Two Thumbs Up: Michelle - Pegasus Soaps

Name of Consultant/Company: Michelle – Pegasus Soaps 

Known Websites: ArtFire  Zibbet  Etsy  Pegasus Soaps 

Known Email Addresses:contact button in studio 

Date of Purchase: 4/17/10 

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire Studio 

Facts about the situation: My previous supplier for bath bombs has gone out of business and I was in need of finding a new supplier. As I had asked around about where I could find these items; it was recommended that I check out Pegasus Soaps.

I did in fact find what I was looking for in Michelle's store plus more. I decided to try her Cranberry Ginger Spice Tea Foaming Bath Bomb and a sample of her Fresh Mint Whipped Foot Cream. 

Michelle had the option to choose RME for payment. This is an option that I really appreciated being allowed to chose and use. 

Since I placed my order on a Saturday, I figured I would have my order by Friday at the earliest. I was pleasantly surprised when my packaged arrived on 4-21-10. The package was appropriately packed for shipping. The contents survived in tact when the packaged was dropped by the postal employee who was bring it to the counter. 

Upon opening the shipping container, the items I ordered were presented in nice packaging. I could easily have used the bath bomb as a gift. The sample foot cream and another sample provided by Michelle were both very professional in appearance. Both having been sealed by a shrink wrap band. The products were of high quality and lived up to the descriptions in the studio. The photos were also matched the products well.

I would highly recommend Pegasus Soaps to anyone who needs Bath & Body or soap for themselves or to use as gifts.

Items Purchased: 

The foot cream has been a huge hit in the household. The boys appreciated that it wasn't girly smelling and seemed to help their feet. The girls liked the texture and scent too. Will definitely need to keep this in mind for the future.

The bath bomb was also a hit. The fragrance was pleasant, the foaming action was intriguing, and best of all it didn't stain the tub. Unlike several others I had tried in the past. The tub was also easy to clean which is a definite plus and makes these bath bombs stand out from the rest.

Sausage-Spinach Breakfast Bake

rFilling
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (3 cups)
2 boxes (9 oz each)frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (8 oz)

Topping
5 eggs, beaten
1¼ cups milk
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
1½ cups Gold Medal® self-rising flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 400°F. Grease 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned. Remove from skillet; drain.

In same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in spinach and cooked sausage. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.

In medium bowl, beat topping ingredients with wire whisk until smooth. Pour over filling in baking dish.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Two Thumbs Up: Victoria Heath - Butterfly Crafts

Name of Consultant/Company: Victoria Heath, Butterfly Crafts

Known Websites: http://www.artfire.com/users/butterfly-crafts

http://www.artfire.com/users/Butterfly-Crafts-Supplies 

http://www.butterfly-craftsonline.blogspot.com/

http://www.butterfly-crafts.com/ 

Known Email Addresses:contact button in studio 

Date of Purchase: 2/2/10, 3/8/10, 3/29/10 

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire Studio 

Facts about the situation: I was asked to participate in a Valentine's Day card swap for Seniors in a local nursing home. Being short on time I thought that I would try to find something unique at Butterfly Crafts. The cards I purchased where a huge hit bringing smiles to the two ladies I was paired with. 

When my niece needed a custom order for two special people in her life, I didn't hesitate to have her contact Victoria. Victoria was able and willing to assist my niece with her special order. Again the cards were a huge success. The recipients were very surprised to see such lovely cards. The cards stood out and brought lots of oooohs and aaaahs to the recipients, who were thrilled at the extra attention. 

Because of the success with these two purchases, I was happy to return to Butterfly Crafts for more cards. Again the experience was pleasant. It's easy to shop her ArtFire studio. Victoria keeps in touch with you every step of the way from letting you know she received your order to when she has shipped to following up to make sure the order was received and that everything is fine with the order. 

Shipping did involve some extra steps because my order was coming from another country. Taking about a week to arrive on all three occasions is something we would honestly rate as reasonable and acceptable if not fast. Victoria's products are well worth the wait. 

Because of Victoria being highly professional, willing to work with my niece on a custom order, and the overall pleasant shopping experience had at Butterfly Crafts; I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others as her products are great. 

