Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Spooky isn't it!

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You are an outgoing person who's a bit of a showoff. It's likely that you dress up for Halloween every year.

You are an overachiever and quite popular. You'd save the world if you could.

Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous.

You fear people taking advantage for you. You are always worried about protecting your own interests.

You're logical, rational, and not easily effected. Not a lot scares you... especially when it comes to the paranormal.

You are a traditionalist with most aspects of your life. You like your Halloween costume to be basic, well made, and conventional enough to wear another year.


I hope everyone has a safe night! (PSST... found this over at Julies! http://nunniesattic.blogspot.com/ )
love,

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Tomato and Bacon Chicken

Okay, Okay...It doesn't look the best but believe me! It really turned out Delicious!
Ever in a pinch and not know what to make for dinner?! It was like that for me last night...
So, I went to my fridge to see what was there...hmmm..not much. Well, I had 5 of those frozen chicken breast in a bag, two onions, 3 large cloves of garlic and a 16 oz. bottle of Kraft's tomato and bacon dressing and my trusty bottle of olive oil, and my trusty cast iron frying pans..that's it, that's all you need! Oh yeah...salt and pepper to taste.
1. Add Three tablespoons of olive oil to pans heat over medium high.

2. Add your frozen chicken breasts. You want to sear the breasts approx 3 to 4 min. on each side. This seals in the juices!

3. While the breasts are heating, coarsely chop your onions and garlic and divide between pans.
sprinkle your chicken on both sides with the salt and pepper.

4. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. and remove the pans from the burners... generously pour the Tomato and Bacon dressing over the chicken and place in the oven when it's preheated...bake till done...juices run clear, approx 15 to 20 mins. This is where you have to check on their 'doneness'

Viola! Dinner! It really turned out delicious and juicy. It is reminiscent of sweet and sour / BBQ flavor. And the best part, #2 and #3 really loved and that's a tough act 'cause those two are the family's resident food critics.
Let me know what ya think!
Catch ya later...I gotta fly!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Business Cards Poll

Okay... I gotta do this quickly...I need some new business cards! This is design #1
I was playing around today and came up with these....This is #2
And finally...design #3.
There is a poll on the side bar there, please vote on your pick! Hope your weekend was fabulous.

************Okay guys! (update) I know they are 'busy' just tryin' to find out step by step what might be lovely...I know I can count on you guys to vote!*********refine each one..I value your opinions!!***********=P

Friday, October 26, 2007

Lovely little goodies!

Goodies abound ! I've been in my studio today and lovin' every minute of it. Lots of 'loved' , two 'Nanas' for some special people in our family...
The first 'mini' clock charm turned out a bit hazy. I'm still trying to find a varnish that wont cloud up... I might just have to buck up and buy some 'Diamond glaze'.
Scrumptious silver goodies! You know guys...all you have to do is holler via email and I'd love to make 'ya one.... Oh yeah! I added glitter to two! There is pink glitter in the one on the bottom and 'purple/white' in the one top left.
Here is a necklace I am working on for one of my bestest friends... She is a grandma of 5! So, made her a 'Nana Nest' and added a fresh charm at the top...
And a 'Nana' soldered charm to this little ring she can add to as she pleases...Happy Birthday Curney! I'm gonna add some more Swarovski crystals in white with some Bali silver beads... A fresh unique necklace for a fab lady!!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

In Style super!

Yes, I am a Home design magazine junkie...I confess! Anything that has to do with Home decor... design.. loveliness...I gotta have it. I try and pace myself and allow only two subscriptions...Mary Engelbreit (who I am disappointed with...no more three home spreads! no more recipes! and too many adds.) and Traditional Home. Well, I was shopping the other day and spied this on the rack.. InStyle Home! Uhhmmmm...I'm there! Is there Interior Designers Anonymous? Oh please...LOL
I just love this spread of Molly Sims home in New York. What is truly incredible and why I wanted to share is Molly is a fellow treasure hunter! Yes! Miss Sims loves antiquing...she doesn't rely on a designer she takes charge and styles her own life. I love it! Anyone notice the color scheme for the dinning room? ehem.. pink and gray... love it!
Here is a picture of her office... She has a mannequin! Mine is covered with necklaces I am working on...Hers is cards! Mannequins are great!!
Miss Sims purchased this picture of the bee herself in CA... I don't know...I just found it refreshing to see a celebrity take charge of her own 'style' and do it herself...
Ahhh... eye candy without the calories.. love it!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Grand Reopening!

