Personal Creations for Mother’s Day {Apple Blackberry Pie Recipe}

by Amy H on May 3rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, In the Kitchen, Reviews

Does a Mother in your life bake a delicious pie? Delicious enough that she deserves her own pie dish with her name on it? Or is it a casserole that’s her signature? Do her talents lie in other areas of the house? Would she love a welcome mat with her family name to rest at the front door, or a sweet garden pot with the names of her favorite little flowers? No matter what her specialty is or where her interest lies, there is something you could personalize a gift for Mother’s Day at Personal Creations to make her feel loved and appreciated this year.

I wasn’t too sure of my pie making skills when my personalized “Made with Love by Amy” blue pie dish arrived, as I hadn’t made a pie crust in many years.  I wanted a perfectly crusted pie to be in my culinary arsenal, which is why I wanted a personalized pie dish. I knew it would make me work on my pie making, so I got right down to business.

To celebrate my husband’s and my very first Married Sunday Dinner, I baked an Apple Blackberry Pie for dessert. It was following meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, so I chose a simple, classic, American pie to follow a simple, classic meal.  Below you’ll find the recipe for the pie, which was absolutely delicious!  I’m not sure the blue (to match our kitchen) pie dish or having my name and “logo” on it made the pie taste better, but it certainly made it look extra awesome!

Shop! Personal Creations has affordable gift ideas for Mothers day, including the Pie Baking Dishes, which is $39.99. When you order the website indicates the earliest delivery date so you can make sure your gift arrives in time for the holiday.

Amy’s Apple Blackberry Pie Recipe

apple berry pie recipe

Crust

  • 2.5 cup ap flour
  • 1 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 15 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes

Filling

  • 6 large apples, any variety and combo will work and I like a combo of green and red
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 3/4 cup Sugar in the Raw
  • 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch salt

Directions

Heat oven to 420 degrees. Peel and slice apples. Add lemon juice, sugar, vanilla and salt. Sprinkle on corn starch. Stir and allow to rest 10-15 minutes.

Sift flour and sugar into cool bowl. Then add salt and butter. Work together with a pastry blender, until all butter chunks are pea-size. Add six tablespoons ice cold water, one at a time, until dough comes together to be a smooth ball. Divide into two equal portions, shape into disc, wrap with plastic and chill 30 minutes.

On floured surface, with floured rolling pin, shape first dough ball into round 1/4″ inch sheet. Roll dough up onto pin to transfer onto pie dish. Press edges and trim excess to make your bottom crust.

Add apple/berry mixture to raw pie crust. Then roll out second crust and transfer to make top crust. Seal edges together and crimp anyway you like. Make 6 slits and a star shaped hole in the middle of the crust. Sprinkle on a generous amount of sugar in the raw.

Put pie directly on middle rack in hot oven. In 25 minutes, reduce heat to 350 and slide a cookie sheet under pie. Cook for additional 30-40 minutes until crust is evenly brown and purple goodness begins to ooze out of the cracks around the edges. Allow to rest one hour before cutting. Best served with vanilla ice cream.

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Thanks to Personal Creations for providing a sample.

Mother’s Day Shopping Guide 2012 {$100 Giveaway}

by Kate on April 29th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, Shopping

We’re excited to unveil our 2012 Mother’s Day Shopping Guide. We have curated an awesome collection of great gifts for moms that we would be proud to give and delighted to receive.

From jewelry to books to candy to trees, we have something for everyone. And with prices ranging from free to more than $250, we’ve got ideas in your budget.

We know the realities of Mother’s Day so we want to guarantee that one of our favorite people (that’s you: our readers) gets something on her Mother’s Day wish list. To make that happen, we’re giving away some cash!

Win! $100 to Shop for Yourself for Mother’s Day!

How to Enter: Visit the Mother’s Day Shopping Guide and tell us your favorite find.

Earn Extra Entries - Valid only after checking out the Shopping Guide. Leave a comment for each you do.

  • Share the Mother’s Day Shopping Guide on Facebook or Twitter. You may do this every day. Tag us and a link to let us know you did.
    Looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas? Check out The Shopping Mama’s Mother’s Day Shopping Guide: http://bit.ly/MamasShoppingGuide
  • Pin your favorite gift idea from the Shopping Guide on Pinterest. You may share as many gifts from the 2012 Guide as you like (linking to the Guide, not the product site). Leave your Pin link to let us know what you think is Pin-worthy.

Giveaway ends May 13. Open worldwide.

Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Children

by Shannon on January 26th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Shopping

They say “the third time is the charm.” And that is true of The Shopping Mama’s third installment for Valentine gift ideas. Below you will find some of the most charming children’s gifts for “happy heart day.” Like any good work in a series, you need not have seen the previous posts to appreciate this one. However, if you’d like to catch up, we understand. Check out our Non-Heart Themed Valentine’s Gifts and Heart Valentine’s Day Gifts for Everyone.

Candy

Lollipops from Crate and Barrel ($3.95 for large and $2.95 each for small; eligible for free shipping) – Let’s face it, there are a lot of gifts to listed below, but kids LOVE candy. And this holiday is all about LOVE, right?

 

The Better Than a Love Letter Gift Box at JellyBelly.com ($29.99) – A load of candy inside a keepsake mailbox.

Books

Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B. Friedman (from $11.53 on Amazon) – This wonderful book encourages children to share their love throughout the year, not just on Valentine’s Day.

Baby Love by Sandra Magsamen (from $9.53 on Amazon) – This cloth lift-the-flap book is perfect for newborns and toddlers.

Crafts

Stop and Smell the Paper Flowers ($5.95 at Land of Nod) – Perfect for a boy or girl to make and give a first Valentine bouquet. Available in a variety of colors.

Martha Stewart Secret Message Craft – 3-D is all the rage and kids will love creating these 3-D valentine messages for friends.

Attire

Red Hydrangea Diaper Cover on Etsy ($32) – How cutie patootie is this?

“Stud” Shirt or Onesie on Etsy ($22.50) – Even the smallest man deserves to be a stud on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Necktie on Etsy ($13.95) – For that special night out with his first Valentine: Mom.

Heart Scarf from Gymboree ($16.95) – Add a Valentine touch to any outfit they own…and it will fit for years to come!

Red Valentine Peasant Dress on Etsy ($39.99) – I want one in my size.

Cards

Mini Valentine Set from Le Papier Studio ($6) – Create unique Valentine greetings with custom messages and sweet silhouette images.

Valentine Cards from Chasing Fireflies ($6 – $13) – Chasing Fireflies features more than a dozen varieties of UNIQUE valentine greetings. Options range from trains to “cootie catcher,” and so much more. Many sets also include stickers for sealing the envelopes.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Heart-Themed Gifts (That Won’t Make You Gag)

by Shannon on January 24th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Shopping

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday between Christmas and warm weather. It’s the perfect holiday for February…one that allows you to snuggle with your special someone. I give the holiday a great deal of thought because it also happens to be my birthday. Great thought? Yes. I give the holiday great thought because I want to make it special for my husband as well. It’s his Valentine’s Day, too!

Because I give the holiday great thought, I’ve come up with three lists of suggested gifts. To follow my train of thought and see the first installment of these lists, view my first Valentine’s gift post: Non-Heart Valentine’s Gift Ideas.

Here are some wonderful (i.e. not cheesy) heart-themed gifts. Hurry, time is running out!

Heart-Themed Gifts for Everyone

Conversation Heart Cookies from Etsy ($25 for one dozen)

Personalized Framed “Our Song” Lyrics from Etsy ($70) – Dang, there are no lyrics to “our song.” Hope others can use this!

Heart Coffee Scoop from Uncommon Goods ($24) – When the recipient loves you and coffee, this pewter coffee scoop is perfect.

Valentine’s Day the Movie (from $4.99) – Whether your special someone loves Valentine’s Day or hates it, there is a character to which they can relate in this movie. It might be cliche’, but this is a great movie for the occasion. (It saved me last year when my hubby was deployed…yeah, on my birthday.)

Heart-Themed Gifts for Mom

Gianna Rose Atelier Heart Soap Set at Pottery Barn ($29 for 3) –  My absolute favorite. Give this to your wife, mother, girlfriend, sister, aunt, daughter…NOW! On a budget? These come in a set of three. Buy one set and gift your mom, wife and daughter with one purchase.

Heart Parade Bracelet at Sundance ($98) – I saw this bracelet and knew it would be a recommendation on this list. Since that time, I’ve seen it on every online Sundance advertisement. So, it may be overkill, but I still think this would be a wonderful gift for mom.

Williams-Sonoma Heart Wreath ($59.95) –  This will look good, smell amazing and help mom to relax.

Peruvian Blue Opal Bracelet from Etsy ($68) –  Still a heart, but stepping outside of the traditional Valentine’s Day color palette, this beautiful bracelet will add a pop of color to any outfit.

