Children's Mugs

Hi all,

I started a new collection of Children's Mugs, I hope you like them. They are so easy to customize too. These are dishwasher safe and shouldn't fad.

I also have made some travel mugs. I love these travel mugs. I admit, I bought a few for the kids and myself. I have gotten more compliments and people wanting to know where I got them.

It actually helps the kids from spilling drinks in the car, well, I should say helps me from spilling my coffee on myself. Just being honest here.

I also want to give a shout out to RenascencePub who helped me setting up the products on my blog. Thank you. You should check out his blog and store, He's got some amazing stuff.

Visit Doodle Daddles and just click 'mugs' to view our whole collection of Mugs. All mugs can be customized and all images can be placed on travel mugs. Just click on the images.

Generate more traffic

Hi all,

I was talking with Jay from http://jasonandchadopenadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/ and he told me about this site, 'Trafic Ad Bar'. SO I decided to check it out.

So I joined and it's a brand new FREE way to generate website traffic for your blogs and websites. Did I mention I love the word FREE.

Unlike many other services, Traffic Ad Bar uses a level ladder which generates hits for members by using the "Daily Update Email". The more you click, the higher you go on the 'ladder'.

OK, a couple of things that make this site a little different. First, every day you get an email of a few websites you click to earn points. But what's great about this, is you have to stay on the site for 10 seconds to actually earn the points.

I know being a member of entrecard its a click and run site. This site actually makes you look at the site. I found myself clicking to a site and then actually staying longer then the 10 seconds because since I was there, i started reading it which then made me stay longer.

Also, I use stat counter on all my websites and I am noticing that I get more hits to my site with this tool.

But the fact is, I joined because I can use the Traffic Ad Bar to advertise my website completely FREE, AND reach almost everyone on the internet!

Click below to find more.

You want the money? Part 2

Ok folks, Here goes nothing, I figured it out. If you don't know what I am talking about, please read the post right below this one first. This is a two parter, which would make this one part 2. Got it? good!

Here are the directions to become an affiliate and get your widget and make some extra cash.

Here we go:

Go to www.zazzle.com

Once you’re on the site, at the very top, click on ‘sell’ (its more towards the left of the page)

Out of the three boxes shown on the new page, Click ‘Get started’

Then where it says, ‘I am new to zazzle’ click that.

Fill in the boxes and then click it.
TA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!You are now done!

You are now officially a member of zazzle. Pretty easy huh?

Well, not so fast, there is more.

On the tool bar, you will see ‘associates’, click it.

On this page, you are given your ‘associate number.’

Type in your website name (blog) and then put your website URL in and then click enter.

Then you are given quite a few choices, you need to click number 6 (flash Panel). (I’m still trying to find out if you can use a different promoting tool, but for now, that’s the only one that I see on others blogs. I’m still waiting for the official word.)

When you click on number 6, you will see a bunch of products in the ‘market place’. (they are not mine) If you look on the right of the screen, you will see where it says 'search term' and underneath that, it says ‘seller?’

You want the ‘seller?’ box.
Just Type in doodles_daddles (MAKE sure you get the underscore in doddles_daddles or it won’t work. You can always copy and paste this if you are having trouble.

Then underneath that, it says ‘product type’, You can choose which products you want. I chose to leave 'products' as that way people get to see the different products.

Then underneath that, its says ‘sort by’. You can keep the most 'popular' (products that I have sold the most) or you can click the newest and display the newest products that are made). Once you decide, then click 'NEXT'

My products should be in the box. Customize the flash panel anyway you want and put your own title in. Then click save and finish.

Then you will be given a code (your associate number should be in there) and just place it on your site.

Phewwwwww….it’s much easier then it seems.

Don't forget to book mark your 'site' and you can check the earnings daily under your account. It costs nothing for you to see how it goes, and after a while if you don't like it, just remove the widget. It doesn't cost a thing.


Because of the extra space you need on your blogs, I can put your blog widget right on the store front as ‘promoters’. So if people visit the store, they can click on your blog right from there.

