Here's the Dish ~ White Bean Salad

I’m on a healthy eating kick . . . sorta. I don’t believe in restricting yourself from enjoying the foods you love. Doing so has backfired on me numerous times, and I end up pigging out on something like pizza (my favorite) and then regretting it later. Instead, I think you should enjoy those foods in moderation, and try to fit in the healthy stuff as much as possible. I’m trying to cut the “bad” stuff out of our diet ~ i.e., trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and all that other stuff that’s hard to make sense of on the nutrition label. Hubby and I are carnivores, but I am trying to limit the amount of red meat we eat by substituting with vegetarian meals. Essentially, my goal is to cut out those processed convenience foods and eat as many fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains as possible. That definitely requires more time and planning, but it’s worth it in the end. Good thing I love to cook! This wonderful bean salad recipe comes from the November 2008 issue of Natural Health magazine. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. This salad was very tasty and it took very little effort to prepare. In fact, I really can’t wait to plant my garden so that I can use freshly homegrown herbs in it. Give this healthy recipe a try, I highly recommend it!

White Bean Salad

Ingredients:

1 15–ounce can Great Northern Beans

1 bulb fennel (you can use celery instead, although the fennel adds great flavor)

1 small red bell pepper

1/4 cup orange juice

1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons chopped mint

1 clove garlic, minced (I used more, cuz I loooove garlic)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. Drain and rinse beans and place them in a large bowl.

2. Cut fennel into thinly sliced pieces about 1/2 inch in length. Dice red pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Add fennel and pepper to beans.

3. In a blender, combine orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, basil, mint, and garlic, and purée until smooth. Add to beans and fennel and toss to coat.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 2-3

Shop Update: Plenty more to come!

Geez, what a disappointment this day was! The weatherman promised all week that today would be stellar, and it turned out to be somewhat of a let down, weather wise. We did have a few hours of sun, but the threatening looking clouds made themselves known. The wind was blustery, and when I did go outside, it blew my hair in my face so that I couldn't see what I was doing. How annoying! I should not be complaining, but with the humidity and temps in the mid 80's, it felt more like July. I'm not ready for July yet. To top things off, it stormed at least three different times. My poor husband was trying to get stuff done around the yard, and he kept having to pack up and come inside. At least he got an excuse to take a nap. So, what did I do on this day? Besides a bunch of errands and miscellaneous odds and ends, I photographed twenty new pieces of jewelry that I've created in the past week. Here's a little glimpse into what's to come:

Keep your eyes on my shop in the upcoming weeks to see the debut of these Summer-y designs. I also made some delicious dishes, so keep your eye on this blog for some new Summer recipes. I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

The best thing that happened to me . . . this week!

I always say it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Something as simple as a kind gesture from a friend or a perfect stranger can make or break your day. Such was the case this past Wednesday when I learned that I had won these fabulous earrings from one of my favorite Etsy sellers, Dornick Designs. Yeah, it was kinda nice to be on the other side of the giveaway fence for once :) I won them by posting on her blog. You should really check that out . . . wait, maybe not. Her blog makes mine look like chopped liver :) As you can see, this was a beautiful and extra special surprise.

Talk about packaging . . . this was too pretty to open!

I love this Picasso saying that she uses . . .

Aren't these the greatest?!? So pretty, I just love them like crazy!!

So, thank you Kathy. If they ever come out with the Etsy version of "American Idol", you will get my vote!! (Sounds cheesy, but I mean it!)

My Magic Neti Pot

As a frequent sufferer of sinus infections, I was at the end of my rope when an acquaintance suggested that I get a Neti Pot. At first, I thought this person was out of her mind, until a friend confirmed that they really do work. If you’ve never seen one, then you’re probably wondering how this object works. Oprah had a demonstration on her show, click here to view it. Hey, if it’s good enough for Oprah, then it’s certainly good enough for me.

I’m telling you, this thing works! It takes some getting used to, but once you get over the initial shock of pouring water up your nostril and having it come out the other side, you will feel much relief. The process will cleanse your nasal passages and allow them to work the way they’re supposed to. I love that it is completely natural, requiring only water and non-iodized salt. There are some pre-mixed nasal washes you can buy, but I have found the best thing for me is a combination of fine sea salt and baking soda. No kidding, I got through the entire Winter without so much as a minor cold. I should have had at least three sinus infections by now, if you look at my past history. Usually one of those would have turned into bronchitis. I haven’t touched my seasonal allergy medication in months.

