Thursday, March 31, 2011

Glitter Giveaway with Ms Charm's Chic!

I am super excited to be doing my very first giveaway of JerseyGirlDesign jewelry with an awesome blogger and fashionista, Paulette of Ms Charm's Chic!  Besides being super sweet, she runs a blog that helps promote local designers!



So whether you live locally or not, go check out her blog for instructions on how to enter the drawing to win this sparkly, purple goodness!

You only have until April 6th- so hurry up!!  Go enter to win!

6 foods I'd take to a desert island

1. pickles- but not just any...Heinz Hamburger Dill Sliced pickles...very important detail

2. pizza - again, very specifically, from Alfonsos in Hillsborough, NJ :)  runner up is Harbor East Pizza in Fells Point...a pretty good substitute


3. lasagna...I make a pretty good one, that is our annual family Christmas Eve dinner #funfact

4. Dr Pepper- favorite soda...and I can't have pizza without it...so naturally it makes the list

5. black cherry ice cream - Wegmans has an awesome low-fat ice cream...with little chocolate chips it's the perfect dessert..and on a desert island I'd need something cool


...I really do like healthy foods too...but these are my favorite favorite things to eat...not all in one day, thank goodness

oh and soup...#6 would be Lipton noodle soup!  one of my favorite stories from when I was little, as told by my Mom :), was that I used to go to friends houses to play, and when I'd come home, I'd ask for lunch, even if we'd already had lunch...and my reply was always, "but we didn't have soup."  so another food I clearly could not live without.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What I'm Working on - polymer clay!

so I've been working a bit on my polymer clay skills, and here are some photos of my first round of ideas...of course, they involve glitter, because, well that's how people know me now ;) 





they aren't quite done...need some finishing touches...but I am toying around with what colors to offer in the spring season...

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

recipe box favorites: PF Changs Dan Dan Noodles!

In the spirit of eating healthier, and spending less money on restaurants and take out (minus pizza...pizza will always be in the diet and budget) I thought it would be fun to try and make some of our favorite recipes at home...test 1, PF Changs Dan Dan Noodles...B's favorite, and I always end up trying to steal a bite or two of his...

I found a recipe after searching on line for a while, and I am pretty impressed with it and myself!  here was the finished product...and it even got a thumbs up from the "food critic"




you can find the recipe here

but in case your lazy...it's also here :)


Just like "PF Changs" Dan-Dan Noodles

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets, cooked and minced (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for cooking chicken
1 6-ounce package chow mein noodles
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped green onions
6 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chile-garlic sauce
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup julienned English cucumber
1/2 cup bean sprouts


Saute chicken fillets in oil for 10-12 minutes in a skillet. Mince cooked
chicken into very small pieces.

Prepare the noodles following the directions on the package.

Make sauce by heating oil over medium heat in a saucepan or wok. Add garlic
and green onion and saute for just a few seconds, being careful not to burn
the garlic. Add soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar and chile-garlic
sauce.

Combine the cornstarch with 1/2 cup water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer
sauce for about 2 minutes or until it thickens.

Add the chicken to the thicken sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Place cooked noodles onto a serving plate. Spoon chicken and sauce over the top of the noodles, then garnish with julienned cucumber on one side, bean sprouts on the other.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Shop Etsy & support the MD SPCA!

like to shop AND want to help the animals??  just click on this link and you can do both!!  some of the members of BEST have been kind enough to offer some of the items in their shop, as donations to the MD SPCA's March for the Animals happening on April 17th! 

You might even find some awesome items by JerseyGirlDesign that will donate 50% of their sale price to the charity!!

maybe they are listed below ;)



Item of the Week! 03.28.11

this week's item...the Cherry Necklace!  available in gold or silver...super cute, simple, fun and oh so summery- get ready for warmer weather with the perfect accessory!




any order placed that contains this necklace until Sunday, April 3rd will receive free shipping*!





*shipping cost will be refunded after the purchase :)

Sunday, March 27, 2011

my best selling item

without a doubt, my best selling item on Etsy is the Pineapple Quartz necklace- I sold two today, to be exact!  It always seems to sell in pairs, sometimes even in threes!  this necklace is so beautiful and bold, while being light and understated at the same time...if that makes any sense :)

the color is so fresh, and it is one of my favorite items as well! 


