Seedling Design!

I am excited to announce our newest blog sponsor Seedling Design!

love this market tote!

Anna sews the cutest bags, aprons, napkins and more. She purchases her fabric from independently owned businesses, and uses organic or repurposed fabric whenever possible. She designs and sews everything herself in her home studio.

cherry tomatoes zip pouch

Anna says, "you care about the earth and realize that small things can make a big difference. I focus on the details to bring you useful and durable items that are great for your busy life and for the environment. I love combining different colors, fabric patterns, and applique to make each item a unique bit of art that you will want to use all the time. I choose quality fabrics and carefully sew each piece to make sure that will last for years. Whether you are in the kitchen, eating lunch at your desk, or filling up a bag at the market, my colorful designs help you to make every day vibrantly green".

veggie napkins

Today Seedling Design is giving away a $35 gift card to the shop!

carrot radish onion tote

To enter the giveaway, visit the Seedling Design Shop and leave a comment on this post--what's your favorite item?

be sure to check out Anna's blog, and the Seedling Design Facebook page as well.

blog, tweet or facebook about the giveaway and come back for an extra entry.

giveaway closed

shabby apple giveaway!

I'm SO excited for today's giveaway!! 

I'm sure by now you've heard of Shabby Apple....their dresses are popping up all over, and I am especially loving some of the new designs they have for spring.

Today they are giving away the Mariposa Grove dress ($86 value) to one lucky reader!

Check out their website--they have so many different styles and colors of women's dresses, as well as maternity clothing, swimsuits, and even some super cute little girls dresses. 

I loved this dress instantly--it's so springy and a great way to break away from drab wintery dresses....don't you think?

To enter the giveaway, visit Shabby Apple and leave a comment on this post. 

For additional entries, blog, tweet, or facebook about the giveaway and come back for an extra entry. 

You can also "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook (here) for one more entry.

The giveaway will close Saturday February 19th at midnight. One winner will be chosen randomly.

And if you just can't wait, Shabby Apple is offering a 10% discount to my readers! Just use "littleredhouse10off" at checkout.

*giveaway is only available to US residents

giveaway closed

winner!!!

We have TWO lucky MadeOn Au Chocolat Winners!

email me your address at sheenajibson at gmail. 

Be sure to go check out all of the MadeOn products! 

Get 10% off through Feb 14th when you use the code "littlered" at checkout. 

chocolate.

Valentines Day is right around the corner......and to me, that means only one thing....

love? 

romance?

giant teddy bears holding hearts?

nah. 

chocolate. 

good. chocolaty. chocolate. 

Growing up, my favorite dessert ever, was chocolate pudding cake. We'd have it after Sunday dinner, nice and warm in little bowls my mom saved just for desserts. Chocolate pudding cake was so special, it had it's own bowl! I had a craving for some of this amazing dessert over the weekend, so we whipped it up, and enjoyed ever single bite.

It's cake.....but it's nice and "saucy".....and the bottom turns out to be a nice fudgy pudding. Top it with icecream and it's perfect.

Individual Chocolate Pudding Cakes

recipe from Martha Stewart

FOR THE BATTER
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup white chocolate pieces, cut into chunks (I used white chocolate chips)
FOR THE TOPPING
5 tablespoons granulated sugar, (for the topping)
5 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar, (for the topping)
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, (for the topping)
1 1/2 cups boiling water, (for the topping)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving


DIRECTIONS
Prepare the batter; Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in center. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
Stir together butter, sugar, and vanilla in another medium bowl. Stir in flour mixture and milk, then the chocolate.
Prepare the topping; Stir sugars in a small bowl, smoothing any lumps. Sift in cocoa powder; stir to combine.
Place 6 ramekins (each 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches deep) on a baking sheet. Pour in batter. Sprinkle with topping. Pour 1/4 cup boiling water into each. Bake until set, 25 to 28 minutes. Top with ice cream; serve immediately.
(but not so immediately that you blister your mouth.....it hurts)
yum. 