Items Purchased:

Two Thumbs up: Jennifer Mercer - Beads By Haffina

Name of Consultant/Company: Jennifer Mercer, Beads By Haffina

Known Websites: http://www.artfire.com/users/beadsbyhaffina http://www.artfire.com/users/haffinacreations http://www.zibbet.com/HaffinaAgain http://handmadeartistsshop.com/Haffina.html http://www.etsy.com/shop/HaffinaAgain http://haffinacreations.wordpress.com/ http://haffinacreations.blogspot.com/

Date of Purchase:2/2/10 and 2/25/10

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire Studio

Facts about the situation: I was looking for beads and cabochons to use in various beading projects. I wanted something unique and different to work with. Several people recommended that I check out Jennifer Mercer's polymer clay beads, buttons, and cabochons at her shop Beads by Haffina. I am so glad that I did.

Jennifer kept in touch with us every step of the way from order reception to shipping. Shipping did involve some extra steps because my order was coming from another country. Taking about 6 days to arrive on both occasions is something we would honestly rate as reasonable and acceptable if not fast.

The products ordered on both occasions were every bit as lovely as seen via the pictures in her studio. The descriptions in her shop were accurate and matched what was ordered.

Because of Jennifer being highly professional, very knowledgeable, and pleasant shopping experience with Jennifer Mercer at Beads By Haffina. I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others as her products are great.

A few of the Items Purchased:

Hash Brown Potato and Egg Bake

½ lb bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup)
1 bag (30 oz) frozen country-style shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed, patted dry
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 large eggs
1¼ cups milk
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground mustard
¼ tsp pepper
½ cup cornflake crumbs or panko bread crumbs
2 Tbs butter or margarine, melted

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In 10-inch skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium-high heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and onion is tender; drain on paper towels.

In large bowl, toss bacon mixture, potatoes and cheeses. Spoon into baking dish. In same bowl, beat eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, mustard and pepper with fork or wire whisk until well blended. Pour over potato mixture.

Bake uncovered 35 minutes. In small bowl, toss cornflake crumbs and butter.

Sprinkle over casserole. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Two Thumbs Up: Robyn-JewelledTrellis

Name of Consultant/Company: Robyn, JewelledTrellis
Known Websites: http://www.artfire.com/users/JewelledTrellis http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelledtrellis

Date of Purchase: 3/29/10

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire Studio

Facts about the situation: While looking for an unique item for a gift for a jewelry maker, I happened upon JewelledTrellis studio. Here I found 2 items that fit the criteria I was using in selecting a my gift.

Robyn kept in touch with me every step of the way from order reception to shipping. Shipping did involve some extra steps because my order was coming from another country. Taking a week to arrive is something I would honestly rate as reasonable and acceptable.

Robyn is highly professional to do business with. I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others as her products are great.

Items Purchased:

Two Thumbs Up: Dawn Marie-Into the Dawn

Name of Consultant/Company: Dawn Marie Ellis Into the Dawn 

Known Websites: ArtFire  &   Etsy

 Date of Purchase: 4/8/10 

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire studio 

Facts about the situation: On April 8th I was looking for a birthday gift for my teenage great niece. Having seen several of Dawn Marie's projects, I felt it would be a good place to look for a gift. I wasn't disappointed. I found a beautiful necklace that will make a perfect gift.

Dawn Marie kept in touch with me every step of the way from order reception to shipping. Since I ordered late Thursday night, I was sure I wouldn't see my package much before Wednesday. To my pleasant surprise I actually received my package on Monday, 4-12-10. The package was packaged appropriately for shipping through the USPS. 

Because the necklace I ordered was attractively packaged and it was for a birthday present, I only had to place it in a gift bag for delivery. Dawn Marie is highly professional and pleasant to do business with. I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others.