Favorite Etsy Shop - Bella Puzzles

you might remember this seller from my Friday Finds this week...but there were so many amazing puzzles in this shop, I wanted to share some more!

working at an Elementary School, I've sort of reconnected with puzzles, and these are just so beautiful, I'd want to finish them, and frame them for my wall!

this first puzzle is made of art by Stephen Moore, and the puzzle is hand cut...150 pieces, and some of them are cut into fun shapes like animals!





or this image of Wtich on her Broomstick, with cats and pumpkins as puzzle pieces!



you can even have your own photographs turned into puzzles!  and in each box you'll find at least one monkey puzzle piece...the signature style!  what fun!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Saturday's Photo

last weekend we had our first BEST meeting of the year at the main building on MICA's campus...the building was so amazing inside...here's a photo of me, hamming it up on the stairs inside :)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Friday Finds - puzzling

I recently got a custom order request for puzzle piece pendants, and instead of using found charms, I'm going to be making them myself!  That inspired me for this week's Friday Finds...Puzzles!


this puzzle of a globe full of animals is just beautiful!  the colors and images are just wonderful, and it is handmade in Oregon by Bella Puzzles- one of my new favorite shops!!



you can't not smile while putting together this cute dog puzzle by Puzzimals



or you can ditch that dusty old guest book, and do something different...what about a hand cut guest book puzzle by Double Trouble Puzzles!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

let's go...skiing!

so it might seem like the winter season is over...but we have our annual Vermont family ski trip planned and I am getting really excited!  I love the freshness in the air, the beautiful scenery and the laid back atmosphere of the little mountain town around Sugarbush Ski Resort!

here are some of the things I would take with me on this trip...

I found these on Uncommon Goods, and they just made me laugh- I'm not usually one who checks my bag- I pack strategically, and usually don't need more then a small suitcase and my carry-on bag, but if I was going to...these would lighten my mood about the situation


I would also need to have some pretty warm socks....my feet are usually the only part of me that gets cold, as well as the fact that ski boots hurt my legs- no matter the size - so extra padding can only help!  these cute snowflake leg warmers should keep the snow out of my boots, and keep my legs warm and dry! 






and no day on the slopes would be complete, without a before dinner snack of delicious Vermont cheese and some cocktails!  which would look lovely on this fused glass dish by Sweety Bull Glass!




and I know this isn't something I need to bring with me...but how cute are sledding penguins??

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What I'm Working on - my tumblr site!


so I think I may have mentioned a while back that I was working on a 365 sketchbook project...and I chose one of my favorite subjects, penguins, as the main inspiration. 

I know it's mid-March by now, but I have been sketching away, and just being too lazy to scan or post...but I'm trying to catch myself up this week...and in the spirit of sharing, here is my first week's worth of posts: http://penguinaday.tumblr.com/

eventually I want to try and color these digitally, but for now they are just plain old pencil, pen and ink!


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

recipe box favorites: donuts!

I decided that I wanted to try and start branching out on my recipes, so I wasn't getting so bored at the meals I cooked day after day, week after week...B has started helping out, making his go-to dish, tacos, once a week, on the night I get home late from the gym...but besides that...I typically make 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners a week (pizza is another big helper!)

so in the spirit of having more variety at breakfast time...I thought this coming weekend I'd try to make these donuts that came in my weekly Real Simple email :)

photo by Yunhee Kim

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 8-count package large refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Heat ½ cup of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the biscuits on a cutting board. Using a 1-inch round cookie cutter or shot glass, cut a hole in the center of each biscuit, reserving the extra dough for "holes."
  3. Test the heat of the oil by dipping the edge of a doughnut in the pan. When the oil is hot enough, the edge will bubble. Place 4 of the doughnuts and holes in the skillet and cook until golden brown, 1 to 1½ minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain. Add the remaining oil to the skillet, reheat, and cook the remaining doughnuts and holes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Gently toss the warm doughnuts in the mixture a few at a time. Serve warm or at room temperature.
     This recipe makes 8 doughnuts, plus holes.

Monday, March 21, 2011

wouldn't mind sealing these envelopes!

envelopes...flavored like bacon.  genius!!!  there is nothing worse then the taste of the glue on an envelope flap...am I right??  thank you for these bacon flavored envelopes - you can find them at Uncommon Goods!

Item of the Week! 03.21.11

this week's item is...the Blue Sunstone Necklace!  this necklace is bold and sparkly...a real statement piece!  this is a favorite at all my shows!  wear it on a sunny day and watch it shine!







any order placed that contains this necklace until Sunday, March 27th will receive free shipping*!




