Featured Freebies for the Week of October 31

Hello and Happy Monday to Everyone!

Here are this week's free digital images or printables found on websites, blogs, or submitted to us from friends and followers:

The Paper Squirrel shares a little witch girl digital image

Little Scraps of Heaven shares a fall crow and a little lady bug digital stamp

Edrian Thomidis shares a free coloring page ghost, tomato,  broccoli, and dancing squirrel

Lost in Paper Scraps shares 3 adorable owl digital images

Paper Dreams of Mine shares Christmas card ideas along with free digital images

That’s all for this week!  Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat

I'd like something sweet to eat

I'll ask nice

I'll ask twice

Trick or Treat

Please, may I have a treat?

Wishing you a safe and Happy Halloween!
Creativity Bugs ~ Sandy and Sue

BESTeam Etsy Finds: October 28, 2011

Come look at some of the great products we found on Etsy this week presented by the Boosting Etsy Shops Team

Iris Blank Greeting Card from Empty on the Inside

Vince and I (that's Vincent Van Gogh to you), we like our irises. Sure, his is a masterpiece that is on the top ten list for most expensive paintings ever sold and mine is just a greeting card. The choice is yours: you can either save up, oh around $82 million for his, or snap up this future top ten masterpiece for only $5.25 plus shipping.

This 5"x7" card (image size approximately 4"x6") is hand-painted on cream-colored cardstock and comes with a matching envelope. Each card is titled and signed by me (Annie). Left "empty on the inside" for your message.

Teal Poly Satin Flower Ruffle Headband with Peacock and White Feather from Chicky D’s

A perfectly sophisticated poly satin flower headband is the perfect accessory for the next photo shoot of your little one! The white ruffled elastic headband fits ages 4-18 months {I can make a custom order to accomodate different ages/sizes}. The teal poly satin flower is made using the "Audrey" pattern from www.snazziedrawers.com and finished with a coordinating peacock and small white feather. 

Green Gray Leather Journal Set from The Orange Windmill

This leather journal gift set has been lovingly handmade by Shirley from The Orange Windmill. These beauties would make a great holiday gift, whether it be for your family, friends, or co-workers. It would also make a fantastic wedding gift!

The Creativity Bugs love the opportunity to promote other artisans including their fellow Estians but especially the BESTeam group. These friendly, talented, and very hardworking individuals work together to promote their shops and help others with marketing, advertising, and tips and tricks for running an online business. If you are a seller on Etsy, have a blog, and either FB or twitter, then you might be interested in joinging the BESTeam: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page. You can find information about the team, as well as apply for membership HERE!

Happy Shopping!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue 

Recipe Friday: Meat Loaf Casserole

Brrr! The temperature sure has changed in the Midwest and the grill has been secured in the shed until next summer. That means it is time to warm up the house and our bodies by making hot comfort foods for dinner using the oven.

The following recipe combines meat and potatoes into a tasty casserole that the whole family will enjoy.

Meat Loaf Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed vegetable soup

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed mushroom soup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups water

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

¾ cup milk

2 cups instant mashed potato flakes or buds

Directions:

• Cook beef and garlic in 10" skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.
• Stir beef, vegetable soup, 1/2 can mushroom soup and Worcestershire in 12 x 8" shallow baking dish.
• Heat remaining soup, water and butter in 2-qt. saucepan over high heat to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in milk. Slowly stir in potatoes. Spoon potatoes around outer edge of casserole.
• Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 min. or until hot.

Happy Friday!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Boo Your Neighbors

This fun Halloween tradition is growing in popularity so be the first to start it in your neighborhood as a way to connect.

Here is how it works, you make up a Halloween goodie bag for a friend or neighbor. You ring their doorbell then leave the goodie bag at their house with a poem and sign that they have been "Boo'd." Kids love to ring and run. The neighbor is supposed to reciprocate and "Boo" someone else on your block.

What is Halloween Boo-ing?

Booing someone is a fun way to kick start the Halloween spirit and interact with friends and neighbors. The idea behind the Boo is that you gift a basket of Halloween treats for a neighbor and then they do the same for another neighbor. Hopefully it will spread around the neighborhood so that everyone gets a basket. I’m sure Boo-ing will be new to some people so to keep the chain going, Boo one or two neighbors to start or when you reciprocate.