Happy shopping. Or hint-leaving.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Hold the Hearts

by Shannon on January 23rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life, Shopping

My birthday is on Valentine’s Day. Sounds really sweet, right? Well, it is now that I have a loving husband and preschool girl who loves all things pink, red and “love” inspired. I try not to dwell on the years during high school and college when I did not have a boyfriend and all my friends did. Those years when, on the most romantic day of the year AND my birthday, I planned on a Stouffer’s lasagna and piece of birthday cake from the local grocery store. Come to think of it, that lasagna and cake was really good, so never mind the “woe is me.”

During those years, I did not like receiving any birthday gifts that were heart-themed. I’m not sure I really ever told anyone about my preference because I wouldn’t want to hurt feelings. I mean, a gift is thoughtful no matter what. Since that time, I’ve tried to keep in mind that some people LOVE the LOVE stuff and some people might like a romantic gesture that can be savored and enjoyed for more than one day in February. As I began to think about Valentine gift suggestions for The Shopping Mama, that meant two lists. So how did I end up with three lists of Valentine gift suggestions?

1) Non-heart-themed gifts
2) Heart-themed gifts
3) Gifts for the kids

Can’t forget the kiddos!

Then, I struggled more. This is The Shopping Mama…moms are our primary audience. Hmmm….if I post a lot of gifts for moms, how do I get that information to the dads and significant others to make the purchase? That led to another set of lists. 1) Gifts for Anyone. 2) Gifts for Mom that she will “pin” on her Pinterest page and direct others there for gift ideas. This is getting complicated.

For this post, I’ll share the non-heart-themed gifts, so tune in for heart-themed and kid gifts later!

Non Heart Themed Gifts for Anyone

West Elm Chunky Tassel Throw ($79) – Perhaps you give this with the promise to cuddle under it?

Cheesecake Factory Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake (from $24) – Don’t live near a Cheesecake Factory? Not to fret. They deliver.

Paper to Silk Journal at Uncommon Goods ($32) – This amazing journal can be used for those early in their marriage or those reflecting on years past. Prompts for the year correspond to the traditional gift for that anniversary and truly make you interact, communicate and remember.

Penny Keychain from Etsy ($15) – This keepsake is handmade from pennies coined during memorable years for you and your significant other.

Non-Heart Theme Gifts for Mom

Dylan’s Candy Bar Rhinestone Necklace ($35) & Bracelet ($40)- Like candy, but can’t afford the calories? How about an accessory from the popular candy vendor, whose founder happens to be Ralph Lauren’s daughter?

L’Occitane Hand Creme Bouquet ($40) – Mom works hard and winter is hard on the hands. Treat mom to a bouquet of hand creme scents. Want extra credit? Pair it with a gift certificate for a manicure and/or a bouquet of real flowers.

Anthropologie New Angle Sunglasses ($38) – Mom is a superstar, let her look like one with these amazing glasses.

Personalized Stationary on Etsy ($15) – Give mom a truly personal gift that will help her with the “household professional communication” – custom stationary featuring her monogram and favorite colors.

Happy shopping and happy pinning!

Holiday Gift Ideas for the New Mom

by Malia on December 20th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Holiday, Shopping

As the sleep deprived mother of a two week old baby and a 22 month old toddler, I am going to declare myself very qualified to write about what I want what new moms really want for Christmas. (Hint, it’s not gifts for baby with mama’s name on it. Don’t get me wrong, we love nice things for baby, but don’t pretend they are for us. Baby is already the boss of EVERYTHING right now, she shouldn’t get to take our Christmas gifts too.)

A Pedicure ($30 plus): I don’t care if it’s so cold where you live that anything less than wool socks and boots results in frostbite, after several months of not being able to reach her toes, every new mom needs a pedicure (or at least a few hours to herself to trim, buff and polish). High budget: get her the full spa treatment with hot rock massage, parfin wax treatment, and salt scrub. Tight budget: pick up a hip color and keep the kids out of her hair for an hour or two. (photo: dailyglow.com)

Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body-Buffing Cleanser ($22): A good body scrub is about the most wonderful thing after returning to a (relatively) normal body. I love the bright citrus scent of the Origins Gloomaway Scrub and it always gives me a mental boost, but pick a scent your New Mama loves.

Diamond Locket ($295): A new mom totally needs something like this diamond locket to keep a photo of her new baby close to her heart.

