It's almost a new year...

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope you all have fantastic celebrations tonight while you ring in 2009. I am thrilled to be saying goodbye to 2008 and am hopeful for a brighter new year.

My friend Brenda from Phydeaux tagged me to take part in a little walk down memory lane...

10 years ago I was finishing my first semester of college. I was completely up in the air about what I wanted to major in, but I was leaning towards fine art. Most of all, I was thrilled to be finished with high school.

8 years ago I was looking at art schools in San Francisco and New York. I was dying to get out of San Diego.

6 years ago I was living in New York, making my art school dreams come true. I was really home sick and missed my family and sweet boyfriend (who diligently visited me every semester).

2 years ago I was living with my (still) sweet boyfriend and our cute little yellow cockatiel Diego.

5 yummy things

1. Vegetarian Pho
2. Tiramisu
3. Persian Cucumbers
4. Margarita Pizza - basil, tomato, mozzarella cheese. What could be better?
5. Tadiq - there are many amazing things about Persian rice, but my absolute favorite is the browned crunchy cracker-like rice that cooks at the bottom of the pot. If you ever find yourself in a Persian restaurant you should be able to find tadiq on the menu (it will usually be under the appetizers). YUM!

5 places I would like to escape to

1. Italy (never been)
2. Ireland (never been)
3. DC (the BF and I went last year and LOVED it)
4. New York (I haven't been since school)
5. Chicago (never been)

5 things I would never wear

1. The Skort - Just ewww
2. a uniform
3. Flesh colored nylons
4. Real fur
5. Stiletto heals - they look hot, but I would be on the floor

5 fave TV shows

1. Big Love
2. True Blood
3. Entourage
4. The Office
5. Arrested Development

5 things I enjoy doing

1. Cooking
2. Making jewelry
3. Hiking
4. Making art
5. Drinking wine

5 favorite toys

1. My MacBook
2. Holga Cameras
3. Nintendo Wii
4. My car
5. My awesome butane blow torch (for silver smithing)

Feel free to play along and let me know so I can link to your list.

Merry Christmas

Merry (almost) Christmas everyone!
My gift to all of my friends in blog-land is a fantastic "Best Chocolate Chip Cookies" recipe. They have crispy edges and chewy centers. YUM!

INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour (I use whole wheat white flour)
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons hot water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
* 1 cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, cranberries and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto non-greased pans.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Anniversary

The BF and I celebrated our 7 years of togetherness yesterday. 7 whole years! We spent the day together in Julian, the historical town/community known for it's apple pie.

I love visiting Julian around the holidays. The air is cold and crisp - sometimes there is even snow. Yes, snow in San Diego. All the shops are decorated for Christmas, the streets are filled with people drinking hot apple cider and your filled with the feeling that you have somehow stepped back in time.

We weren't quite prepared for just how cold it was, but we braved the elements and had a romantic lunch and shared a piece of amazing pie. We also did a little window shopping and took a bunch of pictures.

Some New Pretty Pieces

Really Gorgeous Golden Rutilated Quartz Pendant on Multi Colored Spinel Necklace



Chic and Modern Amazonite and Sterling Silver Bracelet

Check them out in the shop!

Ahhh, it's Friday again

My BF is very smart and catalogs all of our digital pictures in very neat and organized folders on the computer. He even used some fancy-schmancy numeric dating system that I don't completely understand for all of the folders so we have an exact date of when the pictures were uploaded.

I'm sure that if it were up to me, the pictures would be all over the place with no rhyme or reason and I would have to neurotically click all over to find that one pictures I was looking for. That is why I am the artist and he is the smarty pants web developer. (Can you tell I'm proud?)

As luck would have it (or a very methodical and organized system) I found this picture that I love so much!

The very smart BF is great about documenting all of our exciting adventures and this scrumptious fruit plate was from his birthday extravaganza in Palm Desert. We also had some tasty mimosas too.