When my friend discovered the Neti pot, she asked her allergist why she had never told her this magical thing existed. The allergist’s reply was “Those things will put me out of business”.

Are you convinced now?

You can find your very own Neti pot in most drug stores, or you can buy one online here.

Early Spring Special ~ *FREE* Shipping!!

I got a little excited last Friday when temps reached close to 70 degrees here and then surpassed that on Saturday. Today, it feels more like April showers . . . however, I am still offering my early Spring Promo of *FREE* Shipping on all orders (yes, even International shipping qualifies). This is a very limited offer, so be sure to jump on it now ~ it will save you a few bucks, and we all like to save a little green. With that, I will leave you with this photo I took during an outing to Detroit’s Eastern Market a few weekends ago. These beautiful hydrangeas are a sure sign that the April showers we're getting will bring May flowers!

Here's the Dish ~ Quick and Easy Sesame Shrimp

It's supposed to reach a gorgeous 75 degrees here today . . . I feel a BBQ coming on :) Ya'll know how much I love shrimp, so here's a very easy way to make them that I think you'll love. It's one of my favorites.

Sesame Shrimp

24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 T. reduced sodium soy sauce

2 T. red wine vinegar

1/4 c. sesame seeds

1 tsp. olive oil

Easy directions: Combine soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame seeds and olive oil. I like to marinade the shrimp in this mixture for a few hours, or as long as possible. Thread marinaded shrimp onto skewers and grill until they turn pink and shrivel up. It doesn't take long!

Sometimes I add a little honey to the above ~ it's delicious! Enjoy shrimp plain or with various dipping sauces, such as chutney or hot mustard. Add a side of Asian cole slaw and you're good to go!

"Name These Earrings" Contest Results

Hands down, this was the most fun I’ve had running a contest/giveaway. I truly enjoyed reading all of the entries and I was really impressed by the thought that was put forth by each and every one who entered. What a creative bunch you are!

It was a difficult decision, but I have chosen a winner. Actually, I had a hard time choosing just one winner, so I am breaking my own rules by giving away the 1st place prize, and a little something to the runner up.

The 1st prize winner is . . . Elsie, who came up with the name “Windsong”. I really liked this little analogy: “. . .the wind could go right through the earrings and you might hear a song as they dangle with the pretty crystals...only the wearer, and angels, might hear the whisper of the wind!” Elsie, you will receive a $10 gift certificate to my shop.

I also liked Zoe’s suggestion, which was "Carissima" (It means Dearest in Italian). I may use this name for a future design. Zoe, I will be sending you a lovely pair of handmade earrings.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in my “Name These Earrings” contest. Check back in the near future for another fun giveaway!

Fun Finds on Etsy - Round Rabbit Extra

"Hello, my name is Stacy and I am a Beadaholic" . . .

I'll be the first to admit that I have a bead buying obsession/compulsion, whatever you want to call it. I can't help myself.

You might be surprised to know that I rarely make jewelry for myself ~ I guess I am just too busy trying to make jewelry for others! Recently I purchased the items you see pictured below with the thought in mind to make some cute pieces for myself, for once.

These wonderful finds were created by the talented Nancy Schindler of "Round Rabbit". I've admired her unique creations since I first joined Etsy. In fact, this "Victorian Moons" necklace is a staple in my own jewelry wardrobe. Yes, I wear jewelry made by others more than I do my own creations. I'm not a very good walking advertisement for my stuff :) I was delighted to see that Nancy opened up a supply shop called "Round Rabbit Extra", which is filled with her signature porcelain and copper components like the ones you see pictured here. I couldn't resist the cute owl pendant, or the red/blue and caramel ring. I also thought the etched copper pendant with sunburst design was very cool. When we visited Cleveland, OH last summer, I stopped into a bead shop that offered classes on copper etching. I have been tempted to drive the 3+ hours to Cleveland just to attend that class! If they ever start a support group called "Beadaholics Anonymous", I'll be the first to join :)

Here's the Dish ~ Southwest Black Bean and Couscous Salad

If you're looking for something a little different in the side salad department, then you've come to the right place. This is a dish that I make often because it is both easy and tasty, and it's pretty good for you. The recipe below makes enough so that the two of us can eat it throughout the week. Amazingly, I never get tired of this salad. It's also a great dish to bring to a gathering, because it looks pretty and people rave over it.