Clarisonic Mia ($119): There’s nothing like sleep deprivation to remind a woman that she isn’t 15 anymore. The Clarisonic face cleansing system removes the dulling layer of surface skin cells, making skin look younger, healthier and reducing appearance of pore size and acne. It may not be as good as eight hours of sleep, but it will help mama look and feel younger.

A House Cleaning (varies): Any help around the house after a new baby is awesome. Take a few minutes to empty the dishwasher or fold a few (hundred) loads of laundry. Heck, even make out one of those cheesy classic homemade “coupons” for a house cleaning. Or go all out and hire a professional to scrub her house, steam clean the carpets, and empty that dang dishwasher.

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Gifts for the Stylish Mom

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blog, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping

I’ve done some serious research (i.e. consulted my holiday wish list) to compile a great assortment of gifts for the wanna-be stylish mom like me. Actually, you don’t have to be a mom to appreciate any of these finds, and they are all guaranteed to make the recipient smile. You may notice these are all accessories that even a giant pregnant woman can enjoy which means you don’t need to know any particular size for ordering.

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Fresh Sugar Duo ($22.50): I’ve been obsessed with my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Plum and need a restock. This duo package is a great deal for fancy chap sticks. The Lip Treatment feels great and the color is subtle so it compliments every skin tone.

Fabric Rosette Necklace ($18): Take a tee and jeans from drab to fab with the simple addition of a fabric rosette necklace. We love this look because it’s handmade but preppy and a simple way to add color to an outfit. We like the necklaces from Jillian Audrey Designs.

Cha Cha Cha Bracelet from lia sophia ($130): I may or may not be sharing this because I’m obsessed with it and I’m hoping my husband is taking note. (Did you get that, dear?) It’s bold, makes a statement and goes with anything. Wear it to dress up denim or with a dress for an evening on the town.

Infinity Scarf ($58): Day to day life of a mom requires simple style and a scarf can add a lot to an outfit with very little effort, especially an infinity scarf that you don’t have to tie. We love this Stripe Knit Scarf from Splendid.

Bowtied Leather Gloves ($98): Love these practical and girly leather gloves from Anthropologie. The little bow tie adds just the right amount of unique flair to make the gloves something special. The gloves are lined with wool so they’ll keep your hands warm and cozy.

timi & leslie Charlie Diaper Bag ($160): It’s just so… pretty. No one will know you’re carrying everything but the kitchen sink when you’re out and about with the kids. The convertible collection from timi & leslie features faux leather, lots of pockets for organizing and the stylish look that defies diaper bag-dom.

Kate Spade Thermos ($35): A morning fix of java may not be the most inherently stylish thing thing you do all day, so dress it up with some Kate Spade. We love this Thermos brand travel mug. And, hey, it’s an affordable way to give a very chic designer.

kate spade thermos

Happy Shopping!

Bellini Introduces Baby Gift Baskets {Exclusive Discount Code}

by Kate on November 1st, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Baby Shopping Guide, Shopping

Bellini Baby & Teen Furniture started twenty five years ago with the task “to design children’s furniture as practical as it is beautiful.” We think the company has more than exceeded its original goal as the brand has expanded to be a leading design source in the industry. Everything is absolutely gorgeous. See?

Bellini is taking their expertise in baby design to the world of gift giving by creating exclusive high-end baby gift baskets. The Bellini Baby Baskets are definite “Wow!” gifts perfect for discerning parents.

Bellini Baby Baskets

Bellini.com is proud to introduce The Bellini Baby Basket Collection, exclusively sold at Bellini.com. These high-end gift baskets are an artistic ensemble of our all time favorite gifts from the industries most fabulous artisans. Each handcrafted basket can be designed for a boy, girl, neutral or even multiples. Sure to be the next iconic baby gift , The Bellini Baby Basket says welcome in style.

The baskets include favorite and time-tested brands like Little Giraffe, Bla Bla, Alex Marshall, Barefoot Dreams, Bamford, Trumpette, Reed and Barton and more. “Not only are the products we have included top of the line,” says Michelle Freedberg, one of the Bellini’s owners, “but the basket is presented as a real work of art, topped off with a signature Bellini cookie and gorgeous gift wrap, it’s sure to be the hit of any shower, baby naming, christening or will make the perfect statement for that special client, colleague or co-worker at the office.”

Baskets can be created for a girl, boy, gender-neutral or even for twins.

Shop! Bellini Baby Baskets are available only through Bellini and range in price from $150 to $1,000. Save with our exclusive discount code! Use code “shoppingmama” for 10% off any gift basket purchase.