Hello! It's here! Thank you soo much to Hope Wallace of PaperRelics!
http://www.paperrelics.com/
Hope did such a wonderful job. I would just love it if you'd stop by!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Clouche!

I have seen some neat displays with cloches on folk's lovely blogs, I just had to get one and see what it was all about. Silly how a little dome can make something like an antique flower frog and my generic business card look kinda classy!
This little guy is only 6" in height. But, I like him... just might have to find some more..Cloches! The word even sounds pretty!

Well, I'm posting here and my new blog... I'm not one for having a split personality...so what's on the other one is pretty much a rerun...I would say...tweaked abit.. I will post there and here till the new blog is as fabulous as this one! lol! Don't worry, you'll know where it's at!

Have a GREAT Monday...
love,

Sunday, October 21, 2007

BOO!

Hi guys! Here is how I spent some of my Sunday... I must say, I will 'Rise' to the occasion... when frustration hits... and there seems no way out... rise up... look beyond.
I created this little tin... a 'mash' of ideas I found in the Somerset Fall mag... Ghoulish Girlfriends! I can name a few...Kara http://innocentcharmschats.blogspot.com/... Laura http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/... oh yeah...Julie..http://nunniesattic.blogspot.com/.yup.. Polly too! http://countingyourblessings.blogspot.com/.. Phyllis...http://shabbyinthecity.blogspot.com/.....oh yeah..Monica also..http://www.monicacrowe.com/
Making this tin today as well as some charms helped get my vision straight! It's almost over here on Blogger... I'll post here till it's done...
Ghoulish girlfriends...
A beautiful collage for a beautiful life... not stopping for 'bumps'... not getting derailed because of stupid hiccups!....Yes, I'm moving on... I'll still post here till the new blog is up and fab... You my fab bloglandia girlfriends will know...

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Suckin' Lemons!


Yup! It's official... I have a lemon here on my hands! Every time I try and up load a photo to my profile... nothing! Tried using Flickr as a 'photo host' still doesn't work!!! Every time I try and join Delightful blogs.... 'oops not a valid URL' ...It must be the 'cloud' that follows our family around! This or that... 'can't load photos at this time' ...'uhh,who are you?' I'm getting really tired of Blogger! I have even tried to add a few things to the html and nope!(yes, I know a little about that..)
I know, I know...when life gives you lemons, make lemon aide...I'm trying really I am! I'm tired of being on the outside looking in! Really, how many blogs do I need to visit? I post comment after comment on other's blogs...I try and think of fabulous and witty things to say here..what am I missing? Maybe I'm the lemon...
Well, I'm playing around with something...

a new blog! ANNND! My online store is being remodeled! By a fabulous lady..Oh, yes! You know and love her! It will rock your socks! Lol!
Thank you my true blog friends who posted good wishes when #3 was sick! His fever has subsided...and mine... and for now, everyone else is on the mends...
Have a good rest of the weekend!
Hugs!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

It's here....


Okay "It" has reared it's ugly head here... I have but a few moments to post... THE FLU is back... I got a frantic call today from the school nurse at #3's school... 'Uhmm... he has a 102 degree temp... " ..........This is why I love summer.........no sickness......... We are sick... 'cause you guys know...in a family, when one person gets ill like this then we ALL get it. Just pray tonight little guy feels better! 102! I can't get it to break... Yes, I'm crazy sitting here posting when my wee one is ill...But! He is finally resting..sleeping for a good two hours now. That is why I'm here, I can't sleep. I just hate it when they get sick like this!! So, I sit and watch...making sure he's comfortable... Please pray the fever breaks!!
So, might not be here for a bit...but, I'll be watching...not like it matters...but I'll miss you guys!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

