Lizard Loves Beads...& More!

Wondering where I've been??

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Well...I'm giving Wordpress a try. I have a whole new look and new name over at http://SapphireLizard.wordpress.com. Please come join me. :-)

ah, the little things...

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:12:00 +0000

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

~Robert Brault

Oh my goodness...I have a 1st grader!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Seriously...I don't know where the time has gone. Just 6 short weeks ago my son turned 6, and has now wrapped up his first full week of 1st grade. The way our family calendar shapes up from late summer into early fall makes things seem like they're happening so fast. Tommy's birthday is at the end of July, and in our house it marks the beginning of the end. For 2 summers now, we've scheduled a family vacation for the 2nd week in August. This is great timing...kind of our last hurrah for the summer. Once we return, it's time to start thinking about going back to school.

2 years in a row, I have sent Tommy off to school before I've really had a chance to digest the idea that he is another year older. And, with my birthday coming up in a couple of weeks, I'm also thinking about how I'm another year older. (But that's another story altogether!) My mind has already strayed to thoughts of having to send BOTH kids to school next year. Trying to cast those thoughts aside for now...at least until spring.

Vacation Woes

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:25:00 +0000

My husband and I have been tossing around the idea of a spring vacation for quite some time now. As a matter of fact, I think it was New Year’s Day when he first brought it up with me. We went back and forth on destination, talked to friends and parents of the kids’ friends about a number of destinations. At 5 ½ and nearly 4, are the kids really ready for Disneyland? What means of transportation would be ideal for our kids, who have about a 6 hour limit in the van? What week is ideal for travel? And many more questions.

We knocked a few of those questions out pretty easily. We decided that it was probably a little bit early for a Disney vacation for our family. It ran the high likelihood of being complete and total overload, especially for our daughter. Timing of this vacation is also important. Our son is in Kindergarten and we want to minimize the amount of school he misses. But, at the same time, we both knew we didn’t want to be travelling during Spring Break. Thinking we were avoiding that, we chose a week in late April. Great, everything seems to be rolling along smoothly. Guess again. After knocking out this handful of decisions, things ground to a halt. Why? Life happened.

So now, here I sit, on what was supposed to be the middle of our vacation…on my couch. We’ve now scoped out a new set of dates, chosen a city (rather than a whole region) to visit. We’ve even thought about where to stay and what to see and do. After overcoming a small speed bump, I have been able to reserve our accommodations. Woo hoo! So exciting! Now all we need is plane tickets. Ack!

Obtaining airline tickets to our destination is not the problem. The problem is knowing how to approach flying with our 2 kids for the very first time. I’ve gathered some tips from friends who have flown with kids, but I still feel totally clueless. With one child in a booster seat and the other still in a car seat, this is one thing to think about. If I choose to take Anna’s car seat, rather than rent one with the rental car, what do I do with it on the plane? Do I check it, or can I carry it on? If I carry it on, can she (or should she) sit in it or do I stow it? How do we move quickly through the airport and not lose a child? To many people, these might sound like questions with obvious answers. To me, they are uncharted territory.

In a weird way, it’s a good thing that we dragged our feet about making these arrangements. This way, the amount of time that I spend worrying about things is much shorter. But still…I do worry…and I will until we’re there.

Road Sign Typos

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:21:00 +0000

On the way home from our Easter visiting on Sunday evening, I noticed some interesting signs on the interstate. We were traveling through a stretch of construction, where most of the permanent road signs have been removed and replaced with some temporary signs. Apparently the temporary signs were not proofed all that well. They read:

"North Chicago Navel Station"

and

"Campbell Reginal Airport"

I know there was a third one, but I cannot remember what it said. So, if you're traveling on I-94 North in the far northern suburbs of Chicago, check out the road signs between Rt-60 and Rt-120.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:22:00 +0000

o·ver·whelm
tr.v. o·ver·whelmed, o·ver·whelm·ing, o·ver·whelms
1. To surge over and submerge; engulf.
2a. To defeat completely and decisively.
2b. To affect deeply in mind or emotion.
3. To present with an excessive amount.
4. To turn over; upset.

synonyms: overpowered, overcome, inundated, flooded, engulfed, swamped, Mommy.

Bring some Spring into your Kitchen!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Looking to brighten up your kitchen? Or perhaps, are you looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Today's featured shop is a must see. Kitchen Stitchen carries an assortment of lovely kitchen accessories. Choose from beautiful potholders and coordinating waffle weave towels. Decorate your fridge with a few flashy magnets. Or, for the true cooks, pick up a casserole carrier.

Stop by today to spruce up your kitchen for spring!!

Pendants in full swing!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:14:00 +0000

Its kind of hard to believe that I've made 2 dozen of them already. Here's the whole collection so far.

I will be working on getting more of them listed in my shop over the next few days.

