Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thanksgiving Confession

Yes, I want to confess...

We were all excited about Thanksgiving meal. David loves to cook and he is always in charge of any Holiday meal. This time was no different. He made a list, did grocery shopping, took turkey out of freezer and put it in our fridge. Thursday morning I took turkey out to spice it up and cook but ... it was hard as a rock. We were in deep trouble... We needed a bird fast... The only place that was open was Walmart. We ran there but every turkey was frozen... we decided to buy a large 8 lb chicken... It was cooked. We had homemade stuffing, mashed potato, mashed sweet potato, corn casserole, corn bread, pumpkin bread, gravy, pumpkin cheese cake, you name it, we had it. So, we decided that we were to call our Thanksgiving chicken "THE BIRD".  So... the Bird was served, it was golden brown and juicy and was well received. 

Conclusion: Thank you Walmart for making our Thanksgiving possible!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Trip to Niagara

Many of you already know that David (dh) and I went to Niagara-on-the-Lake in October. We like to go there for 4-5 days so we can spend time just for us. No agenda, no plans. We go to the Welland Canal, watch one of the drawbridges open and close, watch Lift Bridge going up and down (see pic below), watch ship go through the lock.

this Lift Bridge lifts the road for ships, WOW!

















Here is the Falls - view from Rainbow Bridge
 





Also, we went to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" that was played as a part of Shaw Festival.

And ... everything would be great ... however I was sad. This is why: after all our luggage was placed in the car, David set me down and told me that he was told by his family doc that he had a lump on his thyroid. I was not sure if I wanted to go but he was looking forward to the trip so we went.

Upon our return, he had blood test and ultrasound. Both tests were negative! Woo Hoo!

I went from this








to this:

Thanks for reading and commenting!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A glance at what you may find at a Russian Grocery Store

How many of you, my team friends, shopped Russian Grocery Store? Not many? Well, I am going to give you a short tour.

Last week I went to Baltimore, MD area to shop for some Russian goodies and here are some of them:


Buckwheat is very healthy for you. As I am writing this, my hubby is making meatloaf with buckwheat mixed in it. He is trying this for the first time. Will see if we like that.
















Some sweets are a must! hehehe!









Marinated mixed mushrooms! I added chopped onion and olive oil.



Dinner is ready. I'll be right back.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

My attempt to alter one old Russian recipe

I like these Russian cheese cakes. Here is the list of ingredients:
  • ·         500 gr of Farmer’s cheese (has to be fine paste so grind cheese in meat grinder)
  • ·         1 egg
  • ·         3 Table spoons of sugar
  • ·         Vanilla, salt and lemon zest (to taste)
  • ·         All Purpose Flour 
  •       Butter

They have a shape of pancakes or hamburgers; the only difference is that they are made out of Farmer’s cheese. I try to avoid consuming sugar, white bread, white rice, white everything… due to being pre-diabetic. According to my doctor, I can eat anything I want in what I call “mild” quantities in one sitting (does that mean I can have many sittings per day? How many?). Mild is good… however I like chocolate and good fat creamy ice-cream. As much as I can, I try to use sugar substitute, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat flour, etc.  Yesterday I made an attempt to alter this old Russian recipe and here what I got:
  • ·         1 Lb of Ricotta cheese (already fine paste)
  • ·         1 Egg
  • ·         1 Tb spoon of sweet and low
  • ·         Vanilla, salt and lime
  • ·         Whole wheat flour
  • ·         Olive oil
              
        1. Mix all ingredients. Add enough flour so the mix doesn’t stick to your hands.
       2.  Place some flour on the flat surface (I use a HUGE butcher’s board).
       3.    Spoon cheese mix into that flour, roll in your hands and form a pancake shape.    

        4.     Heat some butter (I used olive oil) on your frying pan.
        5.   Place cheese cakes and fry on medium until golden brown.

        6.       Serve warm. Sprinkle with powdered sugar (sugar substitute). Sour cream on the side.

I like them with pancake syrup but I use organic blue agave (a low glycemic organic sweetener).

Do you want to know if it tasted the same as the original recipe? It was not bad but NOPE, not the same. I am willing to sacrifice for some real chocolate and ice-cream !!!

P.S. There something special about August 17. 22 years ago I came to this wonderful country, which gave me so much! YEY to my 22!!!




Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Teamwide Huge Sale by PromoFrenzy Team

The best Team ever runs a very special sale this month. This is a truly great time to do your holiday shopping, my friends. Discounts are great! The items are all handmade and each of the artisans takes a great pride in their product and stays behind the quality.
 To find items that are offered by the Team members, go to Etsy and search for promofenzyteam. There are over 4,000 items made with love. Happy shopping!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Care for Pearls




I do not know about you but I am a huge pearl lover. I have a color coordinating pearl jewelry set for just about every outfit in my closet. Today I decided to share with you some “care for pearls” tips.

According to Woman’s Day Magazine: 
  • ·        store pearls in a cotton bag – never plastic – separate from other jewelry.
  • ·        Wipe them off with a dry cotton cloth after wearing.
  • ·        To ensure that pearls stay lustrous, think outside the jewelry box: wearing them regularly will keep them polished, thanks to your body’s natural oils.

This is what Silpada Designs recommends:

If pearls become visibly dirty, dilute a teaspoon of Woolite in a quart of water. Immerse your pearls for 10 to 15 seconds, dab them with a soft cotton cloth and lay them flat to dry.

I hope you learned something new from my blog.

Thanks and have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A picture is worth a thousand words!


Wordless Wednesday, Hmmmm... I like it. It is right up to my alley!

Please tell me what do you think I captured in those pics. Do not spend too much time, just give me your best guess.

Have FUN!

Thanks,
Inessa





Friday, June 24, 2011

Promotional Frenzy Team is in Contest!

I am a member of the Promotional Frenzy Team on Etsy. The team entered a contest to win a $450 advertizing package offered by www.HandmadeTop10.com. Please click on the orange box below, vote "10" for each item.



On the left hand side, you’ll see Facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon, and Digg buttons. Please like our team page on Facebook, tweet about the contest, stumble the page, and digg it!

Help us PLEASE!

Hugs.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Dilema... Dilema... ?? ??? ????

My dear teammates,

For about 6 mo. I have a small quantity of my jewels at a newly opened nail & electrolysis place.The place is open on demand, maybe 2 days a week and the owner is still working for someone else.  Last week I went there to talk to the owner about the feedback she gets from her clients on my jewels. Here is what she said, quote: "People want bling. I went to New York and to Chinatown. I brought back bling bangle bracelets. Three days later they were all gone. I sold them for $25. Too bad I did not bring more."

I explained to her that I do not make that style of jewelry, which she knew what I made as I showed my work to her when we first met.
Sterling Silver Bracelet
 
Now, I need your opinion.

1. Should I just get out of there since this is not my target market?
OR
2. Should I start making bling?

I like bling sometimes! I just do not make bling.
I believe I know what I want to do but it would be great to hear your thoughts.


Thanks a lot for your input.

Bling Bracelet


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Feedback

It is hard to buy an item when you can not try it on or touch it. That is why I am always worried if my buyer will like the item purchased. Today, I want to thank you all my buyers for trusting to purchase from me and want to share some of their feed-backs:
  • thanks so much, love my purchase!!
  • Great cuff and lots of textures that I like very much! Wonderfully comfortable and easy to put on. I like the folded metal! Very nice artist and very talented!
  • Great job on the bracelet. Just what I wanted! Thanks!
I do not have that many of sold items so I cherish every positive feedback.

THANK YOU!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58337690@N05/

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Shortest Blog Post Ever!

Well, this is my official announcement:
Prittyfy=iaFlowerPower 
We are not naughty twins, we are not twins at all. No split personalities here either. One Inessa with two Etsy shops.  WooHooo!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Prittyfy?ref=si_shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/iaFlowerPower?ref=si_shop

Cocoon made for baby Bella May
Shield Style Necklace










  

P.S. Do not tell Galla but that is all her fault. She said "open a second shop". See what a confusion!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

My 5 cents on Latest Changes.

Today I decided to put my 5 cents in about the newest changes in PFT (Promo Frenzy Team). I read treads and noticed that some of us jumped the guns. Could I ask you, please hold your horses?! 

It appears that some of the members expressed their concerns in two areas:
1.      Blog (min. requirement is to keep the list of shops current)
2.      Joining treasury teams (that have no requirements) 

1. I do have a blog page but …as you may know, I hardly blog. I just have no time to blog on the regular basis (in addition to my personal situation, I need much more time to put a post because of my English). In accordance with the newest changes, each of us got to have a blog page and at a minimum got to maintain the shop list. You are not obligated to blog, JUST TO MAINTAIN THE LIST. Here, I am guilty; I neglected to do that but will update the list because it is important to have those back links. If I commit 30 min a week, I can do it. Think about it… maybe YOU could do it, too.

2. Treasuries… In the past, I made one treasury a month. I really wanted to make more. I jointed TPT, PUNKS and C&C prior to all the latest announcements.  Those teams have no requirements rather than click and comment on 10 or 15 treasuries posted before yours. One round takes me 10 to 15 minutes. My problem is time of the day I am available to release a treasury. When I am around, most of you are not. I took a chance, made my last two and sent them out. My last Sun. night (7 pm) treasury made to #4 on pg. 1!!! Not bad at all! Just think, maybe you are unable to make a treasury but maybe YOU could take someone else’s treasury for a round to those treasury teams. One round, 10 to 15 min…. Could you?

Please correct me if I am wrong, 10 to 15 min. once a week, that is all that required. Not too bad. If you do not have that 10 to 15 min. time, join those teams just in case you find time someday. In the meantime, pick other activity to meet 2 a week.

I am sad that some of the great shops decided to leave. Please take a minute, take another look… Rather than seeing the reasons to leave, you may be able to see the reasons to stay. 

I hope I make sense and whatever decision you make, good luck to you and keep in touch!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

My Girls

Miriam
Fe-Fe
Katerina
Today I'd like you to meet our 3 girls Fe-Fe, Miriam and Katerina.

Fe-Fe is a Persian who we originally named Snowball. She came from an abusive situation about 7 years ago.  She was so skinny, she looked like a hot-dog. She spent days under the bed. It took her months to trust us. She is quiet a princess, a very smart princess. She talks to us and she is not shy to let us know what she wants and what she doesn't want. When we got to know her better, she got a nick name Fe-Fe, which is a variation of Russian "Fee-Fah" for "I'm too sexy for my hat, too sexyyyyy...". You know that song, right? She says that it is so hard to be beautiful.

Miriam was rescued, too. She was scheduled for euthanasia and they thought we were crazy for wanting her because she was not eating/drinking/waking, etc. That was 6 years ago and she is still with us. She is a senior citizen and has colitis so we watch her diet. She is a lovely, very social girl, always sleeps by my site, and she loves to be brushed.  

Katerina is a rescue, too. She lives with us for 6 years. Katerina was found in the field with her babies. She is kind of a "tom boy" girl. You do not mess up with Katerina. She rules our house cat's world (between us girls her boyfriend thinks that he is in charge but he is soooo wrong).

I hope you enjoyed meeting My Girls. Keep tuned, some day I'll introduce you to the boys.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

WOULD YOU LIKE A TOUR OF MY STUDIO?


I do not consider myself a writer especially if I write in English… so I will be short. 

I love my studio! I walk in and forget about the whole entire world. I end up in my own world of tranquility and relaxation. I love my studio because it is mobile. I can set it up in 10 minutes anywhere in the house. I am surrounded by friends (hammers, pliers, files, torches…oy!). Let’s take a peek. But first I have to find the right camera to take pictures for you. Which camera should I choose?


This one should be good. OK, what do we see here? Tools, tools and more tools…
 


Stethoscope?! I use it to listen to my finished piece’s heart. I believe that each piece should have one.

Oh, wait … here is just what I need. Chocolate is right next to my torches!














Also, in the picture on the right I have a pleasure monitor. I use it to check blood pleasure of the piece wearer to ensure that she enjoys wearing it.




Quiet often I use help of my furry friends. Today Samuel came to play with a strand of beads. 




Thanks for visiting my very small studio where less is more.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD

I've been given the Versatile Blogger Award by Leah of http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeahRHood, a wonderful ETSY Artisan and Promotional Frenzy Team member.   Leah makes various unusual gifts for every occasion.
First I thank Leah for passing the Award to me!!!

HERE ARE THE RULES:

*Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.
*Tell 7 Random facts about yourself.
*Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers.
*Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you've done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

RANDOM Facts About Me
1) I LOVE chocolate and ice cream.
2) I am an introvert.
3) I give others a benefit of doubt and pay for it later.
4) I love shopping.
5) I love to spend time with family and friends.
6) I purchased cars over the phone. 
7) I like to travel.


Below is my list of fabulous blogs that deserve this award!  Please be sure to check them out and their wonderful stores
         1. LithuanianEggArt
http://clay-space.com/?p=1063 
6. Elemenopie Designs
http://eldoradosoap.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

March 8 - International Women's Day!

2011 year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The day was commemorated for the first time on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.


In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. 