And while we're on the subject of chocolate......

MadeOn is giving away an Au Chocolate Gift Set to not one....but TWO lucky readers!
I love these little lotion bars! They smooth on perfectly, they're all natural, non greasy, and make your babies smell like chocolate.
chocolate babies. 
are you following?
they are made with real cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. that's it.

Head over to MadeOn, and check out all of their products 
(lotion bars, hair butter, diaper cream, bug block, yummy gift sets for your valentine...), 
because today through February 14th MadeOn is offering a 
10% discount to all my favorite people! 


Just enter "littlered" at checkout for your discount.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment and let me know your favorite chocolaty treat.....easy!

Two winners will be chosen at random from the comments, and comments will be accepted until Friday, 2/11 at midnight.

Tell your friends about this one.....they will not want to miss out!

Tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!

(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win)

GO!

MadeOn winner!!!

Our winner of the 

Bee Silk 3-pack is SUMMER!!

Take yourself over to MadeOn right now and treat yourself to something yummy for your skin. 

Renee is the BEST and just sent me one of the 

Au Chocolat  lotion bars 

and I am in heaven!! I am so tempted to take a bite out of it:)  Go pick one up--your winter hands will thank you!

*if you are interested in sponsoring The Little Red House or hosting a giveaway for your product, please email me at sheenajibson at gmail. 

New Sponsor and Giveaway: MadeOn Natural Skin Care

I am so excited to introduce our newest sponsor to you--MadeOn, who makes all natural (we're talking THREE ingredients!) hard lotion bars, lip balm, hair butter, and all natural baby product. 

My favorite is the Bee Silk Hard Lotion Bars--they are exactly what they sound like.....a BAR of lotion (only coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax), that come in the cutest little tin, and feel so nice on your dry winter skin. They are non greasy, and I love that I can just rub them right onto my knuckles (darn you dry utah winters) and go about my work.

This is the pocket size--perfect to throw in your purse. Isn't it cute? 

And it smells lightly of beeswax....I love it.

These are chemical free, 100% all natural, and perfect for those who might be allergic to skin products or have sensitive skin. Have a little one at home? Try the diaper rash cream.

Today MadeOn is giving away 
one of their Bee Silk 3 Packs! 

One lucky winner will recieve:

1 Family size hard lotion bar (2oz)

1 pocket size lotion bar (.75oz)

1 all natural lip balm (love this stuff--it goes on really smooth with no waxy buildup like some chapsticks leave)

All the products are 100% natural--REAL ingredients, and take a look at the prices--more affordable than anything you could find in the store.

To enter, go check out all of the MadeOn products, and leave a comment about which one you would love to try 
(I want to try the au chocolat lotion bar:)

One winner will be chosen at random from the comments, and comments will be accepted until Friday, 1/28 at midnight.
Tell your friends about this one.....they will not want to miss out!
Tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!
(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win)

Also be sure to check out MadeOn on Facebook and Twitter

go!

*if you are interested in sponsoring the little red house please email sheenajibson at gmail for sponsorship info*

winter wednesday....and a giveaway!

I'm not a fan of winter. 

And I'm not good at pretending to be. 

But last year I forced myself to post something I liked about winter.....every Wednesday....just so I could convince myself (once a week) that all was well in this frozen tundra we call home.

I decided to bring it back this year.....and maybe we can share survival tips....what do you think?

Survival Tip #1: Keep Warm

uh....duh.

I grew up in Montana. 

Montana knows how to do winter. 

For some reason, I do not.
Living in California totally made a wuss out of me, and since we've moved here,

I've tried for the past few years to get by with just extra layers and socks, but I finally realized winter happiness starts out with being the absolute most bundled you can be. Like Randy.

This is the time of year to shop for your winter gear....over the next few weeks it will be put on super sale, just begging to be bought and wrapped around your frozen body.

1. It's amazing how quickly you can go from numb fingers and toes, to warm and cozy with just a cute mug full of hot cocoa. 