Bring on Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:47:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I gave you a sneak peek at some of the changes I have in store for Sapphire Lizard Designs this spring. I am excited to be able to share more of those changes with you now.

The Full Bloom bouquets have begun to bloom. First, the custom order that started it all...the original Full Bloom bouquet:

Other bouquets that have bloomed since then...

Full Bloom Bouquet Ring in Blues and Pinks

Love in Full Bloom

And, as is the case with the Spring Flower Bouquets, these bouquets are also available customized to your specifics. Just drop by the shop and contact me about your ring today!

Didn't you get the memo?

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:04:00 +0000

If you have any children in school, you know that school is a constant source of papers. From homework and crafts to notes from the teacher to Market Day order forms...there's ALWAYS something in my son's folder. Some evenings I get it all out and go through it. Other evenings, I'm lucky to even get the papers out of the folder. Take my being a working mother and combine it with my history of being a paper packrat, and you have yourself one big pile. Most nights, I am able to look through the papers and at least sort out which ones are important. If they're important, but not urgent, I hang them on the fridge.

Last Thursday was Parent-Teacher conference day at my son's school. Probably a week before that, there was a note sent home from the teacher about conferences. I quickly scanned the sheet, double checked that the date and time were what I thought they were supposed to be. I then added the note to the important (but not urgent) ones on the fridge. The day of the conference, when I went to pick the kids up from daycare, I ran into one of the other Kindergarten moms. She was headed in to pick up her daughter, but had her Kindergarten son with her. Being the nosey bug that I am, I asked her why he was with her and not at daycare. "Conferences" she says. "You actually took him with to the conference?" I asked. "Yes, we're supposed to." Oh phooey...how could I have missed this. Oh yes...the note...the one on the fridge that I didn't read. I quickly expressed my gratitude towards her for saving me from embarassment and hurried home to read the note. Sure enough, right there on the page..."This conference will involve student attendance and participation."

Perhaps I will actually have to start reading his notes from school if I want to avoid potential embarassment in the future.

My favorite Super Bowl commercial

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:50:00 +0000

What can I say...this hit home for me!!

Bridgestone: Potato Heads

Super Bowl Commercials...my runners up.

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:46:00 +0000

E-Trade: Babies

Cash 4 Gold: Get Paid

Sneak Peek

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Since the day I released my Spring Floral Bouquets last year, I have receieved some fabulous feedback. Admittedly, I haven't sold nearly as many as I would have expected, but they're definitely a hot item. At shows they're one of the first things on my table to catch peoples attention. These bouquets are definitely a Sapphire Lizard signature item.

Over the next month or so, you will notice a few changes in my shop. I am phasing out most of my gemstone jewelry...necklaces in particular. The Simple Wisdom Collection will stay around and will likely change just a bit. Rings are going to become the major focus for this year.

Now here's the really good part. The Spring Floral Bouquets will continue to be available as custom orders or premade. BUT...some of the flowers will be in Full Bloom this spring. I will be making a new line of floral rings for the spring and they are bigger than ever. There will be more flowers and definitely more sparkle. Look for the Full Bloom line near the end of February!

Tasty Burrito Bowls

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:41:00 +0000

I have to admit, I've recently become addicted to steak burritos from a certain national burrito chain. Their steak is marinated in their special recipe chipotle pepper adobo marinade. A while back, I saw a dish on the food network that used Adobo seasoned chicken in a salad. The show host quickly listed the seasonings that were in her Adobo seasoning, but I didn't quite catch all of them. Her dish looked very tasty and sparked my curiosity about Adobo seasoning.

What exactly is Adobo? According to Wikipedia, Adobo is the Spanish word for seasoning or marinade. OK...so that's pretty general. More specifically, Adobo sauce is a sauce or marinade used in Latin American and Southwest U.S.-style cooking. After much searching and planning, I assembled a list of ingredients and went to work. I am really pleased with how it turned out, so I wanted to share it with you.

First, here's your shopping list:
1 can chipotle chilis (in adobo sauce)
lime juice
6-8 Roma tomatoes
1 jalapeno
fresh cilantro
small red onion
6oz. can tomato paste
1 can of corn (I used Green Giant crisp niblets. You could also use frozen.)
2lbs. sirloin (I used tip pan steak.)
romaine lettuce
rice (I used basmati.)
Mexican blend shredded cheese

Other condiments that you likely will already have around the house, but should double check:
red wine vinegar
garlic
oregano
black pepper
salt

Once you have all of these ingredients, you're ready to get started. Finely chop 3 of the chipotle chilis. Place chipotles (plus any sauce that was on them) in a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Add 6Tbs of lime juice, 2Tbs of red wine vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 2tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper. Seal bag and mix ingredients thoroughly. Cut sirloin into ~½ cubes. Add to marinade and refrigerate for at least 1hr.