But here is the catch. You have to promote MY store to get the free advertising…lol. That’s fair, right?

ok, that's it, give it a shot, what do you have to lose? it's not like your paying for anything, plus, if you don't see any money, then you can just remove the widget, you don't even need to delete the account.

I do have to mention, the more established you are as a blogger, the more chances are you will get more clicks. (common sense) However, if your brand new to blogging, the good news is that this is a free way to advertise your blog. Did I mention FREE...lol.

If you don't want the widget but want to still make some extra cash, you can sell a product here and there on your blog. Just copy and paste the link on the specific product (I can show you how to do it, look at my 'mother days post', that is what it would look like with a specific product, just make sure your affiliate number is in the link.

I think that's it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. The worst that could happen, is you get some extra cash.

Footnote: just to give you a little assurance, I actually bought some of my own products (im drinking out of my travel coffee mug now at work) The products are really good. The cards that I bought were fantastic, I was impressed, I went with with the glossy. I was actually nervous at first to sell to my friends, but the products are really good so I told everyone about it.

So make sure you let me know so I can give you the free advertisment.

Want to make extra cash?

hmmmmm interesting title, huh.

Well, actually, I'm pretty serious. You can make some extra cash. It's actually pretty easy and only requires a little effort. Disclosure: This is NOT a gimmick...lol. This is NOT a paid advertisement...lol.

But there are requirements. The first is you must have access to a computer. Second, you must have a name. I would also advise people to get a PayPal account. But you don’t need one.

And well, that’s pretty much it.

I know what you’re thinking. "So, what do I have to do?"

It's pretty simple. You have to ‘promote’ my online store at Zazzle. If I haven’t lost you yet, keep reading, it really isn’t that hard to do.

If you notice the side bar on my page, you can see this box with my products in it, all you have to do is place one of those on your blog and when someone clicks it and buys something, you get a referral fee. It's really that simple.

I actually have been doing pretty well at Zazzle and I am praying that my little on-line business can actually allow me to work at home and be with the munchkin’s full time. I have been promoting the store like crazy and in return have been wreaking the benefits.
I can’t afford any advertising at this time, so I have been doing all the advertising myself and that is why I haven't been blogging as much as I use to.

Then it hit me, why not let my friends in on it and let them make some extra cash. I’m sure I’m not the only one that needs it. I figured were all looking to make some extra money, so it’s a win win for everyone. So here is how it WORKS. Yes, folks, I said that dirty word. WORK.

There are two ways to do this. First, you can promote the store out of the kindness of your heart and not make a dime. No? Didn’t think so. But I thought I’d mention it.

Or, you can register at Zazzle and be a part of the Associate Referral Program. You don't need to open a shop. You don't need to create a design. You don't need to post any items for sale. You just need to register and get your very own referral number that can be tagged to my shop and/or products and then pass the links to friends and family with your referral number already attached and earn some cash! (kind of like amazon and adsence)

What will the Associate Program get you if you refer one of my products and a sale is made? You will get a 15% - 32% commission! Zazzle will pay you a commission (referral fee) for each sale that you refer to Zazzle from your site, your blog, email, or any offline marketing that use. It’s all automatic.

Just click on your site and hit ‘earnings’ and it will tell you all the activity and how much you earned and just watch it go up.

But as I said, the dirty word is WORK. If you really want to make more money, then you can do what I do and promote it more. It comes down to this, the more you promote, the more you make. No rocket science here folks. This is also NOT a get rich scheme. The more work you do promoting, the more money you make.

If you don't have the time to promote, that's ok, I didnt for the longest time, so all you can do is just place the widget on your blog (like I did) and let your blog do the work. Won’t make as much as if you’re out promoting, but then again, you don’t really have to do anything either. I will tell you, the more readers you have, the more chances of people clicking on the 'ad'.

I even used my ‘store link’ as my signature line in discussion groups and things like that. I also used Craig’s list promoting a product here and there to bring in traffic.

