Gooseberry Patch

Lots of Links this Friday!

This week's Link We Love comes from a great site...get ready to add this one to your bookmarks!

Sew, Mama, Sew! is not only a crafty blog but also a retail shop filled with fabric, gifts, notions, patterns and more. There's also an active community forum where you can pose questions on everything from patterns to machines and the SMS collection of tutorials and sewing guides numbers over 100!

With all this goodness just waiting to be discovered, they're sure to become a valuable resource for projects ranging from kids' goodies and cute purses to projects for your home and quilts...the list goes on and on!

The project we are featuring was part of hand sewing month at Sew, Mama, Sew! and it's another one of these great download-able resources...a pocket stitch book!

If you're anything like us, you don't get to embroider often enough to remember the ins and outs (literally!) of the most basic stitches. This little book has clear instructions and illustrations for 7 of the most often used stitches.

Created by Cassi Griffin of Bella Dia and The Crafty Crow, it's extra handy because you can print it out, fold it up and keep it with your hoops and floss...it'll always be right there when you need a quick refresher!

Click here to download the book.

Sew, Mama, Sew! is full of crafty goodness and the pocket stitch book is just the tip of the iceberg. Grab their button below for a quick link or click it to go check out this Link We Love now!

Everyone Loves Tacos!

Summer nights mean neighborhood cookouts, afternoon ballgames and backyard camp-outs...if you're hosting a backyard gathering of your own anytime soon, this is a great addition to the menu.

Walkin’ Tacos

Shared by Karen Pilcher of Burleson, Texas, it appears in our cookbook, Speedy Suppers!

1 lb. ground beef
1-1/4 oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix
4  2-1/2 oz. pkgs. corn chips
2 c. lettuce, shredded
1 c. tomato, chopped
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/3 c. salsa
1/2 c. sour cream

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Gently crush corn chips in unopened packages. Cut each bag open along one side edge. Spoon equal amounts of beef mixture and remaining ingredients into each bag. Serve in corn chip packages with a fork. Serves 4.

P.S. Did you know...

Christmas in July...Why Not?

In our neck of the woods, July is full of steaming hot & humid days...this creamy, minty recipe is just right for cooling off. Even better, you can make dessert without heating up the kitchen!

You'll find this recipe in our book, Christmas with Family & Friends. Bet you didn't think you'd be pulling out that book this month...let's just call it Christmas in July!

Friendship Peppermint Mud Pie

This yummy dish comes to us from
Lori Vincent of Alpine, Utah. She
serves it to girlfriends at an annual
holiday gathering but we think it
tastes great any time of year!

14-oz. pkg. chocolate sandwich cookies,
    crushed and divided
6 T. butter, melted
1/2 gal. peppermint ice cream
16-oz. jar hot fudge ice cream topping
8-oz. container frozen whipped
    topping, thawed

Set aside 1/4 cup cookie crumbs. Combine remaining cookie crumbs and melted butter in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13" x 9" baking pan; press firmly to cover bottom of pan. Slice ice cream into 1/2-inch slices and layer over crumb crust. Freeze until solid. At serving time, spoon fudge topping over ice cream and spread whipped topping to edges. Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs. Makes 12 servings.

Make a Photo Lantern!

This week's Link We Love comes from one of our favorite blogs ever...if you haven't visited decor8, today's the day to click over and take a peek! There's so much inspiration to be found, you'll find yourself clicking that little bookmark button in a hurry.

Be sure to check back weekly and see her blog & book recommendations for the week in the header!

The voice behind decor8 is Holly Becker and she provides a wealth of ideas, photos and links to fun products & services...a great place to stop by when you need to spark your creativity!

To just give you a peek at the goodness that can be found there, we're sharing a link to her super-clever tutorial on making photo lanterns...enjoy!

An Apron for Your Little Helper!

This dainty apron is sure to bring back memories
of those special times spent cooking (and stitching!)
with Grandma.

Made from a vintage pillowcase or embroidered
flour-sack towel, it'll be perfect for your little helper!

Found in our collaboration with Leisure Arts,
Sweetly Stitched for Kids, it's just one of
18 made-just-for-kids projects included.

Here's what you'll need...

• vintage embroidered piece
    for overlay (we used a pillowcase)
• 1 yard of print fabric for skirt
• 1/4 yard of stripe fabric
    for bib
• 3-5/8 yards of 1" wide
    grosgrain ribbon
• 3/4 yard of jumbo rickrack
• 7" of cotton lace edging
• clear nylon thread

Finished Size: Fits a 20" to 22" waist
Match right sides and use a 1/4" seam allowance for all sewing.