International Women’s Day… That was a Holiday my Motherland offered to all of us, an actual day off. Women would get gifts, flowers, recognition. In fact, during my entering examination to the university I had to write an essay “Role of women in society”. It was timed; we had 4 hours from the time the topic was announced.  I did a pretty darn good job on that essay; of course it was in Russian.

Today I'd like to salute to the Women on Etsy! Hardworking, smart, talented, intelligent, beautiful, friendly, energetic, united… You name it, they fit that definition. 

Here are some examples or their work:





















International Women's Day!!! Why dedicate a day? Let’s dedicate a year!!! We worse it!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Good Night's Sleep

Good night's zzzzzzz... is very important. According to the Consumer Report Magazine, sleeping less than 7 hours a night can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep undermines dieters' effort to lose body fat. Sleep helps people remember a newly learned word. In a study by National Sleep Foundation, about one in four Americans married or living with someone said sleep deprivation often leaves them too tired for sex.

4 myths about sleep:
  • You need less as you age. Older people need as much sleep as other adults.
  • Extra sleep prevents daytime fatigue. Some sleep longer than 8 hours but don't feel rested because of poor quality sleep.
  • You can make up for lost sleep on weekends. That won't completely compensate.
  • Snoring is OK. It could make you sleepy during the day, more susceptible to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, or indicate sleep apnea, a serious condition.  

Friday, February 4, 2011

Chernobyl, Ukrain - One Sad Place...

Here is January 28, 2011 CNN released this:

(CNN) -- "Ukraine has said it will this year lift restrictions on tourism around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, formally opening the scene of the world's worst nuclear accident to visitors -- but what is there for tourists to see?
Visitors to Chernobyl's exclusion zone will inevitably be drawn to the better-known sites that sit within its 30-kilometer radius.
The ghost town of Pripyat and the infamous remains of reactor number four are understandably must-sees for any Chernobyl tourist.
But the area is also home to some lesser-known but equally beguiling historical relics, from cold war radars to beautifully preserved church interiors".

What do I think about it? The Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred on 26 April 1986. I was living in the former Soviet Union. Chernobyl was approximately 200 miles away. I remember that time well. It is considered the worst nuclear power plant accident in history and is the only level 7 event on the International Nuclear Event Scale. I suppose that a lot of adventurers would go. If you are one of them, please do your research to make sure that you are protected.



Tuesday, February 1, 2011

PERSONALITY - Angela of AngelasPaperArt

Paper? I use a lot of paper product in everyday life to write, to print, to wipe kitchen counters, to make an airplane or a funny hat, to make signs as “happy birthday” or “welcome home”…  Paper Art? Hmm, it was hard for me to imagine that someone actually could turn paper into art! Thank to Etsy, I met a talented paper artist Angela and my view of paper and what one could use it for drastically changed. I imagine Angela with a pair of scissors in her hands doing her magic, exactly as I remember those magic hands of Edward Scissorhands (starring Johnny Depp). Remember? Yes, I am glad you do.  

I’d like to ask you please visit Angela’s Paper Art at http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelasPaperArt, get familiar with her amazing work, add an item or two to your favorite items list, consider purchasing one of her creations for yourself or someone else. 

Here are some of my favorite items from her Etsy shop:
 





Thursday, January 27, 2011

PLEASE SUPPORT

Prittyfy
Hi Everybody,

I am a member of BAWA team. That team runs a "Chocolate" Challenge. I submitted the "Chocolate Covered Strawberries" bracelet. It is a voting time. You can vote by placing a small comment on the team's blog:
http://beads-n-wire.blogspot.com/

Thanks in advance.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

PERSONALITY - Linda142

Hello my Blog Readers,

I decided to start "Personality" series on my blog to talk about people I meet on Etsy. Today it is all about Linda!

I am so excited that I have an opportunity to meet wonderful designers and artisans here on Etsy. Linda is one of them.  She creates colorful pieces by using various gemstones. Her color combinations are very impressive!


This is what she tells us about her designs: 

“I love color and what the gemstones and colors symbolize and create one-of-a-kind, unusual designs of handbeaded gemstone and glass pendants, bracelets, earrings, beaded bookmarks, rings, beaded keychains and car mirror jewelry”.

“My inspiration comes from the beads, colors, shapes and gemstone characteristics”. 
 
Linda’s 3-rd anniversary of being on Etsy is coming up soon. Congratulations!

Visit Linda’s shop at lindab142.etsy.com to see more of her designs.