How to Boo a Neighbor

1. Have the kids help you put together your Boo Basket filled with Halloween treats.

2. Write a mysterious note encouraging everyone to keep the chain going, or download and print out one of these adorable designed Boo Poems from KeepingLifeCreative.com, TomKat Studios, SkiptoMyLou.org, or BeenBooed.com to include in the basket.

3. Download and print off a “We’ve Been Boo’d” sign to put in the basket such as the ones from KeepingLifeCreative.com,  Amanda Parker and Family Blog, or TomKat Studios.

4. Pick a neighbor to Boo, leave the basket on their doorstep, ring their doorbell, and run. (The kids LOVE this part.)

5. Once you have been Boo’d, make sure you put your sign on the door to let all of your neighbors know, so you don’t get hit multiple times.

If you have a fun neighborhood and everyone participates, you’ll see Boo signs on all the doors in the neighborhood!

What to Put in the Boo Basket?

Basically, anything goes. Usually, the goodie basket will include some Halloween treats for the kids or the whole family, a “We’ve Been Boo’d” sign, as well as a mysterious note or Boo poem. The note or Boo poem should explain the tradition of Boo-ing and how the Boo “victim” now needs to reciprocate and Boo someone else.

I’ve seen suggestions for small toys for kids, Halloween hand towels, a Halloween decorating magazine for Mom, an inexpensive Halloween decoration or mug, and Halloween drawings that the kids have done.

Don’t wait for someone else to begin the Boo! Get your neighborhood started and Boo someone this weekend. 

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Creativity Bugs ~ Sandy and Sue

BESTeam Etsy Finds: October 21, 2011

Come look at some of the great products we found on Etsy this week presented by the Boosting Etsy Shops Team.

Boogie Woogie bugle bow from Knitful Dezigns

Inspired by the Andrew sisters themselves! This is a perfect gift for you or your retro loving friend... This headband is in many shades of pink but can be custom made in any color or size you wish.

Glass Necklace with matching earrings from Las Flores Del Sur

If you want to get noticed then this is the necklace for you!  A very attractive bunch of red glass beads in one piece, ideal for wearing in a special occasion. The necklace completes with a matching pair of earrings.

Midnight Remembrance Silver Cross, Onyx, and Brecciate Jasper Necklace from CK Silver

This necklace is a beautiful combination of red brecciate jasper, black onyx, and sterling silver. It features a beautiful sterling silver cross wire-wrapped for strength and beauty on a 35mm brecciate jasper pendant.

Andalusite, Rutilated Quartz Gemstone, Autumn, Vintaj Brass Chain Bracelet from Headpin Wear

Distinguished Rutilated Quartz Cubes and color changing Andalusite Rondelles were incorporated together to create this earthy and natural styled bracelet. Combined with these alluring Gemstones is a Vintaj “Peanut Style” Brass Chain. This bracelet closes with a Vintaj Brass Lobster Clasp. 

The Creativity Bugs love the opportunity to promote other artisans including their fellow Estians but especially the BESTeam group. These friendly, talented, and very hardworking individuals work together to promote their shops and help others with marketing, advertising, and tips and tricks for running an online business. If you are a seller on Etsy, have a blog, and either FB or twitter, then you might be interested in joinging the BESTeam: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page. You can find information about the team, as well as apply for membership HERE!

Happy Shopping!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue 

Recipe Friday: Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Now that the cooler weather is upon us, it is a great time to heat up the oven and try out new tasty casseroles.

This cheesy chicken casserole is easy to make and uses a few staple items from the pantry. Serve it with a tossed salad, side of brocolli or green beans, and some fresh crusty bread with butter.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

Vegetable cooking spray

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup  sliced fresh mushroom (about 3 ounces)

1 can  (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup or Cream of Brocolli Soup

1 can  (about 15 ounces) peas, drained

2 cups  cooked instant white rice

1 can  (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

2 cups  shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a 10-inch skillet with the cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook for 15 minutes or until well browned and cooked through, stirring often.

Spray a 3-quart shallow baking dish with the cooking spray. Place the chicken into the baking dish. Top with the mushrooms. Spoon the celery soup over the mushrooms. Top with the peas and rice. Spoon the mushroom soup over the rice. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.