New Lovelies

Here are two new pieces... This is a soldered charm I just made for a customer! It's 1" in diameter. I think it turned out nice and clear. "Time on my hands" I made by photocopying an old watch face then adding the hour hand myself. Soldering it up and presto a fab vintage watch face! I love diamonds and gold... don't get me wrong..but unique silver jewelry pieces really make me pause....
Here is a new collage I am working on. It's not done, I still have some elements to add. I was just looking how the border turned out and I think I might just have to add it to the piece! 'Home Sweet Home' is what I'm calling it. If the house was a little smaller...it could be ours! What makes a Home to you? Is it the perfect furniture? How about the smell that brings back a fond memory?
At our house, it's obvious to us...us...DH...me...#1...#2...#3...and Shelby...but the thought that we can be ourselves in our home. Uniqueness is what DH and I want to instill in the boys. Stand up for what you believe in! "Uhhmm yeah, there is a God!" "Yes... God has a Son... Jesus..."
Home should be where you can be at peace! Surround yourself with beautiful things that inspire you.. the little things... Like my silly antique door knob picture holders...Or my painted chimney in the master bedroom...(oops, haven't shown ya that yet)...
My point? Take time out and pause...Which I have been guilty of NOT doing lately... My pause right now, my home...Inspiration at it's finest! What is yours?...
Hope everyone is having a great week!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

It's finally Here!!

It's Here! It's finally here! I feel like it's Christmas morning (Never mind the cover!lol!)
I went to get the mail a second ago, and there it was, my own copy of the return of Victoria!
I'm sure you fabulous ones have already seen the goodies inside...shhh... I'm gonna pour over this lovely later today while picking up the kids from school...
Hey, maybe we can chat about what's in it! Yippee! I'm so excited! Love,

I am Smiling!

You know, it is really humbling to be given an award by such a gifted one! Thank you! Melissa at the Inspired Room... http://theinspiredroom.wordpress.com/
Thank you for thinking of me!
There are so many fabulous ladies out there! I give this award to you all, you guys who come by so regularly and 'Make Me Smile' everyday! (All you guys have already recieved this award anyway I'm sure!)Thank you.
But I'd like to pass this along also to:
http://carnivaleoffortune.blogspot.com/ I don't know your first Name! But the Queen of the Carnival always has inspiring, smile inducing goodness there.

Kara from http://innocentcharmschats.blogspot.com/

Monica from http://www.monicacrowe.com/

Lynn from http://lifeatcedarhill.blogspot.com/

Thank you Melissa!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Bit of this and Bit of that.

Okay, has anyone ever felt like they are going 90mph to nothing?! Please excuse, it's a southern term... It means kinda that the speed limit of your life is 90mph with no brakes. I do feel like that lately!
This baby shower...go meet these folks... oh, yeah this stuff needs to be ordered... ahh yes, this one needs help with homework.... Do I stay with Yahoo for web hosting or go with another? Uhhm how many items on the new page...AGGHH... Amongst my life, while I was picking up a few items for the baby shower after church this past Sunday.. I found Caldrea! Bottles and bottles of glorious smelling, natural ingrediants..This linen spray in 'White Tea' is such a fresh burst of loveliness! It's a bit rainy and gloomy here in the WI and this linen spray has helped to infuse our home with Summer freshness... gotta love it!

These two in the fresh scent of Rose and Pomegranate...I never have even stopped to think about my dish soap before! I absolutely HATE doing the dishes!! Yuck!! We have yet to install a dishwasher here in our 107 year old kitchen...anything that makes this chore brighter Rocks my World!! The Rose scent helps me hold on to the summer flowers I love so much, amazing what a little 'scent' will do! LOL!!
I am so wanting to get in the studio! I have some fab ideas swarming in my head and as usual... when the juices get flowing..the distractions multiply!
But yet more inspiration! This site is sooo cool! http://www.avindy.com/Scripts/default.asp Avindy really makes some amazing jewelry. There is no way I could afford this lovely...but just look at the collection of beads, greens..pinks and browns! Eclectic, I love it! Design inspiration at it's best. Those lovely ladies there are 'trend setters' as far as I'm concerned.
That is a whole other idea I want to talk to you guys about, Trend setters! Who are they and where do they get their power?...
Okay, I've caught my breath abit... I'll catch you fabulous ones in the A.M!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

French Beef

Bonsoir Mon Ami! I have visited alot of your blogs and have found some fab recipes! I have been needing some inspiration for dinner and thank you to all you fabulous cooks out there, some new recipes have been add to our family meals...tres bien! I thought I'd share a new one that I tried tonight. In English, it is called Braised beef cheeks and Parmesan Macaroni. It did turn out delicieux!
I found the recipe in the cook book by Sharon O'Conners called Bistro. This is a very good cook book! Mrs. O'Conners takes us on a visit all around Paris to different amazing Bistros and show cases their signature dishes. You also recieve a CD of Parisian Bistro music...lovely.
Well, this is a picture of the meal... from the book...'cause we were soo hungry we ate it up before we could get a picture. LOL!!!

