With Cherries On Top

Celebrate the Season with this Wonderful New Santa Bag

2010-12-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

This Santa bag is a wonderful holiday addition for

busy or green parents!

Save time and wrapping every year by stuffing this bag

with presents for the family bag or individualize it for each child.

The bag is available in a large size (45 inches high x 30 inches wide- $40) or

small size (30 inches high x 22 inches wide - $30).

Each bag comes with customizable tags.

The bag is made from a beautiful, soft red corduroy with white faux fur trim and is

fully lined with a matching lining. A great holiday addition!

New Herbivore Tee Shirt!

2010-12-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

Make a statement in pink and green!

This fun and fantastic tee is made using designer fabric

for the applique. Several fabric options available.

New Christmas Twirl Skirts & Tops

2010-11-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

Have a retro inspired Christmas with these great new bright and beautiful

ornament skirts in turquoise and pinks.

There are many appliques available and beautiful designer patterns to choose from,

let us design a holiday outfit for your little one!

Please look at the bottom of the Christmas section for additional patterns and appliques.

The long sleeve tops have adorable ornament or Christmas tree appliques

in matching fabrics and sweet little bows to really make them pop!

High quality designer fabrics used for these Christmas skirts.

A couple of new Pillowcase Christmas Dresses.

2010-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Here are just a couple of new Pillowcase Dress styles that I worked up this week. These are available in 12 month- 6 years. May be available in larger sizes with custom orders.

Cozy Snowman Pillowcase Dress. $22

Soft and sweet pale pink minky bordered hem.

Pretty pale blue snowmen fabric with pink ribbons and pink minky hem.

Jolly Tree PillowCase Dress. $22

Christmas green and white polka dot hem detail.

Beautifully matching green satin ribbon ties.

Pony O's to Match! These cuties are $5 for the piggy pair.

Turkey Alphabet Shirts

2010-11-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

New Thanksgiving Turkey Alphabet Shirts

Adorable gobbler letters for your little turkey!

Shirt $22

Additional lettering $3

Trick or Treat Tote

2010-11-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Let the kids trick or treat with these canvas tote bags!

Choose from several applique options and available personalization .

$15 tote

Gwen's Newest Applique-My First Turkey Day.

2010-11-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in a tee, onsie, bloomers, bib or dress made with this embroidery/applique feel free to contact us for a custom listing! I just love this one!

Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial

2010-10-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

This lovely tutorial would be great for Christmas gifts or even Easter baskets. Love the fabrics and colors that she used!

The Cottage Home- Embellished Hooded Towels

Tutorial From Twelve Crafts Until Christmas Rock N' Roll Earings

2010-10-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

twelvecraftsuntilchristmas

Check out this wonderful tutorial for Rock N' Roll earings. How cute are these? While you are looking at her blog, check out the other amazing crafts that she has posted.
-Sarah

Online Tutorial For Tutu's

2010-10-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7aSPMEn7S0

I've been wanting to make tutu's for My Princess for a while now. I found this tutorial and I'm going to give it a go! I'll let you know how it turns out.
-Sarah
Update-
Here is how Sophia's turned out. I used 8 yards of fabric, think next time I'll do ten. Easy and cute!

Adoption Gifts

2010-09-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Several of the people in my life have adopted recently. It's always exciting and joyful to see someone embrace the blessing of adoption when I know first hand how beautiful it is. I have been thinking a lot about appropriate gifts for newly adoptive families and thought that this would be a good post topic as I'm sure many of you have thought about it too.

With Cherries On Top of course does many types of items that would be suitable adoptive gifts. We do baby blankets, burpies, embroidered and appliqued onsies and bibs. These are all great ideas for newborns or young babies.

There are many families who adopt children who are a year or older and here are some great ideas for those families. Items like accessories for girls are great because you don't need to know a size. Many families who adopt overseas do not know what size their child will be. Things like diaper bags, back packs, hair bows or headbands, bag tags, embroidered pillowcases, towels, blankets. Baby doll clothing sets if it's a girl. Capes if it's a boy.

Other items to consider would be adoption books. We have found several that we have come to love for our own children:
A Mother For Choco
Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born
I Don't Have Your Eyes
Red Blanket

Also consider prayer plaques and paintings for your child's room. There are many sellers on Etsy who do amazing custom work. This could even be a good way to bring in the child's cultural background into their new home by using designs that remind them of where they came from. My friend Libby does beautiful prayer plaques with the child's name that read "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face to shine upon you and give you peace". This is one of my favorite prayers and we say it with our children every night before bed.

Other things to consider are gifts of financial help. Many families who are adopting will have many expenses. From attorney fees to travel expense if they are adopting overseas. Gifts of money for these types of situations are usually very welcomed and can really mean a lot to a family. Meals also are valued by most families because just like having a baby you spend a lot of time with your new addition bonding, feeding and adjusting to a new schedule. I know with both of my adoptions having prepared meals (we did Dinner Done ) was invaluable. We spent the majority of our time just holding and loving on our new additions.

Of course many adoptive parents register for items just like with any new baby. Be sure to check registries and follow that if it is available.

Sometimes the biggest gift for an adoptive family is just celebrating their new addition. I loved getting cards and phone calls congratulating me on our new arrivals. It is always loving and sweet to reach out and personally get to know the new addition.

I hope to add some links to really great adoption gifts soon! If you know of anything please let me know!

Christmas Items

2010-09-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Fabric Selections-Prints

2010-01-08T12:31:00.001-08:00

Polka Dots:

Damask Prints:

Novelty Prints

2010-01-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Examples of Custom bows on my customers. Need Custom M2M bows? Look No Further!

2009-09-21T05:58:00.001-07:00

Here is our latest (Gwen did these and I did the bows! She did a fabulous job!):

I love nothing more than to get unique custom bow orders to make one of a kind hair accessories just for a special little girl (or two!). If you have a special outfit, dress or costume that you need a great hair accessory for let me know! I'd be happy to come up with something unique just for you! http://www.withcherriesontop.etsy.com/ or sarahviera@yahoo.com

Sports Bows

2009-09-16T11:36:00.001-07:00

If there is a Sports team that you would like bows made to match feel free to convo me at www.withcherriesontop.etsy.com! I'm working on UF Gators, Ohio Buckeyes and more now!

Recipes and Health.

2009-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Homemade Mac N' Cheese (with a hidden veggie!)

Here is my own recipe for yummy and healthy comfort food!

1 lb. bowtie pasta, cooked per directions and drained (substitute with your favorite pasta)
1 small yellow onion diced
2 tbs. unsalted butter
2 heaping tbs.'s of whole wheat pastrey flour
salt
pepper
1 pkg. pureed squash (publix sells these in the frozen section-thaw and add or use a 15 oz can of pureed squash)
2 cups lowfat organic milk
2 cups organic (my preference...any good sharp or smoked cheddar will do) shredded cheddar cheese
2 plump cloves garlic pressed

To make the sauce:
Melt butter in sauce pan
Add diced onion and cook for about 8 minutes or until onion is soft and light.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the flour.
Whisk carefully and cook about 2 minutes.
Add milk and squash and whisk until sauce thickens.
Add 1 cup of the cheese and stir until it melts. Add minced garlic.

Combine the cooked pasta and sauce into casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 375. Serve with salad or steamed broccoli.

Great Ribs!

I went searching for a wonderful rib recipe for my dear hubby's birthday dinner and stumbled upon http://www.amazingribs.com/. Check the site out, you'll love it if you love BBQ!

I made several alterations to their listed recipe because #1 I don't have a smoker and #2 I had to be in and out all day long due to being a crazy college student, mom and all!

So, here is the recipe I came up with and my hubby is in LOVE with these ribs. I hope you and yours will be too!

Start with a de-fatted and de-membrained rack of St. Louis Cut Ribs (ask your butcher!)

rub the ribs down with a tablespoon of your favorite oil (I used vegetable oil in this recipe)

rub with "Meatheads Memphis Dust": http://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/rubs_pastes_marinades_and_brines/meatheads_magic_dust.html

Memphis Dust Recipe
Yield. Makes about 3 cups. I typically use about 1 tablespoon per side of a slab of St. Louis cut ribs, and a bit less for baby backs. Store the extra in a zipper bag or a glass jar with a tight lid.Preparation time. 10 minutes to find everything and 5 minutes to dump them together.
Ingredients3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar3/4 cup white sugar1/2 cup paprika1/4 cup kosher salt4 tablespoons garlic powder2 tablespoons ground black pepper2 tablespoons ground ginger powder2 tablespoons onion powder2 tablespoons dried rosemary, ground to a powder
Optional. Add up to 2 tablespoons crushed dried chipotle, cayenne, chili powder, or other hot pepper. Be careful with this ingredient. Not everybody likes it as hot as you do! You can leave it out if you are serving to a large crowd that is bound to contain a few wimps, and serve pepper flakes on the side.
Substitution. Try substituting some smoked paprika for regular paprika. Beware, it is usually a bit hot.
About the sugar and salt. I encourage readers to experiment with recipes and "no rules in the kitchen or bedroom" is my motto, but I have gotten two emails from people that require a comment. One said he loved this recipe but left out the salt. Another left out the white sugar. I appreciate the need to reduce sugar and salt in our diets, but they are in the recipe for more than flavor enhancement, they help form the crust (a.k.a. "the bark"), an important part of the texture of the surface of ribs and slow smoke roasted pork. The salt pulls some moisture to the surface to form a "pellicle" and the sugar mixes with the moisture, caramelizes, and also contributes to the crust, called bark by the pros. There's only about two tablespoons of rub to a large slab. Of that about 1 tablespoon is sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you eat half a slab, you're not eating much sugar and salt. I recommend you leave them in. And for those of you who object to white sugar for non-dietary reasons, and use brown sugar instead, you need to know brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses added. It is not unrefined sugar.
About the rosemary. If you can only find whole dried rosemary leaves, you can grind them in a mortar and pestle, or in a coffee grinder.
About the ginger. I think it is a very important ingredient. If you don't have any, get some.
Do this1) Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. If the sugar is lumpy, crumble the lumps by hand or on the side of the bowl with a fork. If you store the rub in a tight jar, you can keep it for months. If it clumps just chop it up, or if you wish, spread it on a baking sheet and put it in a 250F oven for 15 minutes to drive off moisture. No hotter or the sugar can burn.
2) For most meats, sprinkle just enough on to color it. Not too thick, about 2 tablespoons per side of a large slab of St. Louis Cut ribs. For Memphis style ribs without a sauce, apply the rub thick enough to make a crunchy crust, about 3-4 tablespoons per side (remember to Skin 'n' Trim the back side). To prevent contaminating your rub with uncooked meat juices, spoon out the proper amount before you start and seal the bottle for future use.
3) Wrap your ribs it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight before cooking.

