Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Recipe: Easy Coconut Curry

Baby, it's cold outside... 
so why not warm up with some sweet and spicy Thai curry!  
This recipe is so easy and delicious, you'll want to make it all the time.  The maple syrup adds great flavor, so don't be tempted to omit it!!

Easy Coconut Curry courtesy The Detoxinista
(serves 2-4)

Ingredients:
For the sauce:
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons curry powder
1 (13.5 oz.) can coconut milk
1 tablespoon tamari, or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt

To complete the dish:
1 sweet potato, chopped
1 lb. assorted vegetables, chopped (fresh or thawed from frozen)
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
2 cups water

To get started, combine the rice and water in a small saucepan over high heat, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the rice to cook while you work on the curry sauce.

In the meantime, melt the coconut oil in a 3-quart saute pan over medium heat, and saute the onions and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes. Add in the coconut milk, curry powder, tamari, maple syrup and salt and whisk well to combine. (Since curry powders can vary by brand, start with a smaller amount and add more to suit your tastes.)

Taste and adjust any other flavors as needed, then bring the sauce to a simmer and add in the chopped sweet potatoes. Cover the pan, and allow the sweet potatoes to steam in the sauce for 5 minutes. Finally, add the rest of the vegetables, toss in the sauce to coat, then cover and allow to steam until fork-tender.

Serve warm over jasmine rice.

Recipe and photo courtesy The Detoxinista.


Monday, December 16, 2013

Last Minute Gifts for $30 or Less!

Can you believe it?! Christmas is only a week away!  If you're still looking for last minute gifts to stuff those stockings, here are some great options from the BEST Team!

1- "Smitten" necklace from Block Party Press, 30.00 (free shipping!)
2- Linen and cotton baby sensory ball by NAMOO, 24.50
3- Mason Jar tea towels by Open Eyes Press, 16.00 each
4- Birdy Bird catnip owls by jennyjen42, 15.00 each
5- Love Bikes print by Found Studio, 22.00
6- Hand Candy Sugar and Spice Scrub 
by Becca and Mars, 9.50 each

Find more great gifts by shopping all the BEST Team shops here!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Random Baltimore Photo-Robert E Lee Park


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Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Holiday Heap is THIS Saturday!

Don't miss one of Baltimore's top indie craft events of the year, Holiday Heap!  See 60+ vendors from Baltimore and beyond offering everything handmade- jewelry, paper goods, ceramics, housewares, apparel, fine art, toys, and more!  It’s free from 10am to 5pm at St. John's Church, 2640 Saint Paul St, Baltimore MD.

The following BEST members will be there!
 Becca and Mars
Design By Night
Found Studio
 jennyjen42
Jill Popowich Designs in Metal
the littlest bean 
might & mightyPigeon
NAMOO
Open Eyes Press
Sugar Paperie
Tigerlillyshop
The Broken Plate Pendant Co. 
Yummy & Company

HOLIDAY HEAP
Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2014
10am-5pm
St. John's Church
2640 Saint Paul St, Baltimore MD

Photo courtesy the Charm City Craft Mafia.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Random Baltimore Photo--Homeland


submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Holiday Market at Belvedere Square , Saturday December 7th

Have you heard about the newly renovated Belvedere Market,the opening of Shoo-fly Diner and the re-opening of Senator Theatre? All will be celebrated Saturday Dec 7th at The Holiday Market. Great shopping from local artisans, caroling, Santa,and some wonderful bands will provide entertainment. If you get chilly, head into the market for a cuppa tea, or glass of wine, and then back outside to find that perfect, unique, and locally made gift.



Baltimore Etsy Team member Fiorella Jewelry will be there, as well as other local artisan including Corradetti Glass, Johns Hopkins University Press, Bmore Papercuts, Red Bicycle Studios, Austin Wayne Designs, Tommy Sheldon Photography...and many more.

See you there--submitted By Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

Monday, December 2, 2013

Holiday Bling

There's no better time than the holidays to add a little bling to your wardrobe. Baltimore Etsy Team can help you out-- check these beautiful options lovingly handmade from local sellers-



sweet bangle from All Wired Up that's sure to become a favorite.



Festive Red Swarovski Crystal Ring from Trinkets N Whatnots.


Gorgeous Labradorite studs from Jill Popowich Designs...dressy enough for New Years, versatile enough for every day.


Classic and sexy crystal dangles from Heavens to Bessie.


Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Necklace from Jersey Girl Design



Don't forget your hair! This feather hair clip from Design by Night will help you make a Gatsby worthy entrance.

Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Home for the Holidays with Baltimore Etsy Team

Hosting friends and family at home is one of the best things about the holidays. It always gives me a reason to get those things done around the house that I usually can't find time for, from hanging pictures, cleaning behind the fridge, dusting the moldings--to purchasing those special items that put a personal stamp on the festivities. Why not buy small, buy local, and buy from someone who makes the items they sell with love, care, and attention to detail.

Here are some special items for home from BEST members to help create a holiday atmosphere at your nest.


Welcome all your hons, with this fabulous mat from Damn Good Doormats.




Classically lovely laser cut ornament, from Holler&Whistle.



Let them get comfortable, with this pretty patchwork pillow, from Namoo.



Fill this gorgeous bowl from Wood Art for Living with ornaments, salad, cookies...whatever you choose to put in it will look beautiful.




Hoping to get some help in the kitchen with post-feast cleanup? A cute tea towel couldn't hurt. Here's an adorable retro print from Open Eyes Press.

Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry