Bringing Sexy (Wrists) Back!

It's officially Spring and temps are expected to reach a glorious 70 degrees here in Michigan this week :) Ready or not, it's time to peel the layers and expose some skin. I don't know about you, but I am much more of a bracelet wearer during the short sleeve/sleeveless season. There's never been a better time to perk up your jewelry wardrobe with the addition of some new bracelets, and I'm here to help ~ You are being treated to a glimpse of two pieces that are so brand spankin' new, they haven't even been listed in my shop yet! It's not like me to jump the gun, but I couldn't wait to share these. Be sure to check my shop in the coming week for them to appear.

The above bracelet features 6mm Swarovski crystal pearls in that shade of coral that is hotter than ever. Both bracelets are hand knotted by yours truly and have gorgeous filigree locking clasps. They are timeless and simple in design, yet feminine and elegant.

This bracelet was created using 6mm Swarovski pearls in that sumptuous shade called "Platinum". It looks so rich, doesn't it? I am most excited because I finally made some hand knotted pieces. I attempted to teach myself pearl knotting a year ago, but didn't get very far with it. After making it a goal for 2010, I finally sat down and put my mind to learning and mastering this technique, and I am enjoying it. I love the look and feel of a knotted piece of jewelry ~ you can be sure there will be more to come in the near future!

My Space!

After talking about it for months now, I'm happy to unveil the finished product! Here are some photos of my new craft space . . . My great new desk is from IKEA. I love that the desktop is roomy and the ends have room for storage. My space offers everything I need ~ it is not only functional but a fun place to escape to, where I am surrounded by little treasures that inspire me.

See that yellow organizer? My hubby bought me that years ago, when my bead collection started growing. You could say that things have expanded just a bit since then, but I'll never part with it!

Here is where I store my packaging supplies, books and more beads! I already had most of the storage containers and shelving units in the photo. I salvaged the three drawer unit. The white shelf is from IKEA. There's a long story behind it, but I'll save that for another day :)

Shop Update: Spring Has Arrived!

The official start of Spring is just a few short weeks away :) Word on the street is that coral is the hot color of the season. I've always been a fan of this shade ~ it looks especially great when paired with light blue, white or even yellow. I am excited to announce that a couple of favorites will be making their way back to my shop this week. If I have a trademark piece, it would have to be the ever popular Miriam necklace. Grab her quick before she is gone! Also, the pretty Valerie necklace has returned due to popular demand :) Below is a sample of what I currently have to offer in coral. Keep your eye on my shop this Spring, as you will surely see some new pieces in this fabulous shade!

Miriam Necklace, $40

Valerie Necklace, $25 Miriam's Sister Necklace, $48 Maude Earrings, $18

Here's the Dish: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Salad

This incredible salad comes to us from Dole and Cooking Light. I'm happy to say that in my quest to eat more salad and not get bored with it, I've found another winner. This one has the perfect combination of flavors and textures that I love ~ the saltiness of the cheese, sweetness from the carmelized onions, and crunch from the nuts and the salad greens. This recipe is not one that you can throw together on the fly ~ it takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 to cook. But if you take pleasure in the preparation of a meal, like I do, then you know that makes eating it all the more enjoyable ;)

You can click here to get to the recipe. I followed it almost to a "t", except that I used sliced portobellos instead of whole. I still grilled them and ate them in the salad, instead of topping them with the mixture, as the recipe calls for. Still amazing!

Shaken, Not Stirred - Raspberry Crush Martini

On my birthday, I had a delicious cocktail called a "Raspberry Crush Martini". I love raspberries, so I loved it. Luckily I was still coherent enough to make a mental note of what went into it, so I was able to recreate it at home for friends one night. Below is the recipe, if you'd like to try it too:

Raspberry Crush Martini

1 part Raspberry vodka, such as Stoli or Svedka

1/2 part Cointreau

1/4 part Rose's Lime Juice

Fresh raspberries for garnish

Add the first three ingredients to a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake until nice and cold. Pour into glass and garnish with raspberries. Or, for a more intense raspberry flavor, squeeze the berries through a garlic press and into the glass.

It's Almost Time!

Although I'm not one to turn down ice cream, if you would have offered it to me during the wintry weather we were dealing with a few weeks ago, I would have opted for hot chocolate instead. This week, however, is a different story ~ it finally feels like the Spring thaw has arrived. So, I could not pass up a chance to stop here for a peanut butter and Oreo flurry. I love this time of year!

Bibs ~ They're Not Just for Babies Anymore

Bib necklaces are all the rage these days. Oprah has been known to sport a few in her time. You might even spot the Hollywood elite wearing this style at the upcoming Academy Awards. While not for the faint of heart, these statement makers range from utterly elegant to fun and whimsical. Look at this sample I found while searching Etsy and a few other sites. Whaddya think??

From L-R:

Lotus Flower Old Baroque French Style Cream and Gold Bib Necklace, by Katherine Cooper

Pomegranate and Peridot Vintage Bib Necklace, by Glamourpuss

Caitlyn Simple Elegant Cream Lace Bib Necklace, by Lovestitched

Kenneth Jay Lane Branch Bib Necklace, from Saks Fifth Avenue

Alice in Wonderland Necklace, by Second Sister

Gold/Coral Floral Bib Necklace, from Ann Taylor Loft

Here's the Dish: Lemony White Bean Salad

I've gotten on a kind of roll with posting salad recipes, so I thought I'd share another tasty one that I made recently. If you love artichokes like I do, then you'll enjoy this one. It is served warm, and the white beans make the dish very hearty. Plus they are full of fiber and a lot of other things that are good for you. Eat this for dinner and you'll be able to splurge on that extra scoop of ice cream for dessert ;)

Click here for the recipe!