You can even promote products using your face book/ twitter/ MySpace accounts. You can get as creative as possible.

So the question is, “well, how do I get cash?” It’s really very simple, if someone clicks to my store from your referral page, (must have referral number) and they buy something, then you get the referral fee. That’s it! Basically, you just place the widget on your site and someone clicks it and buys something, you get the referral cash. Basically, once you’re up and running, you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.

So why am I doing this?

Well, I would love to say that I’m such a nice guy and I want to help, but I would be lying. I am a miserable person. Kidding, well, sort of kidding. The fact is, the more I sell, the more money I make. The more my store is published; the chances are that more customers will come and the more sales I can make.

Now, here is where it gets interesting. If someone clicks on my store from your site and does not like my products but finds a product that someone else made, then you still get the referral fee. They don’t have to buy my stuff for you to make money. Sucks for me, but hey, I’m hoping they stay in my store once they are there.

Disclosure time, zazzle is not new to me, but this offering people to promote my stuff is. I can't see how this is a bad thing for anyone.

So to get the ball rolling, I'm offering, just for now, a little something special. If you stick the widget (ad) on your site, I will put your blog ad (badge) on my site for a month. (It's all I could offer right now). So not only do you get a referral fee but you get free advertising. How can you beat that?

I got to tell you, I have made money in my store. (I wouldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t)and the majority of people who have come to my shop were referred from somewhere else. (Zazzle put’s a little R on a sold product to let you know that it was from a referral). I figure if I let people refer my store, this can only help my sales and in return, help others looking for a little extra cash.

So there you go folks.

If this post totally confused you, then please just ask me. It really is easy. If you decide you want to do this, please let me know so I can grab your ad and place it on my blog.

I do have two stores, so your more then happy to promote one or both.

http://www.zazzle.com/quaker_cafe

http://www.zazzle.com/doodles_daddles


______________________________________________________________________________

Update

ok, i got a few emails with people having problems. I tried to do it myself as a associate only and Im having problems too...lol. I will have it all figured out by the afternoon. Please check back. This is the first time I'm doing this so I have to ask the other shop owners how they did it. Sorry guys, I will get it all figured out.

Mothers day Cards Already!

Looking for a little something different for mothers day. Check out these mother day cards. They are so easy to customize.

Mother's day card by doodles_daddles

There is also sale going on, so if your thinking about it. Don't let the holiday pass you by.

Tax Day Sale - 10.40% off ALL ORDERS! Just add the coupon code: Use Code: TAXDAYZAZZLE when you check out. This sale ends Thursday

free apps

Right now, in appreciation of Autism Awareness Month, all of the
apps for the iphone/ipod at www.kindergarten. com are free. Many
on categories and receptive language. A nice one on emotions and
others on problem solving. Check them out and enjoy!

Basic Cream Filling

Here is another recipe from down on the Quaker Farm.

You can use this cream filling for a lot of different pastries, like cream puffs, between the layers in a Boston Cream Pie, and in other goodies.It's pretty easy to make and tastes so good.

BASIC CREAM FILLING

1/3 c. sugar
3 T. flour
¼ t. salt
1¼ c. milk
1 beaten egg
1 T. butter
1 t. vanilla

In saucepan, combine dry ingredients, gradually add milk, and mix well. Cook over med heat stirring til mix thickens and boils. Cook 2 min longer. Very gradually stir the hot mixture into egg and return to saucepan. Cook til mixture just boils. Sir in butter and vanilla; cover surface with wax paper. Cool.

There are also variations of this recipe:

BUTTERSCOTCH: Replace sugar with brown sugar and increase butter to 2 T.

CHOCOLATE: Increase sugar to ½ c. and Add 1 square unsweetened chocolate (cut up) with the milk.

back pain

About 20 years ago I pulled my back out. It was so painful that i laid on the floor for a few days as I could not get up.

Since then I get these sudden back problems. Maybe once or twice a year. Well, its that time again. I have no idea what I did with it, but it's killing me.