But most importantly, when I see this picture I can still feel the hot sun beating on my toes, taste the sweet fruit we ate and remember how thankful I am for my BF's heightened analytical skills.

Bahhhh! I love SNL

I swear that even though it would appear that I have completely forgotten how to write and only use my blog to post videos, I promise that really isn't the case. I have very important things to blog about which I will get to at a later date. Right after this awesome SNL video.

Happy Birthday

Oh to turn 6 years old. Too cute!

Prop 8 - The Musical

Not only is this video completely hilarious, entertaining and full of recognizable celebrities, the point it makes is beyond true.

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

I scream

You scream

We all scream for ice cream!!

Ah, it doesn't take much to make me happy. All I need is a cute picture of a cat licking an ice cream cone to brighten my day.

What a boo hoo fest

I got the flu really early Wednesday morning and also gave it to my poor BF. We have been sicker than dogs and missed Thanksgiving with our families. We were a pretty sad pair, but at least we were together.

I hope that we will be spared from anymore illness the rest of the year - fingers crossed.

So, this Thanksgiving I was thankful for Tylenol, ice packs, saltine crackers and Gatorade. Not the ideal party, but at least I had a loved one to hang my head in the toilet with.

Weather is awesome

p.s. My neck and shoulder are feeling much better. Hooray!

Blargggg

Disclosure: This post will contain traces of whining and complaining, which may be unsuitable for some readers.

I hurt my neck and shoulder last week and it got better, but not completely. It was tolerable and I tried my best to deal with it, expecting it to go away. Well, boy was I wrong. Yesterday was awful. Nothing made it feel better and I couldn't seem to accomplish anything productive. My sweet BF came home from work and tenderized me like a piece of meat, gave me more Motrin than recommended and I went to bed.

I am feeling a little better today. Not by much, but I am trying to will the pain away because I have a big weekend ahead of me.

Sunday is my mom's birthday! We have a fun day planned for her starting with a champagne brunch in the late morning. I won't disclose anymore plans for the day in case she reads this post. I can fill you in on all the rest of the details later.

Then, Monday is the BF's mom birthday! We are going to take her out on Saturday for a fancy dinner and cocktails.

So, I will be popping pills, using a heating pad and begging the BF to massage my neck and shoulder every waking moment until I have returned to a semi human state again, because I refuse to have nothing less than a great time this weekend.

Let's say it all together

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Have you ever seen anything cuter?


I admit that I have spent more time on this site then I probably should, but it's just so easy to click one more time.

Instant gratification!

I couldn't have said it any better

100 Sales

I made my 100th sale in my beads shop, Bacchus Beads!

I feel like it is a huge accomplishment and symbolic milestone. I would have never made it without the support of my loyal buyers on Etsy. As a huge thank you to all of my fellow jewelry makers in Etsyland, I would like to extend a 10% discount on your entire purchase for the rest of the week until Sunday, November 16th at midnight.

Use the discount code 100SALE in the notes to seller and wait to pay until I send you a revised invoice.

Thank you again!!

I tried

to be cheery today and made an attempt to let dueling marshmallow's brighten my day, but they couldn't for long.

I can't pretend to be happy when California is now discriminating against an entire group of people because of who they love. An entire group of people who had the right to enjoy marriage under the law and now they do not. It's wrong and I will not be quiet about it until all Californian's are treated equally under the law once again.

OMG

Too cute and funny!
I love to stumble.

America Makes History

Vote Smart!

Are you ready to cast your vote today?

Make sure that you are well informed about the candidates and ballot measures you will be voting on today. Your vote matters.

Yay America!

Sadness, Barack Obama's grandmother Madelyn Dunham dies

The Illinois senator's campaign issued a statement under his name and that of his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng:

"It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.

"Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."

You can read the article can be read in it's entirety here.

Happy Halloween!

Don't eat too much candy or you might end up like this guy, heeeeheeeeeeee!

