Saturday, December 25, 2010

the aftermath and destruction..



There is absolutely nothing wrong with this picture.

Destruction after a delicious Christmas meal at Rudys BBQ with the fam. 

On a personal note, I had baby backs and marbled brisket, with creamed corn and peach cobbler. 
Plenty of Shiner Bock to wash it all down.

Worst BBQ in Texas.

NOT.



Wishing everyone the most incredible Christmas, ever.







................................................................................
xoxoxxx

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Homage to those lost...


This past Saturday, Joseph and I helped to lay thousands of wreaths on a portion of the 93,000 graves at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetary.  We were volunteering for Wreaths Across America where simoultanously hundreds of thousands of volunteers at cemetaries all over the country were placing donated wreaths on the graves of veterans, and those who gave their lives serving our country.  They do this every year, and there is probably a location near you.  I cannot tell you how moving this experience was, walking amongst the thousands of white gravestones, remembering the wars and battles of the past, and understanding just how much these people and their families sacrificed.  If you are unable to physically help place wreaths, you can also contribute wreaths for the cause. 

Check them out in November 2011 if you are interested! 


Corona Corona, My Corona...


What a perfect afternoon break after a trip to the post office sending yet another round of shiny beauties off to their new owners.  Cool outside, but perfect in the sun.

Oh, I should have taken a pic of the best fried pickle spears I've ever had...but they were so hot and delicious they didn't last long enough.



.........................................................
xoxoxxx


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The usual....


Just a few of the many that have been flying out of my workroom lately...gosh I am grateful for the huge influx of Christmas orders, last minute though they may be!

Huge hugs and kisses to all of my customers, you are truely appreciated, and I love you all to death.




..............................................................
xoxoxxx

Friday, December 10, 2010

Bright Side of the Moon...

SOLD!!! 
Thank you Miss Sara!



 
Now, in the EtsyShop

Scrumptious White/Translucent Agate with a giant shimmering and sparkling druzy canyon.

Whopper of a cocktail ring!

Size 8, I wonder what lovely person's finger this one was meant for?









Do you see the inspiration?!?


..................................................................
xoxoxxx


EtsyMetal Secret Santa 2010 Work...

My fabricated piece for a particular giftee

Royal Imperial Jasper, 24k gold Keum-Boo, Heavily Oxidized and given my signature "battered and scarred" finish.


Can be work like this


Or like this



I sure hope they like it!

I can't wait to get my Secret Santa present in the mail....I sure won't be able to wait until Christmas Day to open it....will most likely be torn open at the mailbox.


Now I'm off to my bench to work on the multitude of last minute holiday orders.


.....................................................................................
xoxoxxx




Thursday, December 9, 2010

And I wished for guidance...


Nervous in the Light of Dawn.





......................................................................
xoxoxxx

Oh how I love my precious...


My loyal companion, nestled between my computer desk and my jewelers bench.

It's beginning to get chilly, so the organge glow you see is from a heat lamp for her that she's addicted to!


A happy kitty is a happy momma ;o)



...................................................................................
xoxoxxx

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Be still my soul...


God I love December in Texas.



.............................................................................
xoxoxxx


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Delicious Butternut Squash Coconut and Lemongrass Soup




Butternut Squash Coconut and Lmongrass Soup
Ideas combined from several delicious recipes, tweaked some new ingredients, and made it into my own!
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 6 crushed cloves of garlic
  • 1 red chilli (or 2 serranos), finely chopped and deseeded (If you don't like medium spicy leave these out).  (If you're unsure of how spicy the soup will be and don't like a lot of heat, touch a piece of cut up fresh chili to your tongue, and if it's mildly-medium spicy, you will be fine adding it to the soup.  If it burns your tongue, only add 1/2 the chili, and de-seed it as well.)
  • 2 inner stalks of lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 Tablespoon of roughly chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and roughly chopped
  • Enough stock either chicken or veggie to almost cover squash on pan you will be using (For me it took about 3 cups)
  • 1 pho packet (Optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor) (Usually found at the Asian Market, and are used as an easy flavoring for making the traditional Pho soup.)
  • 1 x 14 oz can of LITE coconut milk (if you don't care about the fat, then use regular ;o))
  • 1 bunch of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Carmelize the onions in the olive oil for about 20-30 minutes, until glistening and medium brown. Add the garlic, chilli, lemongrass and ginger and saute for about a minute.

Add the sliced butternut squash and saute on medium-low heat for about five minutes, being careful not to let the garlic in the pan burn.
Add the stock, season lightly with salt and pepper, and add pho packet. Bring up to low simmer and simmer for about 30 mnutes.

Remove the lemongrass and about 1/2 of the ginger pieces.
Whizz the solid parts in a food processor or blender (you may have to do this in batches) with 3/4 of the coconut milk, and add the stock in until you have the thickness and consistancy you desire. 

Return to the rinsed out saucepan.
Reheat if necessary, check the seasoning.

Pour into serving bowls, and add a handful of chopped fresh spinach and stir until well wilted.

Drizzle a teaspoon of remaining coconut milk into each serving bowl, and top with roughly chopped cilantro.


Enjoy!

Would be delicious with some brown rice stirred in for a more substantial meal.



...........................................................................................
xoxoxxx

nameless...

There is lightening in her eyes, and thunder in her soul;


I ask everyday that I be granted the power to create in physical form, the beauty that is in my head.