Keeping It Indie

Apr

11

FINAL POST: Thank you!

Image Credits: Mrs. & Mr. Wilson Photography

Vacation is the best time to clear your head and find direction. It became clear to me before vacation that I had my eggs in too many baskets. Diversifying is great — to a point. Unfortunately, focusing on too many things can lead to doing everything half-a*s. Excuse my french ;-)

As much as I enjoy blogging — I love creating more. After spending a few months reading and following other blogs, I have realized 2 things: 1) I don’t have the passion for this to be a full-time gig 2) I lack the blogging creativity that full-time bloggers have — they always have something amazing to write about.

With that said, I have decided to retire the Indie blog. This has been a great learning experience for me that I will never forget. I have so much more respect and understanding for the full-time blogger now. I have truly learned to appreciate the blogs that I do read much more.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has been so supportive of this venture. You guys have been so awesome and I have met some really great friends which is the best.

I will still be blogging over at Sweet Harvey but not on a daily basis, or with structure, or with any type of financial focus such as ads. Just a simple — this is me talking about new stuff I make, products I like and maybe a two cents here and there.

SWEET HARVEY BLOG

Thank you again for all of your kindness & support!

Brandi

HELLO WEEKEND!

Posted by Keeping it Indie | 13 comments

Mar

25

HELLO VACATION!

Uncategorized

Image Credits: Esther From the Sticks via Etsy

This past month has been a bit crazy as I am juggling two Etsy shops, Indie Blog & a handful of freelance projects (to pay the bills). It is getting a bit too overwhelming. Normally I consider myself an excellent multi-tasker, but there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day.

I have managed to get a couple of articles posted over the last few weeks, but I haven’t had time to write the more “meaty” articles like Two Cents & Indie Biz. It has also been very hard for me to get the articles out on a regular schedule.

With that said, I have decided to take a short vacation from blogging while I get caught up. It has been great fun meeting you, talking and sharing with you. While I am away, enjoy the wonderful spring weather and I hope to see you when I return.

Hugs — Brandi

HELLO WEEKEND!

Posted by Keeping it Indie | 5 comments

Mar

22

THE WATCHWORD: Feathers

The Watchword

We are doing The Watchword a day early this week as I will be AFK on Friday! Today the watchword is FEATHER. Feathers actually have so many meanings. As with the bird, the feather symbolizes spirituality and freedom. For the American Indian, feathers represent the power of thunder, air and wind. Native American Chiefs wore feathers to symbolize their communication with the spirits and express their wisdom. Feathers are so glorious!

Credit for these lovely images by row (left to right): 1. Serejkin Dom via Etsy, 2. BROOKLYN rehab via Etsy, 3. Desert Rose Jewelry MF via Etsy.

Credit for these lovely images by row (left to right): 4. Supernice.com, 5. extase via Etsy, 6. The Knotty Bride, 7. daniAWESOME via Etsy, 8. Amber Alexander via Etsy.

THE WATCHWORD: Stripes

SPOTLIGHT: Alison Elane

COLOR BOX: Red Wheat

Posted by Keeping it Indie | 5 comments

Mar

20

TASTY TREATS: Buffalo Wings

Tasty Treats

My husband loves Buffalo Wings but we rarely eat at restaurant’s that serve them. This Buffalo Wing Recipe from Simply Recipes is amazing. My husband and I prefer ranch on the side, but please visit their site for a great Blue Cheese Dip recipe.

Image Credits: Simply Recipes

RECIPE TITLE: Buffalo Wings

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs chicken wings (about 12 wings)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
4 Tbsp bottled hot pepper sauce (like Crystal or Frank’s Original)
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Celery sticks (optional)

PREPARATION
1 Cut off wing tips (discard or reserve for other use such as making stock). Cut wings at the joint. Put chicken wing pieces in a plastic bag. Set aside. Food safety note: when cutting raw chicken it is best to use a cutting board reserved just for cutting raw chicken. Wash thoroughly when finished. Do not let raw chicken juices come in contact with other food.

2 Create a marinade by stirring together the melted butter, hot pepper sauce, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Pour all but 2 tablespoons of the marinade over the chicken pieces in the plastic bag. (Reserve marinade for coating after the pieces come out of the oven.) Seal bag and let marinate at room temperature for half an hour. When marinating is finished, drain marinade and discard bag.

3 Place wing pieces on the rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes on each side, until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove from oven and baste with reserved marinade.

4. Serve with Blue Cheese or Ranch Dip and celery sticks. Makes approximately 24 pieces (about 12 appetizer servings).

FASHIONABLE: Men

TASTY TREATS: Spiced Sangria

TASTY TREATS: Chicken & Mushrooms

Posted by Keeping it Indie | 6 comments

Mar

19

COLOR BOX: Mushroom-y

Colorbox

There is something about the color orange that continues to bring me back. Not bright orange, but the more muted rusty orange. It fits perfectly with any group of neutrals, to give them some sass. Today we have another natural palette that is sure to please.

Credit for these lovely images by row (left to right): 1. Pigeon River Soaps via Etsy, 2. Ayca via Etsy, 3. V-Knit via Etsy, 4. Mountain Girl Soap via Etsy, 5. Nature Mandalas via Etsy.