March 31, 2012

Inspirations

One question I have been asked a lot lately at different shows and events is what inspires me to create the pieces I do. I have so many inspirations and they vary depending on the weather, season, emotions and moods. I am inspired by my customers, loved ones, different cultures, and much more.

I thought it would be fun to show you a few inspirations I have had recently with some of the newest pieces I have been creating.

I was inspired by Mt. Illimani in Bolivia when I created the White Illimani Necklace. I have visited Bolivia many times and the view of the mountain of the city of La Paz is breathtaking. I wanted to incorporate that beauty in one of my pieces.

I was inspired by Lake Titicaca in Bolivia when I created the Turquoise and Pyrite Necklace using Vintage Chains and earthy stones allowed for me to create a piece that reminded me of the beautiful lakes and earthy rocks that surround it.


As you can see recently I have been inspired by beautiful places, and when I created the turquoise nugget and vintage gold tone chain piece I was inspired by the crystal aqua blue waters and green trees in the Bahamas.


March 21, 2012

brownies



So, it might come as a surprise, but I haven't made home made brownies before, unless you count the box kind of brownies being made at home.

But I wanted to make some from scratch, and the last time I tried I failed miserably, and when I say miserably, I mean they melted. I didn't think that was possible, but they literally melted into an oblivion. So I decided to make brownies from my faithful recipe hot spot: Smitten Kitchen.


And, these came out moist and yummy! I was so proud of myself. They are perfect with a tall glass of milk.


Snacking on these and making some bracelets. My two new favorite things to do! Enjoy!

March 16, 2012

weekly gratitude


This week I made some yummy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies. I followed this recipe here by Kerry the BakerGirl, she makes some good cookies! Thanks Kerry, for sharing the recipe.

And they came out soo good. And what's great is that I can eat them without feeling bad because their made out of oats, and oats are healthy, right?

But what's really strange is that every time I bite into them my brain is convinced they are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and all I can taste is raisins. Funny how the mind works!


I've been wanting to paint my nails "nude", and I love the shade I got. A little something different then the dark vampy colors I love wearing in the winter. Here comes Spring! And I am wearing two bracelets of the newest ones I made that I will be posting to the shop soon, they are the perfect colors for Spring and Easter!


I am so happy I found this rug at a sweet shop my mom introduced me to. I have been searching high a low for the "perfect" rug for my office/closet. I got this beautiful zig zag pastel rug which looks really pretty with my blue walls. It brightens my day.


And you know what else brightend my day - my newest obsession sheep rugs. I have been eyeing a few online and decided to just do it. I got one for my office to put on a chair and for the bedroom to give it that Southwestern touch I love.


Not only are they super cute and soft, but they keep my toes warm on a cold morning. Have a nice weekend!

March 8, 2012

Green Wear

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

I am loving green right now and it's not because Saint Patrick's Day is a round the corner. I lined up some of my favorite green finds on Pinterest.

Something about the vibrant color of emerald makes my little heart melt and pitter patter. I especially love the green pants and the green long skirts. I love the way it is paired in number 6 by Rosalind Jana, so beautiful. 


March 4, 2012

weekend recap and french toast


This weekend we went to a college hockey game. We are loving hockey right now and it's a plus that the concession stand carries my favorite ice cream.

I wanted to try something a little different then my regular weekend pancake extravaganza. I was in the mood for French Toast. You will be surprised how easy it is and more likely than not you already have the ingredients to make it.

 

Feeds about 2-4 people (Or two really hungry people)

Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 4 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • Cinnamon (not necessary)
  • 8 slices bread (I used whole wheat, you can use white bread, french bread - anything you have)
  • Butter or olive oil for the pan. 

Directions
    • Whisk the milk, eggs, salt, vanilla together in a large bowl (large enough to dip each bread slice in) and sprinkle some cinnamon in the bowl.
    • Heat a pan on medium/high heat.
    • Take a slice of bread and dip it in the bowl of the egg mixture, and then dip it on the other side. If there is too much egg mixture - let excess drip off in bowl, and then place in pan.
    • Let the bread fry - about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it is  golden brown.
    • Cook it on the other side and then put it on plate to serve.
    • Sprinkle some more cinnamon and syrup and enjoy!

    I also made new bracelets like the black skull and gold accent bracelets while enjoy some sweet tea. And I am getting orders ready to ship out.

    We went to our favorite Italian deli for some lunch and enjoyed a few movies.


    We watched two of my favorite Gene Wilder movies: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and  Young Frankenstein. I do love Gene. I hope you had a joyful weekend and have a lovely week!!