Front Page (a girl can really get used to this)

Another amazing and gorgeous Treasury curated by Brenda from Phydeaux Designs that made it to the front page.

Thank you for including me (again) Brenda!!

Who Loves SNL? I do!

Front Page Baby!!

Pegg of Etsy shop fiveforty included my Beyond Gorgeous Garnet Faceted Rondelle Beads in her beautiful, Stunning Red Fruit Treasury that made it to the FRONT PAGE!


Sadly, I didn't get to see the treasury on the front page in real time, but I am thrilled to have been there in such lovely company.

Thank you Pegg!

New Favorite Wine

The BF brought home a new and really yummy bottle of wine. It is a 2006 syrah made by Shiloh Road. It is a very drinkable wine and a great value at $15.99.

The bottle is rated 91 points (out of 100) and I completely agree. It begins with a very dark berry jam and finishes with a silky, yet smoky note. (Do I sound like a foodie yet?)

We enjoyed a glass last night while I finished a pair of earring, which will be listed later this week and the BF watched football highlights. Does it get better than that?

Desert Island Movies

Last week I put together my Desert Island Disk list and promised that my list of movies would follow shortly. I'm here to make good on my word and have compiled my list of 5 movies that I would take with me to my desert island.

1. Rushmore - 1998

If you have never seen a Wes Anderson film, this would be my top pick. It's funny and sweet and I can watch it anytime. Plus, Bill Murray is a frigging genius.

2. Wizard of Oz - 1939

The Wizard of Oz is my favorite childhood movie. I was obsessed with the film and the story. I wished to be Dorothy, memorized all of the songs and sang them to death. The movie tells a beautiful story and of course introduced the world to Judy Garland.

3. The Big Lebowski - 1998

Oh, where do I begin with this movie? First, it is my most favorite Coen Brothers movie, although they have made many, many other fantastic films. There are so many one liners and off the wall characters. Jeff Bridges plays Jeffrey "the Dude" Lebowski and John Goodman plays Walter Sobchak. These two friends bowl together, lament about life and get in way over their heads in this must see dark comedy.

4. Pulp Fiction - 1994

Pulp Fiction is a crime drama directed by Quentin Tarantino. It single handedly revitalized John Travolta's career from the depths of uncool and is a true masterpiece, in my opinion.

5. Pride and Prejudice - 2005

I love, love, love period films and could never go to a desert island without one. It was really hard for me to choose, but Pride and Prejudice is my current favorite. The story is like a fairytale with a slightly feminist twist. If I am ever feeling down and out, this film picks me up and infuses me with feeling of sentiment and chivalry.

Labour of Love

I just finished a new necklace that will be listed for sale in my jewelry shop later this week. I absolutely love this necklace and it was truly an undertaking to complete. I spent 40+ hours diligently wire wrapping over 300 teeny tiny black spinel gemstone beads onto sterling silver chain.




Don't even get me started about the huge teardrop shaped labradorite pendant - it is so flashy and colorful. This necklace deserves to be around some lucky lady's neck soon!

Maybe some people should think before they speak

New Earrings in Nature

I have 2 new pairs of earring in my jewelry shop that I photographed in my parents gorgeous backyard. I really enjoyed using tree twigs and branches as perches to dangle the earrings from, just as they would from your ears.

Sterling Silver Teardrop and Swarovski Crystal Earrings - Burgundy

Sterling Silver Teardrop and Swarovski Crystal Earrings - Sky Blue

The only reason I don't regret watching Saturday Night Live last night

Treasury Madness

The treasury gods smiled down on me today. I was lucky enough to curate my own and have my Labradorite and Amethyst Pendant Necklace and Carnelian Heart Briolettes included in treasuries as well.

I Dream of Coffee and Chocolate

This treasury that I curated is comprised of all CCCOE members, who I love and adore for the overwhelming amount of support and friendship they share with me.

Purple Haze

Purple Haze is curated by ohmay. She hand knits beautiful accessories that you can drape and adorn yourself in.

{modern.fairy.tales..xi}

Last, but never least, phydeaux curated {modern.fairy.tales..xi}. Brenda hand knits scarves and other accessories that are luscious and full of rich color. Brenda showers my shops with never ending compliments and support and has become my dearest Etsy friend.

Desert Island Disks (and Movies)

If you were stranded on a Desert Island and could only bring 5 albums with you, and they are the only albums you will ever listen to again - what would they be? If that isn't the most impossible decision to make, now you have to decide the 5 movies you would bring with you.