2. I finally got a winter coat. No really. I have cute jackets that stores consider to be "coats", but it takes 700 layers underneath to keep my warm. My mom just got me this coat and it is warm warm warm. I cannot believe what I have been missing out on all these years because I didn't have a proper coat.

3. yoga. really. If you're feeling blah and frozen, head to a yoga class. It's amazing how just a few simple movements can warm up your joints and muscles, and even more amazing how holding poses--just HOLDING STILL--can make you drip sweat like nothing else. Bonus points for sitting in the steam room afterwards.

4.  I am convinced that these are the best boots in the world. They are warm and so comfortable, I wear them every single day. They aren't too bulky to drive in like some boots are, and I'm certain they will last forever. I got them last year on clearance at REI. 1/2 off! HALF!! tip: I had been eyeing the traditional Sorels for quite some time, but found when everything goes on clearance, the original boot stayed the same price, while the newer styles got super cheap.

5. hooded scarf. I found a "scood" a few years ago at gap for $10 and I'm pretty sure it is the best invention ever. That's all.

6. The Weepies. I LOVE the weepies!! They may not physically warm my body like a puffy snowsuit, but good music makes me feel happy:)

7. So I wouldn't spend hours shoveling your driveway in these mittens, but they are perfect for everyday errands and driving around town.....and bonus that the top folds back so you can easily use your phone.


So.....to kick off our first Winter Wednesday of this miserable wonderful season, and to celebrate 
my little old blog turning ONE YEAR OLD.....


...let's do a giveaway!


I present to you......

for those who asked: the boots are HERE. I have the "jar" color.

I love it. It's the best color (which I truly believe goes with everything), and it's super soft, warm and cozy. 
And I have an extra one for YOU!


Just leave a comment (leave me an email if you don't have a blog), and one person will be randomly chosen as the lucky winner. Comments close Sunday Jan 9th at 10pm.


happy wintering!


giveaway closed.

artist spotlight: bricolage life and daisy chain vintage!

Today I want to introduce you to Sandra and her not one, but TWO amazing shops, Bricolage Life and Daisy Chain Vintage.

Bricolage Life if full of Sandra's creations....she's so talented she covers just about everything...necklaces, photographs, and pretty little things for your home.
Daisy Chain Vintage is loaded with vintage treasures...just my kind of place!

How long have you been making all your cute creations? How did you get started?

i have been making things and sometimes selling them ever since i was able to hold a crayon and work a scissors. my mother taught me to sew and by high school i was making some of my own clothes. later i made everything from one of a kind clothing and jewelry to handmade shoes and hats to silkscreened cards and sold them at street fairs, boutiques and museum stores. after working in retail for ages, i opened my etsy shops a few years ago to sell my vintage finds, photos and ever changing handmade goods. the shops keep me busy while leaving me with plenty of free time to make more stuff. i like that.

leaf collection embroidery

Have you always loved thrifting?

yes! i first encountered this love when i was still in grade school. one summer day i walked into an old farmhouse filled with depression glass, knick knacks and fabric for sale and felt like i had entered a magical time machine. my heart still races a little every time i begin a new treasure hunt.

hans and heidi vintage ceramic containers



What are your favorite things in your shops?

my favorites are always changing with my finds and art projects. it's not easy to choose just one thing, but currently in the bricolagelife shop it would be my embroidered portrait buttons. my favorite thing at daisy chain vintage is the metal frame stands.

hand embroidered portrait buttons


vintage chrome metal frame stands



What are your other hobbies?

i love to cook, read, go for walks and bike rides, visit museums, putter around at home, hang out with my friends and family and watch movies and documentaries. i take photos everyday and i make collages, sew, felt, embroider, print on paper and fabric, paint, draw, make jewelry and rearrange the furniture. believe it or not, i even love to grocery shop.