Instructions:

For the waistband and ties, cut the ribbon into one 72", two 18", one 12" and one 7" lengths. For the apron overlay, find a pretty area on your embroidered piece and cut a 21"x12-1/2" rectangle (our measurement includes the hemmed edge of the pillowcase. If your overlay is not hemmed, cut a 21"x13" rectangle). Press the short edges of the overlay 1/4" to the wrong side twice; hem (if your overlay is not hemmed, hem the lower edge in the same manner). Folding the raw ends to the wrong side, zigzag rickrack to the overlay about 1" above the bottom edge.

For the apron skirt, cut a 33-1/2"x30-1/2" rectangle. Matching the long edges, fold the rectangle in half. Sew the short edges together. Turn the skirt to the right side and press. With right sides facing up, match raw edges and center the overlay on the skirt; pin. Run 2 rows of basting stitches spaced 1/4" and 1/2" from the top edge. Gather the basting threads until the skirt measures about 11" and the overlay measures about 61/2".

For the bib, cut two 7"x7-1/2" rectangles. Sew the 7" ribbon length and the lace to the right side of one short edge of one rectangle, 1/2" from the top edge. Matching raw edges, pin each 18" ribbon length to the rectangle 1/4" from each top corner. Sandwiching the ribbons between the layers and leaving the bottom edges open for turning, sew the bib rectangles together. Turn the bib right side out and press.

Matching the side edges of bib with the side edges of the overlay, sew the bib to the skirt. Press the short ends of the 12" ribbon length under 1/2". With the wrong side of apron facing up, center and pin the ribbon over the seam allowances. With the right side of the apron facing up, center and pin the 72" ribbon length over the seam allowances. Sewing through all layers, topstitch the ribbons to the apron as shown in Figure 1.

Did You See the Winning Recipes?

The Votes Are In!

Four FREE recipes from our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes...chosen by YOU!

 

My Mom's Muffin Doughnuts

Shared with us by Laura Parker, Flagstaff, AZ

2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 c. plus 1/2 t. butter, divided
1-1/2 c. sugar, divided
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped pecans
2 t. cinnamon

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon butter, 1/2 cup sugar, egg and milk. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove immediately from pan. Melt the remaining butter; roll muffins in butter. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon; roll muffins in mixture. Makes one dozen.

Hamburger Crunch

Shared with us by Gayle Ortmeyer, Jefferson City, MO

2 lbs. ground beef
1 T. onion, minced
2 10-3/4 oz. cans tomato soup
1 t. chili powder
4 c. corn chips
8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef and onion together in a large skillet over medium heat; drain. Stir in soup and chili powder. Spread in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; top with corn chips. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Serves 6 to 8.

Maple-Topped Sweet Potato Skins

Shared with us by Linda Corcoran, Metuchen, NJ

6 sweet potatoes
1/2 c. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sour cream
2 t. cinnamon, divided
2 t. nutmeg, divided
2 t. ground ginger, divided
2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
3 T. butter, softened
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
Garnish: warm maple syrup, additional nuts

Pierce potatoes with a fork. Bake at 400 degrees or microwave on high setting until tender; cool. Slice each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out baked insides, keeping skins intact. Place potato skins on an ungreased baking sheet. Mash baked potato in a bowl until smooth; add cream cheese, sour cream and one teaspoon each of spices. Mix well and spoon into potato skins. In a bowl, mix nuts, butter, brown sugar and remaining spices; sprinkle over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Drizzle with warm maple syrup; garnish as desired. Makes one dozen.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Shared by Nancy Girard, Chesapeake, VA

5 to 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 c. milk
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
8-oz. container sour cream
2 t. dried parsley
1 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

Cover potatoes with water in a large saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat;
simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well. Mash until light and fluffy. In a large bowl, beat together all ingredients except Cheddar cheese and bacon until smooth and creamy. Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan; sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Serves 10 to 12.

Thanks to everyone who voted on our photo slideshows...we hope you enjoyed this big sneak peek inside!

Find 101 Autumn Recipes in a store near YOU!

Bonus Wallpaper!

Everyone needs a little summertime surprise...
here's a bonus wallpaper just for our Circle of Friends!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

We appreciate your input!

We're always looking for ways to make the time you spend with Gooseberry Patch more enjoyable. And you can help us do just that and also be entered to win a copy of our newest cookbook!

 

It's so easy! Just click here to take a short, 5-minute survey and tell us what you think. As a thank you for completing the survey, you'll be automatically entered to win a copy of our brand new 101 Autumn Recipes cookbook! 

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Good luck!

Feeling Fuzzy this Friday?

This Friday's Link We Love comes from a crafty blog called Feeling Fuzzy.

Always full of inspiration and creative links, what we love most about her blog is the video Emma made on making paper flowers!

Look how pretty they are hanging in a row...

For weddings, birthdays or to top a special package, we think they're really lovely...and with Emma's help, we're off to whip up a dozen or so!

Last Chance to Help Pick Recipes!

Next week, we'll be sharing not one, not two...but FOUR recipes from our brand new book, 101 Autumn Recipes and YOU can help us decide which of the 101 to include!

Based on the mouthwatering photos we've been sharing, we're collecting votes for your favorite recipes...one from each chapter of the book!

Haven't voted yet? That's okay...click the links below.

See selections from School Days here.
See selections from Busy Day Dinners here.
See selections from Fun with Friends here.

Today, we're sharing the last group of 10 photos...they're from the chapter called Country Harvest and it's sure to include everything needed for family dinners and the big Thanksgiving feast.

Did you decide on a favorite right away or do you need another look? We know they ALL look yummy but leave your vote below for the MOST delicious looking dish...check your inbox next week for all FOUR winning recipes. They're sure to be family favorites at harvest time or anytime for years to come.

Remember, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click that handy little Share button below!

If you've been missing out on the fun of our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes, it's not too late to join in now! Last week, we started sharing photos from inside this brand new book...we're showing off more goodies than ever before! 

See selections from School Days here.
See selections from Busy Day Dinners here.

Today, we're revealing 10 photos from the next chapter, Fun with Friends!
Filled with treats for harvest and Halloween, you're gonna love it.

Okay now...try and choose just ONE favorite from this batch and leave us a comment with your vote! If your favorite is the winner, you'll get to see the recipe in an upcoming email.

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back on Thursday, July 15th, and vote on the final batch!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click that handy little Share button below!

When you become our Fan on Facebook, there's all sorts of goodies you'll find...here are the top 10 reasons we think YOU should join in the fun!

10. Connect with fellow Gooseberry Patch friends
9. Share photos of your family, home & what’s for dinner
8. Get free recipes from friends and from our cookbooks too
7. Enter to win free goodies including cookbooks, calendars and more
6. Instant access to us for your recipe or cookbook questions
5. Vote on the content we share...from tips to recipes and more
4. Be a part of the fun conversations and questions of the day
3. First to find out about new cookbooks, organizers and more
2. You control your privacy – we’ll never ask you to share more than you like!

 

And the #1 Reason... Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch NOW and get a coupon for 50% off Ready, Set, Eat!...one of our favorite cookbooks ever!

This coupon is good for ONE WEEK ONLY (from now until Sunday, July 18th) so don’t delay...click below to get yours!

Already a Fan of Gooseberry Patch?
Of course you’ll get the coupon too...just click below!

This week and next, we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes by showing you more of the goodies inside than ever before!

Starting earlier in the week, we began sharing the first of 40 photos here on the blog...we're asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter!

This next batch comes from the second chapter, Busy Day Dinners...they're just right for the full days of the season.

Hungry, aren't you? Weigh in with your comment below and keep your fingers crossed that your favorite is the winner...we'll be sharing the recipe with the most votes soon!

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back on Tuesday, July 13th, and vote on the next batch!

The first 10 were from School Days and it's not too late to pick your favorite of those either!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog you'll find yourself immediately bookmarking. Running with Scissors is chock-full of great ideas, tutorials and inspiration.

The link we're featuring is Jessica's adorable Washcloth Puppets but really, anywhere you click on her blog will take you to a project you'll want to try.

Wouldn't these puppets make a great baby shower gift?

See all of Jessica's great tutorials and projects here!

If you received your July e-letter today, you already know how we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes!

Starting today, we're sharing 40 photos from the book - more than you've ever been able to see before! - and asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter.

These 10 are from the first chapter, School Days...take a look at these photos and just try to not get hungry!

Now that you've seen all 10, leave us a comment below and let us know which looks the yummiest...we'll be sharing the winning recipe soon. In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back this Saturday, July 10th, and vote on a whole new batch.

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

Here in Ohio, July is when summer really heats up and we're always looking for a new cool-down dish. Frosty Fruit Salad comes from our book, Meals in Minutes, and it goes right from the freezer to the table...it's like taking a dip without a pool!

Frosty Fruit Salad

Lisa Smith of Littleton, Colorado, recommends that you whip this up the night before...it'll be just right for the next day's picnic.

17-oz. can apricots, drained, juice
    reserved and chopped
17-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained and juice reserved
1/2 c. sugar
3  10-oz. pkgs. frozen
    strawberries, thawed
6-oz. can frozen orange juice
    concentrate
2 T. lemon juice
2 lbs. seedless grapes, halved
4 bananas, diced

Heat reserved juices and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves. Add strawberries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Heat until warmed; remove from heat. Combine apricots, pineapple, grapes and bananas together in a small mixing bowl; stir into heated mixture. Pour into a freezer-proof serving dish; freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Makes 25 to 30 servings.

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog we love called Ruffles and Stuff. Written by a crafty mom named Disney, her blog is always full of inspiration and beautiful photography...click here to learn even more about her. 

Ruffles and Stuff has tons of crafty tutorials, ranging from adorable kids' clothes to ideas for the home. We love this easy idea for sprucing up a simple frame...check it out!

While you're there, pick up some super-cute free graphics too!

You know what a new months means, right?
Our July desktop wallpaper is here!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

More Photos for Your Vote!

If you've been missing out on the fun of our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes, it's not too late to join in now! Last week, we started sharing photos from inside this brand new book...we're showing off more goodies than ever before! 

See selections from School Days here.
See selections from Busy Day Dinners here.

Today, we're revealing 10 photos from the next chapter, Fun with Friends!
Filled with treats for harvest and Halloween, you're gonna love it.

Okay now...try and choose just ONE favorite from this batch and leave us a comment with your vote! If your favorite is the winner, you'll get to see the recipe in an upcoming email.

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back on Thursday, July 15th, and vote on the final batch!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click that handy little Share button below!

When you become our Fan on Facebook, there's all sorts of goodies you'll find...here are the top 10 reasons we think YOU should join in the fun!

10. Connect with fellow Gooseberry Patch friends
9. Share photos of your family, home & what’s for dinner
8. Get free recipes from friends and from our cookbooks too
7. Enter to win free goodies including cookbooks, calendars and more
6. Instant access to us for your recipe or cookbook questions
5. Vote on the content we share...from tips to recipes and more
4. Be a part of the fun conversations and questions of the day
3. First to find out about new cookbooks, organizers and more
2. You control your privacy – we’ll never ask you to share more than you like!

 

And the #1 Reason... Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch NOW and get a coupon for 50% off Ready, Set, Eat!...one of our favorite cookbooks ever!

This coupon is good for ONE WEEK ONLY (from now until Sunday, July 18th) so don’t delay...click below to get yours!

Already a Fan of Gooseberry Patch?
Of course you’ll get the coupon too...just click below!

This week and next, we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes by showing you more of the goodies inside than ever before!

Starting earlier in the week, we began sharing the first of 40 photos here on the blog...we're asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter!

This next batch comes from the second chapter, Busy Day Dinners...they're just right for the full days of the season.

Hungry, aren't you? Weigh in with your comment below and keep your fingers crossed that your favorite is the winner...we'll be sharing the recipe with the most votes soon!

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back on Tuesday, July 13th, and vote on the next batch!

The first 10 were from School Days and it's not too late to pick your favorite of those either!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog you'll find yourself immediately bookmarking. Running with Scissors is chock-full of great ideas, tutorials and inspiration.

The link we're featuring is Jessica's adorable Washcloth Puppets but really, anywhere you click on her blog will take you to a project you'll want to try.

Wouldn't these puppets make a great baby shower gift?

See all of Jessica's great tutorials and projects here!

If you received your July e-letter today, you already know how we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes!

Starting today, we're sharing 40 photos from the book - more than you've ever been able to see before! - and asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter.

These 10 are from the first chapter, School Days...take a look at these photos and just try to not get hungry!

Now that you've seen all 10, leave us a comment below and let us know which looks the yummiest...we'll be sharing the winning recipe soon. In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back this Saturday, July 10th, and vote on a whole new batch.

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

Here in Ohio, July is when summer really heats up and we're always looking for a new cool-down dish. Frosty Fruit Salad comes from our book, Meals in Minutes, and it goes right from the freezer to the table...it's like taking a dip without a pool!