I wrapped them up and let them rest for 4 hours. Then, I baked them in a foil linned cookie sheet for 4 hours at 225 degrees F.

After 4 hours I made a foil boat, laid the ribs in the boat and poured 1 cup of 100% juice apple juice and baked another hour with foil covering the boat for the juices to steam the meat. Then, I poured the apple juice out into a sauce pan and made "Vermont Maple Glazed Pig Candy": http://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/porknography/vermont_pig_candy.html

Oh my is that Pig Candy amazingly good! What a bonus to the recipe!

Glaze with the Pig Candy and bake the rack of ribs without cover for about 30 minutes.

Serve with mashers with Alexi onion rings and broiled asparagus for a gourmet aproach or with baked beans and toast for traditional BBQ feast!

I'd love to hear if you give this a shot!

Ok, I was totally a sceptic about trying this recipe! I did with a few changes (because I was out of cocoa powder and needed SOMETHING with chocolate!).

Now, my husband won't eat them (because he knew there were black beans in them but I loved them. A new go to chocolate fix.

Here is the original recipe from Wholefoods.com:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2594
Makes 16
No one will ever guess that black beans are the secret ingredient in this recipe!

Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 cup melted butter, more for the baking dish
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cane sugar
1/2 cup gluten-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Method
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Butter an 8-inch baking pan. Place the black beans, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Remove the blade and carefully stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until just set in the center. Cool before cutting into squares.

Nutrition
Per serving (1 brownie/about 2oz/60g-wt.): 160 calories (80 from fat), 9g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 50mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 17g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 12g sugar), 4g protein

And here are the changes I made:
I used coconut (virgin) oil in place of butter
I used one cup of semi sweet chocolate chips (melted) in place of the cocoa powder

The coconut oil adds a really nice flavor and the semi sweet chocolate makes then gooey and yum!
I'd love it if you'd try to recipe and tell me your thoughts!

BTW-this is a gluten free recipe so its great for those of you with allergies.

2009-09-02T12:24:00.001-07:00

New Minnie Customs!

Here are two new custom designs that Gwen and I did for customers! I love the green and red and hope to do many more:-)

Custom Orders for Special Customers!

2009-09-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

Here is my little Sophia in her custom ruffle jeans.

These customs were done for a Gymbofriend (who is super sweet and happens to live close by!). Her DC's were going back to school so she wanted something extra special for their first day back.

2009-08-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have picked a winner! Finally!
Twinklescrapbooks!
Just select color, size and clip and I'll get a pair of bows out to you shortly.
Thanks for entering everyone! I will be doing more giveaways soon so stay tuned.

New style of eating

2009-08-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

So, my husband and I have decided to try to lose a few pounds and get healthier. Just so happens my mom gave me for my birthday a wonderful book to get us started. The book is called "Gorgeously Green". The best book I've read in a while.
The whole idea is to eat healthy, organic foods that are not processed. This is done in an attempt to be healthier and greener!
So, I found out that Wholefoods Market has recipes and shopping lists on their website. I made a meal plan and went the Wholefoods. So far we have really enjoyed all of the food! I made a breakfast casserole with polenta crust, sausage, eggs and cheese. Tonight I made a Quick and Easy Beef and Veggie Rice Bowl. The name doesn't do it justice. It was delicious and my husband who is not a veggie lover ate every veggie on his plate. He really enjoyed it.
If anyone would be interested in me e-mailing along meal plans every two weeks I'd be happy to. I'm already doing the work for my family!
Just comment and let me know.

