the Valley Vegan Soap $5

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Feta, tuna, raw milk, spinach, wraps... You get the idea, I'm a crunchy organic hippie. ;)

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Definitely want to be able to see the future. I have colossally poor decision making skills, so it would be nice if I could touch street food/a guys arm and be able to tell instantly if I was going to die of the plague/get my heart broken before proceeding. That or breathing underwater, whichever.

What makes you angry?
People who don't use coasters. WHYY??

What do you have planned for longwinterfarm in the future?
It's my dream to eliminate world pit stink. But, ya know, I'll be happy wherever the bubbles take me!

Giveaway Time!

Amanda is offering up three soaps and a lip balm of your choice to one lucky winner! You know, so she can be one step closer to her future plans of worldwide pit stink elimination.

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing some new scents and/or products you would like to see in Amanda's shop along with your first name -and- etsy username or email address. You can leave one comment per day for a total of 3 entries. You must include your contact information with each entry or it will not be included.

2. Write about this Spotlight & giveaway on your blog and leave a link in the comments below for an additional 10 entries. 

You have until 9 am on Friday, February 27 to enter and I will announce the winner on Friday afternoon. 

Thanks and good luck!

Five New Bracelets!

I'll be listing these in my shop soon but feel free to contact me if you see one you like! All are one of a kind except Glam - which I have four of. See more pics on my flicker page here.

Raspberry Seafoam Brass Toggle Bracelet (SOLD)

Glam Gunmetal Toggle Bracelet (2 left)

Mossy Ground Brass Toggle Bracelet (SOLD)

Rusty Earth Brass Toggle Bracelet (SOLD)

Watermelon Rind Silver Toggle Bracelet

New Bees Need a Name!

As I mentioned after the January Name Game, I have more bee earrings that need a name and since there were so many great suggestions for the first pair, I'm selecting my faves from the January Name Game entries for a new vote to name these!

Please choose your favorite name from the choices below. You may only vote one time but you can ask friends and family to vote, too!

The voting will be open until this Friday at 9am and I will announce the winner that afternoon. The person who entered the winning name will get their choice of these new earrings or the Secret Life of Bees earrings from the January Name Game.

Sunday Steals

I'm having so much fun with this weekend shopping that starting next week, I will feature steals -and- splurges! Check in every weekend for Saturday Steals and Sunday Splurges and enjoy shopping these awesome deals today.

1. Round Corner Zipper Pouch by foil - $17

2. Float on Seeds 5x7 Print by michelemaule - $10

3. Tree of Life T-shirt by isotope - $18

4. Lime Honeycomb Bamboo Pendant by Gazzu - $7.75

5. Skinny Brown Tube Vase by botanicraft - $6

6. Mini Art Buttons by annarubyking - $7

7. Blooming Tweed Brooch by allthesethings - $12

8. Turquoise Drop Earrings by CharmantShop - $6

Do you have a great steal or splurge in your shop or that you 

have found on Etsy? Email it to me! > shopping@lillyella.com.

February Resolution Purchase

As it usually goes with new year's resolutions, I have not been sticking to mine. Well, not the ones that aren't fun anyways - like sleeping more and losing 10 lbs. I have, however, not had any trouble at all sticking with one - my resolution to buy myself one item from Etsy each month.

It is a perfect day for me to share my February resolution purchase with you as everything is once again covered with snow after a few 'warm' days (warm meaning about 40° by Cleveland standards).

February Resolution Purchase:

Buttercup Alpaca Neckwarmer by Phydeaux

Not only does Brenda of Phydeaux have a great eye for color and texture, but she is super sweet and I'm thrilled to finally wear one of her creations. I've never felt alpaca before and it is amazing! She knitted this piece up in my favorite color just for me but is now also offering it in her shop. I also really love her new Peonies Scarf (look at that yarn!) and the Soft Leaf Scarflette.