I LOVE children's books....how cute is this one....and love her displays:)

mystery of the auction trunk illustrated children's chapter book

What do you listen to while creating?

that is always changing, too. i love stories, so often i listen to npr or a podcast. if i'm in the mood for music i might play a mix cd (made by me or my brother). i never tire of sondre lerche, joao and bebel gilberto, pomplamoose, komeda, beirut, thao nguyen and cesaria evora.

vintage kitchen gadget set

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

dumplings. all kinds, sweet and savory. i am an equal-ethnicity dumpling lover.

raindrop tiny white porcelain pendant

Today Sandra is giving away a $25 gift certificate to EITHER of her shops!

Check out Bricolage Life and Daisy Chain Vintage and leave a comment with your favorite item for a chance to win! Make sure you look through everything--she really has something for everyone!

Also be sure to take a peek at Sandra's cute blog for pretty pictures and her very clever creations.

One winner will be chosen at random, and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 8/8 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tell your friends--tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!
(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

CLOSED

artist spotlight: liesl made!

Meet Liesl of Liesl Made!

She is adorable. Her blog is full of pretty things. And her shop is loaded with everything I love!

How long have you been sewing? How did you get started?

I’ve been sewing pretty nonstop for about ten years now. When I was very little, I wanted to make some doll clothes and my Mom showed me how to thread the sewing machine. Then it kind of lay dormant until I was about fifteen when I had the urge to make my Grandma a wall quilt. My Mom refreshed my memory with the machine and everything since then I learned from books, the internet and lots of trial and error.

foxy leaf watermelon newbeau bag

What is your favorite thing in your shop?

The skirts. Who doesn’t love skirts? Their a summer staple!
custom grey and lace camille skirt

What are your other hobbies?
Reading, finding new music, dabbling in photography, and hiking.

blue floral scarf

What do you listen to while creating?
I listen to a lot of music, especially when I’m sewing. All kinds of genres. It can range from Ani DiFranco to Florence + the Machine, Iron & Wine to the White Stripes. And I’ll even admit to listening to Lady Gaga on occasion.

slate posie make-up bag

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

I realize it's probably a boring answer, but I'd have to say Bread! My dad bakes it from scratch every Sunday.

Today Liesl is giving away one of her handmade aprons--you choose!
(see them all here)

Check out Liesl Made and leave a comment with your favorite item for a chance to win! Make sure you look through everything--she really has something for everyone, and I am in love with all of her fabric choices! (like these pjs made from vintage cotton!)

One winner will be chosen at random, and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 7/25 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tell your friends--tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!
(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

go!

artist spotlight: the barbershop!

So excited for our artist spotlight today!

Meet Amie Barber from The Barbershop!

How long have you been painting? How did you get started?

I painted and dabbled in art when I was younger and growing up. I was always doodling and sketching when I should have been paying attention in class, but really didn't start painting until August 2009, when my boyfriend's brother & sis-in-law (who also happens to be one of my dearest friends) gave me a watercolor set for my birthday. The first thing I ever painted was the 'whale love' watercolor, and the rest is history. I haven't put the brush down since! Ironically, that first painting is still on of my favorites.

What is your favorite thing in your shop?

Right now, my favorite is actually the Whale Love print, and I'm also very fond of The Dahlias & The Mountain Goat. I'm working on finishing a few other paintings incorporating those bright dahlias in different colors and with different animals (I've got 3 more in the works) and I predict that this series will be my new favorite. They really speaks to what I love to create - they are the result of just sketching and creating without a goal or design in mind, and I like that.

What are your other hobbies?

I'm a huge outdoor person. I love hiking, backpacking, skiing and hanging at the beach. I'm training for my first 5K and plan on doing a race monthly to keep me on track. I love to exercise and stay fit - I played soccer for 13 years (all the way through high school) on both my school team and a club team. I enjoy cooking, baking, cleaning (yes! It's true. I love to clean) and spending time with my family & friends. I also love impromptu picnics, my kittie and my bf of nearly 6 years...we are one happy family. Oh, and also - I love to travel. If I could quit my day job and travel the world I would do it in a heartbeat. I want to see everywhere and climb every mountain!

my favorite....so cute:) rain catcher.

