Heather Berry

Not Very "Fall-ish"...

2010-09-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

...But oh well. I made this rose necklace yesterday and love it. I am previewing it here before I list it in my Etsy shop. I am working on a whole slew of new listings for fall that I am really excited about, including a version of this necklace in a bunch of colors.

Avocado and Tomato Salad with fresh Cilantro

2010-08-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Try this next time you grill out!!This is one of my favorite summer salads because it is so refreshing not to mention full of vitamins and those mono-unsaturated fatty acids that we keep hearing about. The amount of each ingredient you use is up to you. I never make it the exact same way twice, and I love that is always good anyway. If you are not used to buying and preparing avocados here's a couple of hints: 1. choose a dark (closer to black than green) avocado that is not hard, but doesn't feel bruised. It will be a little firmer than a ripe peach. In my experience it is better to buy a little under ripe than over and have to throw it away. 2. To cut it roll the avocado lengthwise along the blade of a sharp knife keeping the blade pressed to the large pit. When the avocado is cut through all the way around, twist the two halves in opposite directions and remove the pit. Then use a big serving spoon the scoop all of the flesh out at once and chop it up. I know, it sounds really involved, but this is one of those things that is very easy to do, but tough to describe.

2 Avocados cut into half to one inch cubes
Equal amount of tomatoes (any variety) cut to similar size
Small amount of red onion chopped finely
generous splash of lime juice (lemon works well too)
handful of chopped fresh cilantro

*Put all ingredients in a bowl and toss well.
**In a pinch vinegar will work in place of the juices. Just make sure there is some kind of acid, or the avocado will turn brown.

Quick Update...

2010-07-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of a Free Shipping Sale! I have a bunch of new designs to add to my etsy shop inventory http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/, and I need to clear some space. Seriously, my boxes of beads are all overflowing onto my husbands workspace, desk and bookshelf. I am adjusting the listings as I go, so even if it is not marked as such, it will still ship for free. The cost will be refuned to your PayPal account. The sale will end when I have cleared enough space.

Jalapeno Grilled Chicken

2010-07-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Before you chicken out, this ends up being not too spicy, in fact, my five and three year old kids love it! the recipe is quick, easy, inexpensive and only uses a few ingredients. Aside from being simple to make, it is one of the best tasting grill friendly marinades I have ever had.

4-7 Jalapeno peppers, cut in half and seeded
1/2 cup vegitable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
several generous grinds of fresh black pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (your preference, but I use more than less)
2-4 cloves of garlic chopped

Put all ingredients in food processor and process well. You will have a thin whitish sauce base with bits of jalapeno. Cover 2-3 whole chicken breasts (4-6 halves) for at least 20 min up to 2 hours and set aside to marinade. Grill chicken to 165 degrees basting as you go. This recipe also works with the oven broiler, but is best on the grill.

*In a pinch other kinds of vinegar work. I have used rice wine vinegar as well as red wine vinegar, but you will need to add a dash of sugar of honey to sweeten the sauce a bit.
**I usually leave the seeds in a couple of the peppers to give the dish a little heat, otherwise it will be surprisingly mild.

Recipe for avocado tomato salad to follow soon!

~Free Shipping Sale~

2010-06-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'm just barely back from vacation and have been featured on two blogs! Yay! To celebrate, I am offering free shipping on orders over $30 in my Etsy shop. check out the features here:

http://www.livelovelaughwithleslie.com/

http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/

♥♥♥♥♥ As always...don't forget to follow me for future notice of sales and giveaways. ♥♥♥♥♥

Ahhh...Summertime!

2010-06-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Summer arrived a whole month early this year! We are barely a week past Memorial Day and my garden is well underway, vacation plans are set and the lightning bugs are out! Pretty soon I'll be at my summer art shows, so in order to clear some space I'm offering free shipping for the next until Sunday 6-13. The charges will be refunded to your PayPal account. Happy shopping!