Ugh, I know. Most. Difficult. Decision. Ever.

1. Dreams to Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology - Otis Redding

Otis Redding is probably my favorite soul singer. Of course I also love Wilson Picket and the Four Tops. Oh man, this is going to be difficult. I am also going to admit that I have already cheated, because this album is 2 disks. Anyway, Otis Redding has the most soulful, sultry voice and I can listen to him sing all day and all night. It is just a terrible shame that he left this world all too soon.

2. Return to Cookie Mountain - TV on the Radio

TV on the Radio is an indie rock band from New York City that formed in 2001. Return to Cookie Mountain was released in 2006 and was critically acclaimed by many music magazines. I love, love, love this album and would very happily be stranded on a desert island with it.

3. From the Choirgirl Hotel - Tori Amos

I love everything Tori Amos, but this album was a real departure from her previous albums. It isn't just her and a piano. She toured and recorded with a band and adopted a new, less minimal sound. I saw her when she toured for this album and the show was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

4. Repeater + 3 Songs - Fugazi

Fugazi is a post-hardcore punk bank from Washington DC. The lead singer, Ian MacKaye had previously been in Minor Threat, an amazing punk band, who I also love. Repeater is Fugazi's debut full length album that was released in 1990. The band supported many different causes and movements and was reflected in their music.

5. Blue Screen Life - Pinback

Pinback is an indie rock band from San Diego. They are super artsy-fartsy and make beautiful thought provoking music. Blue Screen Life is their second album that was released in 2001. My absolute favorite song from this album is "Boo", but the record is best know for the song "Penelope" which is about the band's pet goldfish who died.

These decisions were truly painful to make, as I had to leave off sooooo many musicians and bands that I love and respect. Maybe I will make a second list, just in case I might be rescued from my desert island, but then tragically deserted once again.

I can't bring myself to also do my desert island movies today - you will have to just wait and see.

If you are as equally insane as I am and want to do your own desert island disks and movies, I would love to see your choices. Then I will probably cry that I didn't include your disks and movies on my list.

If you are a secret stalker...

now you can be out in the open about it. Of course I realize that there is probably no such thing as a blog stalker, but I thought it would entice you to read this post. This is really just to let you know about the newest nifty gadget offered on Blogger that displays a list of users who follow your blog.

So, if you feel so inclined you can follow me too. Just click on the "follow this blog" link under my profile on the right.

Happy Saturday!!

Some More New Beadies

are for sale in my little bead shop. I am hoping that in the near future, my little bead shop will be my not so little bead shop.

Sparkling Faceted Black Melanite Garnet Rondelles


Berry Red Faceted Garnet Oval Beads

I would love some feedback from readers and jewelry makers about what kind of gemstone beads and supplies you would like to see in my shop that I don't currently have. While we're at it - are there items in my shop that you would like to see more of (or less of)?

I would love to know your opinions and ideas, because without you there wouldn't be a Bacchus Beads. I truly appreciate all of the support and repeat business I have received from my friends at Etsy. Thank you!!

Grapefruit and Orange Stars

I made a really yummy mixed greens salad with grapefruit and orange sections - and of course I didn't take a picture of the salad, but I did take a picture of the leftover grapefruit and orange after I cut out the sections because they were sooo pretty, like fruit stars.


I was sad to discard the fruit gems that I created, so after I took a picture I squeezed as much juice I could get out of them and made some grapefruit-orange spritzers with sparkling mineral water. They were super tasty too!

It's Almost Fall, Can you Feel It?

I have some new fall inspired gemstone beads in my shop that I just recently listed for purchase. I actually have some more gemstones perfect for the changing season, but I am going to hold onto them for a bit. I plan on using some of them for my own jewelry designs and am not sure yet of how much I am going to part with for Bacchus Beads.

Hessonite Garnet, Faceted Oval Beads


Green Amethyst, Faceted Oval Beads


Hessonite Garnet, Onion Briolettes
Hessonite Garnet reminds me of leaves on a tree changing color, as they turn from yellow to orange, red and brown. These beads have a less gemmy quality and are much more organic in color and texture.

Green Amethyst, which is also called Prasiolite is perfect for fall jewelry pieces as well. It is a transparent gemstone that is a very unique shade of green, which I can best describe as a mint or moss green. It is one of my new very favorite gemstones, especially because it pairs so beautifully with Labradorite.

I am working on a new necklace that features both green amethyst and labradorite - so be sure to check back soon.

Queen Tori

Tori Amos is the first influential contemporary female musician that shaped and touched so many facets of my life. Her music communicates beauty and strength, while confronting all of the eccentricities and insecurities that woman experience.

Tori's voice is as haunting as it is beautiful - much like Tori hereself, exceedingly complex and incredibly unique.



This is a vintage performance of Winter from 1991, right before her first album Little Earthquakes was released.

Her music has changed and evolved over the years, but Little Earthquakes is the album that made me a life long fan.

Diegozilla Attacks!!

Our little yellow cockatiel Diego brings us (my BF and I) a priceless amount of joy and entertainment. In addition to his exceptional singing and whistling skills, he also stars in most of our (just for fun) Photoshop projects.

This is my BF's latest - Diegozilla Attacks!

I think I might add some laser beams and explosions to heighten the dramatic flair. Feel free to take a stab at it yourself and send me the image as a JPEG or PNG and I will feature it here.

Update:

I couldn't help myself...he he he

Color Wheel

I curated a new rockin' Treasury filled with colorful handmade items and of course, I used the opportunity to promote my friends at the California Crafters Club of Etsy.

Color Wheel

Be sure to click away and check out all the fantastical handmade items made with love in the great state of California!

Vegetarian Chili, Zinc Cafe Inspired

I had a really tasty bowl of vegetarian chili at a cute little coffee shop/cafe called Zinc Cafe for lunch a few weeks ago. It was so good in fact, that I spent some time trying to perfect my own version and I am really happy with the results.


I'll do my best to write a proper recipe and if you cook it for yourself, let me know how you liked it.

- 1 onion chopped into small to medium pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper minced without seeds (you can include as much, or as little depending on the heat level you desire)
- 1 green bell pepper chopped into small to medium pieces
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into small to medium pieces (yellow or orange bell pepper would be great too)
- 1 15oz can red kidney beans
- 2 15oz can black beans (any variation of beans would work, depending on your preference. just make sure that you have around 45oz total)
- 1 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 2tbsp chili powder


1. In a large dutch oven type pot, cook the onion, garlic, bell peppers and jalepeno pepper in 1tbsp olive oil. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes. You don't want the vegetables to brown, so make sure heat is not too high.

2. Drain the water out of all 3 cans of beans and add to the dutch oven and allow to warm through, about 5 minutes. (I recommend using organic canned beans, which do not need to be rinsed. If you don't have organic, I would probably rinse the beans before adding them.)

3. Add 2tbsp chili powder along with salt and pepper to taste. (Go easy on the salt if the chili powder you have contains salt.) Stir the chili so everything is fully coated in the chili powder, salt and pepper.

4. Add the can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and allow the chili to heat through. Stir and taste, adjust seasoning if needed. You may find that 1 extra tbsp of chili powder is needed, depending on your taste. Lower heat to medium low and cover - allow chili to simmer for at least 30 minute up to 1 hour.

5. Serve chili topped with cheese, green onions, chopped tomato, cilantro, crushed corn tortilla chips, yogurt or sour cream. You can be as creative with the garnish as you like. Enjoy!

I know Amy Winehouse is a Hot Mess

But she has an undeniably killer set of pipes. I really do love her music, minus all of her personal turmoil and tabloid exploits.

Hot Apples and Tagging

My favorite fellow etsyian, Brenda included me in a super hot treasury that she curated. Thanks Brenda!!



Brenda also tagged me, so I will now let you know six random things about myself.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up


1. I love, love, love to cook. I am a very happy girl in the kitchen and even happier when I am feeding people I love. I inherited this from my grandmother, Pida who made magic in the kitchen everyday of her life.

2. My brother and I have the same birthday, but we're not twins. He was born on my 6th birthday and has been raining on my parade ever since. (Just kidding Jonathan - I love you!!!)

3. Nothing in this world scares me more that aliens. I saw Fire in the Sky when I was 13 and couldn't sleep without the door open and a night light on for weeks.

4. I love all arts and crafts. In addition to being a jewelry making crazed addict, I also love painting, drawing, ceramics, book making... (I could go on and on). I also inherited this from my other grandmother, Jean who was a talented painter and jewelry artist.

5. I can eat Spanish olives and dill pickles straight out of the jar until my lips pucker. Yum!

6. The Sure Thing is my all time favorite romantic comedy. John Cusack makes me swoon.

I am going to have to think about who to tag to continue the random fun...stay tuned!