Happy Eating!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Recipe Friday: Undone Stuffed Peppers

I love stuffed green peppers, but don’t always have the time for the preparation. Luckily I found this great recipe for Undone Stuffed Peppers that is quick to make and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Undone Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

2   green peppers, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups  cooked long-grain white rice

1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1-1/2 cups  KRAFT Shredded Italian* Five Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Brown meat with peppers and garlic in large skillet; drain.
• Stir in rice, spaghetti sauce, and ¾ cup cheese.
• Spoon into 2-quart casserole and top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 25 minutes or until heated through.
• Serve with a tossed salad and crusty bread.

Happy Eating!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Featured Freebies for the Week of October 10th

Hello and Happy Monday to Everyone!

Here are this week's free digital images or printables found on websites, blogs, or submitted to us from friends and followers:

Cuddly Buddly is doing an image clearout and offering dozens of free images

Articrafts by Rebecca has a Trick or Treat digital image and a few Halloween circle stamps

Beyond the Fringe is sharing a candle holiday image, branches, and a few holiday sentiments.

Michelle Perkett Studios shares an autumn image, fly away witch, cute pups, and Halloween greeting.

That’s all for this week!  Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Recipe Friday: Lasagna Bake for Two

I love lasagna, but since there is only me in the household I hate to make a full pan with lots of leftovers. When I discovered this recipe for lasagna for two, I knew I found a winner.

Lasagna Bake for Two

Ingredients:

2 lasagna noodles, uncooked

1/2 lb.  extra-lean ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 clove  garlic, minced

1 cup undrained canned diced tomatoes (about 2/3 of 14.5-oz. can)

2 Tbsp.  PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread

4 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup  KRAFT Finely Shredded Italian* Five Cheese Blend, divided

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees
• Cook noodles as directed on package, omitting salt.
• In a large skillet, brown meat with onions and garlic.
• Add tomatoes and cream cheese spread; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until cream cheese is melted and mixture comes to a boil.
• Add spinach; cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat, add ¼ cup shredded cheese; stir until melted.
• Drain noodles. Spoon 1/3 cup spinach mixture into each of 2 (2 cup) ramekins; top with noodle, letting excess noodle extend over rim of ramekin. Top each with 1/3 cup spinach mixture; fold noodle back over dish to cover filling. Repeat until all filling is folded between noodle layers; top with remaining shredded cheese.
• Bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving
• Serving with a tossed salad and crusty Italian bread.

Happy eating!

Creativity Bug~ Sue

Apple Desserts

It is apple picking season here in the midwest and there is nothing better than yummy desserts made from this delicious fruit.

Many of these recipes are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and will be loved by all members of the family.

Easy Caramel Apple Bars

Ingredients:

½ cup cold butter

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix

1 egg

1 cup finely chopped peeled apple

¾ cup caramel topping

¼ cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.

In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix using fork or pastry blender. Stir in egg until mixture is crumbly.

Reserve 1 1/2 cups cookie mixture. Press remaining cookie mixture into bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle apple evenly over crust. In small bowl, mix caramel topping and flour; drizzle over apples. Sprinkle reserved cookie mixture over apples.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

4 medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups)

¾ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

½ cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.

Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.

Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Apple Cinnamon Fritters

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for deep frying

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix

½ cup cold water

1 egg

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large unpeeled Granny Smith apple, chopped (about 1 3/4 cups)

¼ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

In deep fryer or 4-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil to 350°F.

In large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, water, egg, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Fold in apple. Working in batches, drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, or until golden brown. Use a metal slotted spoon to remove fritters from oil; drain on paper towels.

Before serving, sprinkle fritters with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Featured Freebies for the Week of October 3rd

Hello and Happy Monday to Everyone!

Here are this week's free digital images or printables found on websites, blogs, or submitted to us from friends and followers:

Pink Gem Designs is getting ready for winter by sharing a snowman digital image

ArtiCrafts by Rebecca is all set for Halloween and shares 3 Halloween Circle digital stamps

Beyond the Fringe is getting batty! Carmen shares a bat fold image for cards or other paper crafts.

Cuddly Buddly is doing an image clearout and offering dozens of free images

The Paper Squirrel shares a trio of pumpkins digital image

SJ’s Little Musings shares an owl delivering a present digital image perfect for a birthday card

That’s all for this week!  Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue