Energy YUM Bars

Energy YUM Bars

This is my super yummy answer to some popular seed and nut bars. Sweet and nutty and lots of flavor! Great as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, a post workout kick, and pretty much anytime you need a little something! I added raw Maca powder because of its stress reducing, stamina and (libido) busting, and fatigue fighting powers. Chia seed is great for its ability to energize, not to mention its rich in omega fatty acids AND a great source of fiber in general.

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup raw cashews
1/8 cup raw sesame seeds
1/4 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/8 cup raw shelled pistachios
8 dried figs
1 cup dates
1 cup sun dried raisins
2 tsp vanilla
2 T cinnamon
2 T raw maca powder (optional)
1 tsp dried kelp
1/4 cup raw agave (or other liquid sweetener)

Preparation: 

First blend cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pistachios, cinnamon, and kelp for about 10 to 15 seconds, till cashews are about the size of a larg grain of rice. Pour into a medium bowl and set aside. Add remaining ingredients (except the agave) into processor and blend. If mixture turns into a ball before completely chopped, stop, break up ball into a few pieces, then recap and continue to blend. Once mixed thoroughly, pour in dry nut/seed mixture and blend, adding agave a little at a time through the top till mixture is completely mixed. Depending on the ingredients (I like to experiment) you may have to add or subtract a little of the agave. The more agave you add the stickier the bar will be..not a BAD thing, but still messy. The less the agave, the better. I really only add the agave to help in the mixing process, as the fruit is more than sweet enough to compensate by itself. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for you. It is possible to make this without the agave, but will probably work better to chop and blend the two mixes separately and then hand mix in a bowl. Once blended, take a piece of plastic wrap about a foot and a half long or so, and lay down onto a flat surface. Pat mixture into a ball and lay in middle of wrap. place another piece of plastic wrap over ball and pat down. Take a rolling pin and roll out to about a 1/2 an inch thickness, about 12 by 8 inch rectangle . Place in fridge for about an hour or until chilled. Take out and cut into about 14 bars. ( amount of bars depends on how thin you roll it) Place bars in snack bags for a grab and go snack or keep on original plastic wrap. Keep chilled to maximize shelf life, (but if you are like me you'll eat the whole batch in a few days!)
ENJOY!

I also have this recipe posted on Gone Raw here: http://goneraw.com/recipe/energy-yum-bars 

I'm Back!... Ok MOSTLY Back ;D and Brave Girls Camp here I come!

So, finally got my internet back, although I must say DIAL UP was NOT my idea, it was literally the ONLY choice available, and it is only 56K to boot..... but hey I am just grateful I have SOMETHING!   I am on the downhill slide towards having my household organized, (although I probably have at least a few more days to a week to get it ALL done) but man oh man does it feel great to have all this stuff OVER WITH!!! I am also really excited that as a great little "cherry" on top of everything else I will be going to a thing called Brave Girls Camp in a few weeks!! So excited to have a little "me" time after all this working!  Brave Girls Camp is a neat thing I found on another blog about 6 months ago, and had been stewing and brewing up a plan to go ever since.  It is an art/life retreat for women, and I must say it is giving me some MAJOR "pre-Christmas" feeling jitters!   (To learn a bit more about it, check out their website here: http://www.bravegirlsclub.com   it will tell you all the awesome details, except for all the yummy surprises of course! :)   Anyways, glad to be back, hope I can get a little back up to speed, and I hope to get out at least ONE Monday Munchie recipe  before my trip!
Also got a new dress and curled my hair and took a few pictures to mark the moment I actually had time for ME  :)

Thanks for all you patient lovely bloggers, I surely missed every one of you!!!



<3<3Laci<3<3

WARNING: Construction Ahead!

Hey guys so sorry that I have been MIA the last little while, I am in the PAINFULLY slow process of moving out of the place I am in and that  has made it so that I have not been home for long enough to play on the computer.  I expect everything to be going back to normal by the first week in June, I HOPE! Untill then please bear with me cause its all I can do not to pull my hair out with all this moving business! LOL
 Talk to you all soon!

<3<3 Laci <3<3

Lavender Pillow WINNER!

Kays Kreationz won the Autumn Rain Creations giveaway! Congratulations and look out for even more giveaways coming soon!

Thanks to all who participated I really appreciate it!

Saturday Blog Shopper! Price Changes!

Hi, I have decided after much deliberation, discussion, and whatever else, that I would change the prices in my store.  Now my Chain Me Ups will be available for only $10 a piece!!     (I have ONE listing for a LARGE chain me up and that is only $15!)  To celebrate this price change for YOU ONLY I will give you free shipping for this weekend only!!!!  If you have been waiting for this price change then GRAB one before its too late!    I have decided after watching my Chain Me Ups only get sold at a discounted rate that perhaps I was asking too high, and so this is basically my response to popular demand for lower prices.   I want to be fair to my customers as well as myself, and if they will sell at a lower rate then that's fine by me! I want you all to be HAPPY! lol

CODE TO SELLER:  PRICEISRIGHT10

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Check out all the other SBS deals  HERE<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Behind The Curtain: Autumn Rain Creations and a GIVEAWAY!

 I absolutely LOVE the photography in this shop, and the jewelry is just as wonderful!  Check out Autumn Rain Creations wonderful shop HERE!  There is so much to see and absorb you will be definitely be back for more again and again!


What is your craft?

My main craft is Photography Art. I melt into nature and every day life so to speak. I really love capturing things that make me feel good and want to share that with others. I dabble in other crafts too because I love different venues of creativity and I can't help myself. Making jewelry started out as an outlet to unwind my day but I have really enjoy taking vintage items and upcycling them to make something new instead of it being forgotten and thrown away. I also make candles and love to make baby blankets.

What does your workspace look like?

My workspace is under construction at the moment so I don't have a picture but with my photography I consider every area around me as my workspace. I am very picky about having a place for everything though so that is my project this summer to reinvent my workspace area. I have all my photography printed through a Professional Photo Lab.

               ("Ladybug's Journey" click on pic for source)

Explain your creative process.
I have ideas popping up in my mind all day long. I have to write them down so I can go back to it when I am ready to create it. All my photos are spontaneous. That's my best work. I can't think about it too much or it doesn't turn out.


How did you become an photographer? 

I've always had the "Art" part of it ever since I can remember. But it wasn't until I was old enough to buy my own camera that I started producing Photography Art and getting older brought appreciation. Having my family opened my heart and eyes to this colorful and wonderful world and life that I want to capture. Sounds so deep and dramatic but it's the only way I can explain it:)

              ("Thru The Trees"  Click on pic for source)

What skills (any skills, not just crafty ones) do you wish you knew more about?

I wish I had the skill to slow the day down and balance everything better. I also would love to learn to knit or crochet:)I want to make beautiful blankets and baby booties.


What is (or is there) a favorite snack/meal to eat while/before/after photo shoots?

I like to eat soybutter on a spoon and alot of times I make chocolate/fruit smoothies.


What is the best piece of advice you have been given (or have) for successful selling and marketing online?

There is too many to list but I guess the one that sticks out the most is to not sit idle for too long and don't give up. Whether its creating, organizing, brainstorming new ideas or networking online. Keep busy with what you love and good things will come. It doesn't happen overnight for most of us. It takes alot of hard work, time and patience.

                                       ("Desolate" Click on pic for source)


What are your favorite things about selling on etsy/artfire/zibbet ect?

At this time I only sell on Etsy. I love the feel of Etsy. It is right up my alley. I have always loved handmade items and Wow! it's amazing what is created there. I prefer to buy there more than retail stores. It just feels good and the people I meet are so wonderful. I have learned so much and continue to each day.

                ("Upcycled Vintage White and Turquoise Dangle Earrings" Click on pic for source)


What do you hate about selling on etsy/artfire/zibbet ect?

I guess I would have to say there is too much drama at times in the forums. I am not much for that and of course I dislike it when there is 0 in my conversation box LOL. I get excited to hear from anyone on Etsy:)


What are your goals for your shop in 2010?

 Too create, organize, list, and sell MORE!

                                      ("Perched Butterfly"  Click on pic for source)

What is the item you love the best in your shop?

                                             ("sand Angels" Click on pic for source)

My favorite items are the pictures of children.

                       ("Brown and Blue Dangle Earrings Moroccan Treasure" Click on pic for source)

http://www.autumnraincreations.etsy.com
http://www.autumnraincreations.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/autumnraincreations


             Purple Leaves Eye Pillow Pack GIVEAWAY!!!

This lovely purple eye pillow pack is worth $6.50

Eye Pillow Pack filled with Flaxseed and homegrown Lavender. Use cold or hot. Heat in microwave in intervals to achieve gentle moist warmth or store in refrigerator/freezer too cool or help unpuff eyes. Wonderful for a number of aches and pains. Measures 9x3 inches. Made of Cotton Fabric, Flaxseed,and Lavender.

All my hand created items are made and packaged with care in a smoke free home.


The Rules:

Required:   check out autumnraincreations  and tell us what your favorite item is in her shop.


Each of these is worth ONE extra entry:

Follow autumncreations blog: http://www.autumnraincreations.blogspot.com
Follow Zig Zags Blog: http://zigzagsthisandthats.blogspot.com/
Follow autumncreations Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/autumnraincreations
Follow Zig Zags Facebook: Zigzags
Post this giveaway on facebook
Twitter this giveaway

Buy anything from autumnraincreations  and get 5 extra entries!(leave your order number in comment)

GOOD LUCK! 


Giveaway will end on Friday the 14th at around 8:00 pm PST

Monday Munchies: Incredible Crepes

I could eat these ALL. DAY. LONG.  I could eat these with jam, I could eat them with ham, I could even eat them on a tram in Siam!  These are better than pancakes, these are better than waffles, I cannot find words to tell you how wonderful I think crepes are!  (of course I love all the other breakfast foods as well)  but these are so thin, a little egg-y, and sweet enough to eat all by themselves!  What can I say, I must have a little French in me!

Incredible Crepes

3 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
2/3 Cup Milk
1/3 Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1/8 Teaspoon Salt

In Mixing Bowl, beat eggs, add honey or maple syrup, vanilla, butter, and milk.  Beat until well mixed with whisk or electric beater.  Add flour and salt, and beat until batter is the consistency of light cream.  Allow batter to stand for at LEAST an hour or two in fridge.  (OVER NIGHT IS BEST!)   When ready to cook, heat a 6 inch pan or small skillet and oil it.  Pour in about 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the batter (trust me no more that 2 Tablespoons at a time!!) tip the pan immediately and spread batter over entire surface till evenly coated.  Batter will be EXTREMELY thin on the pan.  THIS IS GOOD.  cook crepe until it can shake loose from the bottom of the pan.  Turn and brown lightly on reverse side.  Makes about 14 to 16 crepes.   can be kept for several days in the fridge and up to 4 weeks in the freezer.

  If  you want to go fancy whith these, take some softened cream cheese, whip in some honey, and a little vanilla and lemon juice, and stuff and roll! top with some fresh strawberries and voila! YUMMY dessert!


ENJOY!

Saturday Blog Shoppers: $2 off Any Pincushion!

This weekend I am having a special on all custom and OOAK pincushions in my shop! Convo me with code PIN2   and I will create a special reserved listing just for you!  Don't be shy with ideas either, I dont just do cactuses, I have done an eggplant in the past, (SEE HERE)  and can do just about any type of pincushion you can think of!  

                        My newest creation, a OOAK Sweet Snail!

        This little gal has had a makeover and is ready for ANYTHING!

         This jumbo cactus can double as a centerpiece when not in use!

         This tiny little one is just too adorable for words, and fits in the palm of your hand!



Go ahead and check out all the other wonderful deals back at the Saturday Blog Shoppers page below!

>>>>>>>>>SATURDAY BLOG SHOPPERS<<<<<<<<<<<<<


(also, check out my FIRST Behind The Curtain shop interview below and leave some comment love!)

Behind the Curtain: VARIATION

My very first official Behind The Curtain shop feature highlights the whimsical talents of variation, a lovely shop full of darling little handmade dolls.    Feel free to check it out and show some love!
\

                       handmade spring pin brooch corsage (click on pic for source)

What is your craft?

Little beaded doll pendant/charms made from vintage beads

What does your workspace look like?

Messy-organized. It has a logic of its own.

Explain your creative process.

I am influenced and inspired by anyone or anything that makes me say, "I want to be a part of that!" I've always been inspired by the amazing work I see from many, many artists and designers, past and present, across all mediums. I love work that introduces me to new forms and methods of creating, and I'm inspired by excellent craftsmanship (something I aspire to). Once I am inspired, it's just a matter of experimenting with materials -- trial and error, so to speak.

How did you become an artist?

I don't consider myself an "artist." I'm just someone who has always had crafty hobbies or side-projects.

What skills (any skills, not just crafty ones) do you wish you knew more about?

I wish I had better promotional skills.

                           little handmade doll ornament charm pendant (click on pic for source)

What is your favorite snack/meal to eat while crafting?

I don't eat when crafting. It gets too messy and I don't want to soil the items I'm making to sell. Sometimes I chew gum, if that counts.

What tv show, cd, or movie do you like to watch or listen to while crafting?

I don't own a tv. I do listen to podcasts and sometimes various cds.

                              post card - Bead Doll - original photo (click on pic for source)

What is the best piece of advice you have been given (or have) for successful selling and marketing online?

Contribute to Etsy teams and participate in forums. It's great to network with other sellers -- to share ideas, get feedback, and the occasional sale.

What are your favorite things about selling on etsy?

The whole process. I love making the items, photographing them, listing them, making a sale, interacting with customers and fellow crafters. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of WORK! But there's a lot of satisfaction that comes from it.

Goals for 2010:

Venture into new items to feature in my shop. Probably paper goods.

What is the item you love the best in your shop?

She has a hand-painted face and I crocheted her pony tails.

                                    little handmade doll ornament charm pendant (click on pic for source)

One or two fun random facts about yourself?

I have an identical twin who also likes to create things! ;-)

 ********************************************************

Thanks you so much for allowing my to do this feature on your sweet little shop!  I wish you much success in the future!

Untill next time....

Exciting new things happening soon! :)

Ok, my very first Behind the Curtain shop feature will be posted on Saturday morning! 

We have several great giveaways that will be happening soon too!

In other news, be on the lookout after the 15th, a nice TUTORIAL on a princess castle cake! (daughters b-day and she wants a "princess cake" so that's what I'm gonna do!)


ALSO, Just posted a NEW item in my shop...I know I know its been a WHILE, lol, but i did it! Check it out ! (click the pic to go to the listing!)

Talk to you you soon!

Dandelions............

To The Dandelion.

Bright, wayward flower that coverest all my lawn,
    With the rich hue that blurs the jaundiced eye,
Would I could use thee for a pawn
    At some brave shop whereto the passerby
By triple balls of thine own color's drawn.
    Could I once pledge thee for but just enough
    Of yellow dust, oft called "the stuff,"
I'd think so kindly of thee that, I swear,
Rather than mar thy rest I'd leave thee there.
 
When first I met thee in this Western clime,
    What transports filled ^__ aye, overflowed ^__ my heart:
A friendly face was thine,
    Which to my soul didst unexpected joy impart,
I had not seen thee for so long a time.
    Oh, thou wast dear to me in childhood's days,
    And when in summer's haze
Thy head had lost its gold and all turned white,
I blew thy hair out by the roots, in keen delight.
 
Thy strong, aspiring, hollow stem I split
    And made long ringlets, spirals, odd-shaped wheels^__
For nature put a curl in it.
    So when I found thee, then I cracked my heels
In glee, and down upon the grass did sit
    And gloat upon my treasure. Thou didst call
    Such memories up, that, sure for all
The world, it seemed the wheel of time had slipped,
And thirty years had vanished when it tripped.
 
And so it was I nursed thee tenderly,
    And guarded thee from harm of every kind,^__
Preserved thee for futurity.
    Spring came again; and then my anxious mind
Was gladdened by thy face and progeny.
    O joy! O rapture! All my watchful care
    Bore fruit beyond my dreams; for there,
With full a hundred faces, thou didst smile,
And all my fears for thee didst quick beguile.
 
Another springtime came: thou didst show up
    As usual^__only more, a thousand fold!
Rare happiness o'erflowed my cup-
    It did, indeed I^__But mark me, I do hold
A good thing overdone were best done up!
    Thou overdidst thyself^__that's just thy fix:
    Thy wondrous, thy amazing tricks
Of reproduction were, it seems,
The reason why I took thy leaves for greens,
 
And cut thy legionary head off when in bloom^__
    Did many things which one should take amiss.
But thou tookst gladly, as a boon,
    And throve the more, and seemingly in bliss
At my ill-tempered treatment, called for room,
    More room, yet more in which to spread thyself.
    Now I would swap thee off for pelf,
For of thy charms too prodigal art thou;
Thou'd have the earth with half a chance, I vow.
 
O Dandelion! it grieves me much that thou
    Hast fallen from thy high estate, and come
To what I see thee now^__
    A pest! a first-class nuisance! I 'm dumb:
It almost breaks my heart! My head I bow
    In abject sorrow that thou, a Yankee herb,
    Of whose bright virtues all have heard,
Whose praises have gone forth in noble song,
Shouldst ever have come West and gone so wrong! 
1891

 ^__Frederick J. Atwood .

Blog Features on their WAY!

Getting my shop features set up, I should have them ready to roll by next Tuesday!   I have got some great shops lined up too! 

ON A SIDE NOTE: We just decided to move out closer to our piece of land, so I will be a bit crazy in the next month as we will be moving at the beginning of June.  Don't have a house built yet, but will be working on it as soon as we get out there... meanwhile my MIL is letting us live at her house where we can have 2 bedrooms! (YES!) instead of the one bedroom we are currently stuck in..(and that is with 3 small kids too).  all in all, a bit of a hardship, having to share a kitchen, as well as walking up and down a HUGE hill in the winter cause the cars wont make it in the snow.....BUT we hope it will help us save more money so we can be in our own home soon!  We will still have internet (I wouldn't go without it!), and will have to set up long distance so I can call my mommy, but it will be good. 

Gotta get working on putting some new items up in my shop so ta ta for now!

(and what the heck is it doing sunny and bright outside and SNOWING?????)


<3<3 Laci <3<3

Munchie Monday: Dandy Candy

This is a sweet treat without all the extra junk that most "candies" have.  This is actually a HEALTHY candy :)

Dandy Candy

1 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Better than Milk Powder (Dry Milk Powder Can Be Substituted)
1/2 to 3/4 Cup Honey
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Quick Oats
2 Tablespoons Cup Coconut
2 Tablespoons Wheat Germ
2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder (Optional)


Stir ingredients together in a large bowl till thoroughly mixed.  Take spoonful sized amounts in the palm of your hands and roll into balls.  Place on cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap.  Place in freezer or fridge for 15-20 minutes.   Take out and serve.


Enjoy!


<3<3 Laci <3<3

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My First Craft Fair!

I will be chatting about this a little more later, until then, here are a few pics I took of my table and me :)

Here is me being a total weirdo:

Here is a closeup of my table:

and a few more pics my husband just HAD to take of me...

all in all, a loong few days, and not much to show for it, except for new friends, new contacts, and the awesome opportunities and tips for other popular fairs. (this one was a NEW fair, hence the small crowd)  It was a perfect starting fair and I loved it.

Ad Space For Sale On My Blog!

Thought I would offer a bit of paid advertising here on my blog since it has been getting on so well, if any one is interested simply scroll down a bit and find the "are you in my top spots" ad section and click on a spot! I am offering a 30 day ad for only $5 bucks! we will see how it goes! ( I could sure use the help!)

I am using a widget from this place:

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Have A Website Or Blog? Accept Tips From Your Readers! Let Them Scratch Your Back!

ScratchBack is an online "tipping" system (or as we like to call it, a fancy-schmancy tip jar). It allows you, the blogger, to accept tips and "give back" links* or images* in return on your blog or website.

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Anyways, sounded fun, and easy, so I'm givin' it a try!  I also liked the idea of actually giving something back for "donations", something I don't see a lot.