What do you listen to while creating?

Strangely enough, I am usually sketching while the TV is on, mostly sports (Grant usually controls the remote), but often it's silly shows like The Office or Seinfeld. When it's off, I find that I can get loads more done, and I enjoy listening to Bob Marley, The Beatles, Sade, and the like. I'm also a huge Frosty Heidi & Frank (talk radio on 790KABC) fan and listen to them via podcast while painting as well.

live what you love.

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

Well....I'm a food junkie. I eat practically everything in sight. I have an affinity for chocolate cake and sweets, but my favorite thing to eat would probably be Mexican food - cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos and refried beans. I could live on refried beans. I don't eat too much meat, but my parents make the most delicious tri-tip steak that I swoon for, and I'll lick a guacamole bowl clean if you give me the chance. Oh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about all of this!

clouds coming.

Amy is giving away a print of your choice!! Be sure to check out The Barbershop--and leave a comment with your favorite print for a chance to win!

One winner will be chosen at random, and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 7/18 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tell your friends--tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!

(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

Also take a little peek at her adorable blog!

bonus: Because Amie is amazing, she is currently donating all of her proceeds (less etsy fees, etc) to The National Audubon Society & the National Wildlife Federation to help the gulf coast. So pick up a few cute prints, and help out a good cause at the same time!

double bonus: Amie is also offering all my favorite blog readers a special offer: buy any 8x10 print, she'll throw in a 5x7 of your choice! All YOU have to do is write "the little red house" and the print of your choice in the comments to seller and that 5x7 print is free! Offer available through July.

CLOSED

artist spotlight: Linkel Designs

Suuuuper cute giveaway today from Kelly Roenicke of Linkel Designs!

Kelly is coming to us from Michigan with her handmade jewelry.....check out her shop! She has EVERYTHING I love--I really can't pick a favorite!

How long have you been making jewelry? How did you get started?

I started making jewelry in high school for fun, then stopped for awhile, then picked it up again here and there when I had time after grad school. It wasn't until I had my son and realized that I wanted to be at home with him and not driving all over the state doing gigs that my mom said I should sell my jewelry on Etsy. So I started a shop and slowly started filling it with inventory. Some of my mom's jewelry is in the shop as well, and she helps me with the packaging.

Coral Bloom Vintage Locket Necklace

What is your favorite piece in your shop?

I love the flower rings, because they are so colorful and cheerful, and I also love the little bicycle necklace - I have two myself, in silver and in brass.

I am a ring lover......and this one is so different....I am in love.

What are your other hobbies?

I'm a professional violinist, so I love to make music whenever I can - we play at church and I still do some gigs although I am a full-time mom to a two and a half year old. I love to cook, read, be outside and spend time with my family. I also recently started a blog: www.theprettybee.blogspot.com, and I'm really enjoying it.

my ears need these.

What do you listen to while creating?

I listen to my Pandora station, which includes songs by Ingrid Michaelson, Jack Johnson, Chris Tomlin and The Beatles.

ivory rose cameo necklace

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

I love dark chocolate, especially when a strawberry has been dipped in it. I also love Indian food - Chicken Koorma and Chicken Tikka Masala are my favorites.

Today Kelly is giving away this summery Bicicletta Necklace!

Leave a comment letting me know your favorite item in her shop and you will be entered to win!

(really though, how can you choose?)

One winner will be chosen at random, and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 7/4 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tell your friends--tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!

(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

go!

vibeke hoie winner!

ha!! here's proof that if you want something bad enough, you just might get it! Liz entered the giveaway 4 times (blogged, tweeted, and facebooked for extra entries)....and guess what?? It worked!! Liz is our winner! Too bad the lottery doesn't work the same way!

If you missed the giveaway, be sure to go pick out something from Vibeke's shop--she is so talented and he work is the cutest!