I bought my older son to see 'train dragons' yesterday and to seat for the two hours didnt help matters.

I had to miss meeting today and I feel awful.

I wish I was more active but I cant seem to find the time. I have met some nice people but it seems once meeting is over, I run out.

I will have to start planting soon and to be honest, not sure if I am actually looking forward to that work.

Sorry for the vent, im just so tired today and my brain isnt working.

The Rebulican Sunshine State

Now, before I start this post, I am not saying all Floridians are wackodoodles. My whole democratic family lives down, or is it up? I can never get that right, in Florida. But I am forced to question if the heat gets too much for some folks, as this is not the first time that some crazy wackodoodle stuff came out of that state.

I was watching the news last night and this doctor apparently put a sign on his door that read “If you voted for Obama, seek Urological care elsewhere".



What the hell does that suppose to mean? I guess exactly as it says.

Jack Cassell, the urologist from Florida, who posted it on his door, even took it even a step further. If you dare enter his office, and your sitting in his waiting room wanting a good magazine to read, you see a sign that says "This is what the morons in Washington have done to your health care. Take one, read it and vote out anyone who voted for it." And underneath this sign, he put copies of what the republicans made of the health-care timeline and pointing out all the horror’s it will bring.

I guess the thing that gets me, is this is a doctor, someone who took an oath to help the sick. He does however state that he will never turn anyone away but if they don't come in, he is fine with it. But one cant help but wonder why this guy even became a doctor.

I guess what kills me the most, is that most people who go visit a doctor, are sick. Shocker huh?

When we are sick, we are at our most vulnerable. God knows, I’ve been known to blow a mole on my arm as full blown cancer with a few months left to live. It just seems to me he maybe forcing people to hear his politics if they need health care. It really just doesn't sit wright with me.

So do we walk away, or do we go in and pray that we don’t say something wrong as our health is in his hands. The truth is, he has every right to post it, but we also have every right to find a new doctor.

What would you do?
So, would you continue to see this doctor or would you find another one? take a second and complete the survey, i will post the findings in a few days.

Click here to take survey

Post It Tuesday

I just love this idea.

Plain Dress

George Fox:
"Friends, keep out of the vain fashions of the world; let not your eyes, minds, and spirits run after every fashion (in attire) of the nations; for that will lead you from the solid life into unity with that spirit that leads to follow the fashions of the nations, after every fashion of apparel that gets up: but mind that which is sober and modest, and keep to your plain fashions, that you may judge the World, . . ."

A lot of Quakers are choosing to 'dress plain'. I don't want to say it's a new movement but it seems lately, at least to me, when I get my head out of the clouds,someone new is starting to 'dress plain'.

I personally like the look. I think they look kinda cool.

But lately I am brought to wonder what the point is. I see men tearing off their collars of their shirts and sewing buttons on their pants for their suspenders. I see women purchasing bonnets that, well, are kinda of expensive.

I mean, doesn't it cost money to just throw out everything in your closet and buy 'plain clothes'. Why not just make a vow that you will not be wearing expensive clothing and just keep to the non-label clothes? Isn't that what George meant?


I was sitting at meeting a few weeks ago and my mind started to wonder then my eyes started to gaze at everyone. Of course the first people that I noticed were in 'Plain dress'. As in Quaker Plain Dress. Traditional clothing if you will.

I couldn't help but notice them as they stood out, I have known these people for a while and watched the transformation. I have talked to them about this transformation and I do 'get it'. At least I think I get it.

Then sitting there, I started to look at my own feet, saw the same sneakers that I pretty much wear every day. I looked at my jeans, as by the cuffs seem to be fraying due to the many washes. I looked at my shirt, this red flannel shirt which at one point had probably seen a better day. Which I never would of known since I buy most of my clothes at the second hand store.

Then as I looked at my clothes, the last thing I would want to do to these clothes is put rips in them or make the material thinner (which some folks have done) to get the look of 'plain'. When I look at 'plain dress', I cant help but wonder if its going against everything George Fox actually meant.

Don't get me wrong, 'plain dress' will never be In 'fashion'. I don't think Heidi Klum is going to say "for your next challenge, make a Quaker offit for the runway and you have 300 dollars so go make it work". It's never going to happen. Well, who knows, i guess anything is possible.

On the other hand, isn't 'Plain Dress' fashionable for Quakers? If I go shopping and see some Quakers in 'plain dress', I cant help but wonder if they are choosing to set themselves apart, to make some kind of statement. It could be me, but I don't think that is what 'dressing plain' was suppose to be about..

I have dressed 'plain' for as long as I can remember. Clothes and me, well, we never really bonded. You wont find any designer labels in my closet. It's not that I deliberately went out and avoided labels, in fact, it wasn't even about the labels but the price.

If the salvation army had a 'abrocrombie' shirt for 2 bucks, I probably would buy it, but not because it said abrocrombie on it, but because it fit and it was 2 bucks.

Come to think of it, I might have an abrocrombie shirt in my closet but just never really looked at the label, just looked at the size. If you ever shopped at a goodwill store, you will know they just put all the clothes together. S, M, L, Xl, XXL...it doesn't matter. So there really isn't enough time to actually look at the labels also, you would be there all day if you did. For me, It's all about the size and price and of course if the piece of clothing is in good condition that it will last.

Is 'plain dress' more about fashion? Is 'plain dress' setting some Quakers apart from others? I really don't know.

But for me, I get up in the morning, God willing, I'll then open up my closet and take the shirt that's on top, the pair of pants that are folded in the drawer and realize how 'simple' that was. Then put on the same sneakers that I always put on.

Then off to work I go with a humble attitude and a sense of gratitude that I don't need fancy clothes to make feel worthy.

As for 'plain dress'. Well, besides from tearing up my clothes and sewing buttons on my pants for suspenders, you can't get any plainer then me.

But I am forced to look at myself and think, 'what did George Fox actually mean when he talked about 'plain dress'?

For me, it is more about dressing humbly. Not to get caught up in the newest trends and fashions.

Who knows, Maybe I am the 'new plain' and didn't even know it.

Tavel Mug

Inner Light Travel Mug by Quaker_Cafe

Here is a nice Quaker travel mug. I call it 'Inner Light'. Actually the 'Inner Light' is used by Quakers to express our faith. I believe that God's presence is with every person and if we listen, we can hear God speak to us. Though I made some mugs before, I thought it would be great to put the design on a travel mug for when were traveling in the morning to remind us to be still and listen to the 'Inner Light'. Also, check out some more Quaker ideas at the Quaker Cafe. All our products are easy to customize for your own personal touch.

Hippity Hoppity

Easters on it's way.

Well folks, here we go, a house full of people. Oh Joy. I really have come to a place in my life where I enjoy my peace. I mean I really enjoy in my peace. But now its cleaning, cooking, and getting ready.

I get so frustrated and I really just need to turn it over to God and if the kids drag mud through the house, so be it.

I actually even miss meeting due to getting ready, and if anything, thats what grounds me.

SO what are people making? we usually have a ham and all those delicious side dishes.

Here is a bread recipe called BROA.

We will use Yellow Corn flour.

Below is a real bread recipe using corn flour in your bread machine.

BROA

1 c. milk
1/4 c. water
1 egg
3 T butter
6 T cane juice crystals *
1 1/2 t. sea salt *
1 1/2 c yellow corn flour *
2 1/2 c. unbleached bread flour *
1 t. anise seed *
2 1/2 t. Saf-Instant yeast *

Combine all ingredients in the order given.

Select the white bread button on your bread machine and push start.

Check the dough after about 5 minutes. If too wet add more bread flour 1 T at a time. If too dry, add water 1 T at a time. Dough should form smooth round ball.

Close lid and let machine do it's work.