Here is the Recipe...Hope you enjoy!

Ingrediants: ( I had everything sans(without) the juniper berries)

2 pound of beef cheeks, beef chuck, or lean stewing beef trimmed of all fat and gristle and cut into 2-inch cubes
2 Onions
2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
1 Garlic clove, minced
12 Black Peppercorns
1 whole clove
4 Juniper berries

Bouquet garni: 1 parsely sprig, 1 thyme sprig,1 bay leaf tied in cheesecloth square.

1 bottle full bodied red wine
2 Tablespoons peanut oil
3/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
One 1/2 ounce square unsweetened chocolate, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Parmesan Macaroni

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Paremesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.


In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, carrot, garlic,peppercorns, clove, juniper berries, and bouquet garni. Pour in red wine, cover the bowel with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 300F. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate. Transfer the vegetables to a separate plate. Reserve the marinade.
In a large saute pan or skillet over high heat, heat the peanut oil and brown the meat on all sides. Using a slotted spoon , transfer the meat to a Dutch oven or large casserole.
In the same pan, saute the vegetables over medium heat until soft, about 5 min; transfer to the Dutch oven or casserole. Add the reserved marinade to the saute pan or skillet, stirring to scrape the browned bits from bottom of the pan, simmer for 5 min. Pour the liquid into the Dutch oven or casserole and, if necessary, add water to just cover the meat. Cover and bake in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 hours for chuck or stewing beef, 6 hours for beef cheeks, or until the meat is extremely tender.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate. Strain the sauce through a fine-meshed sieve, pushing the vegetables through with the back of a large spoon, and skim off the fat. Pour the sauce back into the pan and boil until reduced by a third. Reduce heat to low and swirl in the butter and chocolate. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, add the meat and heat through.
To make the macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 10 minutes; drain. Return the macaroni to the pot. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Transfer the macaroni to a gratin dish and place under the preheated broiler just until the cheese is browned and sizzling. Arrange a portion of stew and macaroni on plate and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Well... I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did! Think of it a French comfort food! Bon appetit.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Fab Vintage

Hi guys! I just scored some fabulous new items I am going to be adding to the store... (just hold on to your socks!!lol) This is a pair of vintage cardboard 'Christmas display' signs. Scored two for the price of one! I'll be adding one to the store, of course I have to keep one! I just love the pink stripes and green banner at the bottom. In the picture above is showing the two sides... One side says, "Cheerful giving to all the family" and the opposite side says, "Happier living through out the year."
This is a fabulous vintage printers drawer that makes such an awesome 'shadow box'. We have one, and every time our family has gone on vacation, a tiny treasure was purchased for the box. Yes, the inside paper is peeling but cant you just see some vintage papers or pictures glued in there to cover it up! Fresh!

Here is a cute chalk ware doggy! Isn't he cute? Couldn't you see him in a little guy's nursery? Chippy and weathered make him even more irresistible.
Aren't these sculpturaly interesting in themselves? This 'Zero' vintage fan would make an awesome addition to any one's collection.
The picture really doesn't do this vase justice, it actually has a faint hint of pink in it. Just right for spring blossoms, oh please let spring come quickly Lord to the WI!
Isn't this little can great? I just love it!! I am soo tempted to keep it... but alas, I promised my DH that I would sell...sell...sell...my purchases.
This is such a neat vintage 'Stetson' hat box! Can you see the house with the American flag?!! I just fell in love with the colors. Hat boxes are so perfect for storage of such a number of items! Think magazines, silk flowers, vintage paper and photos... ahhh...the list goes on.
I have a few more things I scored, but I'm savin' showing them... I hope everyone's week went well!
love,