Here are some more of my favorite cold weather wearables from other talented Etsy sellers:

Fragipani Scarf by artish - $55

The Moving Forward Scarf by fray - $82

Marie Antoinette Scarf by adorkable - $31

Winter Scarflette by PinkPurl - $25

Toasty Super Duper Cowl by teawithtoast - $60

All Tied Up Neck Cozy by lushpdx - $38

Fashion Style Swap: The Ruffle Top

New blog series - Style Swap! Every Wednesday I will pick one awesome style staple - be it a fabulous top, a piece of artwork, etc - and pair it with two sets of items in different styles to create an outfit or decorate a room.

Ruffle Ruffle Bow by replicca $46

Our first Style Staple is this amazing Ruffle Ruffle Bow Top by replicca. I see awesome versatility in it and below are just two ways to dress it up for work or play with other great Etsy finds!

Style Staple: Ruffle Ruffle Bow by replicca - $46

1. Graffiti Garden Earrings by leavesofglass - $32

2. Sweet Leaves Zipper Pouch by charmdesign - $32

3. Vintage Purple Suede Shoes from erstwhilevintage - $12

Style Staple: Ruffle Ruffle Bow by replicca - $46

1. Pink Pods Silk-Lined Clutch by redrubyrose - $75

2. Long Forest Necklace by stephaniegibson - $48

3. Vintage Brown Knee Skirt from thisyearsmodel - $20

Handmade Tag Winners

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to get in on Handmade Tag! Since I hate picking winners and like even numbers - I drew four names instead of three - and here they are...

1. Pearlswirl - shop |  blog

2. MyIssaG's Crochet - shop | blog

3. Skylark Dawn - shop | blog

4. Roxana Illuminated Perfume - shop | blog

These ladies win a handmade gift set from me and must now continue the Handmade Tag on their blogs. I included links above for anyone who wants to keep an eye out for their tag posts and get in on the fun!

Stop back later today for a fun new blog series!

In the Kitchen: Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo

The base sauce for this meal is easy and versatile. I make it with chicken, mushrooms and spinach but it is also delicious without or you can add any vegetables you like. I serve it over cheese tortellini but it is good on any pasta or even grilled chicken or fish. This recipe will easily serve 4 people or 2 people twice and you will find a link to a printable recipe card at the end of the post.

Prep time: 15 min  |  Cook time: 15 min  | Serves 4

What you'll need:

16 oz jar roasted red peppers in oil (1/4 cup used in recipe)

skinless boneless chicken, 3-4 tenderloins or 1-2 breasts

6-10 mushrooms

2/3 cup spinach, fresh or frozen

16 oz jar alfredo sauce

grated parmesan cheese (in a shaker is fine)

onion powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper

1 package cheese tortellini

The first step is to prepare the red peppers. Drain the oil from the 

jar and puree the peppers in a food processor or blender.

Once pureed, pour back into the jar for storing. You will only use a small amount each time you make this sauce so one jar will last for several meals (which also makes it easier next time!). It stores well in the refrigerator.

I always cook with chicken tenderloins which we buy in bulk - they are inexpensive and easy to use. You can also use breasts. I use 3-4 tenderloins for this meal but you can use as much or as little as you wish depending on how many you are feeding. I also like a lot of mushrooms.

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and saute in a deep skillet. Season with onion and garlic powder and a little salt and pepper. 

For the amount of chicken I use, about 1/8 to 1/4 tsp is good. 

When the chicken is almost done, add the mushrooms and saute until cooked through.

Next, push the mixture to the sides and add a bit of margarine to the center of the pan. Add the spinach and saute until cooked through. I use frozen spinach but fresh works as well. 

Pour in the alfredo sauce and mix well. We like a little more sauce so I add 1/4 cup milk to the empty alfredo jar, shake well and pour into pan along with a few shakes of parmesan cheese.

Next add about 1/4 cup of the pureed red peppers to the sauce. You can use more or less depending on taste. Mix well and heat through.

Serve over cheese tortellini with garlic bread and enjoy!

> Click here for a printable recipe card.