Spring Cleaning Sale!

2010-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

I've made a whole bunch on new designs to add to my Etsy shop! To celebrate as well as pare down my stash I am offering 10% off the total of your purchase (before shipping). I will refund your discount via PayPal, just be sure to mention this sale in the message to seller. This offer is in effect starting Thursday, February 4th until the end of the day (midnight CST) Friday. Happy shopping and may I suggest telling a friend?

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

New Season...New Designs

2009-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

I think the cooler weather makes me more creative. I am so excited to introduce a few fresh designs in my Etsy shop. A few new techniques plus some new supplies add up to a bunch of great looking combinations. This Snow Drop Locket is one of the new additions.

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Free Shipping Friday...And A Gift Too!

2009-08-07T07:10:00.001-07:00

I know. It's been almost three months. What can I say other that summer is too much fun? To at least attempt to make up for lost time I'm going to add a little twist to Free shipping Friday. All purchases totaling more that $30 (before shipping cost) will come with a free pair of earrings. You may choose from the following: Silver Lace Filigree, Stormy Morning, or Aqua Terra Jasper. The ones pictured are the Stormy Morning Earrings. Please note that shipping will be automatically be added into your cart and I will refund it to your PayPal account after you purchase. Everything you buy will come nicely packaged and ready to give away or keep to enjoy. Think of the free gift as your first stocking stuffer of the year!! And free ain't a bad price these days!

Free Shipping Friday!

2009-05-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Free Shipping Friday is well underway and ends at 9pm. I have a lot of new inventory since the last post so enjoy! Shipping fees will be refunded to your PayPal account, or you can send a check or money order for the total without shipping. Shop all you want, it all ships for free. Have a great weekend!

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Treat Mom With Homemade Love!

2009-04-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

I tried this recipe a few months ago and it is just fabulous. This granola whips up in a snap, keeps well, costs far less that store granola,is better for you and I won't even mention how good your house will smell while it is baking! It holds its crunch in milk and is perfect atop yogurt with a little fresh fruit. Make up a batch and surprise mom with breakfast in bed or put it in a pretty bag and give it as a hostess gift! I have treated this formula as a template and have made a whole bunch of yummy varieties. Have fun making it your own!

2 tbsp canola oil
Scant 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup egg whites
Scant 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup pecan pieces

*Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
*Spray a rimmed cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
*Whisk together: oil, sugar, egg whites and salt.
*Add in oats and pecans and cinnamon and mix well.
*Spread on cookie sheet and bake 12 minutes.
*Mix breaking into small pieces and bake for 12 more minutes using metal spatula or large spoon.
*Cool and serve.

Add in suggestions After baking:
Raisins, craisins, apricots, dated, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, cashews, honey, maple syrup or sugar.

Free Shipping Friday!

2009-03-27T06:13:00.001-07:00

Spring came a little early to Eastern Iowa...and then changed it's mind. So grab a cup of hot chocolate (which by the way is made about a mile from my house if you're drinking Nestle) and take a look in my Etsy shop. The shipping charge will be refunded to your paypal account after you purchase.

P.S. All purchases come with a coupon good toward your next purchase...Think Mother's Day!

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Time to Vote...Pass It On!

2009-03-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Congrats KatieG! Your name suggestion is the winner! Be sure to send me your address so that I can send you your earrings!

Thank you to all who contributed suggestions for naming these dragonfly earrings. Voting will remain open until the 20th of March so tell your friends. The winner will recieve the pair in the picture. Cast your vote in the poll to the left of this post.

Name Me and Win Me!

2009-02-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

The picture of these earrings has been edited and ready for listing in my Etsy shop, but I just can't think of a name that suits them. So here's the deal: starting today until the end of the month I'll be accepting your suggestions at which point I'll post my favorite three entries here to be voted on. The entrant with the winning name will recieve a pair of the earrings and a coupon for my Etsy shop. Anyone can enter, so spread the word. You may post your suggestions here or in my Etsy shop.

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Free Shipping Friday!

2009-01-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's 20 minutes to midnight here in the midwest and -22 degrees! What a way to start the weekend. To warm things up all orders over $25 will ship for free. Just be sure that you mention this blog post. The shipping charges will be refunded to your paypal account after the transaction. Happy weekend!

At Last!

2009-01-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

It has been a ridiculous amount of time since I have posted here, so to get things rolling again I am offering 15% off all purchases for the rest of today (Monday) and all of tomorrow (Tuesday) when you mention this post. You will be refunded the difference to your PayPal account or I can give you a revised total if you choose to pay by check.

Free Shipping Friday!

2008-10-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend. You know the drill by now. Anything you buy in my Etsy shop ships for free today anywhere in the world! I will refund the charges to your paypal account, or I can adjust the price before you purchase. You can also pay by money order or check, just make it for the amount without shipping. Want multiples of an item or a version of something you see in my shop? I welcome custom requests.

*Be sure to enter the October recipe contest give-away. It's nearly over!

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2008-10-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

I just got back from running (actually walking) errands around town and the wind is blowing sprinkles of rain. Even indian summer seems like a distant memory. To warm things up I am going to go pick up some cider as well as offer %15 off all necklaces in my Etsy shop for the rest of today and all day tomorrow (Thursday the 23rd). I will refund the difference to your paypal account or I can adjust the price before you purchase if you contact me first. Be sure to mention this blog post to get the discount. Happy shopping! Don't forget to send me your pumpkin recipe. There is a prize at stake! See previous post for details!

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Recipe Contest for October

2008-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

The leaves are falling and harvest time is upon us! I am looking for an interesting recipe that uses pumpkin as an ingredient. The recipe can be sweet or savory, as long as the pumpkin is an ingredient.
I will choose the top three that look most interesting to me and post them here to be voted on.
The winning recipe will also be posted here and the person entering it will win their choice of the "Latitude Necklace" or "Twilight Bracelet" from my Etsy shop.
You can enter by posting a comment here or sending it to me via Etsy convo in my shop. Please be sure to leave youe email address so I can get in touch with you.

All entries must be recieved by October 31st! Good Luck!

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Aqua Terra Jasper Bracelet ...Free Earrings

2008-10-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

This aqua terra jasper is one of my new favorite stones! The colors are quite muted, but they are just so pretty. I listed this bracelet in my Etsy shop a few minutes ago and to the first person to purchase it (and mention this blog giveaway) I will send a free pair of matching earrings. With Christmas coming who doesn't love a gift with purchase? The set will come all boxed up and ready to give away (or keep...wink, wink).

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

New In My Shop

2008-10-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Brand new to my shop today! A pretty ecru rose is set atop a piece of vintage filigree. I buy the brass filigree "raw" and age it myself using a combination of methods that are completely safe and non-toxic. You probably have all of the materials and equipment necessary in your own home. Contact me if you would like to know how I do this.
Part of the beauty of handmade items is that each piece is unique and has been made by someone who truly loves their craft. I hope whatever your creative endeavor is, that is brings you and many others pleasure as you share your gifts!
See my Etsy shop for this necklace and other pieces like it.
This week I hope to feature the work of a couple of my favorite Etsy sellers. If you have a suggestion feel free to submit it to me via my Etsy site as it will be sent to my personal email.

Free Shipping Friday!

2008-10-10T14:47:00.001-07:00

It's about that time again. Anything you buy in my Etsy shop before 3pm CST on Saturday will be shipped for free. With gas prices what they are who wants to drive to Christmas shop anyway? Shop all you want, it all ships for free. Just make sure that you mention this blog post in order to get the discount! I can either adjust the price before you buy, or I can refund your paypal account. Happy shopping! Be sure to check back often as there will be frequent specials available only through my blog.

***Tomorrow I will be featuring a new item.

Recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent

2008-10-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe today and I plan to make a batch this weekend! Iowa winter dries my skin terribly and hopefully this perfume free detergent will be a little gentler:

1 bar naptha soap grated or shaved with a knife
1 cup of Borax
4.5 galllons of water

*Heat about 1 gallon of water and mix in naptha soap until dissloved.
*Mix Borax and remaining water in 5 gallon bucket
*Stir in soap mixture

***Both borax and naptha soap are available at many grocery stores.

The mixture should gel as it cools. Use about 1 cup per load of laundry.

One Down, Four To Go

2008-10-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Monday is nearly past. Fall is in full swing here in eastern Iowa. The sky is getting to be a darker, more clear shade of blue, the grass is green and the fields are golden. I just love October and I want to spread a little Autumn cheer. All necklaces purchased any time of day on Tuesday, October 7th will be %15 off. You must mention this blog post to receive the discount. I can adjust the amount before you purchase or refund the difference to your PayPal account, just let me know which you prefer.
Enjoy!

Free Shipping Friday

2008-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's free shipping Friday (well, almost). Beginning tonight, at 12am until Saturday at noon CST shipping on orders from my Etsy shop is free, as long as you mention this blog post. You can either ask me to reserve the item(s) for you in my shop with the shipping adjusted, or I can refund your PayPal account. If paying by check of money order, just wait for a revised invoice. PayPal payments must be made by noon Saturday to receive discount. Happy shopping!
Be sure to subscribe to this blog for up coming offers.

Wednesday Sale

2008-09-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Happy half way throught the week! I'll be listing some new necklaces in my Etsy shop today, so be sure to check them out. All necklaces purchased with receipts dating 10-1-08 will be 15% off. Just remember to mention this blog post to recieve your discount. I can either adjust the amount before you purchase or refund your PayPal account.

http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

Monday Morning Give Away!

2008-09-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a little something to look forward to as the work week starts up again, so here you go:
All sales for the rest of today (Sunday the 28th) until noon CST tomorrow will qualify you to win a pair of my Verdigris Paisley Earrings in my Etsy shop. These little earrings have been quite popular, and I'm sure that you will love them! Take a look at the link:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15528519

Each monday morning will hold a new surprise...so bookmark and check back often.

Happy Friday!

2008-09-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

...And not a moment too soon! It is a beautiful sunny evening in Eastern Iowa, and I will be off to wake the kids and go for a bike ride soon.
To kick off the weekend all sales in my Etsy shop will be shipped for free if they are made between 12am Friday and 12pm Saturday. Shop all you want, it will all ship for free. If paying by PayPal, the shipping will be refunded to you and if paying by check, I will send you the revised total. Just make sure that you mention this post. Enjoy!

A Hint of Things the Come

2008-09-02T17:10:00.001-07:00

This morning was surprisingly humid and warm for so late in the summer, so I was surprised to step back out this after noon to a much cooler, drier breeze. It was a little hint of what is to come on a few weeks. I absolutely love autumn. I love the colors, the clothes, the food, the farmer's market's, Thanksgiving and the perfect weather for being outdoors.
These earrings are the first fall addition to my line.
Enjoy the changes to come!

Off and Running!

2008-08-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

To kick off my first shot at blogging, I am offering free shipping on orders from my Etsy shop! Just contact me through my site and mention my blog and I'll revise the listing for you before you purchase, or I can send a refund to your paypal account if you prefer. Purchases during this time will qualify you for a free pair of earrings. You may choose from: Bleu Belle, A. Boelyn, Eleanor, or Anastasia (see my shop via link below)

I plan to update often with new listings, give away contests and offers only available through my blog, so mark me as a favorite and visit often. Your feedback is welcome and appreciated too!

Find me at http://www.heatherberry.etsy.com/

This offer is good from 8/29-9/5