To make it easier, visit the farm blog for the ingrediants for the bread.
http://quakersfarm.blogspot.com/

Maple Candy and Maple Cream

So, how does one actually make Maple Candy and Cream. Well folks, here you go with an old fashioned Quaker recipe handed down.

Making maple candy & Cream at home is actually pretty easy. But I wouldnt let the kids help due to the liquids get VERY HOT.

So what you need is for the candy is:

1. Pure maple syrup, Grade A Light Amber or Medium Amber works best. A quart (4 cups) will make 2 pounds of candy. (check out the quakers farm for the maple syrup)
2. Deep cooking pot or pan.
3. Candy thermometer (available at houseware store) capable of measuring to 240F.
4. Candy molds. Rubber molds work best, or lightly greased metal or wood molds.
5. A few drops of butter or vegetable oil.

Directions For Candy:

1. Fill pan partially with water and the thermometer.
2. Bring to a boil, and note the temperature of the boiling water. Empty the pan.
3. Place syrup in pan; using a deep pan as the boiling syrup will foam up fairly high when boiling.
4. Add a few drops of oil or butter. (This helps to keep foam down).
5. Boil carefully over high heat without stirring, until temperature of the boiling syrup is 32 degrees F above the boiling point of the water, as noted earlier. Watch carefully as the temperature climbs higher. It can get too hot very quickly near the end. If your pan boils over, you'll have a real mess! If it cooks too long it can scorch, even catch fire. Watch It! (This is not a place for children nearby, as the boiling syrup is VERY hot, and can stick and burn).
6. Remove from heat, and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
7. Stir evenly (don't beat) until the liquid looses its gloss and starts to become opaque. This should take a few minutes, and is the tricky part to learn the exact correct moment to pour off. Stir too long and the thickened syrup will "set up" (harden) in the pan. If this happens, add a cup of water, and re-heat slowly to dissolve sugar, then start over. If you don't stir long enough, the sugar may not "set up" in the molds at all.
8. Pour carefully into molds. Small aluminum foil pans can be used.
9. Allow to cool, remove from molds, place on a rack to dry for a few hours...enjoy!

Now for Making maple cream (maple spread) at home is also pretty easy, but this also gets VERY HOT so please be careful.

Here is what you need for the Cream:

1. Pure maple syrup, Grade A Light Amber or Medium Amber works best. A quart (4 cups) will make 2 pounds of maple cream. (see Quaker farm)
2. Deep cooking pot or pan.
3. Candy thermometer (available at houseware store) capable of measuring to 240F.
4. A few drops of butter or vegetable oil.
5. A large pan or sink full of cold water.

Directions for Cream:

1. Fill pan partially with water and the thermometer.
2. Bring to a boil, and note the temperature of the boiling water. Empty the pan.
3. Place syrup in pan; using a deep pan as the boiling syrup will foam up fairly high when boiling.
4. Add a few drops of oil or butter. (This helps to keep foam down).
5. Boil carefully over high heat without stirring, until temperature of the boiling syrup is 24 degrees F above the boiling point of the water, as noted earlier. Watch carefully as the temperature climbs higher. It can get too hot very quickly near the end. If your pan boils over, you'll have a real mess! If it cooks too long it can scorch, even catch fire. Watch It! (This is not a place for children nearby, as the boiling syrup is VERY hot, and can stick and burn).
6. Remove from heat, and place immediately into a large pan or sink of very cold water to cool. Do not move, stir, or disturb the syrup during cooling. You can gently add some ice cubes to the water bath.
7. Cool to near room temperature (Hold the back of your hand close to the surface, its cool enough when you don't feel any heat radiating off the surface anymore).
8. Remove from water bath and stir slowly with a wooden spoon until it looses its gloss and starts to get opaque. You will notice a change in the color of the liquid. This will take a strong hand and some time. It will get to the consistency of peanut butter when finished.
9. Spoon into containers and keep refrigerated.
10. Lick all the utensils and enjoy.

SO there you go folks, just another plug for maple syrup. But well worth it.