So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Open House March 5th, 2011




It's one of the first signs that spring is in the air and fast approaching. My annual Studio Open House. This is a great opportunity to have "first dibs" on new items and see the fresh new designs I have created over my winter hibernation.

Over the years, this has become a fun, comfortable, laid back event. In truth, maybe just a good excuse to write off the cost of a case of wine, (haha) we do tend to put a good dent in one. Nevertheless, there will be tasty snacks and treats, wine and soft drinks, fresh new jewelry creations as well as old favorites.

Be sure to stop by, and bring a firend or two. Better yet, mention you saw my blog and you'll receive a free gift.

**I know better than to publish TMI on the very public internet. If you are in the area and interested, please contact(convo) me for the nitty gritty.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Happy Birthday My Friend!



I've had an old friend in the back of my mind all week, especially through all the snow. You see, he loved the snow and would have relished in a blizzard of Epic proportions falling on Chicago. As we all grumbled and mumbled about the inconvenience, the closed schools and businesses, the shoveling and the emptying store shelves, my friend Brian would have been relishing in a state of perma-grin. Wonder in his eyes and excitement in his heart as he blazed a trail through the snow.


Yes, I said would have. We lost our friend 18 months ago to the ruthless disease of Cystic Fibrosis at the tender age of 18. You may remember me writing about it then. Well, today is his birthday, and what a day it is. Superbowl Sunday, with his most favorite Green Bay Packers playing in the big game. Two feet of snow on the ground and more fresh stuff falling as I write. What a perfect day he would have thought it to be. Somehow, I know he smiles and roars with that infectious laugh of his as he watches over us today.

So, Brian, my friend, I thank you for continuing to touch my life. I will never look a snow the same way again. I can't promise anything on the Packers, but for the first time in my life, I can smile just a little inside if they win, knowing how happy it would make you.
Happy Birthday!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Virgin Baking (My First Recipe Creation)

Yes, it was my first time. And yes, it was fantastic. I'll admit I was nervous. A little tense and surely overthought it, but it was well worth it. Delicate, sensual, creamy, sweet with just a zing of tartness. What more could a girl ask for her first time out?
Granted, I lost my virginity in the kitchen ages ago. Cooking is always a new and exciting adventure with variety being the spice of life. Don't be asking for a repeat performance from this gal. It's rare you get the same thing twice, even when I try, but baking is a different story. It's an exact science. There's a rule book and the price for not following it can reward you with morning after regrets.

I am here to testify that my first time was legendary. Fireworks, sparklers, rock my world, lick your lips fantastic. So much so, I will definitely be replicating this experience in the near future. Don't beieve me, give this move a try for yourself.





Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting

• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Pork Carnitas

A favorite of mine and I love this recipe from many, many years ago on the Frugal Gourmet. Easy Peasy and taste great.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Another Recipe Share

This one for my friend Seb. These are both winners. hearty, rich and more than satisfying, yet not difficult to make at all.



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Butternut Squash and Apples

This one's for my friend Fern. I got her all jazzed up about the raisins, only to see they are not in the recipe. I do strongly beieve that I added some sweet, plump raisins to the mix though. It's been awhile, but this is a Thanksgiving fave. enjoy!


Butternut Squash and Apples


2 # butternut or buttercup squash
½ C brown sugar
¼ C margarine; melted
1 T flour
1 t salt
½ t mace (can use cinnamon or nutmeg)
2 baking apples; core, peel and slice

Preheat oven to 350°. Halve, seed and skin squash, slice in ½” slices. Stir together remaining ingredients, except apples.
Arrange squash in ungreased baking dish, cover with apples and pour sugar/spice mixture on top.
Cover and bake 1 hour.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

10 Lesson Grandma Taught Me


1. Women can be strong, independent and self reliant

2. Presentation is everything

3. There's a way to save almost any recipe gone wrong

4. A pint's a pound, the world around

5. Faith = Strength

6. Hug each other. A lot

7. Rolling dough is an art

8. Pennies make dimes and dimes make dollars

9. Everyone's a little Irish

10. Nothing beats a good Manhattan