It is almost here

It is like the countdown to Christmas or your birthday - the day to vote is around the corner, just a short 5 days away.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you will have a hassle free election day:

1. Verify your registration. Before going to the polls, confirm your voter registration.

2. Confirm your polling location. Even if you've voted in the same place for 30 years, polling places can change, so make sure you know where to go on Election Day.

3. Vote early. Record turnout is expected this year, so if your state offers early voting (before Election Day), take advantage of it to avoid long lines and alleviate the strain on local election officials.

4. Remember your ID. Every state identification law is different and many have changed recently, so make sure you know which forms of ID are accepted in your state before you get to the polls.

5. Don't give anyone an excuse to keep you out of the polls. In some states, wearing campaign paraphernalia into a polling place - shirts, a buttons, etc.- is against the law. Cover up your campaign materials to ensure a smooth voting experience.

6. Report all voting problems to Election Protection at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or the Our Vote web site.

7. Do not be intimidated by false rumors. Eligible registered voters cannot be denied the right to vote because their homes have been foreclosed upon, they are late on child support payments, they have outstanding parking tickets, or they are students at local universities.

8. If you have been convicted of a felony, know your rights. Many states allow people who have been convicted of a felony and completed their sentence to vote. Know your state laws and don't be intimidated by misinformation.

9. Avoid the crowds. Voting lines are shortest in the mid-morning or early afternoon.

10. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Help elderly voters, disabled Americans, and people without transport get to the polls - no one should be left behind on Election Day!

More funny with SNL

Happy Friday!

I don't actually have a whole lot to blog about today. I am trying very hard not to inundate my blog with posts about politics and of course, all I am consumed with is the upcoming election.

I know that my mind will be able to return to some sort of balance after November 4th. In the spirit of maintaining balance here is a tasty recipe that I plan on using for a side dish at one of the upcoming holiday meals I have to look forward to.

French Beans with Roasted Figs, Thyme and Rustic Croutons
Created by Govind Armstrong
Makes 10 servings

Croutons:
* 1 loaf (16 ounces) walnut-raisin bread , crust removed, torn into bite-size pieces
* 2 tablespoons walnut oil
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Beans:
* 3 pounds French green beans , ends trimmed
* 15 firm ripe figs , cut in half lengthwise
* 10 large sprigs fresh thyme
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley , stems removed

Vinaigrette:
* 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
* 2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted walnuts
* 1 small shallot , minced
* 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 1/4 cup walnut oil
* 1/4 cup olive oil

To make croutons:
Preheat oven to 375°. On a baking sheet with sides, toss pieces of bread with walnut oil, salt and pepper. Bake 10 minutes, tossing once or twice, or until browned and crisp. Let cool. Leave oven on.

To make beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add green beans. Cook 4 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender; drain. Refresh under cold water; drain again and pat dry with paper towels.

In a medium bowl, gently toss figs with thyme sprigs, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. On a baking sheet with sides, lay figs cut-side down and roast 10 minutes, or until lightly caramelized and cooked through. Cool on baking sheet.

To make vinaigrette:
In a medium bowl, whisk vinegar, walnuts, shallot, chopped thyme, salt and pepper; gradually whisk in walnut and olive oils until blended.

In a large bowl, toss croutons, green beans and parsley leaves with vinaigrette. Arrange on plates, and top each with three roasted fig halves.

This recipe can be found here, courtesy of the always inspirational Oprah Winfrey.

On a Blogin Roll

I have desperately wanted to incorporate cabochons into my stock of beads in my shop, but have been a little reluctant until now.

As I use more and more cabochons in my own jewelry designs, I am gaining a working knowledge of all of the different cuts and shapes these neat gemstones come in. So, of course the first round of cabochons I will be offering will be a selection of gemstones that I love, but I absolutely want your feedback on what kinds of cabochons you love to work with too.

These little beauties are everything that I love about gemstones! They are rich in color and sparkle for days like black diamonds. They are actually melanite garnets which are regular garnets that also contain titanium that cause their color to be black.

If I haven't bored you enough, and you love these cabochons as much as I do, you can purchase them here.

Hope

Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay person to be elected to public office in the US in 1977. His most recognized speech, "You Cannot Live On Hope Alone," was given in 1978, shortly before he was assassinated. His words resonate particularly today as Californians debate a resolution to ban gay marriage.

If you live in California, please vote no on Prop 8. Let's continue to promote equality, diversity and love.

Jewelry Party!

As the holidays come screeching towards us, I am sure that like me, you are probably freaking out about holiday shopping. Many families have decided to to make a concerted effort to reduce spending and some want to focus more on handmade gift giving.

If you live in the (North) San Diego area and would like to have the opportunity to view and purchase my jewelry in person - here is your chance! On Sunday, November 9th, a wonderful family friend will be hosting a jewelry party for my line and has generously extended an invitation to any and all that would like to attend. Please contact me via email for more details.

In the spirit of our current economic situation, there will be many beautiful jewelry designs crafted with sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and gemstone beads in several price ranges, with many designs below $20. Rest assured, regardless of your personal budget you can still purchase my jewelry designs to give as gifts or keep for yourself!

I love doing jewelry home parties. They are a great chance to get together with friends and family to informally view, try on and purchase handmade jewelry designs. My events are always low key and more times than not include great food and wine. Please contact me to find out about hosting your own party and get details on how you can receive free jewelry for yourself.

Bawhahahaaaa

Holiday Gift Guide

My friends at the California Crafters Club of Etsy have put together a holiday gift guide that my little jewelry shop is participating in.


I was taking a peak at it today and was pleasantly surprised to find a pair of my earrings on the home page.

Please take a few minutes to checkout the many talented artisans that California has to offer!

Who loves Molly Ringwald?

If you live in California

Please take a few minutes to become more informed about Prop 2.
The way in which people treat animals is important.

New Friends

The BF and I went on a mini hike Sunday morning and made some cute critter friends along the way.

This little bee also had a mystery insect friend hanging out with him, but we didn't notice him until we saw him in the picture after uploading it to the computer.

This crow was making all kinds of funny noises while he was chilling out on his tree branch. If the weather had been more gloomy out, this would have been a perfect Halloween picture.

These red ants have been busy working since we went on a hike last week. Unfortunately we forgot to bring the camera last Sunday and missed out on getting pictures of these guys trying to take a small stick down the hole. There was an entire team of ants bringing it down and back up again. I'm not sure if they ever got the stick all the way down, but it didn't look like they were going to give up. We will have to see if they are still at it next weekend.

Front Page Weekend

nansglam included my Black Spinel, Sterling Silver and Labradorite Teardrop Pendant Necklace in her beautifully curated Treasury that made it to the front page over the weekend.

As if that wasn't enough excitement, I woke up this morning to the same necklace on the front page again!!

What a way to start the week. Yipeee!!

Gross

What is wrong with this woman?
"Real women hunt moose", I don't think so.

I know the world is made up of many different people, with vastly differing beliefs and opinions, but I think we can all agree that proudly gloating that you love to kills animals is nothing less than cruel and classless.

A Little Levity

I have to admit that the state of the country and economy has got me a little down. Sometimes, you just need to laugh and The Office can always deliver a good laugh.

Hot Date

Stone Brewery not only brews and serves tasty beers. They are also home to the fabulous Stone Bistro and Gardens.


The BF and I recently had a date night at the Bistro and had an awesome time. (We always have a great time at Stone). The brewery, bistro and gardens are beyond beautiful and we are lucky enough to live close by so we get to visit often. Not only do they have really yummy food and beer, Stone Brewery's philosophy on food and drink is incredibly progressive. They strive to use organic, healthful and local ingredients whenever possible.


Did I also mention that you can take a free tour of the brewery?

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.