In the meantime, prepare the corn salsa and tomato salsa. Chop the tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro and red onion. Drain corn thoroughly and pour into small bowl. To the corn, add half of the jalapeno, half of the cilantro (1-2Tbs), and half of the red onion. Top with several Tbs of lime juice to taste. The corn salsa should be slightly sweet yet also have a bit of heat. In a separate bowl, combine the tomatoes and remaining jalapeno, cilantro and red onion. Top with several Tbs of lime juice and ~2Tbs. of tomato paste. Refrigerate both salsas until serving time.

Now its time to start putting it all together. Heat skillet over med-high heat. Add sirloin and cook until meat is completely browned. Reduce heat and simmer for ~5 more minutes. In the meantime, cooked rice is tossed with lime juice, cilantro and butter to taste. Layer lettuce, rice, meat, salsas and cheese in bowl. Top with sour cream if desired.

on Happiness...

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

~Albert Schweitzer

Fabulous!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:44:00 +0000

Seriously...I have no idea who this woman is, but I do love how she thinks!

"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do;
the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it."

~Mary Wilson Little

Grayslake Holiday Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:31:00 +0000

This is a fabulous shopping experience that you cannot miss! The fabulous Liz Nonnemacher of wickedlychic.com is opening her home for an experience like no other. Local artisans gather to showcase their work. Jewelry, handbags, photography and much, much more.

For a sneak peek of some of the fabulous artisans, check out these links:
http://SapphireLizard.etsy.com
http://SunnyKristi.etsy.com
http://artunderCJ.etsy.com
http://iamsusie.etsy.com
http://www.jackieplier.com
http://aliBart.etsy.com
http://nightswork.etsy.com
http://thepinkorange.etsy.com
http://papercrazy.etsy.com

This event will run from 11am-2pm and again from 5pm-9pm. So, whether you're a daytime shopper or an evening shopper, we've got you covered! Join us at 235 Prairie View Ave in Grayslake. Not sure where this is? Take a peek at this map.

Grab a friend or two and stop by for a fabulous fun time!!

You know you're overtired...

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:38:00 +0000

~ when you can hit the snooze button without even looking at the clock.

~ when you start incorporating your alarm into your dreams.

~ when you set your alarm for 5am, but don't manage to get up until 6:20.

I really hate having to get up before the sun!!

Colors of Fall

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:28:00 +0000

I have always loved the colors of fall. Especially at that turning point when some trees still bear some green and the array of colors is the greatest. Some areas around here are starting reach that point. I've been meaning to get out and play with my new camera to see what I can capture. Today wasn't the sunniest day...but maybe that's good. It made for some really fall-like photos.

Here are a few:

Hopefully I'll get back out for more photos before the leaves totally turn!

Now ain't that the truth?!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:53:00 +0000

I read this quote today in a co-workers office...thought it was very appropriate.

"If everything's under control, you're going too slow."
~Mario Andretti

Are you Green?

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:49:00 +0000

Simple Wisdom Collection

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:35:00 +0000

This summer, I am working on creating a collection of necklaces that are a bit different than my usual styles. The pieces are more casual, everyday styles. (Which also means they're less expensive.) I have always been fond of jewelry and art pieces with inspirational words or phrases. As I thought about how to broaden my horizons with my jewelry, this seemed like a fitting direction.

Introducing the debut style of the Simple Wisdom Collection, the Love Necklace.

This style is currently available with your choice of a blue or a purple heart. This particular piece features a striking cobalt blue plastic heart charm, which has been paired with a silver plated "love" charm and a single white glass pearl bead. The pendant is strung on a single strand of icy blue seed beads.

Coming up next in the Collection will be the Dream Necklace. I am targeting the release of the Dream Necklace this coming weekend. So, stop in, mark some favorites and come on back in a few days to see the next style.

Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog: Friday Findings: Fab Floral Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Woohoo! My Spring Flowers Rings have been featured!! Check them out in this awesome article by fellow Posh Mama, Capitola Girl:

Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog: Friday Findings: Fab Floral Jewelry

Everything I need to know in life

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:27:00 +0000

...can be learned from Dr. Seuss!!

Recently, my 4 year old has become obsessed with Dr. Seuss books. (Gee...can't imagine why!) As I sit and read them to my children time and time again, something is becoming clear. That Dr. Seuss sure did know what he was talking about!!

"You have brains in your head,
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!"

~ Dr. Seuss
Oh the Places You'll Go

Spring is Near!

noreply@blogger.com (SapphireLizard) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:26:00 +0000

As spring very slowly rolls in to the Chicagoland area, I am going to be spotlighting some lovely spring items. Check back for more random Etsy finds throughout the week!

Check out this stunning Cherry Blossom print from Galerija Baltica: