Playing Dress Up

I've been adding some glitzy new pieces to my shop, just in time for the holidays when there are plenty of parties to attend. I do miss the days of getting all glammed up ~ these days it seems that most of the holiday functions we go to are more of the casual sort. That doesn't mean I can't dream, right?! While surfing on Nordstrom's website, I found some lovely cocktail dresses that would pair up perfectly with some of my very own creations.

May I make a few suggestions:

This silk grey/black/champagne number would look even more stunning with my "Dirty Martini" earrings.

For you daring souls, a Robert Rodriguez Backless knit dress in black, with my "Starry Night" necklace.

Electric Blue pleated charmeuse dress with the "High Maintenance" copper crystal and silver necklace.

It's fun to play dress up :)

Enjoy your holiday festivities, and don't forget to pick up a new piece of jewelry that you can sparkle and shine in!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I drink, therefore I am. I eat, therefore I am more" ~ W.R. Tish

Very fitting for today, I think :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Cold Weather Comfort Food

Soup is a favorite of mine, no matter what the season. With below average temps in the mid-30's and days at a time of nothing but gray skies, it seemed like the perfect time to whip up a batch of homemade chicken soup recently. The best sounding recipe I found was the one below, which is adapted from Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade Cooking". The best part about it is that it can be made in a Slow Cooker ~ the busy gal's best friend ~ hurrah!

The recipe suggests using one of those store bought Rotissierie chickens ~ which is a great time saver, if you happen to have one on hand. I did even better than that, by using two large cans of Premium chunk chicken. It was more than enough to make the soup very "chicken-y", and I swear on my life that you could not tell it was canned chicken.

The measurements below yield one large crock full of soup, or roughly 8 servings.

Lazy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked chicken, chopped (from a store bought chicken)

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup carrot, diced

1/2 cup frozen peas

4 (14 ounce) cans low sodium chicken broth

2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (with roasted garlic)

2 teaspoons assorted herbs (chives, parsley, and tarragon) salt

pepper, to taste

2 cups egg noodles, cooked

Directions:

1. Remove skin from the chicken and chop the meat.

2. Put the chicken into a slow cooker with the onions, celery, carrots and peas.

3. Stir in broth, mushroom soup, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 8 to 9 hours.

5. When soup is finished, stir in egg noodles.

6. Season to taste and serve.

How Did I Get So Lucky?!

I feel like I've hit the Treasury Jackpot!! I returned home this evening to find that I have been included in three more Treasuries, thanks to Alison of Alison Kelley Designs. She is another talented and generous jewelry artist on Etsy. By now I feel like I am completely indebted to both she and Janna. As soon as I figure out the whole Treasury thing, they will be the first ones that I chose to include. Aside from being awesome people, their work is stunning. Alison also has a second shop that features exquisite bridal jewelry. Be sure to check it out! Until this point, I've been pretty inept as far as the whole Treasury thing is concerned, but I'll work on that ;)

For the "Blue Beauties" Treasury, click here

For the "Pure and Simple" Treasury, click here

For the "Emerald Isle Treasury, click here

Thanks Alison!!!

One more surprise . . . I also found out that my shop was featured on Kriskrop Memories' blog!!! What a treat and nice surprise :) A bunch of other super talented Etsy shops were also featured; you're bound to discover some new favorites. Read about it here.

Thanks to all, you really made my weekend!! And what a busy weekend it was ~ I spent most of yesterday creating some new jewelry designs that will be premiering in my shop in the next few weeks. It was the perfect weekend for staying in where it was warm and dry. As I type this, it is snowing outside ~ yikes!!

More Treasury Love

My Friday started out on great note, thanks to an email from Janna that my "Au Naturale" necklace had been selected for yet another one of her lovely treasuries. I really don't consider myself to be one of the "cool kids" on Etsy, so this new found stardom is completely humbling. I am grateful. I wish I could say that yesterday ended on a positive note, but it didn't. The company I work for announced that it had to make cuts due to the current economic conditions. As a result, some of my colleagues are now unemployed. Thankfully, my position was spared (this time), but the grim news made for a very tense and sad day around the workplace. Unexpected job loss is not an unfamiliar concept to me, so my heart goes out to anyone who is facing it, especially at this time of year. There just seems to be no end in sight to this fiasco, and now it has completely hit home. Things have got to get better!

The Sweetest Thing . . .

. . . is when a fellow Etsyan thinks enough of you to include one of your items in a beautiful Treasury :) Thanks to the gracious and talented Janna of jaC Jewelry, two of my items recently appeared in this lovely showcase of beautiful Fall goodies.

Thank you, Janna!

Speedy Meal Idea: Tequila Shrimp

I love shrimp like it's nobody's business, so I am always on the lookout for new recipes that call for it. This fresh and zippy recipe for Tequila Shrimp earned extra points with me for being easy and super quick to throw together. Hey, even those of us who don't mind slaving a bit over the stove enjoy a speedy dish every now and then ;)

The below recipe should yield two servings. If you're a hearty eater (like hubby and myself), you might want to consider doubling it.

Rumor has it that this dish is worth 4 Weight Watchers points, not including the tortillas or rice that can be served with it. I give it a "thumbs up" for being healthy and delicious!

Tequila Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

14-16 large shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped sundried tomato

1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

"Drizzle" tequila

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

4 small flour tortillas (optional) or 2 cups hot cooked rice (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and the shrimp.

2. Saute the shrimp until pink.

3. Add the onions, tomatoes and cilantro.

4. Let it sit for about 2 minutes then enhance the flavor by adding the tequila, chili powder, salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes so it may absorb the flavors.

6. Serve over hot rice or with flour tortillas.

Are you a Recessionista?

I've been hearing the term "Recessionista" quite frequently lately. It seems pop culture gives birth to these catchy phrases every now and again. This clever word was obviously spawned by the current economic conditions and is the combination of the word "recession" and "fashionista". The definition is as follows: "A person who is able to stick to a tight budget while still managing to dress stylishly."

I am a self proclaimed bargain shopper who never pays full price for anything, no matter what. I will turn my nose up at anything that is not on sale and I love the thrill of the hunt for bargains. Although I do not consider myself a "fashionista" or trendsetter, I do love clothes, shoes and accessories. I've been really tightening up the purse strings this year by not buying very many of the aforementioned. I'll be the first to admit that it hasn't been easy.

Recently I was on a quest for a new purse ~ a good leather one that will hold up for a while. While designer names don't much matter to me, I did feel like splurging a bit. I justified the urge to splurge by the fact that it has been quite a while since I have spent any money on "me". So, I went to my favorite place for purses, TJ Maxx. OK, make that my second favorite, since I love the purses on Etsy most. But this time I was looking for leather and my budget would not allow for the $300 leather purse I've been eyeing there.

After tearing through every purse on the many racks in the store, I kept going back to a shiny black number whose pricetag was a bit more than I had budgeted for. I liked everything about it, and it looked and felt like really good quality. Still, it was more than I wanted to spend. I put it down and walked around the store to grapple with this tough decision.

It was then, that I caught sight of a sign on the wall, "LAYAWAY".

I approached the salesclerk and asked what the terms were. Could a purse be put in layaway?

"Yes" said the salesclerk.

Now, I recall the days when my mom would cart my sister, brother and I to the local Kmart and have us pick out our school clothes, which she would then put into Layaway so we would have them in time for school to start. This was a necessity for my parents, who were supporting three kids on one income and who didn't believe in putting anything on plastic. They were smart.

The idea of having the store hold onto my new purse for 30 days while I made on time payments made the purchase a little easier for me to swallow. I went for it.

If you're at all curious, here is a link to my new find. I am happy to say that I paid far less than this price at the "Maxx". I'm actually quite pleased with the deal I got.

These are tough times we are in, no doubt about it. Many of us are trying to hold onto what money we do have and not give into the temptation to spend. However, I do feel that it doesn't hurt to treat yourself, even in the smallest of ways. Besides, spending a little cash can help boost the economy.

I'm trying to do my part. ;)

Gift Ideas Under $20

I'm so excited!! Thanks to the wonderful Janna of jaC Jewelry, my "Solitary Confinement" earrings are featured in a gift guide on GilBea's Fashion and Handmade Blog.

Be sure to check out this Gift Guide, which features excellent handmade items that are under $20!! These are some really great suggestions for those of us who are on a tight budget this holiday season.

Happy shopping!

El Dia de Los Muertos

Today is El Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead ~ a traditional Mexican holiday where families gather to remember and pray for their loved ones. This day has always intrigued and fascinated me. Personally, I'd rather celebrate the life of those who passed before me than mourn their loss ~ it doesn't mean that I'm less sad that they are no longer part of my daily life, it just gives me a sense of peace that is often hard to achieve when you've lost someone dear to you.

The skull is a widely used symbol of this day ~ one that seems less morbid and actually quite beautiful, as they are decorated with flowers and even made of things like sugar. Being raised Catholic, I'm familiar with "All Saints Day", which is also today ~ but I can tell you that I've never observed it.

The skull in the photo is a sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle that was on display along with many of her other works at the Missouri Botanical Garden when we visited this past summer. It was really quite extraordinary, so I wanted to share it as a symbol of this day. Niki's work is amazing (she passed away in 2002) ~ be sure to check it out if you ever get the chance.

We Have a Winner!!

Thanks to all who entered my October Earring Giveaway :) I was pleasantly surprised by the number of responses. It was also a big bonus to open up my inbox and see your wonderful comments.

A winner has been chosen at random, and that lucky person is . . . (drumroll please!)

Entry #4, Tonya

Congratulations!!

If you didn't win this time, don't despair. I plan to do a few more giveaways before the holidays :) Stay tuned!

Happy Halloween!!!

Nine Years!!

I wanted to share a recent photo of my husband and I during our trip to Mackinac Island, in northern Michigan. We were celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary. I can't believe how time flies :)

The island is a great place to go to escape the stresses of everyday life. Motorized vehicles are not permitted there, so the only method of travel is on foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage. We truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the laid back pace. We also enjoyed some of the homemade fudge that the island is so famous for!

In this photo we were standing in front of the magnificent Grand Hotel. If it looks familiar to you at all, it might be because the film Somewhere in Time starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve was shot there. How romantic!

Earring Giveaway!!

With all of the negativity in the news and the media as of late, I figured there's no better time than the present to spread some cheer :) So, I am giving away this pair of earrings to one lucky winner! They are made with bright, cobalt blue Czech glass lampwork beads, along with shiny Brass links. They measure 2" in length and have 14k gold filled earwires.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Entrees must be received no later than 12:01 am EST on 10/31/08. This contest is open to those age 18 or older. Please enter only once, in fairness to others.

A winner will be randomly chosen and the results will be posted on this blog by 11/1/08. The winner will not be contacted, so you will need to check back to see if you've won.

Good luck everyone!

**THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED**

Shining the Spotlight On: Crickets' Creations

Scarves are my favorite chilly weather accessory. I've had the same black cashmere scarf with hot pink stripes for a few years now ~ it's probably time to change up my look. On my Holiday "Wish List" this year will be something from Crickets' Scarf Boutique on Etsy. All of her beautiful creations are handknit from cruelty-free, vintage and novelty yarns. They are colorful, unique and totally fabulous! They're even meant to be worn year-round. I recently discovered this Seller in the Etsy forums, where she can often be found handing out valuable tips and advice to other Etsy sellers. It is that spirit of generosity that prompted me to find out more about Celeste, the super sweet gal behind Cricket's Creations. Below is what she recently shared with me:

Tell us a little about *you*: My name is Celeste and I hand knit luxury, designer fashion scarves! I live in the Golden Circle near the Grand Canyon, so my tagline is, “Handcrafted in the Heart of Canyon Country, USA!” Because I live in the high desert (it’s either very hot or very cold), my designs are for year-round wear. You can even see a pic of me modeling one of my Skinny Summer Boas in 90+ degree weather, outside here. Tell us about your craft ~ How did you get started? What keeps you motivated and inspired? I took an elective class when I was eight years old. From there, I studied knitting books and tried out patterns. Now I design all my own work and can get really creative! My muse, inspiration & support is my sweetie, Nicky. I made my very first scarf for him. He loved it so much that he said, "You could sell these and people would love 'em!" And since August 2007 I’ve sold over 300 scarves, so I guess he was right. :) I love to play with texture and color, and typically make 2-3 scarves a night, whether for custom orders, special requests from the over 10 retailers I supply, scarves to sell online (I offer over 100 different styles, colors & thicknesses), or getting ready for craft fairs & expos. If you’re a professional crafter, too, please let me know if I can offer support or advice on how to succeed.

How did you first hear about Etsy? I saw it in the forums of the Crafty Critter online community for crafters who care about animals. What is the best piece of advice that you could give to a new Etsy seller? I could never choose just one piece of advice (as a Gemini, I find that an impossible request, lol)! Here’s a compilation of links to my success tips. Time to toot your own horn ~ tell us about your proudest crafting achievement (either on or off Etsy) I think that so far, my biggest thrill came when Better Homes & Gardens bought a scarf a few months back for a photo shoot! Please see the next question for details…

Tell us about your featured shop item ~

I felt like I'd landed on the moon when Better Homes & Gardens magazine bought one of my pieces for a June 2008 photo shoot (it will probably appear in one of their Fall 2008 issues)! If you'd like to see the scarf they chose, please go here. Because it was a one of a kind, I made this new scarf *almost exactly* like the original. The difference is that the new design is thicker, warmer, sturdier & includes some new yarns. There is even a bit of sparkle in one of the chocolate yarns. We all know there is Life outside of Etsy ~ what do you like to do in your “spare” time? When I'm not designing and knitting, I happily work for Best Friends Animal Society. I also enjoy gardening & Bikram yoga. See ya 'round, I'm looking forward to learning more about YOU!

Thanks for your insight, Celeste!!

Now, be sure to check out her shop, Crickets' Creations :)

It's the Creamiest!

I’ve been on a major comfort food kick lately. I suspect that has something to do with the change of seasons. The drop in temps is signaling to my body that it’s time to add a layer of insulation in preparation for winter ~ which I need like a hole in the head, but that’s another story.

What dish is more comforting that macaroni in cheese? It certainly tops my list. I recently made a batch using the recipe that follows. This is the best recipe that I have ever used ~ the result is rich and creamy, with a little bit of zing due to the cayenne pepper, and a wonderful flavor that is created by the addition of garlic. It really is interesting how there are so many variations on this simple dish out there. This version is by no means low fat ~ serve it on the holidays and it is sure to impress. Mac and cheese is filling, substantial and relatively inexpensive to make (and I’m not referring to the kind that comes in the blue box here). This recipe yields a pretty decent amount, so if you’re making it for one or two there are bound to be leftovers ~ and it tastes just as good, if not better, the second time around.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cups half-and-half

2 cups milk

2 (10 ounce) packages sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

1 (10 ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions:

In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.

Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.

Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.

Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.

Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.

Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.

Add in all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.

Take skillet off stove burner.

Mix together the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.

Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.

Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is crispy.