Cheesecake Brownies

Sunday is my grocery shopping day. As I was browsing the weekly ad yesterday, I saw that both brownie mix and cream cheese were on sale. Hmmm.... I couldn't pass that up! So I pulled out my old recipe for cheesecake brownies and whipped up a batch. I haven't made these in so long and forgot how good (and easy) they were!

Cheesecake Brownies
1 box brownie mix (I used Betty Crocker family size)
8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/3 c sugar
1 egg

1. Prepare brownie mix as directed. Spread batter into a 9x13 inch pan, greased on the bottom.
2. Using a mixer, blend together cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Using 2 spoons, dollap spoonfuls of batter on top of the brownie mixture. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese and brown mixture.
3. Bake according to the brownie mix instructions. *I had to bake mine an extra 10 minutes or so. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
4. Cool, cut into bars and enjoy!

Etsy Favorites ~ Julia Sherry Designs

Tada! I'm starting a new series of "Etsy Favorites". When I'm on Etsy I always come across items and artists that catch my eye. So I started marking these as favorites and want to share with you!

My first feature is Sherry of Julia Sherry Designs, whose hand-crafted clutches caught my eye. My mom has always carried a separate coin purse in her purse for her loose change. She likes the purses with metal frames that keep the coins secure but are easy to open and close. I have my eye on Sherry's mini coin purses - I'm thinking this would be a perfect little treat for my mom on Mother's Day. Right now my 2 favorites are her Mini Zoo and Mini Kitty designs (but they're all so cute I keep changing my mind!).


Sherry also features larger clutches and below are some of my favorites. I think the black and white damask would be fabulous with a black party dress. As a bride I carried a basic white purse. I would have loved a bright pretty clutch for a pop of color! And wouldn't any of these be perfect bridesmaids gifts! Your girls will enjoy using these long after the wedding. These are just the right size for carrying extra money, cosmetics, keys and other essentials!

Mother's Day is right around the corner.... any mom would love a pretty clutch! Sherry's shop has many different sizes and fabrics -- check them out today!

Beautiful work, Sherry!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Felted Scarf

It's chilly out, so now is the perfect time to check out the latest giveaway from Cleveland Handmade!

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from über-talented fiber artist Shannon Okey of Knitgrrl Studio. This delightful, 100% one-of-a-kind wet felted scarf is made from fine local Great Lakes–area wool. The wool is wet felted, cut to size, and individually hand-dyed. The result is an incredibly soft, functional piece of art. Visit Cleveland Handmade for instructions on entering this giveaway!

Custom Bridal Order ~ Classic Pearls

I love weddings! And I really enjoy creating jewelry for brides and their maids. I just packaged up and shipped a custom order for a bridal party. The bride-to-be saw my classic pearl earrings in my etsy shop and asked me to make matching necklaces. I love the creamy Swarovski pearls against the 14k goldfill metal. This is a nice design because the girls can wear these long after the wedding.

Treasury Love!

Many thanks to Tricia of LazyT Crochet for including me in her 'Sweet' treasury! (that's me in the lower left hand corner!!). I'm still learning how to get screenshots, so bear with me! All of these items are from the Cleveland Handmade Team on Etsy. Search 'clevelandteam' and discover the many talented artisans from Northeast Ohio!

Also check out LazyT's shop - her crocheted and knitted items are amazing and now is the perfect weather for her beautiful items. I've had my eye on this capelet for a while. I love the color!

A glimpse of sun!

I think I heard the weatherman say that it has snowed every day since January 1st. And it's been a lot of snow! We've had dark gray skies day after day, so it was such a treat to wake up to bright sunlight reflecting off the snow this morning. I love how the snow glistens in the sun.... so pretty to look at, but not fun to drive in. Here's a few pics I snapped this morning before heading out.

Stay warm, everyone!

Baby it's cold outside!

Brrr! It was a cold one today and the snow kept falling and blowing! I went grocery shopping early then stayed in the rest of the day. I actually liked being snowed in today... I organized some of my jewelry supplies, tried out a new recipe in the crock pot and took a nap (ok, that was my favorite part!). And the Cleveland Browns won their final game - yay!
I think I need to get my turtlenecks ready for the week. The forecast is looking pretty cold and snowy:
Welcome to the snowbelt of Northeast Ohio!

Have a good week everyone and stay warm:)
Kathy