Item Purchased:

Two Thumbs Up: Tami-Essensu

Name of Consultant/Company: Tami, Essensu

Known Websites: ArtFire  The Holistic Diva Etsy

Date of Purchase: 3/17/10 

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire Studio 

Facts about the situation: I was fortunate to receive a sample of Tami's Dirty Dog shampoo. I have two dogs that require frequent baths and seemed to not be tolerating the commercial store bought shampoo we had tired. Because of the generous size of the sample I received, I was able to try it on both dogs. Since both dogs didn't display the same behavior of wanting to immediately roll in the dirt and were itching less, I felt confident in ordering more of her Dirty Dog shampoo. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find a Dirty Dog Grooming Set which contained both the Shampoo and Refreshing Doggie Spray in her studio. Because of how wonderful the shampoo was, I wasn't all concerned about how the refreshing spray might be.

Tami kept in touch with me every step of the way from order reception to shipping. The items were packed appropriately for shipment through the USPS. The items arrived in excellent condition and quickly. I had my order in two days. 

The shampoo did not disappoint. It works exactly as it did with the sample. The refreshing spray also doesn't disappoint. Because of the type of work these dogs do on a daily basis, it is nice to be able to keep them smelling fresh between their regular baths. Not once has anyone in the general public complained of the odor being too perfume heavy. This is a huge plus because that was a real issue with some of the commercial products we used in the past. Several have complimented the scent especially after a just spritzed situation.

Tami is highly professional, extremely knowledgeable, and pleasant to do business with. I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others as her products are great.

Item Purchased:

Two Thumbs Up for ColtPixy

Name of Consultant/Company: A.Star Edwards, ColtPixy 

Known Websites: 

Artfire

http://coltpixy.com/ 

Date of Purchase: 2/2/10 

Where did the purchase take place (online, vendor fair, etc): ArtFire studio 

Facts about the situation: I was looking for unique cabochons for my niece to use in learning how to make cabochons. I placed my order on 2/2/10 for a Pink Pixy Stone© Cabochon and for a Faux Turquoise Polymer Clay Cabochon. 

The seller kept in communication regarding my order from reception to notification that the package was shipped via USPS. The package was packaged appropriately for shipping through the USPS. Shipping was quick. I had my order in less than a week. 

The products ordered were ever bit as lovely as seen via the pictures on her site. The descriptions in her shop were accurate to what was ordered.

Because of the highly professional and pleasant experience with ColtPixy. I look forward to all future transactions and highly recommend her to others as her products are great. On a personal note, her cabochon will definitely be an item I will want to purchase again for my niece. She was very pleased with the beautiful cabochons I ordered. ColtPixy is a seller I highly recommend. 

Items Ordered where:

Maple-Bacon Breakfast Rolls

r10 slices precooked Bacon
5 Tbs Maple Syrup
1 can(8 oz)Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated seamless dough sheet
3 Tbs Butter, softened
1/3 cup Powdered Sugar

Heat oven to 375°F. Microwave bacon as directed on package until very crisp. Drain on paper towels. Set aside to cool.

Generously spray large cookie sheet (dark cookie sheet not recommended) with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray, or line with cooking parchment paper. Unroll dough sheet on work surface; press into 12x8-inch rectangle.

In small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the syrup with fork or wire whisk until smooth and creamy. Spread mixture evenly over dough, covering to edges. Finely chop bacon; reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish. Spread remaining bacon evenly over butter mixture. Starting at short end, roll up dough; pinch edge to seal. Wrap roll in plastic wrap; refrigerate 5 minutes to chill so dough will be easier to cut.

Unwrap roll; place seam side down on cutting board. Using serrated knife, cut roll into 12 (about 3/4-inch) slices. Place slices, cut sides up, on cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown. Place waxed paper under cooling rack. Remove rolls from cookie sheet to cooling rack; cool 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix powdered sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon butter and remaining 3 tablespoons syrup with wire whisk until smooth. Drizzle icing over rolls. Garnish with reserved bacon.

Ham 'n Cheese Omelet Bake

1 (10-oz) box frozen Broccoli & Cheese Flavored Sauce
1 (10.2-oz) can (5 biscuits) Grands Flaky Layers Refrigerated Original Biscuits
10 eggs
1½ cups milk
1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
Salt & Pepper, if desired
2 cups diced cooked ham
1/3 cup chopped onion
4 oz(1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese
4 oz (1 cup) shredded Swiss cheese
1 (4.5-oz) jar Sliced Mushrooms, drained

Heat oven to 350°F. Cut small slit in center of broccoli and cheese sauce pouch. Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, rotating pouch ¼ turn once halfway through microwaving. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, spray bottom only of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Separate dough into 5 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces; arrange evenly in sprayed dish.

In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in ham, onion, both cheeses, mushrooms and cooked broccoli and cheese sauce. Pour mixture over biscuit pieces in dish. Press down with back of spoon, making sure all biscuit pieces are covered with egg mixture.

Bake at 350°F. for 40 to 50 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown and center is set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares.


High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake at 375°F. for 40 to 50 minutes.

Kids in the Kitchen: Easy Parmesan Crescents

1 (8-oz.) can Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls 3 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg, beaten Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 8 triangles. Sprinkle each with scant 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese. Roll up each, starting at shortest side of triangle and rolling to opposite point. Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased cookie sheets; curve each into crescent shape. Brush each with beaten egg; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. This is a recipe that the wee ones enjoy making. It's simple, not to much mess involved, and gives them a great since of accomplishment.

Baked Ham with Apple-Mustard Glaze

1 (4 to 5-lb.) fully cooked boneless ham
2 (10-oz) jars(2 cups)apple jelly
½ cup Dijon mustard
2 Tbs brown sugar
1 tsp ginger
3 tsps dry mustard

Heat oven to 325°F. Spray shallow roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place ham in sprayed pan. With knife, score ham by cutting diamond shapes about ¼ inch deep through surface. Bake at 325°F. for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine apple jelly, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ginger and dry mustard. Cook over low heat until jelly is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring constantly.

Remove ham from oven; brush with about half of the glaze. Return to oven; bake an additional 30 to 45 minutes or until ham is thoroughly heated, basting with remaining glaze once or twice. Serve with any remaining glaze.

This sounds like a lovely recipe. It might even have tasted pretty good had the very important oven temp been set appropriately. I can say it makes an interesting looking crispy critter. 

**DO NOT set or leave your oven temp at 425°F **

In case of mishap make sure to have alternative carry out/take out arrangements available.

Easter & Spring: I Spy....

With the rain/snow mix being predicted by the weather man it's easy to see that Spring is in the air. Also, doesn't hurt that this weekend involves Easter. Since its been a rather dull day stuck inside waiting for the phone to ring. The wee ones and I decided to venture forth online and see if we could find anything Easter and Spring related for an amusing game of I Spy. Here is what we spied.

Easter Basket

Simply Pink

 Purple Tulip

A Bunny

Orange Blossom Candle

Tulip Field

Honeysuckle Body Lotion

Egg

Yellow Bunny Ring

Springtime Magnet

Hearts and Flowers

Easter Egg Card

Watering Can

Chocolate Lip Balm

Flowers Byzantine Chainmaille & Enamel Necklace

Elder Futhark Runestones

Polymer Clay Mica Shift Lilac Bunny Pendant

Vintage Bead & Czech Glass Earrings

White Rabbit Pin

Peach Blossom Earrings

Dead Sea Mud Soap

Egg Rattle

Sprouting Tree

Grass

Pink & Chocolate Mum

Bunny Bracelet

Chatties

Happy Easter Sign

Sunflowers

Blue Czech Glass Butterfly & Millifiore Earrings

Purple & Yellow 

A Trio of Butterflies

Turquoise Dragonflies

Paperback Book Cover - Orange Swirls

Purple Spring Flower

Easter Bunny Card

Autism Ribbon

Places we visited:  ZurDesigns, Essensu, The Beaded Branch, Spirit Essence Art, Butterfly-Crafts, Southampton Creations, Skyline Candle Company, She's Batty Designs, Sassy Clay Creations, Sew Happy Designs, Batty's Bath, Nightmaiden Designs, Elfling Creations, Katie Claud, Kaotic Ekkos Curiosities, JewelledTrellis, Pegasus Soaps, Creative Cove Jewelry Designs, Linda Hagen, Dawn Correspondence, JnJ Designs, Ambient Girl Designs, cnewcomb, Dale B Craft, ColtPixy, Haffina Again, Char Spirit, Haffina Creations, Charms N Things, Beads By Haffina,  Retro Christmas, Willow Walker Designs, Creative Haven,