Southwest Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked couscous

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

8 green onions, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained

Salt and pepper

Directions: 1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a 2-quart or larger sauce pan and stir in the couscous.

2. Cover the pot and remove from heat.

3. Let stand for 5 minutes.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin.

5. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans, and toss to coat.

6. Fluff the couscous well, breaking up any chunks.

7. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

A Day at the Museum

My husband and I spent our day off enjoying the wonderful Detroit Institute of Arts. This place is one of the city's true gems, and we love to visit whenever we can. The DIA is currently featuring a special exhibit of the works of American artist Norman Rockwell. The exhibit runs through May 31, 2009 and I highly recommend that you see it if you can. I was glad to see that the museum was filled with visitors today. Times are tight for many people, so it was great that so many decided to visit the DIA today. I was amused to see this jewelry display of earrings from the Byzantine era. Really, they don't look that much different from the styles you see today!

There are many wonderful paintings in the museum, but this one is my favorite. The title of it is the "Nut Gatherers" and it was painted by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. The little girls in this painting look so real to me. I've just always loved this painting ~ I imagine these are two sisters who are sharing a special secret. Anyone who has a sister can relate to the special bond that sisters share. I think this painting captures that unspoken bond.

Today was also opening day for the Detroit Tigers! Luckily the weather held out for the game. The Tigers beat the Rangers with a 15-2 blowout. All in all, it was a fabulous day in the "D"!!

A Pleasant Friday Surprise

Ooops!! It's not Friday, you say?? Sure feels like it to me!! I'm so thankful to have a day off tomorrow. Theoretically speaking, today is Friday for me.

My day was made even brighter when I found out that Jillian of inbloomdesigns had featured my "Sweet Jane" necklace in the lovely treasury you see pictured above. You can view this treasury live for a few more days by clicking here. Thanks, Jillian!

I'm happy to report that the sun is shining, and the snow that fell earlier in the week has melted. I'm hoping that we are finally over the hump of winter.

Enjoy your weekend, and have a Happy Easter!!

Cocktail Hour: Treat Yourself to a Pallini Fresco

Yesterday was spent chillin' around the homefront; enjoying the Spring-like weather and watching the Spartans beat the Huskies. The R&R was long overdue for us, and so was some happy news for the people of Michigan. A celebratory mood quickly replaced the dark cloud that has been hanging over this state. Even if short lived, I plan to bask in the glory.

I decided to break open a bottle of Limoncello liqueur that my friend Amie brought me a few weeks ago. It's really good stuff ~ lemon-y and very refreshing. You can drink it straight, but it's a little too sweet for me, so I decided to make the Pallini Fresco recipe that was on the bottle. It went a little something like this:

1 Part Limoncello

1 Part Cranberry Juice

1 Part Club Soda

Garnish with lemon or lime (I had neither)

The result was super refreshing and deeelicious!!! I think this is my new favorite cocktail. Surely I will be enjoying a few of these on a warm summer day.

Funny Email Forward of the Day

A friend of mine sent me this cute email today. It made me chuckle so I thought I would share it. Keep in mind that this particular friend is the biggest dog lover I have ever met.

The subject line read: How bad is the economy?

It is very, very bad . . .

(cats are so dramatic)

I'm sure that even the most devoted feline fans out there would agree . . . however, I've known a pooch or two in my life to be dramatic also.

Hope it made you smile :)

Contest Time: Name These Earrings!

****This Contest is now Closed ~ Thanks to all who entered**** One of the areas where I often get brain freeze is when naming my jewelry creations. I try to be as creative as possible, but it's not always easy. However, I think it is important to give names to the pieces I create because each is so unique and full of character. Sometimes a particular piece just screams out the name, and others leave me blank. Case in point: The colorful copper and crystal earrings you see pictured at left. I made them weeks ago but I am having trouble thinking up something really original to call them. So, I am asking for your help :) Please help me "Name These Earrings"!! They're certainly deserving of a special title. To enter, Leave a comment on this post by 12:01am EST on 4/15/09 with your suggestions. You can enter as many times as you wish ~ originality is highly encouraged! I will then choose a winner based on the name that I feel fits best. The winning entry will be posted on this blog no later than 4/17/09. The best part? The winning entry receives a $10 gift certificate to my Etsy shop!! You can click here to go to my website and start browsing ;) This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. Please check back to see if you have won, or leave your email address along with your comment so that I may contact you. No worries, I will not share your information.

Good Luck!!