The bow contest update!

2009-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my slow announcement guys! I have had a difficult week and haven't figured out the winner yet (hope to count up all the entries and do the drawing tomorrow!). Stay tuned for the winner to be announced.

Datz Deli and Lemon Scented Pancakes

2009-07-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Tony has been telling me for a couple of months to try Datz Deli in S. Tampa (MacDill Ave to be exact). I am not eating breads right now because I'm allergic to yeast so I haven't been all that eager to go to a sandwich shop. Well, it is so much more than a sandwich shop! They serve brunch too. I had the "lettuce entertain you" salad with smoked turkey, gouda, strawberries, blueberries and sugared walnuts with a berry vinagrette. Wow! This salad could have fed 4 people! It was yummy and pretty too. Tony got Lemon Scented pancakes and they were totally yummy too.
I highly recommend this place! They had a very large selection of beers (banana bread beer, blueberry beer and some other very interesting brews). The bakery looked awesome too. They had cakes the size of a sink! Something called "Lady Baltimore" looked like a fantasy cake with layers of white cake and a torched meringue frosting.

Here is a link to a recipe I found that might be something like those pancakes (I haven't tried it yet and will report...I doubt if it can be as good as Datz!)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/buttermilk-and-lemon-scented-pancakes-with-warm-blueberry-syrup-recipe/index.html

Here is a link to Datz Deli: http://www.datzdeli.com/

2009-07-26T06:41:00.001-07:00

Just went on a lovely vacation to the Beach. We really enjoyed the down time with the kids and got some sun. Clearwater beach is so neat at sunset. They do a craft fair on the pier every night at sunset and there are entertainers there as well. Sophia and Michael loved the bucket drummer.
I hope to add some pictures in the next couple of days.

2009-07-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Here is are some oldies but goodies! M2M Gap Treehouse and Chasing Rainbows.

2009-07-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

A new custom tee that we designed for a customer! I just love puppies on clothes! I don't know why but these little weiner dogs just pull on my heart strings!

First Blog Giveaway! Free pair of hairbows in your choice of size and color!

2009-07-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

So, here is the first giveaway for this blog. Enter to win by subscribing to this blog.

You can get extra chances to win by:

1 entry for commenting on the blog

1 entry for visiting http://www.withcherriesontop.etsy.com/ and adding us to your favorites!

5 entries to anyone who makes a purchase at http://www.withcherriesontop/

10 entries for every friend you refer to the blog or shop (please convo me at http://www.withcherriesontop.etsy.com/ to let me know about your refereals).

Here is the prize:

Any color any size basic hairbow pair.

We do the old names in hat drawing on August first! Good luck!

New Applique Fairy Princess

2009-07-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sophia's Birthday Cake!

2009-07-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a tad sad that my "baby" turned two! It's been over a month and I have really been avoiding the facts....its done....she's two...she's officially a toddler and not a baby and I'm not ready to realize that!

Anyways, she looked adorable in her Foofa custom dress that Gwen made ( http://www.withcherriesontop.etsy.com/) and her Foofa bows. Her party was Yo Gabba Gabba and it was a nice party for a two year old.

I'm so proud of the lovely little girl my Sophia is becoming! She is the sweetest most loving baby girl (there I go again with the baby...). Her favorite thing now is singing "twinkle twinkle little star" all day long.

Custom orders!

2009-07-07T10:40:00.001-07:00

A taste of the new items for the shop!

2009-07-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

2009-07-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Olivia's customs for her Birthday! Love the Tigger dress Gwen made!

Tea For Two Bows.

2009-07-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

Here are the new Gymbo line Tea for Two bows. Will be adding clippies too soon.

Our Happy Fourth!

2009-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here are Mike and Sophia after a local parade. We got rained on but had a great time!

2009-06-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

So I feel stuck in a funk of not getting anything totally done! Ugh. I'm working now on some new things for the shop but have had a houseful of sick people for a week and now the household is healthy but I have not recovered my energy.

Here is a lovely dress Gwen made for me for Sophia's birthday party. This is Foofa from Yo Gabba Gabba the theme of Sophia's birthday party.

Lovely isn't it?

2009-06-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Todays Bows!

Love the new Gap line so I couldn't wait to make some bows to match.

2009-06-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

Ahh, and we must not forget Michael's Custom! Plex from Yo Gabba Gabba.

2009-06-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just had to share the adorable custom set that Gwen made for Sophia's Birthday present.
I love this top and capri set! Too cute.

2009-06-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just added some new items to the shop today. Many more to come!

2009-06-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

One of my latest bows made for a Gymbofriend. I love embroidery (thanks Gwen!).

Bows, Bows and more Bows!

2009-05-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Working on lots of new projects for With Cherries On Top. Can't keep up with the flow of ideas it seems. Really enjoying it though.