*shipping cost will be refunded after the purchase :)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Favorite Etsy Shop - Cutesy but not Cutesy

Another favorite shop of mine is Cutesy but not Cutesy run by the adorable Diane Koss!  Her monsters just melted my heart and the soft fabrics will make you want to pick one up, give it a hug, or in the case of the hoodies...put one on, and never take it off!

the Monster Banana Split is too cute to eat!



or make your morning coffee even cuter with the Cutesy Bunny Mug



and keep warm in this fantastically cute Monster Hoodie



all of Diane's creations are one of a kind, stitched with love, by hand- and she even uses eco-friendly felt!  visit her shop and blog for more monsterific fun...find out where you can see her at a show this year, or just buy yourself some furry cutesy goodness!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Saturday's Photo




a view from the front door in NJ...last summer...remember, when it was warm??

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friday Finds - feeling green?

in the spirit of the Irish...Friday Finds, in Emerald Green!


a cute art print by Hop Skip Jump Paper


or these adorable egg-shaped kitty crayons by Kitty Baby Love

maybe this amazing crocheted scarf by Vital Temptation





and of course the shameless self promotion...this cute glittery goodness by JerseyGirlDesign :)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What I'm Working on - new designs in clay!

last week I got to attend a workshop held at MICA, taught by my friend Jen, clay expert extraordinaire...and I am hooked!  I had purchased myself some clay a while back, because I got a starter kit for PMC (precious metal clay- it's clay that turns to silver when you fire it!!) but it's so expensive, I was afraid to use it until I felt comfortable with the medium, and polymer clay is the perfect tool to practice with!

needless to say, I haven't had much time to play around with it, but on Tuesday last week, I took a study break, and dove in head first! 

here are some of the fun designs I made, and fired in my oven when I got home :p




and now I've been sketching some ideas for resin jewelry that incorporates some clay pieces in it...I can not wait to have something done to post on here...but until then...here are some of the fun colors of clay I had bought a while back when it was on a super sale!



the workshop was put on by Etsy, MICA and the Baltimore Etsy Team (BEST) as part of the I Heart Art project!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

recipe box favorites: chicken & dumplings

I recently tried a new recipe!  It's been a while since I've ventured away from my 'safe and easy' meals to try something new...but I saw this recipe Real Simple last week, and I had all the ingredients on hand...and all I had to do was throw it in the crockpot and let it cook all day...sold!

I made a few changes, because I didn't have heavy cream, so I substituted cream of chicken soup, and I didn't have any dry white wine, so I just used extra chicken stock...and last change was using gnocchi instead of biscuits to be my dumplings...because I love gnocchi :)



it turned out really well, and we had leftovers that re-heated and tasted just as good!

I highly recommend this one! 

For the original recipe, go here!


Ingredients
  • 3/4 pound carrots (about 4), cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8)
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 (store-bought or Easy Drop Biscuits; see recipe), split **gnocchi**
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, toss together the carrots, celery, onion, and flour. Place the chicken on top and season with the poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the wine and broth.
2. Cover and cook until the chicken and vegetables are tender, on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours (this will shorten total cooking time).
3. Thirty minutes before serving, prepare the Easy Drop Biscuits (if using).
4. Ten minutes before serving, add the peas, cream, and ½ teaspoon salt to the chicken and stir to combine. Cover and cook until heated through, 5 to 10 minutes more.
5. To serve, place the bottom halves of the biscuits in shallow bowls, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining biscuit halves.

Monday, March 14, 2011

crayon art? oh yes.

look at this!?!?  how awesomely ridiculously cool?



carved crayons by Pete Goldlust via CraftTherapy via Cartwheel Galaxy

Item of the Week! 03.14.11

this week's item is...the glitter dot ring!  this ring is a collaborative effort with Yummy & Company...in one of those genius moments...we combined our two mediums into this delightful, sparkly creation!







any order placed that contains this necklace until Sunday, March 13th will receive free shipping*!



*shipping cost will be refunded after the purchase :)

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Favorite Etsy Shop - Bunny with a Toolbelt

If you know me, you know how much I love cute stuff...especially if it is colorful and involves adorable animals...so much to my delight, I stumbled upon this shop, bunny with a tool belt, the other day :)


even they "put a bird on it"



or you can seal up your "in-progress" wine bottles with this adorable stopper



and if you want something a little less conventional...how about an adorable wedding cake topper?