Frosty Fruit Salad

Lisa Smith of Littleton, Colorado, recommends that you whip this up the night before...it'll be just right for the next day's picnic.

17-oz. can apricots, drained, juice
    reserved and chopped
17-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained and juice reserved
1/2 c. sugar
3  10-oz. pkgs. frozen
    strawberries, thawed
6-oz. can frozen orange juice
    concentrate
2 T. lemon juice
2 lbs. seedless grapes, halved
4 bananas, diced

Heat reserved juices and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves. Add strawberries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Heat until warmed; remove from heat. Combine apricots, pineapple, grapes and bananas together in a small mixing bowl; stir into heated mixture. Pour into a freezer-proof serving dish; freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Makes 25 to 30 servings.

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog we love called Ruffles and Stuff. Written by a crafty mom named Disney, her blog is always full of inspiration and beautiful photography...click here to learn even more about her. 

Ruffles and Stuff has tons of crafty tutorials, ranging from adorable kids' clothes to ideas for the home. We love this easy idea for sprucing up a simple frame...check it out!

While you're there, pick up some super-cute free graphics too!

You know what a new months means, right?
Our July desktop wallpaper is here!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

It's Good to be a Fan!

When you become our Fan on Facebook, there's all sorts of goodies you'll find...here are the top 10 reasons we think YOU should join in the fun!

10. Connect with fellow Gooseberry Patch friends
9. Share photos of your family, home & what’s for dinner
8. Get free recipes from friends and from our cookbooks too
7. Enter to win free goodies including cookbooks, calendars and more
6. Instant access to us for your recipe or cookbook questions
5. Vote on the content we share...from tips to recipes and more
4. Be a part of the fun conversations and questions of the day
3. First to find out about new cookbooks, organizers and more
2. You control your privacy – we’ll never ask you to share more than you like!

 

And the #1 Reason... Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch NOW and get a coupon for 50% off Ready, Set, Eat!...one of our favorite cookbooks ever!

This coupon is good for ONE WEEK ONLY (from now until Sunday, July 18th) so don’t delay...click below to get yours!

Already a Fan of Gooseberry Patch?
Of course you’ll get the coupon too...just click below!

Another Chance to Vote!

This week and next, we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes by showing you more of the goodies inside than ever before!

Starting earlier in the week, we began sharing the first of 40 photos here on the blog...we're asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter!

This next batch comes from the second chapter, Busy Day Dinners...they're just right for the full days of the season.

Hungry, aren't you? Weigh in with your comment below and keep your fingers crossed that your favorite is the winner...we'll be sharing the recipe with the most votes soon!

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back on Tuesday, July 13th, and vote on the next batch!

The first 10 were from School Days and it's not too late to pick your favorite of those either!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog you'll find yourself immediately bookmarking. Running with Scissors is chock-full of great ideas, tutorials and inspiration.

The link we're featuring is Jessica's adorable Washcloth Puppets but really, anywhere you click on her blog will take you to a project you'll want to try.

Wouldn't these puppets make a great baby shower gift?

See all of Jessica's great tutorials and projects here!

If you received your July e-letter today, you already know how we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes!

Starting today, we're sharing 40 photos from the book - more than you've ever been able to see before! - and asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter.

These 10 are from the first chapter, School Days...take a look at these photos and just try to not get hungry!

Now that you've seen all 10, leave us a comment below and let us know which looks the yummiest...we'll be sharing the winning recipe soon. In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back this Saturday, July 10th, and vote on a whole new batch.

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

Here in Ohio, July is when summer really heats up and we're always looking for a new cool-down dish. Frosty Fruit Salad comes from our book, Meals in Minutes, and it goes right from the freezer to the table...it's like taking a dip without a pool!

Frosty Fruit Salad

Lisa Smith of Littleton, Colorado, recommends that you whip this up the night before...it'll be just right for the next day's picnic.

17-oz. can apricots, drained, juice
    reserved and chopped
17-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained and juice reserved
1/2 c. sugar
3  10-oz. pkgs. frozen
    strawberries, thawed
6-oz. can frozen orange juice
    concentrate
2 T. lemon juice
2 lbs. seedless grapes, halved
4 bananas, diced

Heat reserved juices and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves. Add strawberries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Heat until warmed; remove from heat. Combine apricots, pineapple, grapes and bananas together in a small mixing bowl; stir into heated mixture. Pour into a freezer-proof serving dish; freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Makes 25 to 30 servings.

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog we love called Ruffles and Stuff. Written by a crafty mom named Disney, her blog is always full of inspiration and beautiful photography...click here to learn even more about her. 

Ruffles and Stuff has tons of crafty tutorials, ranging from adorable kids' clothes to ideas for the home. We love this easy idea for sprucing up a simple frame...check it out!

While you're there, pick up some super-cute free graphics too!

You know what a new months means, right?
Our July desktop wallpaper is here!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Craft Up Some Bathtime Fun!

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog you'll find yourself immediately bookmarking. Running with Scissors is chock-full of great ideas, tutorials and inspiration.

The link we're featuring is Jessica's adorable Washcloth Puppets but really, anywhere you click on her blog will take you to a project you'll want to try.

Wouldn't these puppets make a great baby shower gift?

See all of Jessica's great tutorials and projects here!

Pick YOUR Favorite!

If you received your July e-letter today, you already know how we're celebrating our new book, 101 Autumn Recipes!

Starting today, we're sharing 40 photos from the book - more than you've ever been able to see before! - and asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter.

These 10 are from the first chapter, School Days...take a look at these photos and just try to not get hungry!

Now that you've seen all 10, leave us a comment below and let us know which looks the yummiest...we'll be sharing the winning recipe soon. In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FOUR recipes in all! - so come back this Saturday, July 10th, and vote on a whole new batch.

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click that handy little Share button below!

Here in Ohio, July is when summer really heats up and we're always looking for a new cool-down dish. Frosty Fruit Salad comes from our book, Meals in Minutes, and it goes right from the freezer to the table...it's like taking a dip without a pool!

Frosty Fruit Salad

Lisa Smith of Littleton, Colorado, recommends that you whip this up the night before...it'll be just right for the next day's picnic.

17-oz. can apricots, drained, juice
    reserved and chopped
17-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained and juice reserved
1/2 c. sugar
3  10-oz. pkgs. frozen
    strawberries, thawed
6-oz. can frozen orange juice
    concentrate
2 T. lemon juice
2 lbs. seedless grapes, halved
4 bananas, diced

Heat reserved juices and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves. Add strawberries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Heat until warmed; remove from heat. Combine apricots, pineapple, grapes and bananas together in a small mixing bowl; stir into heated mixture. Pour into a freezer-proof serving dish; freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Makes 25 to 30 servings.

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog we love called Ruffles and Stuff. Written by a crafty mom named Disney, her blog is always full of inspiration and beautiful photography...click here to learn even more about her. 

Ruffles and Stuff has tons of crafty tutorials, ranging from adorable kids' clothes to ideas for the home. We love this easy idea for sprucing up a simple frame...check it out!

While you're there, pick up some super-cute free graphics too!

You know what a new months means, right?
Our July desktop wallpaper is here!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Cool Down with this Recipe!

Here in Ohio, July is when summer really heats up and we're always looking for a new cool-down dish. Frosty Fruit Salad comes from our book, Meals in Minutes, and it goes right from the freezer to the table...it's like taking a dip without a pool!

Frosty Fruit Salad

Lisa Smith of Littleton, Colorado, recommends that you whip this up the night before...it'll be just right for the next day's picnic.

17-oz. can apricots, drained, juice
    reserved and chopped
17-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained and juice reserved
1/2 c. sugar
3  10-oz. pkgs. frozen
    strawberries, thawed
6-oz. can frozen orange juice
    concentrate
2 T. lemon juice
2 lbs. seedless grapes, halved
4 bananas, diced

Heat reserved juices and sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves. Add strawberries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Heat until warmed; remove from heat. Combine apricots, pineapple, grapes and bananas together in a small mixing bowl; stir into heated mixture. Pour into a freezer-proof serving dish; freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 15 to 25 minutes before serving. Makes 25 to 30 servings.

Happy Birthday, USA!

We Love Ruffles and Stuff!

This week's Link We Love comes from a blog we love called Ruffles and Stuff. Written by a crafty mom named Disney, her blog is always full of inspiration and beautiful photography...click here to learn even more about her. 

Ruffles and Stuff has tons of crafty tutorials, ranging from adorable kids' clothes to ideas for the home. We love this easy idea for sprucing up a simple frame...check it out!

While you're there, pick up some super-cute free graphics too!

Welcome to July!

You know what a new months means, right?
Our July desktop wallpaper is here!

Click here to visit our download page!

To install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!